Finding Purpose

Offensive Leadership

2012-02-10T07:27:00.000-05:00

"Moses saw that the people were out of control, for Aaron had let them get out of control, resulting in weakness before their enemies." - Exodus 32:25

As a leader among the people of Israel, Aaron failed.

How? He allowed the people to do what they wanted, gave them the idol they demanded (a golden calf), and worse, ultimately blamed them for his error in order to escape God's punishment. Weak.

Who should a leader be most concerned about offending ... the people or the Almighty?

In the ministry of leadership, it is sometimes necessary to offend those you lead (God's flock) in order to remain obedient to God Himself. To surrender to the desires of the people you lead in order to keep your position and popularity is paramount to a forfeiture of the said God-given privilege.

If you lead, you do so FOR Him so that others might move TOWARD Him ... period. Anything else is offensive.

The art of leadership is saying no, not saying yes. It is very easy to say yes. - Tony Blair

Unimaginable

2012-02-09T07:13:00.001-05:00

"Hang the veil under the clasps and bring the ark of the testimony there behind the veil, so the veil will make a separation for you between the holy place and the most holy place. Put the mercy seat on the ark of the testimony in the most holy place." - Exodus 26:33-34

As Moses was speaking with God ... face-to-face ..., he was instructed to build a tabernacle that would act as an effective "barrier" between the regular Israelite and God's holy presence. Only the Great High Priest would be allowed to enter beyond this veil, into the most holy place, into God's presence, once each year, under some very strict rules and conditions. The privilege that Moses possessed also brought great responsibility and even this special relationship with God did not guarantee entry to the Promised Land (as his disobedience would later prove).

Make no mistake. God is holy. He should be both feared and revered. To be in His presence is no minor thing. It is an unimaginable privilege ... made possible for anyone who will trust in His Son ... made possible by unimaginable grace.

No attribute of God is more dreadful to sinners than His holiness. - Matthew Henry

God, plus You

2012-02-07T08:48:00.001-05:00

"You must not follow a crowd in wrongdoing. Do not testify in a lawsuit and go along with a crowd to pervert justice." - Exodus 23:2

Why is it that sometimes we feel like we need to go along with the crowd? Why should we feel that tension ... even when the crowd or majority is clearly in the wrong?

Let's face it. Mob mentality is powerful. Each of us wants to be liked and accepted. It is difficult to be the only person who is willing to take an unpopular position when everyone else seems to agree. Yet, as Moses is literally "laying down the law," God clearly communicates that it is wrong to follow a crowd in wrongdoing or in perverting justice.

In other words, sometimes you just have to be your own "crowd." If the opinion of the masses is wrong, then (in reality) they are the minority. God, plus you, always makes a majority.

A man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd. - Max Lucado

Do Not Covet

2012-02-06T08:56:00.000-05:00

"Do not covet your neighbor’s house. Do not covet your neighbor’s wife, his male or female slave, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." - Exodus 20:17

Of the ten commandments, this is 10th on the list and probably the one we talk about the least ... yet, break the most.

So, what exactly is the problem with coveting?

Well, first of all, we can see how coveting might lead to theft, adultery, or even murder ... all heinous sins, but should coveting be included or even on the same page with such wickedness? God thought so. You see, many sins originate with coveting, but the greatest problem ... the most dangerous thing about it is that it indicates a heart that wants more than God has given.

To covet is to believe that God does not know what you need. A covetous heart says to God, "You are NOT my Provider. You are neither omniscient nor omnipotent. You are NOT God." In other words, coveting is blasphemy.

Maybe we should not ignore it.

Covetousness is both the beginning and the end of the devil's alphabet - the first vice in corrupt nature that moves, and the last which dies. - Michel de Montaigne

Fear Not

2012-02-05T08:30:00.001-05:00

"But Moses said to the people, 'Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and see the LORD’s salvation He will provide for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again.'" - Exodus 14:13

As the nation of Israel proceeded out of Egyptian bondage toward the land promised to them by God, they consistently desired to turn back. Ultimately, their fear got the best of them and they did not enter that land for 40 years.

Fear delayed Israel from accomplishing and receiving something that God had already guaranteed ... and it will do the same to each of us if we let it. As a tool of the enemy, fear can be extremely powerful, but it can also be overcome. We are able to stand firm and resist it by simply reflecting and meditating on God's truth.

Moses told Israel that the Egyptians pursuing them would soon disappear ... that they were, in fact, just a mirage. God had already decided to remove the threat, to eradicate it. Death for the Christ-follower is just like that Egyptian army, a mirage. Christ defeated it for us (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). That is the truth.

Fear not.

Fear defeats more people than any other one thing in the world. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Standing Vigil

2012-02-03T08:21:00.002-05:00

"It was a night of vigil in honor of the LORD, because He would bring them out of the land of Egypt. This same night is in honor of the LORD, a night vigil for all the Israelites throughout their generations." - Exodus 12:42

Depending on the translation, the verse above can also read that all Israel should annually stand vigil through the night because God stood vigil through the night over them when they escaped from Egyptian bondage. This "vigil," of course, then became a memorial throughout their generations and a reminder of God's protection in times of tribulation.

Do not fear. God watches over you through the "night" as well. Even when the "night" seems long and dark, He never leaves and always sees.

Perhaps one way we can remember His watchfulness is to stand vigil for others ... to intercede for them in their "dark nights." As Christ ever lives to make intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25), we can live to intercede for a lost world and struggling "soldiers."

It is just one more thing we can do "in remembrance of Him."

We are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of Nature has placed in our power ... the battle, sir, is not to the strong alone it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. - Patrick Henry

Inexcusable

2012-02-02T07:34:00.000-05:00

"Moses said, 'Please, Lord, send someone else.'" - Exodus 4:13

We're all pretty familiar with Moses' excuses and his desire to escape his responsibility before God when he was presented with God's plan to set His people free from Egyptian bondage.

In essence, Moses said: "I can't speak well." "The Israelites won't listen." "They won't really believe that You sent me."

These excuses should seem familiar ... we use them all the time. Of course, we also add our own twist when we say: "I'm not called." "Others are more prepared." "It's just not a good time for me."

When we present such excuses before the Almighty we, like Moses, are saying, "Please, Lord, send someone else," but this plan did not work for Moses and it will not work for us. If we belong to Christ, we cannot be excused from His service and we cannot escape His call.

No matter our excuse, we are not excused.

We are made for larger ends than Earth can encompass. Oh, let us be true to our exalted destiny. - Catherine Booth

A Missionary's Allegiance

2012-01-31T08:16:00.000-05:00

"He answered, 'I will certainly be with you, and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: when you bring the people out of Egypt, you will all worship God at this mountain.'" - Exodus 3:12

It is a normal practice for a missionary to be appointed for overseas service through an outside agency. These agencies often (should) act as intermediaries between the local churches and the needs overseas and are often able to provide important logistical support as well as experienced oversight. Yet, in the context of such a system, it is also possible for a missionary to become confused about who actually does the sending.

A missionary is not sent by an agency, though it certainly had a part in the process and the accountability is usually a positive necessity.

A missionary is not sent by the church, though it acts to affirm the will of the One who sends and is an essential channel for the process.

A missionary is sent by God ... or he (she) simply is not sent. The proof of this relationship is seen in his (her) worship.

Moses worshiped GOD on the mountain, not Israel ... not the priesthood ... not the tabernacle. While a missionary should honor the church's and the agency's authority, first allegiance belongs to the ONE who sent. Honor and respect all parties, but worship HIM.

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: Who should I send? Who will go for Us? I said: Here I am. Send me. - YHWH to Isaiah (6:8)

A Blessed Move

2012-01-30T07:09:00.001-05:00

"God said, 'I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there.'" - Genesis 46:3

One would think that Jacob would have been very excited to make the trip to Egypt when he learned that Joseph was alive, but as it turns out, he was fearful. The exact reason is not given, but perhaps age, uncertainty, and roots in the land of promise were all factors. The Almighty Himself promised that He would bless the move and, as we all know, Jacob made it.

As a missionary, I also left my country and family to go to a strange place. It was not easy, but I have learned that often the greatest moves in this life are not physical. While such displacements are hard, the most difficult move you will ever make is to leave your self.

Serving Christ may cause you to lose much, but the hardest thing to leave behind will be your own identity ... your right to yourself. Yet, the sacrifice is worth it. The identity you gain is His ... and He will indeed bless the move.

If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will find it. - Jesus (Matthew 16:24-25)

Still Sovereign

2012-01-29T08:30:00.004-05:00

"Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household, and ruler over all the land of Egypt." - Genesis 45:8

Is God sovereign or not?

Under some circumstances, this question is a little more difficult to answer in the affirmative. For example, Joseph saw the sovereignty of God in his life, but I am pretty sure that he often wondered, "Why am I here? What is God doing?"

Of course, God is Lord ... of all ... or He cannot be properly called Lord. He never abdicates His sovereign rule ... ever. When things are beyond understanding our task is simple. We must:

1. Give Him glory.
2. Wait.
3. Trust.

We will understand it better by and by ... or we won't ... or in His presence it won't matter, but He will still be sovereign.

Our fates are in the hands of An Almighty God, to whom I can with pleasure confide my own; he can save us, or destroy us; his Councils are fixed and cannot be disappointed, and all his designs will be Accomplished. - Abraham Clark

Sin-Dug Pits

2012-01-27T07:04:00.001-05:00

"He said to his brothers, 'My money has been returned! It’s here in my bag.' Their hearts sank. Trembling, they turned to one another and said, 'What is this that God has done to us?'" - Genesis 42:28

Within the story of Joseph's brothers, we observe the power of unconfessed sin.

From the moment they threw Joseph down an empty well up to the future meeting where he would reveal his true identity, it is obvious that they all carried an immense burden of guilt ... a burden that resulted in a constant fear of God's reprisal. Every single malady in their lives was interpreted as punishment from God for their misdeeds. Even many years later, they continued to hear the cries of their brother as he begged for his freedom (42:21).

Have you sinned? Do you carry it around like a millstone around your neck looking for some release? The burden will never leave you, until you confess it to God and the person you offended. It is not too late. Like Joseph's brothers, the fact that you are still aware of your fault is proof that God desires you to do something ... for His glory, the other person, and your own well-being.

If you don't, then you will never escape your own sin-dug pit of despondency, fear, and guilt ... no matter how much you beg.

The confession of evil works is the first beginning of good works. - Augustine of Hippo

Dark Days

2012-01-26T07:34:00.000-05:00

"So Joseph was there in prison. But the LORD was with Joseph and extended kindness to him." - Genesis 39:20-21

Sometimes this life does not go well. It, in fact, goes poorly.

Perhaps, we exaggerate our difficulties. In comparison to the trials and sufferings around the world, life in America is still pretty good. Yet, personal difficulties are ... well ... personal and often overwhelming! So why does God allow them? Why not keep such things from us? Certainly He could if He wanted.

The biblical record states that while Joseph was in prison, the Lord was with him and showed him kindness. God stood by (it seems), allowed Joseph to be falsely accused and imprisoned, then sustained him during his incarceration. What? Why?

The light shines brightest in the night and it is God's transcendent goodness that sustains us in our most difficult days. More will come, but so will He ... and with each arrival of trial we see can Him more clearly and lean on Him more strongly.

The essence of optimism is that it takes no account of the present, but it is a source of inspiration, of vitality and hope where others have resigned; it enables a man to hold his head high, to claim the future for himself and not to abandon it to his enemy. - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Working Out

2012-01-25T07:06:00.001-05:00

"When Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped off his robe, the robe of many colors that he had on. Then they took him and threw him into the pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it." - Genesis 37:23-24

Have you ever fallen into a pit ... on the way to accomplishing your dream?

This is the familiar story of Joseph. Possessed by dreams of greatness, Joseph was cast into a pit by his own brothers. Perhaps he was blind to their jealousy and the danger ahead. Maybe he believed that his dream came with a tribulation-free lifetime guarantee. One thing is certain, God knew Joseph's heart better than he knew it himself and this was only the first challenge that Joseph would eventually face. There would be more.

On the path to God's preferred future there will be many "pits." Yet, in the process of revealing your heart through trial and tribulation, God will also show you His. Ultimately, we must all work out what God is working within.

So then, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose. - Paul (Philippians 2:12-13)

Limping

2012-01-24T07:10:00.000-05:00

"The sun shone on him as he passed by Penuel — limping because of his hip." - Genesis 32:31

Do you limp?

Jacob met God at Penuel and limped for the rest of his life. From the moment that he wrestled with the Almighty, Israel's life was drastically changed and (due to the encounter) a little less than before. The events of Penuel injured Jacob forever.

If you have never been wounded by God, then I am pretty sure you have not met Him. A personal encounter with His Majesty will bear the unmistakable mark of His presence ... and the injury will indeed show.

The Apostle Paul bore many marks and said that the strength of God was made perfect in his weakness. This is why we must be wounded ... touched ... made weak. This is why we limp.

He must increase, but I must decrease. - John, the Baptist (John 3:30)

Before God

2012-01-23T08:55:00.002-05:00

"If you mistreat my daughters or take other wives, though no one is with us, understand that God will be a witness between you and me." - Genesis 31:50

Before God ...

Have you realized that your entire life is lived before God?

My wife has been witness to 33 years of my life. My mother was a witness to another 17, but there were plenty of moments within that combined period when neither my wife nor my mother were present. Of course, others were there ... friends, colleagues, teammates ... even strangers. Yet, with all of these witnesses, only One saw everything.

God.

Many can testify to a part of my life, but only One can testify to the whole. He is indeed "my Witness" ... He is your witness ... and He is Judge. He has seen all with divine clarity and ultimately, it is only His opinion that truly matters.

But make no mistake, it matters a lot.

Before God we are all equally wise - and equally foolish. - Albert Einstein

One

2012-01-22T06:58:00.002-05:00

"Then he said, 'Let the Lord not be angry, and I will speak one more time. Suppose 10 are found there?' He answered, 'I will not destroy it on account of 10.'” - Genesis 18:32

One.

When Abraham learned of God's planned destruction of Lot's hometown (the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah) he began to bargain for the salvation of his kin. The number that they eventually agreed upon was 10. If 10 righteous people could be found, God would spare the cities.

But 10 could not be found ... nor eight ... nor five ... in fact, not even two. Perhaps only one, Lot himself, but even his walk was suspect for he continued to dwell in the midst of such wickedness.

Did God know the number of righteous in Sodom and Gomorrah? Absolutely. He also knew the depth of their depravity. Lot and his daughters escaped by God's grace, not their goodness. They were indeed saved, but the ONE that mattered was God Himself.

And He is the only ONE that makes the difference for you and me.

Now for my own case, I bless the Lord that, for all that hath been said of me, my conscience doth not condemn me. I do not say I am free of sin, but I am at peace with God through a slain Mediator; and I believe that there is no salvation but only in Christ. - Donald Cargill

Priceless

2012-01-17T08:03:00.001-05:00

"Be careful that no one lures you with riches; do not let a large ransom lead you astray. Can your wealth or all your physical exertion keep you from distress?" - Job 36:18-19

Even though I have, at times, wanted more money for my services, it was only the primary motivation in the choice of a job once ... my first position out of college. It has certainly never been a determining factor in following Christ, yet ... to be transparent ... I must admit that the attraction of a better salary has, at times, been a temptation.

The love of money is, in fact, the root of all kinds of evil. It is able to lead a man of God to remain silent when he needs to speak and it is also able to make the same man compromise to the detriment of biblical and spiritual conviction.

God's servant must answer this question, "What is my price?", and then come to only one answer ...

"I'm priceless."

Money often costs too much. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Uncommon Sense

2012-01-13T06:49:00.002-05:00

"Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding. It is impossible for God to do wrong, and for the Almighty to act unjustly." - Job 34:10

Don't you wish that common sense was ... well ... more "common?"

My brother used to chide me in our teens. He would say things like, "You are real smart, but you have no common sense." I like to think I had more than he did, but at that age neither one of us was Ben Franklin.

Wisdom, another word for common sense, can come with age and while I believe I have more than I used to, accumulated years is no guarantee that I will grow wiser. There are plenty of gray-haired knotheads around. Many of them, like pigeons, seem to dwell near national monuments.

What is the best indicator that you possess some common sense? Look to Elihu above. Your understanding is more than common, in fact, it is supernatural if: a) you believe in God and b) you believe He is just. It may not be ultimate intelligence, but it is a good beginning.

Nothing else really makes sense.

Genius is more often found in a cracked pot than in a whole one. - E. B. White

Last Words

2012-01-12T07:28:00.001-05:00

"If only I had someone to hear my case! Here is my signature; let the Almighty answer me. Let my Opponent compose His indictment." - Job 31:35

Last words are important, aren't they? I think so ... for two reasons: because of what you say and to whom you say it.

What do you think will be your last words? The person who faces execution is usually asked if they have any. Since the time and moment of death is fixed, such a person would have an opportunity to consider what they wanted to say; however, most of us will never know which words will be our last.

What do we know? We know Who will be listening. God, Himself.

Oh, if we could just realize this truth at every moment! God listens. He hears ... and He responds with wisdom, grace, love, and justice. Lord, may all my words, including my last words, be pleasing to You.

No Comment - Last words on the gravestone of Edward Paul Abbey (anarchist)

The Lesson of Uncertainty

2012-01-11T07:30:00.002-05:00

"But where can wisdom be found, and where is understanding located?" - Job 28:12

Have you ever needed some answers and struggled to find them? While I have certainly had moments in my life when answers eluded me, I had not experienced a long sustained period of uncertainty until 2011.

What should I do? Why am I here? What does God want? The lack of answers to these questions can become so ... very ... tiring. Yet, a supreme truth always rises to the surface of my conscious mind. It really is all about Him, not me.

Job's life is an object lesson. His pain and suffering are the canvas upon which God painted a revelation of His transcendent wisdom and glory. Is that enough for me? It better be. It must be. There is nothing else.

Perhaps the greatest lesson of uncertainty is that it's not about me.

There is no such uncertainty as a sure thing. - Robert Burns

Go Ahead and Scream

2012-01-10T07:06:00.000-05:00

"God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me. Yet I am not destroyed by the darkness, by the thick darkness that covers my face." - Job 23:16-17

Have you ever said, "Honest to God"? Of all the characteristics of faith that God desires, perhaps honesty is foremost.

Job's life was a wreck and yet, it was all he had left. His family ... his riches ... his health ... all had disappeared and the only consolation that remained (in the presence of an unsupportive wife and critical friends) was a God who seemed distant and unresponsive. Job may have appeared insolent in his remarks, but at least he was honest.

When difficult times arise there will be those who say you should remain calm and silent.

OK ... but God is also not offended when you scream.

He that loseth his honesty hath nothing else to lose. - John Lyly

Choices

2012-01-09T07:35:00.001-05:00

"And the LORD God commanded the man, 'You are free to eat from any tree of the garden, but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for on the day you eat from it, you will certainly die.'” - Genesis 2:16-17

Life is full of choices: some conscious ... some not.

We have all had to make some difficult ones and we have even had others made for us and sometimes when others make choices (good or bad) we are negatively (or positively) impacted by their decisions.

Choices, by nature, imply options. These options can often seem equal and wisdom must dictate our actions. There are, however, also those moments in life when the options are clearly separated by the distinct presence of darkness or light (right versus wrong) and one must choose between God's desires and personal passion.

Today you will have one (or many) choices to make.

Choose wisely ... choose God.

You are doomed to make choices. This is life's greatest paradox. - Wayne Dyer

Where Will You Live?

2012-01-01T09:57:00.000-05:00

"The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, because God’s glory illuminates it, and its lamp is the Lamb." - Revelation 21:23

Where do you live?

Almost one year ago, my wife and I returned to the U.S. from a two-year-stint in West Africa and we now live in a wonderful little town in Central Pennsylvania. Cindy works in a little shop just off of Main Street and (when the weather allows) we enjoy long walks down the usually quiet lanes. Lititz is a cool place to live, but I have to tell you ... I don't want to live here forever.

I have a couple of addresses and I actually prefer my other "place." It is lit by the presence of the Divine and though I have not yet permanently moved there, I try to live as if I have. Wouldn't you like to do the same?

2012 is here. Do you like where you live? Maybe it is time to add a new address.

The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of 60 minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is. - C. S. Lewis

The Eternal Bet

2011-12-30T06:58:00.000-05:00

"Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And anyone not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire." - Revelation 20:14-15

Do you believe in a literal hell?

Many don't and I can understand why. I mean, who among us truly relishes the thought of a place of eternal torment and punishment? It's actually pretty horrible to consider and one defense against our fear is to simply "ostrich" (stick one's head in the sand) and hope the "bad" goes away.

Of course, cancer is bad too, but it still exists whether we believe in it or not.

One can act as if something does not exist, but sometimes the facts speak otherwise. For example, we know there is a heaven because the bible speaks of it. We can know there is a hell for the same reason. The only option is to ignore the plain teaching of Scripture, which is ... again ... your option.

But I have a question, "Are you willing to bet your eternal life on it?"

The safest road to hell is the gradual one - the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts. - C. S. Lewis

Tattooed

2011-12-29T07:28:00.000-05:00

"And He has a name written on His robe and on His thigh: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." - Revelation 19:16

Do you have a tattoo?

It is pretty difficult these days to find a professional athlete who isn't practically covered with ink. In a culture where it seems that everyone is looking for an identity, many seem to be using body art to establish one and athletes certainly promote this cultural expression.

Would you be surprised to learn that I have one ... and that the Artist who put it there was from Nazareth ... and that He has one, too? On my Artist's robe and thigh, it is written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. I don't know how He got His, but He is certainly the only One who could ever wear it. His name is Jesus ... the Christ.

And mine?

Well, it is hard to see, because it is written on my heart. The King of kings and Lord of Lords applied it with His own blood. It is only one word and it says ...

HIS.

But the building's identity resided in the ornament. - Louis Sullivan

How Long?

2011-12-28T07:31:00.003-05:00

"They cried out with a loud voice: 'Lord, the One who is holy and true, how long until You judge and avenge our blood from those who live on the earth?'” - Revelation 6:10

How long?

The eternal question for all those who feel the sting of earthly suffering ... be it at the hand of an oppressor or the the seemingly unfortunate turn of circumstance ... is this, "How long will it go on?"

Don't you wish we knew? As one who has been both "comforter" and "comfortee," I confess that usually the answer eludes me. Yet, I also know there is One who knows exactly how long and He has said with all assurance, "Not forever!" For no matter how long one's torment may seem, in Christ it cannot be forever. It will end and you will know you are there when all the grace-filled moments that have kept you steadfast are no longer necessary.

Hang tough. As sure as He is present, He is also on the way.

Reform is not pleasant, but grievous; no person can reform themselves without suffering and hard work, how much less a nation. - Thomas Carlyle

Church Opinion Polling

2011-12-26T07:12:00.001-05:00

"Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches." - Revelation 2:29

What is the most significant key to good church leadership?

Is it saying the right thing or rather listening to the right person?

Generally, it is better to listen than to speak (or at least to listen BEFORE you speak), but beyond just taking the time to listen, good leaders must also be sure they are listening to the right people (or person). So ... to whom should church leaders be listening?

This may be where the greatest errors are made in the local church today and I believe it is a negative intrusion of our culture into God's model of how things should work. In America, our leaders often make decisions upon the polling data they receive. In other words, they sample their constituency (probably those who voted them in) and lead in a way that will keep them in office. We see this same application when church leaders poll church members (listen to them) and then make decisions based upon what they believe will keep the church "happy."

Seven times in His seven letters to the churches of Asia Minor, Jesus said that anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. He never said that we should listen to the churches. Church leadership should look to the Word for direction and then to the people, but always ask, "What has God said?" The only opinion that needs to be polled is His.

We are fallible. Churches are fallible. He alone is not.

There is no such thing as public opinion. There is only published opinion. - Winston Churchill

Remember!

2011-12-25T06:38:00.001-05:00

Enjoy! Oh, and Merry Christmas from the Pope clan!

Majestic Sweetness

2011-12-23T06:16:00.001-05:00

"When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. He laid His right hand on me and said, 'Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades." - Revelation 1:17-18

Christmas is upon us and, of course, our days and nights ... and traditional candlelight services ... are filled with sweet images of the infant Jesus, swaddled and lying upon a bed of fragrant hay while mom, dad, the shepherds ... and Father ... look on.

Of course in America, it has also become many other things.

Sweet.

Then we read John's account of his vision of this self-same babe who became a man ...

- and healed
- and taught
- and rebuked
- and walked (on water)
- and fed
- and cleansed
- and bled, suffered, and died
- and rose again
- and ascended
- and said, "I am ...."

It is good to remember the birth and enjoy the season, but let us not err and in it all lose the Christ ... the Word ... the First and the Last ... the Victorious, Living One.

Samuel Stennett wrote, "Majestic sweetness sits enthroned ...." Yes, it did and yes, HE still does.

In the United States, Christmas has become the rape of an idea. - Richard Bach

Greater Peace

2011-12-22T06:42:00.000-05:00

"I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in the truth." - 3 John 4

Do you have any children? I have two that are biologically mine ... and a few more than that to whom I lay spiritual claim.

Whether mine by human or divine blood-line (Christ's), nothing blesses me more than to hear that my children are walking in God's truth ... and nothing grieves me more than to learn that they are not. Yet, I have come to understand an important fact. Long before my kids were mine, they were His and no one ... not even dad ... could possibly love them more than THE Father above.

Though you may be separated from your offspring by an ocean or the often wider expanse of a strained relationship, you can be assured that your Father knows all things and all hearts and will do everything possible to draw them unto Himself and unto His truth. This is where you find greater peace when the greater joy is missing.

Don't try to make children grow up to be like you, or they may do it. - Russell Baker

Face to Face

2011-12-21T06:32:00.000-05:00

"Though I have many things to write to you, I don't want to do so with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to be with you and talk face to face so that our joy may be complete." - 2 John 12

Here's the situation.

You need to say something to someone. It is important. Do you put it in a letter (email, text, FB message ... you get the picture) or speak to them face to face?

Well, it really does depend. When you want to encourage someone, then it is good and acceptable to put it in writing. That way they can keep it, refer to it at a later date, and be reminded that their life once made a difference to someone. On the other hand, it is never a good idea to reprimand or reproach another person in writing unless it is accompanied by a face to face meeting ... and then only as a clear record of what you felt needed to be said (certainly a best practice in a work setting).

To put harsh words in a letter without the benefit of a personal meeting is cowardly and never honors God. Don't do it. It will hurt your witness and certainly not complete anyone's joy.

Think before you speak is criticism's motto; speak before you think, creation's. - E. M. Forster

A Time to Speak

2011-12-20T07:13:00.000-05:00

"Before God and Christ Jesus, who is going to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom, I solemnly charge you: proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not; rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching." - 2 Timothy 4:1-2

Have you ever been in a situation where you didn't know whether or not you should speak up? I'm sure that we have all experienced this at some point and perhaps, as a Christ-follower, more so than others ... even when the timing seemed wrong.

Here's a tip: it is never inappropriate to speak God's truth, but the aim must always be the correction of an error, exhortation to greater obedience, or encouragement to continued faithfulness WITH the underlying purpose of making or helping another disciple be more like Christ. We should never speak up just so WE can feel better. If your first thought is, "I need to get this off my chest," then you are thinking of yourself and not God's purposes. So just shut up.

Proclaim God's truth. Always ... even when the moment does not seem right. Just check your motives first.

We give advice by the bucket, but take it by the grain. - Tom Stoppard

Hit THE Book

2011-12-19T07:57:00.002-05:00

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

A wise mentor once told me (early in my ministry formation period ... well, actually, before it even began), "Any ax can cut wood, but it is much easier if it is sharpened." Of course, this proverb wasn't original, but I got the point.

I needed to devote my life to the study of God's Word, if I expected to serve Him effectively.

Paul made this same point to Timothy. If I might paraphrase, he said, "In whatever you are doing with your life to bring glory to the Savior (the very definition of a 'good work'), the equipment/knowledge you require to do it well can only come from the Scriptures."

Today we might tell a "budding" minister to "hit the books," but frankly most of what I have learned came from hitting His.

The Holy Bible is an abyss. It is impossible to explain how profound it is, impossible to explain how simple it is. - Ernest Hello

Freedom Redeemed

2011-12-16T06:52:00.001-05:00

"Then he stayed two whole years in his own rented house. And he welcomed all who visited him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with full boldness and without hindrance." - Acts 28:30-31

Luke records that for two whole years at the beginning of his captivity in Rome, Paul was allowed to remain in his own rented house. We do not know (from Scripture) how long he lived past this time, but it probably wasn't long.

Of all the biblical statements concerning the life and ministry of Saul of Tarsus (Paul of Christ), these above are two of my favorites because they speak of a time in his life when he must have felt extremely blessed. To have been given this period of time (after all the previous trials and harsh difficulties of missionary life) to practice the very things for which he had been recreated must have filled his heart to overflowing. Don't you know that Paul made the most of it?

These statements serve to remind me of some things that should mark the ministry of a Christ-follower as well: hospitality, proclamation, equipping, and boldness. May we, like the old Apostle, aspire to such heights ... and not waste such freedom. Indeed, redeem it.

Live so that when the final summons comes you will leave something more behind you than an epitaph on a tombstone or an obituary in a newspaper. - Billy Sunday

Stop Kicking

2011-12-15T07:52:00.003-05:00

"When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'" - Acts 26:14

Having you ever been guilty of "kicking against the goads?"

A goad is a long, pointed pole used to keep the oxen or cattle from straying too far from their intended path. When the animals are poked they kick at the source of their irritation while still trying to pursue their errant ways. Jesus used this word picture to describe Saul's resistance to God's intended path for his life (implying, I might add, that this struggle had been going on for some time). Of course, Saul (Paul) eventually succumbed to God's desire, was converted, and accomplished his own intended life's purpose.

Are you currently moving through your life under the consistent, gentle (or not so gentle) sting of God's extended nudge? Stop kicking. There is a path that He intends and you might as well go ahead and yield.

I gave in, and admitted that God was God, and knelt and prayed: perhaps, that night, the most dejected and reluctant convert in all England. - C. S. Lewis

You Will Arrive

2011-12-13T07:00:00.003-05:00

"But Paul said: 'I am standing at Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as even you can see very well.'" - Acts 25:10

Festus, the governor who replaced Felix, was on the verge of actually releasing Paul when the Apostle abruptly made an appeal to Caesar. According to Roman law at the time, such an appeal (when made by a true citizen) had to be honored.

In the moment, this appeal seemed to be rash, but in retrospect it was genius. If Paul had been released, he would have been removed from Roman protection and exposed to Jewish assassins. His release might also have delayed his visit to Rome and made it more difficult to accomplish in the future. Instead, Paul's appeal obtained an all-expense-paid, secure, immediate trip!

Act wisely. Trust God's providence. Not all difficulty is negative. Life's path is full of unexpected turns, but there is One who holds the map and ensures that you will reach your ultimate destination. Remain surrendered and yielded to His every desire and you will arrive with His dreams for you fulfilled.

God's gifts put man's best dreams to shame. - Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Play the Pest

2011-12-12T06:35:00.000-05:00

"For we have found this man to be a plague, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the Roman world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes!" - Acts 24:5

We have a family friend whom we lovingly call, "The Pest," because there was a time in her walk with the Lord when she would bombard us with questions about life and faith. She was not a both, but it was fun to act like it ;-).

When Paul was accused by the Jewish leaders of being a pest (plague and agitator), there was nothing loving about it! The dictionary defines a "pest" as "an annoying person or thing; a nuisance," and though Paul's accusers were mean-spirited, they were also correct. The Apostle was ever the annoying nuisance and plague to superficial faith and dead religious tradition. In fact, wherever Paul traveled those he met seemed to fall into two separate camps: those who loved him and his message and those who hated the same. As with his Boss, there just did not seem to be any middle ground with Paul.

Truth, though communicated with love and humility, should never be abdicated in order to maintain a false peace. Sometimes the only path to true change is for someone to take a stand, be a plague on the established, lukewarm, apathetic status quo ... and agitate!

When complacency rules, we must (like the Apostle) never be afraid to play the "pest."

Bureaucracy defends the status quo long past the time when the quo has lost its status. - Laurence J. Peter

"This" Word

2011-12-11T05:54:00.001-05:00

"They listened to him up to this word. Then they raised their voices, shouting, 'Wipe this person off the earth—it's a disgrace for him to live!'" - Acts 22:22

"They listened to him up to this word."

Up to a certain word, Paul was on a roll. As he addressed the non-receptive crowd in Jerusalem, he had done all the right things. He spoke in Hebrew (the heart language of the people). He referenced their history and intertwined it with his own (establishing his credentials). Paul even got away with telling his own story of conversion. Things seemed to be going well, until ... until he spoke of taking his message ... the message of Christ ... to the heathen (the Gentiles). They listened to him up to this word.

Where do you find yourself in this story? Are you Paul, the preacher, or are you a member of the crowd? Have you ever, like those in the crowd, shut down or rejected truth at the exact moment it began to convict? Have you ever erupted in anger at God's messenger when that message brought to light your own intimate failure? Or, are you the preacher who, like Paul (adept at connecting with your audience), unlike Paul stopped short of proclaiming an uncomfortable truth because you feared the retribution of your listeners?

If one is honest, you may at some time in your life have been both, but neither is acceptable. Truth often offends, but it is true nonetheless. So, we need it ... the heathen need it. The question is, "What will keep you from spreading it?" Are you willing to speak "this" word?

The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. - Winston Churchill

God-Esteem

2011-12-09T06:19:00.001-05:00

"But I count my life of no value to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of God's grace." - Acts 20:24

Much has been said (and written) about the importance of recognizing one's self-worth and maintaining a healthy self-image. It has been widely assumed that both are essential parts of the formula for personal emotional health and success in life.

Unfortunately, it is a half-truth, which is just a deceptive way of disguising a lie.

Paul said, "... I count my life of no value to myself...," and then went on to give the purpose of his life, which was, "... to testify to the gospel of God's grace." Note that he never said his life wasn't valuable. He never said he had no worth. What he WAS saying is that self-esteem is not the goal, rather it is God-esteem. Paul's life was worthy because God IS worthy and he had given that life to Him. Surrender appropriates grace and the result is the a worth above and beyond imagination.

To esteem self is idolatry, resulting in despair.

To esteem God is worship, resulting in infinite hope.

The self is just not a worthy enough vehicle to worship. - Peter Coyote

Change a Heart

2011-12-08T07:16:00.001-05:00

"When he had assembled them, as well as the workers engaged in this type of business, he said: 'Men, you know that our prosperity is derived from this business.'" - Acts 19:25

Who is most angered by your ministry?

As Christianity grew in Ephesus, the idol-making industry shrank and the goldsmiths (who were some of the greatest benefactors of a prosperous idolatry) were negatively affected. Obviously, they were then some of the most irate at the successful work of Paul and his friends.

One way to measure the effectiveness of your efforts for Christ is the effect it has on the decisions of those who live within its boundaries. In Paul's ministry, idol-worship fell because the worship of the one, true God rose. We should see similar effects among those with whom we minister. True adoration of God replaces the worship of all else.

We all agree that the rejection of idolatry will certainly bring positive cultural change, but idols can never be rejected apart from a change of heart. While legislation and laws may limit immorality (and, therefore, remain necessary), they can never guarantee a truly moral culture. Only Christ can do that.

Only changed hearts change cultures.

A nation's culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people. - Mohandas Gandhi

Almost Right

2011-12-06T06:19:00.001-05:00

"This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught the things about Jesus accurately, although he knew only John's baptism." - Acts 18:25

Apollos accomplished much for the Kingdom of Christ. Sadly, we don't know all that he did, but may only surmise that his impact was great. Instructed in the way of the Lord and fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught about Jesus accurately. Apollos was an effective servant of His Savior.

Yet, he needed something. He needed someone to teach him.

We all need teachers. In this case, Apollos had never been biblically immersed (post-conversion, trinitarian) and it fell to Aquila and Prisca to refine his understanding. Was Apollos a disciple of Christ? Absolutely. Was he useful to the Lord? Of course. It was his own role as a leader that required a correct theology and a clear testimony ... and lacking either of these would have made him a heretic.

Apollos was "almost right" before he met his friends, but there is nothing more dangerous in the kingdom than being "almost right."

What makes you a Christian is whether or not you really are in accord with biblical theology and whether you know Jesus Christ as your Saviour. - Walter Martin

Hindered?

2011-12-05T05:54:00.001-05:00

"They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia and were prevented by the Holy Spirit from speaking the message in the province of Asia." - Acts 16:6

Is it possible that the Holy Spirit might ever prevent you from going somewhere or doing something for God? Isn't that sort of like God shot-blocking Himself (reference to Jon Acuff)?

Well, it may seem odd, but it happened to Paul ... at least twice. The question this presents for me is two-fold: 1) Why would the Holy Spirit do it? and 2) How did Paul know it WAS Him? Certainly the answer I have is not definitive, but if God says, "No" to something (like your project, plan, or program), then He most likely wants you to say, "Yes" to His. When the path is blocked we must simply (or not so simply) look for another path that brings God greater glory (often achieved through our submission and surrender).

There is no harm in attempting great things for God, but sometimes the path to accomplishment is not the one we would have taken. Just be assured that if it is of God, it will be done. Press on.

Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. Knowing grass, I can appreciate persistence. - Hal Borland

No Distinction

2011-12-04T05:36:00.001-05:00

"He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith." - Acts 15:9

Those within the early church who had come to Christ out of phariseeism struggled to escape from that tradition for it required them to continue to adhere to the Mosaic law. In turn, they also tried to impose this tradition upon the new Gentile disciples and a problem ensued. Thankfully, God's wisdom and grace prevailed.

Every single day ... somewhere in this world ... a new disciple is made. He or she without a doubt will emerge from a culture that knows nothing of my tradition. Too often, I fear, well-meaning servants struggle to separate their tradition from God's truth and do harm to the spread of the Gospel around the world. The result has been a rampant sectarianism that belies the presence of God and limits the effectiveness of our witness.

Let there be difference, but also let there be unity (as we see in the Trinity). Certainly, if a church born out of a Gentile world could find agreement with a church born out of Judaism, we who were born out of the reformation can find it, too?

Yet God is so one that He admits of distinction, and so admits of distinction that He still remains unity. - John Hales

Heart and Soul Encouragement

2011-12-02T06:02:00.001-05:00

"After they had evangelized that town and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch, strengthening the hearts of the disciples by encouraging them to continue in the faith, and by telling them, 'It is necessary to pass through many troubles on our way into the kingdom of God.'" - Acts 14:22

Aren't you thankful for the "encouragers" in your life? We all eventually pass through the "slough of despond" or just get a little weary in well-doing. At times like these, God's encouragers are a welcome presence.

As Paul and Barnabas returned to Antioch from their first missionary journey, they took the time to retrace their steps and encourage the new disciples along the route. The content of this "encouragement," however, may surprise you. You see, the goal ... our goal ... in encouraging "disciples" is not filled with empty atta-boy's, but rather the aim should be a strengthened heart. The work of Christ often takes all of your heart and soul and both must remain strong in Him.

So ... Paul and Barnabas did what we must do. They spoke first of faithful movement and second of troubles to come ... the latter an inevitable part of the path into the Kingdom (and an assurance for the citizen of it) and the former a proof that we belong there.

Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of trouble, attempts what is above its strength, pleads no excuse of impossibility; for it thinks all things lawful for itself, and all things possible. - Thomas à Kempis

Religiously Lost

2011-12-01T06:12:00.001-05:00

"But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to oppose what Paul was saying by insulting him." - Acts 13:45

Can you be religiously lost?

Jesus and His disciples ... even to this day ... have often been met with the greatest opposition from those who are the most religious. Why is this true? Is it possible for someone to so strongly embrace their religion that they reject Christ?

While religion should be the practice of faith, it sadly (sometimes) becomes a practice in the absence of faith. Those who were opposing Paul in this story also rejected Christ in the name of God ... and there are those in our churches today who commit the same error. You will know them by their anger when their practice (sans true faith) is exposed.

For the good of the church, His truth, and their spiritual health ... expose them anyway. Just know that it is never easy.

The problem with writing about religion is that you run the risk of offending sincerely religious people, and then they come after you with machetes. - Dave Barry

Give God His Due

2011-11-30T05:51:00.001-05:00

"At once an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give the glory to God, and he became infected with worms and died." - Acts 12:23

Oh, the danger of denying God His glory!

Herod, the arrogant leader of Judea, took something that rightfully belonged to God ... His praise and singular claim to divinity. When the crowd elevated the ruler beyond humanity, he went along for the ride. And while Herod might have been allowed to persecute the Church (to fulfill God's divine purpose), he would never get away with stealing God's glory.

We read this story and probably think, "What an idiot!"

Yet, are we guilty ... ever ... of the same offense? Have we ever allowed our church, ministry, or ... dare I say ... ourselves to take credit for the spiritual (or physical) success we have enjoyed? While we may not become infected with worms and die, perhaps we may certainly see our work (or efforts) crumble/erode/dissolve and ultimately perish.

Boasting is dangerous. So is silence in the face of undeserved praise. Give God HIS glory. He alone deserves it.

When boasting ends, there dignity begins. - Owen D. Young

Lord Of All

2011-11-29T06:21:00.001-05:00

"He sent the message to the sons of Israel, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all." - Acts 10:36

Is Christ Lord of all or just some?

It is true that God sent the message (first) to the sons of Israel, but it was their responsibility to take this good news of peace through Christ to the world (through Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, to the uttermost). The sons of Israel who believed were faithful and some of those who heard (in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost) followed.

Yet, here is the question. Is their work done?

We have a message from the Messenger which also means we have a responsibility to ultimately fulfill. Are we not all spiritual "sons of Israel?"

He is Lord of ALL, not just some.

Lord, grant that I may always desire more than I can accomplish. - Michelangelo

Unreachable?

2011-11-28T05:41:00.001-05:00

"'Lord,' Ananias answered, 'I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.'" - Acts 9:13

Saul (who would later become Paul), before conversion ... before meeting Ananias ..., was without a doubt a notorious terrorist. He not only hunted down, captured, and put to death those who followed Christ, he was passionate about it.

At least until the hunter met true Holiness and the horror was halted (sorry, I couldn't help myself).

Enter Ananias. As a disciple of Christ, he knew all about Saul. He feared him. He also probably despised him, but too bad for Ananias because he also followed the Savior who sends and THIS Savior said, no commanded, that he must go to Saul.

We should all be glad that Ananias listened.

There are many "Saul's" in this world that need a Savior. Dangerous? Sure. Unreached? Absolutely. Unreachable? I guess that depends on us.

As soon as there is life there is danger. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Shortcuts

2011-11-27T05:39:00.001-05:00

"When Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, 'Give me this power too, so that anyone I lay hands on may receive the Holy Spirit.'" - Acts 8:18-19

I, for one, am a fan of shortcuts; however, when I am driving somewhere (and Cindy is with me) they rarely payoff. In fact, the result usually ADDS time rather than shortens it and I get to hear, "Nice shortcut!"

I still find them attractive ... even spiritual ones. Have you ever been guilty of trying one of those? Before you say, "No, how dare you suggest ...," think. Have you ever read a popular book hoping to find an easy solution to a pressing problem yet avoided THE Book where the more difficult response is usually required? OR, have you attended that special conference to hear that popular speaker yet neglected meaningful time with the greatest Teacher who ever lived?

Shortcuts.

Simon simply tried to buy his. What have you been spending to have that has already been freely given, if you were willing to give Him the time?

Discipline and concentration are a matter of being interested. - Tom Kite

Christ in the Conflict

2011-11-25T05:48:00.001-05:00

"In those days, as the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint by the Hellenistic Jews against the Hebraic Jews that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution." - Acts 6:1

What are the signs that God is at work?

One sign would be changed lives (not just changed behavior). Another would certainly be multiplying followers (note the distinction from a multitude of decisions). Yet, I believe there is another sign that often goes unconsidered.

Conflict.

Yep. If your church (the number of Christ-followers) is growing, you may be assured that conflict will soon follow. Just remember this, it is not necessarily negative. Conflict ... in any form ... is an opportunity to manifest the presence of God (by extending grace to others) and His wisdom (in the resolution).

History has also proven that often, through conflict, disciples multiply and grow. The key (and often the hardest part) is finding Christ in it all, but He is there ... usually doing some pruning.

Those who can win a war well can rarely make a good peace and those who could make a good peace would never have won the war. - Winston Churchill

No Middle Ground

2011-11-23T06:03:00.001-05:00

"'And now, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God.' So they were persuaded by him." - Acts 5:38-39

Gamaliel, Saul's teacher and the renowned teacher of Israel, like all of the Jewish religious leadership, had a problem ... the apostles refused to stop talking about Jesus!

G ... I can call him that because, well, we're tight ... G's response to the problem was to stand back, leave well enough alone, and see what happened next. He deduced that this was the best way to determine whether or not "the Way of Christ" was actually from God or just the act of rebellious men. Of course, no one listened (including G's own disciple) ... persecution eventually followed and the result was expansive church growth, not eradication.

Like those early disciples, compelled by Christ's resurrection, we must not be silent. Unlike Gamaliel, waiting in the wings is not our option. We join in the "fight" with Christ, or we certainly fight against Him. We cannot play "wait and see." His divinity demands a decision ... His lead, a follow ... His life, your life.

There can be no middle ground.

The devil is compromise. - Henrik Ibsen

Safe or Courageous?

2011-11-22T05:55:00.001-05:00

"And now, Lord, consider their threats, and grant that Your slaves may speak Your message with complete boldness, while You stretch out Your hand for healing, signs, and wonders to be performed through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus." - Acts 4:29-30

When you read these verses for the first time, you might think there is an error. I mean, shouldn't the early disciples have prayed, "Lord, consider their threats, and PROTECT US!"? Isn't that the way WE usually pray for those who are tasked with taking the Gospel around the world? Lord, keep them (friends, family, others) safe?

Of course, it is. Yet, is it right?

Those early followers did not pray for protection. Instead, as slaves of Christ, they prayed for "complete boldness." Why? The way of Christ is never the way of earthly security. His way concerns eternal security and it demands a supernatural boldness ... a courage that is rooted in His indwelling presence.

Pray not that the Lord would keep you safe. For the love of God, pray that He will make you courageous.

Who could refrain that had a heart to love and in that heart courage to make love known? - William Shakespeare

Changed By Whom?

2011-11-21T05:56:00.001-05:00

"When Peter saw this, he addressed the people: 'Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this? Or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him walk?'" - Acts 3:12

Could it be that in many parts of the world today we glorify the church more than Christ?

In a day of mega-churches, mega-ministries, and mega-pastors, who receives the greatest fame and notoriety? Is it truly Christ?

How one answers the following question (or hears it answered) speaks volumes, "What brought about this positive change in your life?" Too often the answer is a church, a ministry, or a pastor ... right? Yet, we all acknowledge the truth that none of these things has the power or the godliness to do anything apart from Christ. If someone is redeemed by a program or person (other than Christ), their assurance is suspect at best.

We must be sure to give credit where it is due. If we do not point others to the Savior, then they cannot truly be saved.

I am not a Christian because God changed my life; I am a Christian because of my convictions about who Jesus Christ is. - Josh McDowell

Purpose of Worship

2011-11-20T05:36:00.001-05:00

"They said, 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen Him going into heaven.'" - Acts 1:11

Why do you worship God?

What is the point?

When Jesus ascended into heaven, His closest disciples (the apostles) had a difficult time letting Him go. In fact, as they continued to gaze into the heavens, two angels had to call them back to their present reality and remind them of the King's future triumphant return.

Someone once said that it is possible to be so heavenly-minded that one is no earthly-good. Perhaps this speaks of a disconnect between our practice of worship and our application of it. True worship should produce in each of us a desire to actually bring God greater glory. If our practice does not produce this desire, then can it truly be called worship at all? If our "experience" of worship merely warms our heart and does not mobilize it, then isn't the point of our practice actually the adoration of self?

What is your purpose of worship?

A service of worship is primarily a service to God. When we realize this and act upon it, we make it a service to men. - Ralph W. Sockman

Disciples' Doubt

2011-11-18T06:16:00.001-05:00

"When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted." - Matthew 28:17

Is it possible to worship God and doubt Him at the same time? Well, the disciples did!

Of course, at the moment indicated above they still weren't inhabited by the Holy Spirit and if we were not filled with the same Spirit we would have doubted as well. You see, it is very possible to comprehend the glory of God and yet still doubt His goodness and presence.

The disciples could see Him, but they needed to know that He would never leave them again. They knew the power of the Master, but they were not assured of the presence of the Savior.

The answer that Jesus gave to all their questions (vv. 18-20) is His same response to us in times of doubting ... His authority. He has it all. He will never leave us. It is enough.

There lives more faith in honest doubt, believe me, than in half the creeds. - Alfred Lord Tennyson

When Forsaken

2011-11-17T06:55:00.001-05:00

"And at three Jesus cried out with a loud voice, ' Eloi, Eloi, lemá sabachtháni?' which is translated, ' My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? '" - Mark 15:34

If you have ever felt abandoned by God, you are not alone. Apparently, His own Son felt it, too.

Ultimately, we who follow Him understand the utter necessity of THAT "forsaking" and, no doubt, Jesus understood it as well. Yet, understanding and experiencing ... particularly at such an infinite level ... are two very different things. Jesus FELT abandoned, but He did not let these feelings keep Him from the accomplishment of His task. His will, desire, and commitment to the Father's glory kept Him on the cross.

God may allow each of us to experience His abandonment. In the midst of such experiences it is difficult to understand any divine purpose, but it exists. Be not dismayed. It will neither be forever ... or for long, though be assured it IS for Him.

If you live for any joy on earth, you may be forsaken; but, oh, live for Jesus, and he will never forsake you! - Matthew Simpson

Rock and Roll

2011-11-16T07:55:00.001-05:00

"Peter told Him, 'Even if everyone runs away, I will certainly not!'" - Mark 14:29Peter (the rock) might have been wrong, but he was never in doubt!He was the first out of the boat, but also the first to sink. He was the first to speak up on the mount, but he was also the first to be silenced. Of course, he was also one of the first to follow, yet one of the first to run away. It seemed that if a thought or idea crossed Peter's mind it also crossed his lips and moved him to action. That is just how he rolled.Unfortunately, many of us suffer from the same malady, but the blessing of aging (if there is one) is that with it comes (hopefully) a little wisdom ... a little restraint ... and a few less embarrassing mistakes.In other words, it is good to be a "rock," but you just have to be careful where you "roll."Zeal is fit for wise men, but flourishes chiefly among fools. - John Tillotson

Fractured and Fragmented

2011-11-15T06:25:00.001-05:00

"I have given them the glory You have given Me. May they be one as We are one. I am in them and You are in Me. May they be made completely one, so the world may know You have sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me." - John 17:22-23

What is the greatest evidence of "Christ in us?"

Jesus said that He gave us (yes, this pericope is about us ... those who would later believe the apostles' message) the glory that His Father had given Him in order that we should be made completely one as He and His Father are one. And then He said that He wanted this to happen because it would send a message to the world that Jesus had been sent by His Father and that He indeed loved them, too.

Hmmm ...

The greatest evidence of Christ in us must then be the unity of the saints. For it is this unity ... this cohesiveness ... that presents a consistent testimony to the world of God's love through His Son.

... and we wonder why the world remains unreached? Fractured and fragmented, we fail.

By faithfulness we are collected and wound up into unity within ourselves, whereas we had been scattered abroad in multiplicity. - Saint Augustine

He is Clarity

2011-11-14T06:11:00.001-05:00

"I still have many things to tell you, but you can't bear them now." - John 16:12

On the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus had a lot to say, yet it was obvious from the disciples' questions that they didn't comprehend a whole lot. Of course, the Son of GOD knew this, but took the opportunity to embed some truth in the knowledge that Someone was coming who would bring it all back to their remembrance.

In the same way we, those who now follow Christ, understand and remember what the Lord says to us. We are not of superior intelligence, just possessors of a superior Person ... the Holy Spirit. Confusion, if present, can only be attributed to one of two sources. Either He does not inhabit or our flesh has muddled our thinking.

His word is clear. His Spirit does not confuse. As the heat and light of His presence rise in our understanding, the fog of our ignorance dissipates and ultimately disappears.

Confusion heard his voice, and wild uproar stood ruled, stood vast infinitude confined; till at His second bidding darkness fled, light shone, and order from disorder sprung. - John Milton

Prune Thyself

2011-11-13T05:50:00.001-05:00

"You are already clean [pruned] because of the word I have spoken to you." - John 15:3

Ah, the pruning!

Don't you just LOVE it? Yeah, me neither. Yet, in order that we might bear more and more spiritual fruit, it is necessary for the vinedresser (the Lord of the harvest) to prune us. Whether He uses our circumstances to show us the things that we need to cut out of our lives or even the gentle (or not) rebukes of our friends to snip away the worthless twigs that rob us of spiritual vitality, you may be assured ... He will prune.

Of all the methods at my disposal, the preferred (for me) is more private and less painful. It involves the simple, consistent, daily application of God's Word. His Word is truth and it points out the sprouts that will eventually draw me away from His intended purposes. I can then pull them (identify them and remove them) before they become significant problems that will eventually mar my witness.

All you have to do is prune thyself!

I am more afraid of my own heart than of the pope and all his cardinals. I have within me the great pope, Self. - Martin Luther

The Way in the Path

2011-11-12T06:44:00.001-05:00

"'You know the way where I am going.' 'Lord,' Thomas said, 'we don't know where You're going. How can we know the way?' Jesus told him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'" - John 14:4-6

Sometimes we find ourselves in a position that requires us to choose between two seemingly equal paths. It is not a choice between right and wrong, but rather a choice between right ... and ... well, right.

So, how do we decide which path is more "right?"

When Thomas told Jesus that he did not know the way, Jesus gave a simple answer. He said, "I am." He told Thomas that the way of truth and life ... the path to the Father's greatest glory ... was found in Him.

Which path is more "right?" The answer is to find Christ in whichever path you choose. No matter what else may be achieved or accomplished by your decision, He is your Way.

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Simple

2011-11-10T08:09:00.001-05:00

"And the good news must first be proclaimed to all nations." - Mark 13:10

Nearing the end of His earthly life, Jesus' disciples asked Him about the signs that would accompany the end of the age. The master told them many things, but in significant ways He consistently emphasized their responsibility to take the good news of the Kingdom to all the peoples of the earth. The disciples' concern over the end-times events was expressed one final time just prior to Jesus' ascension (Acts 1), but ... as before ... Jesus pointed them back to the task before them.

The work of a disciple is not to predict the return of the King, but rather to let people know He is coming.

The day and the hour may be unknown, but the task is very clear.

One Gospel to ALL nations.

Simple.

Now, to it.

When the solution is simple, God is answering. - Albert Einstein

Time to Draw Swords

2011-11-09T08:41:00.002-05:00

"Jesus told them, 'Are you not deceived because you don't know the Scriptures or the power of God?'" - Mark 12:24

Private and corporate heresy may originate from many sources. Sometimes it comes from long-held traditional beliefs and at other times from an agenda intended to deceive and/or abuse. One thing is certain, in every situation, heresy is only successful among those who do not comprehend God's Word.

The greatest defense against error is truth. Those who do not possess His truth (and do not know where to find it) lie vulnerable and open to any and all deception. Powerless and defenseless, they become playthings in the hands of the enemy himself.

If God's Word is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6), then why should we be surprised that so many churches remain anemic, ineffective, and prone to error? You can do nothing of significance ... you can win no battles ... when your only offensive weapon is sheathed.

It is time ... high time ... we drew swords.

Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains to bring it to light. - George Washington

True Faith

2011-11-06T06:12:00.001-05:00

"Then Jesus said to him, ''If You can?' Everything is possible to the one who believes.' Immediately the father of the boy cried out, 'I do believe! Help my unbelief.'" - Mark 9:23-24

Has your faith ever truly been tested? It is easy to say, "We believe," when all is well, but is your God still faithful when all is not?

Perhaps, like the man above, you believe in God, but there have been times when you were uncertain ... unconvinced that He would come to your aid or respond to your need as you expected. You have not doubted His power, but you have ... at times ... suspected His goodness.

Is God good ... even when our needs are not met?

This is true faith ... believing in His goodness when His answer satisfies His purpose and seems to ignore our felt need. Yes, it is difficult, but true faith cries out, "Lord, help my unbelief."

A man has no more character than he can command in a time of crisis. - Ralph W. Sockman

Beware the Yeast

2011-11-04T07:01:00.003-04:00

"Then he commanded them: 'Watch out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.'" - Mark 8:15

There are two apparent dangers that pose a threat to the abundant Christian life.

One will lead you to legalism and the other to licentiousness. One was the yeast of the Pharisees and the other was the yeast of Herod ... and Jesus soberly warned His disciples about them both. It seems that just a little influence from either one is a danger to true faith and history has shown that each one can lead to heresy and theological error.

The only defense is a thorough knowledge of God's Word, an indwelling Holy Spirit, and a solid hermeneutical principle. Hold firmly to His precepts and you will be safe. Abandon truth for prevailing cultural opinion and you will find yourself careening off His highway into an idolatrous ditch.

It is error alone which needs the support of government. Truth can stand by itself. - Thomas Jefferson

Mining Our Traditions

2011-11-03T07:22:00.000-04:00

"He also said to them, 'You completely invalidate God's command in order to maintain your tradition!'" - Mark 7:9

When the true commandment of God is reduced to a tradition then the tradition often hides God's intended purpose and becomes a commandment unto itself. The unfortunate result of this exchange is that His commands are often neglected (Love God and Love Your Neighbor) in order to protect the tradition that is being tightly-held.

Traditions are not necessarily bad, but when we become more concerned about keeping them than keeping His commandments, they hinder God's work in our hearts and in the world.

At the root of our biblical traditions and practices there was once a God-honoring purpose. You must continually "mine" it like precious gold and drag it to the surface of your ministry or there is a danger that God's true purpose will be lost.

There is no secret to remaining "rooted" and "relevant." Just center on His purpose and His glory.

As soon as tradition has come to be recognized as tradition, it is dead. - Allan Bloom

Head-Takers vs. the Heart-Keeper

2011-11-02T07:19:00.001-04:00

"The king immediately sent for an executioner and commanded him to bring John's head." - Mark 6:27

I confess that when I read the story of John the Baptist's death, it makes me sad and angry ... at first. The thought that such a great man of God might die at the whim of a vindictive woman just seems wrong ... until I remember an important truth.

Herod may have taken John's head, but Jesus already had his heart.

This world has the ability to take many things from us: our health, our relationships, and our wealth (just to name a few), but the heart that belongs to Christ is untouchable.

So, give your heart to Jesus. Follow Him wherever He leads. You, like John, might lose your head, but God's grace will keep your heart secure.

Feast of Stephen, Deacon, First Martyr, the man who will not act until he knows all will never act at all.- Jim Elliot

Gain and Loss

2011-11-01T07:09:00.000-04:00

"Then they began to beg Him to leave their region." - Mark 5:17

When Jesus "allowed" the demons to leave the possessed man in Gadara (read the text ... He first told them to come out and then they begged him to let them leave. There can be no doubt who was in control!), the people of the town were negatively affected by the loss of 2,000 swine. It seems that while Jesus had alleviated the problem of a lunatic running wild, he had also created another problem by creating an economic disaster.

One man gained his life, but a town lost its pigs.

If Jesus comes into a person's life, things will change. In order for someone to have all of Him, He must have all of them. In the face of Jesus' true presence, the parts of a person's life that are not necessary must be abandoned ... activities that are not useful to His Kingdom must stop. Even those who are connected by relationships or geography will feel the aftershocks of change that a life with Christ creates.

With Jesus there is much gain, but there is also loss. Some will accept this and follow, but others will beg Him to leave.

If, then, you are looking for the way by which you should go, take Christ, because He Himself is the way. - Thomas Aquinas

The True Sower

2011-10-31T06:39:00.000-04:00

"The sower sows the word." - Mark 4:14

What are you sowing? As you walk through your life and look back, what have you spread in your wake?

Some have sown discontent or strife and the fruit of their labor is division, anger, and conflict. Others have sown prosperity and the fruit that has sprung up from their labor has often been unrealistic expectations leading to shattered dreams.

The obedient sower, however, sows God's Word ... His truth.

This does not equate to sowing a message, ministry, or program. The fruit of such things is often not eternal fruit of repentance that leads to God's greater glory. Messages, ministries, and programs are valuable, but only if they spread His Word.

It really does matter what you sow ... for the true sower sows the Word.

Affluence means influence. - Jack London

Knowledge IS Responsibility

2011-10-20T08:35:00.000-04:00

"King Ahasuerus spoke up and asked Queen Esther, 'Who is this, and where is the one who would devise such a scheme?'" - Esther 7:5

When the king of Persia heard from his queen's own lips that someone intended to wipe out the Jews ... including, of course HIS queen ... he actually appeared shocked. One wonders what must have gone through his mind as he realized his own complicit involvement in Haman's plot. Didn't he remember signing and sealing the order? Or was "people-eradication" just a normal everyday decision for such a man?

As we know, all of the blame fell on Haman and the king's blind, detached rule went unchecked ... even though, in my opinion, he remained blameworthy.

Any one of us (like King Ahaseurus) sit in the position of being able to make a difference in the life of an entire people. We can feign ignorance in a weak attempt to hide our culpability, but the bible in our hand implies knowledge and understanding of the world's great need. This knowledge is responsibility.

We must absolutely do something.

The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will. - Vince Lombardi

The Problem with "Yes-Men"

2011-10-19T07:06:00.001-04:00

"Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened. His advisers and his wife Zeresh said to him, 'If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is Jewish, you won't overcome him, because your downfall is certain.'" - Esther 6:13

I don't like "yes-men" and at the moment Haman was listening to these words from his "friends," he no longer liked them either. Haman's advisers (and his wife) were the first ones to applaud his new-found fame and suggest that he should hang Mordecai for his insolence. Yet, when they discovered that Mordecai was Jewish, they were the first to predict Haman's certain destruction.

"Thanks, guys. Great advice." "Well, you never said he was a JEW! Idiot."

All "yes-men" work this way. They appear to be behind you when you are successful, yet seem to be WAY behind you ... like so far you can't find them ... when you are in a pickle.

Seek out a circle of advisers that will speak truth to your life in any and all situations, even when you do not want to hear it. These same advisers will be there for you in thick or thin, because they truly care about your character more than your career.

Wise men don't need advice. Fools won't take it. - Benjamin Franklin

The Disease of Haman

2011-10-18T07:30:00.001-04:00

"Still, none of this satisfies me since I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the King's Gate all the time." - Haman (Esther 5:13)

Many things could be said to have led to the death of Haman. Arrogance and a lust for power, just to name a couple. Yet, in the end, there was one fault that particularly tipped the scales.

Haman died because he could not live without the acclamation of others.

We see his "need" in his relationship to both the king and the queen (as he basked in their presumed gaze and moved in and out of their royal aura), but we also see it in his reaction to the lack of respect paid by Mordecai. Haman lived to be noticed and it killed him.

It will kill your ministry, too. The only remedy for the "disease of Haman" is finding your purpose and worth in Christ ... and losing your self in the process.

Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth. - Henry David Thoreau

Disturb the Peace

2011-10-17T07:24:00.000-04:00

"He only went as far as the King's Gate, since [the law] prohibited anyone wearing sackcloth from entering the King's Gate." - Esther 4:2

Have you ever "disturbed the peace?"

The Law of the Medes and Persians said that a person could not enter the King's Gate wearing sackcloth (a sign of mourning). Mordecai, Esther's uncle who was upset over the news that the Jews would soon be eradicated, disturbed the peace by appearing at the gate in just such a fashion. From the context it seems that the king couldn't handle upsetting circumstances or news and preferred to live in a blissful state of ignorance. Even if reality was chaos, he was content in his pretend peace.

False peace is not God's peace. God's peace exists in the presence of life's difficulties and does not run from them. Mourning, sadness, and trouble accompany the events of this life and the Body of Christ wades into this malaise with all the strength that God provides. Ivory towers and pristine palaces may be okay for deluded royalty, but they are not the habitations of dedicated soldiers.

Be courageous. Enter the fray. A world in need is dying without Christ. Go disturb the peace.

It is madness for sheep to talk peace with a wolf. - Thomas Fuller

Right Place ... Right Time?

2011-10-16T08:09:00.000-04:00

"During those days while Mordecai was sitting at the King's Gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two eunuchs who guarded the [king's] entrance, became infuriated and tried to assassinate King Ahasuerus. When Mordecai learned of the plot, he reported it to Queen Esther, and she told the king on Mordecai's behalf." - Esther 2:21-22

Someone once said that one of the keys to personal success is "being in the right place at the right time." While this might be true, I would add that proper location and timing might not be enough. You also need to act!

Mordecai took the information he had received and moved on it, which resulted in the preservation of the life of the king. Ultimately, Mordecai's action would also preserve the life of an entire people (read on in the book).

Like Mordecai, your life is full of amazing opportunities to serve your King. Most will go unnoticed, but not necessarily so. If you are truly the King's servant, you will look for ways to accomplish His purposes, protect His name, and expand His Kingdom.

Be present. Be on time. Be sure to act. Your moment is coming.

Do you want to know who you are? Don't ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you. - Thomas Jefferson

Great Joy

2011-10-14T15:56:00.003-04:00

"On that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced because God had given them great joy. The women and children also celebrated, and Jerusalem's rejoicing was heard far away." - Nehemiah 12:43

Where do you find your greatest joy?

Is it in the birth of a child? There is certainly much joy in such an event.

Is it in a victory by your favorite baseball, football, or (name your sport) team? Well, I LIKE to win, too, but joy may be too strong a word for it.

God said that our greatest joy should come from Him ... that the source of our joy should be Him. He also said that He will give us HIS joy within the context of great sacrifice. You see, His joy leads us to make great sacrifices and these sacrifices, in turn, produce an abundance of joy.

Happiness may be found in self-fulfillment, but true joy is in finding your fulfillment in Christ.

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them. - Thomas Jefferson

In Need of a Savior

2011-10-10T07:11:00.002-04:00

"But as soon as they had relief, they again did what was evil in Your sight. So You abandoned them to the power of their enemies, who dominated them. When they cried out to You again, You heard from heaven and rescued them many times in Your compassion." - Nehemiah 9:28

Does God ever get tired of our cries for help?

I think it might be possible (if He could ever get tired), but due to His infinite mercy He will always want us to come to Him with our problems and needs. Two reasons come to mind:

1) When God shows His faithfulness by hearing our cry and meeting our need, our trust in Him grows. 2) When God allows us to endure the consequences of our sin by seemingly ignoring our cry (for a time), then our understanding of His holiness grows.

In either case, we learn to come to Him with our needs and to lean on Him in every moment of our lives. We also grow in our understanding of His character come to know Him as our only true Savior. We need Him and He loves to rescue.

If you were not a sinful, polluted, helpless, and miserable creature, this Savior would not be suited to you, and you would not be comprehended in his gracious invitations to the children of men. - Archibald Alexander

Nudging Toward Change

2011-10-09T07:42:00.001-04:00

Where does change begin?

We all have those areas of our life that we would like to improve or change (positively). Yet, perhaps, we are stuck and can't seem to "get the ball rolling" in the direction that will get us where we would ultimately like to be.

So ... what is the "nudge" we need?

Truth.

If a change is truly needed, then it is because we have allowed ourselves to believe a lie and the only way to overcome that lie is with the truth. By taking the initiative to encounter the truth, we confront the lie ... and this produces a conflict that must be resolved. Discomfort is the unavoidable characteristic of change. Truly, there is no gain without pain.

Now, you have two choices. Embrace the lie and suppress the truth (harden your heart) so as to produce a false sense of peace (that will destroy) ... OR embrace the truth and destroy the lie. If you chose the latter, the work is just beginning and will require a multitude of difficult actions that will take you down the deepening path of truth, wellness, peace, and ultimate victory.

If you chose the former, you will be deceived, but happier ... for a time. Unfortunately, a life without absolute truth is just not living.

Our Greatest Defense

2011-10-07T07:12:00.001-04:00

"While he was facing the square in front of the Water Gate, he read out of it from daybreak until noon before the men, the women, and those who could understand. All the people listened attentively to the book of the law." - Nehemiah 8:3

I don't believe it is possible to have a spiritual awakening apart from an accompanying recommitment to God's Word. When we read the story of Nehemiah we may focus on the wall reconstruction (a great accomplishment), but gloss over the importance of the spiritual renewal that followed the labor.

With great wisdom, Nehemiah realized that the Jerusalemites might rebuild a wall, but they also needed to rededicate themselves to God's truth if they truly intended to survive. With this in mind, he brought in Ezra (a respected teacher and spiritual leader) to lead the people back to the priority of God's law.

Woe to the nation that creates great physical defenses, yet forgets to address the moral character of its people. It may be protected from the enemy outside, but the enemy within will ultimately win the day ...

... and the nation will ultimately perish.

A nation or civilization that continues to produce soft-minded men purchases its own spiritual death on the installment plan. - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Easy to Lead?

2011-10-06T07:27:00.002-04:00

"So I sent messengers to them, saying, 'I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?'" - Nehemiah 6:3

Often the most important decision a leader must make is between choices that are good and best. This is further complicated by others' definitions of these concepts and the leader soon realizes that "important" has many iterations for many different people.

For one who is seeking to lead out in the accomplishment of God's mission, there is the added influence of the enemy to keep him from those activities that truly make a difference. It is here that "busy" often replaces "vital," ministry is often replaced by program, and the selfish needs of an individual can hinder the effective service of a multitude.

Good leaders know how disruptive distractions can be and deftly maneuver through them to remain on task. They understand themselves (weaknesses and strengths), they know their organization, they are bound to achieve God's purposes, they are aware of the enemy's tactics of diversion ... and they humbly move through inevitable failures that God might always be glorified.

It will never be easy to lead.

You can always find a distraction if you're looking for one. - Tom Kite (professional golfer)

Crafting Community

2011-10-04T07:07:00.001-04:00

"So we rebuilt the wall until the entire wall was joined together up to half its [height], for the people had the will to keep working." - Nehemiah 4:6

Many have written about the leadership principles contained in the Book of Nehemiah ... including me. And why not? The man did his job well.

For me, one of the clearest examples of his leadership acumen lies in the passionate diligence of those who actually did the work. The biblical record indicates that they "had the will to keep working" and did it wholeheartedly as a unit.

So what does that have to do with Nehemiah's leadership?

As a leader (and strategist), he allowed each member of the construction "team" to work in an area that held their greatest interest and concern (according to their passion), which included protection of their personal home and family. Of course, individual safety could only be guaranteed if the person working next to you also performed well and this "strategy" created the linkages that bound the unit together.

Community is often found in the areas of common interest we share, but it must also be enveloped in an overarching goal that is bigger than individual concerns. Good leaders see this, capture it, and communicate it for greater effectiveness and success.

The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet. - Theodore Hesburgh

Sounds Like a Plan

2011-10-02T07:10:00.000-04:00

"Please, Lord, let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and to that of Your servants who delight to revere Your name. Give Your servant success today, and have compassion on him in the presence of this man.

[At the time,] I was the king's cupbearer." - Nehemiah 1:11

Who is responsible for the success or failure of your plans?

Is it you? Well, you certainly need to do your best and work with all your heart for success.

Is it others ... like those in authority over you or coworkers or forces beyond your control? Again, I would say yes, you need to be free to work to the best of your ability without interference and enjoy the fruits of your labors.

Fact is, when we succeed, we are usually quick to claim the responsibility, but when we fail we are quicker still to search for someone else to blame. We most often fail because we refuse to take responsibility for our own actions. True leaders accept responsibility, live with the choices they have been given, and make the best of it all realizing that the absence of as plan ... and whining ... is no plan at all.

Nehemiah faced a difficult task. So he made sure his heart was right with God, put together a plan, submitted it to the Lord, accepted the need to make adjustments, and pressed forward (realizing the risks).

Sounds like a plan.

Being busy does not always mean real work. The object of all work is production or accomplishment and to either of these ends there must be forethought, system, planning, intelligence, and honest purpose, as well as perspiration. Seeming to do is not doing. - Thomas A. Edison

The Chain

2011-09-30T06:56:00.003-04:00

The chain of healthy obedience to Christ goes something like this:

He loves you.

You love Him.

You worship Him.

You serve Him.

You make disciples ... who make disciples.

The mission gets accomplished.

If you break the chain, then you will no doubt break the ministry.

If you don't love Him, you cannot worship Him.

If you don't worship Him, you cannot serve Him.

If you don't serve Him, you cannot make disciples.

If you don't make disciples, the mission will not be accomplished (no matter what else you do).

He loves you ... now what?

Empty Claim

2011-09-29T08:22:00.000-04:00

"'Who will you compare Me to, or who is My equal?' asks the Holy One." - Isaiah 40:25

Worship may be defined as the valuation of something above everything else. The ancient Hebrew word for worship even carries the idea of "heaviness" ... implying that if I worship someone or something it carries more weight in my decisions and/or life choices.

How we live our lives tells the world if we truly worship God ... or not. It is very possible to say that we believe in God, but if we do not worship Him we are no less than liars. His "weight" implies His importance and if God (and His desires) are not more important than everything else, we cannot claim to worship Him.

If you claim to believe in God, how can you not worship Him as well? Belief without worship is an empty claim.

But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship Him. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. - Jesus, the Christ

Turn On the Lights ... the Party's Over

2011-09-28T10:03:00.000-04:00

Every had a pity party?

Depression is no laughing matter (okay ... that made me chuckle), but many pity parties are just laughable. We feel sorry for ourselves for any number of reasons ... some may grant some justification, but most do not.

The deepest pit I had ever been in prior to two weeks past was when my brother died back in 1991. I didn't fall in it until a couple of weeks after the funeral, but I sure fell. By God's grace and truth, I eventually emerged.

The latest "trough of despair" came about due to our unexpected return to the USA from overseas service. Though I had struggled from time to time with the change in direction, I finally plunged headlong into despair when I realized that my ministry hopes and dreams had come to a crashing conclusion. Despondent, I wrote ...

"Fried and flayed, amazed it's been paid, here I sit by the tumbling brook, waiting for the whisper."

It took me a couple of agonizing days, but God threw me a truth ladder (I heard the whisper) and I climbed out. I wish I could say that the way out of a pit is easy, but it just isn't. Apart from His truth, it is impossible. Yet, if you turn on the "light" ... the clarity that comes from His Word ... your personal "party" can end.

Shaken, Not Stirred

2011-09-25T08:31:00.000-04:00

"'The vision of the evenings and the mornings that has been told is true. Now you must seal up the vision because it refers to many days [in the future].' I, Daniel, was overcome and lay sick for days. Then I got up and went about the king's business. I was greatly disturbed by the vision and could not understand it." - Daniel 8:26-27

I am a bit of a James Bond fan (Daniel Craig and Sean Connery ... you can pretty much can all the guys in between); therefore, I know that James Bond likes his martinis "shaken, not stirred."

It is an unfortunate truth that many of us like our Christianity the same way. We love to read convicting books, listen to convicting sermons, and watch convicting speakers talk about the need to be convicted. It seems that we love to be "shaken," but we are rarely "stirred." The question is how often does our intent (conviction) move to effective, sustainable change that results in action?

Daniel was "overcome" by the vision he received. So much so that he lay sick for days; however, at some point he took the time to record what he had heard and communicate it to others so they, in turn, could hear and respond.

The aim is not to be "all shook up," but rather shaken out of our complacency ... that the church might be stirred to move from intent to effective action that brings change and greater glory to God.

Action speaks louder than words but not nearly as often. - Mark Twain

Hope's Location

2011-09-23T08:30:00.001-04:00

"The kingdom, dominion, and greatness of the kingdoms under all of heaven will be given to the people, the holy ones of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will serve and obey Him." - Daniel 7:27

How's your day going so far? Still early, huh? Some days are good and some are ... well, not. Other begin well, but then seem to nosedive into the abyss of mediocrity and failure (ok, maybe that was a little over the top). You get the picture.

When Daniel received his vision from God, the nation of Judah was not in a good place. Exiled and seemingly forgotten by God, life was a bed of thorns (not roses). God's message to Daniel reminded him of divine sovereignty and control over events and kingdoms of this earth. In the midst of their exile, God was still at work accomplishing His purposes and plans.

Everything belongs to God ... even today and all our tomorrows. Hope in Him.

We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope. - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Your Testimony

2011-09-22T08:56:00.000-04:00

"He rescues and delivers; He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth, for He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions." - Daniel 6:27

Darius was the pagan king of the Medes and Persians, but he declared the glory of the One, True God.

Why would he?

Daniel's faithfulness led him to be falsely accused and wrongly cast into a den of lions. God then used Daniel's faith to prove His omnipotent ability to rescue and deliver those who put their trust in Him. This testimony ... Daniel's experience ... led to the king's ardent proclamation above.

The greatest testimony of your life may come through your greatest trial. If you desire to be used of God, then you need to realize that He may put you through something that is beyond your own ability to withstand. His strength is perfected in our weakness and we should not we be surprised when He makes us weak.

Be faithful and courageous. God intends to be glorified by and through every painful aspect of your life.

We shall draw from the heart of suffering itself the means of inspiration and survival. - Winston Churchill

Invite Him to Write

2011-09-21T08:51:00.001-04:00

"As the king watched the hand that was writing, his face turned pale, and his thoughts so terrified him that his hip joints shook and his knees knocked together." - Daniel 5:5-6

Can you read the writing on the wall?

The king of Babylon knew that something had been written on his wall and, though he didn't understand the message, he was visibly shaken by the experience. You see, he knew the message was personal, he knew it was pretty important, he could tell that it came from some unearthly power, and he was pretty sure it wasn't going to be good. All of this added up to one scared dude.

If God wrote a message on your "wall" today could you read it? What might it say? Would the message bring assurance, conviction, or fright?

If you know the Messenger, then you have no reason to fear the message. If you spend time with the Messenger, then you should not be surprised by the message. If you know the Messenger's voice (His Word), then understanding the message will be the least of your concerns.

Just invite Him to write.

The best way in the world to deceive believers is to cloak a message in religious language and declare that it conveys some new insight from God. - Charles Stanley

A Life Interrupted

2011-09-20T07:36:00.001-04:00

"I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at ease in my house and flourishing in my palace." - Daniel 4:1

Have you ever been interrupted by "life?" Do you know what I mean? You were at one time happy and at peace with your life when suddenly something happened and your world was turned upside down?

Nebuchadnezzar was "at ease in his house and flourishing in his palace" when a dream messed all that up. His confusing dream soon became a horribly clear reality and for seven years his life was a mere shadow of its former glory.

Will your life be interrupted like that? Well, I hope you won't lose your mind and wander the countryside like a rabid dog, but, yes, I'm sure you will have your fair share of difficult moments. Have you given God permission to interrupt your life? He doesn't really need it, because He is Lord, but it will help you be ready for what might be coming your way.

Nebuchadnezzar was arrogant. Some might say that he had it coming, but we all need to be willing to allow God to determine the course of our lives ... to let Him interrupt as He wills.

Today, the degradation of the inner life is symbolized by the fact that the only place sacred from interruption is the private toilet. - Lewis Mumford

Unless, of course, you're a mom with toddlers!

Presuming on His Glory

2011-09-19T07:12:00.000-04:00

"But even if He does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up." - Daniel 3:18

Yesterday, I wrote about the sin of presumption. Sometimes we presume upon God's blessing and favor (like Josiah in his attack on the king of Egypt) and the results are less than favorable. Yet, when we look into the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego don't we see the same sin? Didn't they presume on God's favor and protection?

Not at all.

Shad, Shack, and Abed (we're tight) presumed that God would be glorified, but they never presumed that God would preserve their lives. It is never presumption to assume that God will glorify His name because He lives to do so. The person who acts on this unwavering truth displays a committed heart that will live with Christ for eternity ... even if they do not live in the moment.

You may always presume on God's glory, just never on His momentary protection.

Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn. - C. S. Lewis

Josiah's Error

2011-09-18T06:20:00.002-04:00

"After all this that Josiah had prepared for the temple, Neco king of Egypt marched up to fight at Carchemish by the Euphrates, and Josiah went out to confront him." - 2 Chronicles 35:20

It seems that after King Josiah repaired the temple (and led in the process of returning the nation back to God), he went on to make some assumptions. Perhaps because he had been so faithful, Josiah thought that any decision he made would be blessed by the Almighty. He was riding a winning streak, so apparently he thought why not just go for it. The king of Egypt was outside of his borders ... possibly seeking to expand his kingdom ... so Josiah boldly went after him without first consulting the Lord.

Josiah's error is often made. We assume that God is on our side in a decision because we have been faithful, yet clearly God is faithful (above all else) to His glory and His name. "Riding the wave" of spiritual victory can lead us to make assumptions that result in defeat. Wisdom demands that we check our bearings (and attitudes) often. While past faithfulness is important, present faithfulness is paramount. Every thought must be captive to Christ ... every action weighed in the balance of His truth as we seek to avoid the sin of presumption.

Oh, and every failure experienced in the fullness of His grace.

God does not suffer presumption in anyone but himself. - Herodotus

Change Agents

2011-09-15T06:24:00.001-04:00

"So Manasseh caused Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to stray so that they did worse evil than the nations the LORD had destroyed before the Israelites." - 2 Chronicles 33:9

Under the leadership of Manasseh, the Judeans became more wicked than they had ever been before (quite a statement). The list of their sinful practices included: idolatry, worship of celestial bodies, consulting the dead, and child sacrifice. It was so bad, in fact, that the biblical record states they did worse evil than the Canaanites who God had Israel destroy and replace!

The church is the Body of Christ and it exists to bring glory to the Father and be an agent of transformation around the world. The light of truth in us should dispel the darkness of paganism that surrounds us. The light of our testimony is sometimes subtle and sometimes bold, but it is always present and the evidence of its presence is transformation.

The question on my mind is, "Who is transforming who?" Is my local faith community more like Christ because of me? Is my family? Is my world? Am I making a difference? What kind of difference am I making?

If the church will not be His body, then perhaps it just should not be.

There is no power on earth that can neutralize the influence of a high, simple and useful life. - Booker T. Washington

Messed Up? Not Really

2011-09-12T06:16:00.000-04:00

"After these faithful deeds, Sennacherib king of Assyria came and entered Judah. He laid siege to the fortified cities and intended to break into them." - 2 Chronicles 32:1

Hey ... wait a minute ... did I miss something here? Does it really say that after Hezekiah showed his faithfulness to the Lord, he was attacked? That just doesn't sound right to my American, western sensibilities. I thought that my faithfulness and obedience guaranteed God's blessing!

That's just messed up ... right?

While the message may be popular (that God follows up faithfulness and obedience with external security and blessing), it lacks biblical support. God exists for His glory. His goal is to make us holy, not happy. Our faithfulness simply indicates our strength in Him and often our preparedness for a great test that is soon to follow.

Our greatest blessing is often in our greatest shining that occurs out of our greatest testing for His greatest glory. Does that "feel" messed up? Yeah, but the truly faithful soon get over it.

Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point. - C. S. Lewis

Accurate and On Time

2011-09-11T06:24:00.001-04:00

"The couriers traveled from city to city in the land of Ephraim and Manasseh as far as Zebulun, but the inhabitants laughed at them and mocked them. But some from Asher, Manasseh, and Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem." - 2 Chronicles 30:10-11

How do you measure the success of your ministry?

When Hezekiah sent couriers from city to city inviting everyone back to Jerusalem for a renewal of the Passover feast, some laughed and mocked the message (and the messengers); however, others humbled themselves and came.

Did the couriers fail or succeed in their task? How can we know? Perhaps ... neither?

One mocked and another humbled, but the text does not tell us who completely repented. Their responses do not indicate success. It never does ... at least for the courier. If the courier had wanted to increase his success rate all he had to do was make the message more palatable. You know, throw in an extra benefit or two ... "if you show up you might also win a new donkey cart!"

Success for a courier must always be simple obedience to the instructions he has been given. A - Stick to the message ... and B - Deliver it on time. Anything less is failure.

Not only must the message be correctly delivered, but the messenger himself must be such as to recommend it to acceptance. - Joseph Barber Lightfoot

Suddenly, Laboriously Transformed

2011-09-09T06:27:00.002-04:00

"So the service of the LORD's temple was established. Then Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced over how God had prepared the people, for it had come about suddenly." - 2 Chronicles 29:35-36

When Hezekiah decided to reestablish the service of YHWH's temple the process was pretty involved and laborious. It included the removal of all the idolatrous articles, reunification of all the priests, and a multitude of animal sacrifices. Yet, one thing, according to the Word, didn't take much time. It came about suddenly.

By the power of God, suddenly, the people's hearts were changed to accomplish the task.

While God is able to change a heart in an instant, the working out of that transformation may take some time. What God accomplishes inside must eventually find form outside and this is often where spirit and flesh lock horns. This is often where sweat equity is accumulated.

Do the work. Remove the idols. Make the sacrifices. Personal and corporate renewal will come no other way.

Transformation literally means going beyond your form. - Wayne Dyer

Stop Digging

2011-09-08T15:46:00.000-04:00

"At the time of his distress, King Ahaz himself became more unfaithful to the LORD." - 2 Chronicles 28:22

There is an old proverb that states, "If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging." In his moment of distress, King Ahaz became more unfaithful to the Lord. He ... just ... kept ... digging.

As a shepherd of God's flock, I was always surprised when someone continued down a path that was obviously leading to their own destruction. On more than one occasion, I even told them to stop digging! It rarely worked for it seemed that even if I had taken their "shovel," they would have just used their own two hands.

I came to understand that only God Himself can show a person that, in fact, down is not up ... that works can neither save nor sanctify. Those without Christ keep digging because they think that it is the only answer to their crisis, need, or hunger. So sad, but often so true.

Are you in a hole? For God's sake, stop digging.

It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so. - Mark Twain

Prelude to a Fall

2011-09-07T06:15:00.002-04:00

"But when he became strong, he grew arrogant and it led to his own destruction. He acted unfaithfully against the LORD his God by going into the LORD's sanctuary to burn incense on the incense altar." - 2 Chronicles 26:16

"But when he became strong, he grew arrogant and it led to his own destruction."

Why does arrogance usually lead to loss? At the core of an arrogant spirit, one will usually find a strong faith in self. Confidence, which might be defined as faith in yourself, can sometimes lead to an independent spirit. While independence is often applauded, it can also become the enemy of dependence on God and His wisdom. Such an independent ... arrogant ... spirit, when it comes to our relationship with the Lord, will almost always lead to our destruction.

You can be faithful to yourself or you can be faithful to God. Faithfulness to God demands death to self and death to self does not come easy. Paul said that he was crucified with Christ (forensically), but the struggle to crucify the flesh was an earthly guarantee.

Pride absolutely goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall. Faith in Christ destroys pride, disallows a haughty spirit, and prohibits a fall.

To be faithful to the One, your pride must die.

The truest characters of ignorance are vanity and pride and arrogance. - Samuel Butler

Who Brought You?

2011-09-06T06:34:00.000-04:00

"After Amaziah came from the attack on the Edomites, he brought the gods of the Seirites and set them up as his gods. He worshiped before them and burned incense to them." - 2 Chronicles 25:14

After Amaziah was granted a victory (by God) over the Seirites, he began to worship the idols of the same people that his army had defeated. It was as if he said, "Hey, Lord, thanks for bailing me out of that war thing. You were really there for me. I'll probably need you again someday, but for now I need to move on. Catch you later."

One of the most dangerous after-effects of a significant spiritual victory can be a return to self-reliance. The crisis that drove us to initially lean upon the Lord, once past, fades into the background of a non-critical existence and we return to a life of reliance upon the very idols that originally created the crisis we had averted!

In the southern US we had an old saying that went like this. You need to "dance with the one that brung ye." It is a country proverb that basically means, stick to what you know or stand by the principles that brought you to a place of success. In this instance, I would say that God alone gives us victory and to abandon Him once a victory has been won reveals a weak (or absent) faith and utter lack of spiritual discipline.

Don't forget the One who brought you. Friedrich Nietzsche once wrote, "I would believe only in a God that knows how to dance." Isn't it a shame that some people never understand that the living God does, indeed, dance!

The Leader's Authority

2011-09-04T06:13:00.000-04:00

"They brought out the king's son, put the crown on him, gave him the testimony, and made him king. Jehoiada and his sons anointed him and cried, 'Long live the king!'" - 2 Chronicles 23:11

When Jehoiada, the priest, acknowledged Joash as the new king of Judah (before all of the people) he placed a crown upon his head and then put the "testimony" in his hands. Though commentators may differ on the meaning of "testimony," it appears from a reference in Deuteronomy 17:18 ("When he is seated on his royal throne, he is to write a copy of this instruction for himself on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests.") that the testimony would have been a copy of the Law of God. This passage even goes farther and states that the newly coronated king would have had to write the Law out, by hand, in front of all the people.

What does this imply? God intended for the leaders of His people to rule by His authority and not their own.

All earthly authority is "derived." Organizations ... or even nations ... may crown their leaders, but true authority can only be bestowed by God Himself. Neither scepter nor title nor crown nor position make the leader. Godly leadership comes from adherence to divine truth. This is where justice and love meet and wisdom reigns.

The only safe ruler is he who has learned to obey willingly. - Thomas Kempis

We Must Read

2011-09-01T07:10:00.001-04:00

"Then a letter came to Jehoram from Elijah the prophet, saying: This is what the LORD God of your ancestor David says: 'Because you have not walked in the ways of your father Jehoshaphat or in the ways of Asa king of Judah but have walked in the way of the kings of Israel, have caused Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to prostitute themselves like the house of Ahab prostituted itself, and also have killed your brothers, your father's family, who were better than you, the LORD is now about to strike your people, your sons, your wives, and all your possessions with a horrible affliction. You yourself [will be struck] with many illnesses, including a disease of the intestines, until your intestines come out day after day because of the disease.'" - 2 Chronicles 21:12

Have you ever gone to the mailbox and received a letter that you knew you didn't want to open? Or, rather seen an email pop up that you knew might lead to a difficult conversation? Maybe it was a bill that you knew you would have difficulty paying. Perhaps it was a note from someone you feared you had offended. The return address was enough to spark a visceral, personal response.

Whatever the reason, we have all had these type of experiences, but can you imagine how Jehoram (the evil king of Judah) felt when he received a letter from THE prophet Elijah? Yeah, busted.

The Scriptures are, in effect, a letter from God to us all. The multiple messages within their pages can often be very difficult to read and, perhaps, this is why so many rarely read them. For a time it may seem easier to avoid the encounter altogether than to embrace the truth therein.

The avoidance of truth may allow us to claim ignorance, but it will not allow us to avoid fault. He has written. We must read.

I was thinking about how people seem to read the Bible a whole lot more as they get older; then it dawned on me - they're cramming for their final exam. - George Carlin