Let It Snow

“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.”    —Genesis 8:22

I love the snow just about as much as I loved watching my favorite Pennsylvania football team, the Philadelphia Eagles, slide their way through cold and icy conditions to a win against Detroit and solidify their position in first place of the NFC Central division. Have you ever heard of sarcasm? Webster defines sarcasm as the use of words that mean the opposite of what you really want to say especially in order to insult someone, to show irritation, or to be funny. My celebration of the Eagles’ win is code for complaining against my beloved Pittsburgh Steelers for failing so miserably, again. Also, the older I get, the more I dislike the snow.

Unless you are into skiing, snowboarding, missing school, or plowing, you probably would agree with the guy I saw on the evening news who yelled into the camera, “I hate snow.” Actually, snow and ice have some good points most people do not usually consider. Winter weather speaks volumes about the goodness and faithfulness of God. Much of the water supply from the west coast comes from the spring runoff of the mountain snow from winter. When it snows, some folks literally thank God for supplying them with their next summer’s water supply.

In another way, all of creation: earth, sky, sea, and weather praise the Creator. Just as King David did in his early years as a shepherd, let us worship God by spending some extended time outdoors and observing God’s beautiful handiwork this winter. “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2). David was not worshipping the mountains but the Creator of the mountains. May this winter’s beautiful scenes direct your gaze and worship heavenward.

Psalm 19 celebrates the way God’s glory is declared by His creation. “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” Immediately after the destruction of the earth with the Flood in Noah’s time, God promised to never destroy the earth again with water. “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease” (Genesis 8:22). Each change of the seasons, each snow storm in winter, rain shower in the spring, hot dry winds of summer, and cool frosty mornings of the fall declare God’s faithfulness. Every time it snows in the wintertime, God is keeping His promise to bring a change of seasons and not destroy the earth again until the final judgment. Notice the opening words of Genesis 8:22, “As long as the earth endures.” There is coming a day when the earth will be destroyed and made new at the end of the age. Until that time, each winter snowstorm declares God’s goodness. Praise the Lord for snow.

The snow comes; schools are canceled; snow blowers and shovels are pressed into service; and many voices are heard to mutter curses to God and the weather. May that not be you or me. Let us praise the Lord for snow. Let us rejoice in God’s promises and for the change of seasons. Let us lift our voices to God in song, and sing that familiar winter carol, “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.” Praise the Lord and pass the shovel; here it comes again.

Joy: Competing for Third Place

“Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.”    —Luke 2:10

I reluctantly joined two pick’em football leagues this fall. I say reluctantly because I am not that detailed of a person to deal with all 32 football teams in the NFL. Secondly, I do not really have time to select winners and losers for each week. I joined both leagues so I could share in my family’s and the church staff’s lives. No money was involved so I was not gambling. I signed up, picked the first week’s winners, and then forgot to pick the next two weeks. I immediately found myself in last place. I am currently in 8^th place out of 11 in one league. The bottom three have stopped playing. I am in 14^th place out of 17 in the other league.

Just like the Steelers, I am certainly out of the running to win any prizes. I feel like I’m playing for third place. How do you push on and play your best when you know you have no hope of winning the grand prize? In the pick’em leagues, since I may not even overtake the person directly ahead of me, I am playing for weekly wins. A few times I have come in second in my weekly picks. I find it almost as enjoyable as competing for first place.

Many of you probably remember Brian Piccolo, a running back for the Chicago Bears. He was a roommate and running mate of Gale Sayers. Brian died from cancer in 1970 after playing four seasons with the Bears. His story is portrayed in the movie, Brian’s Song, and described in Gale Sayers’ autobiography, I am Third. The title of Gale’s book comes from his personal credo, “The Lord is first, my friends are second, and I am third.” Playing for third reminds me of a definition I once heard for joy: put Jesus first, yourself last, and others in between.

The angels announced the birth of Jesus Christ to lowly shepherds watching their sheep on the hillsides of Bethlehem. Shepherds are considered lowly because they are generally the youngest, uneducated folks with the least potential for success. The shepherds were in the fields doing their job out of the spotlight of glamour and public acclaim. The angels told them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” Can lowly shepherds have joy? If they have no hope of coming in first place in the game of a prestigious life, can they still find joy? The answer is a resounding, “Yes!” In Jesus, they can.

Our world is desperately seeking happiness. We are happiness junkies. The problem with making happiness our goal is that we are looking for it at the wrong end of joy. True, lasting joy comes from putting Jesus first and others second. Seeking our own personal happiness first puts our needs and enjoyment before everything else. The result is usually unhappiness rather than joy.

How do you compete in the game we call life when you know you will never be on the winner’s platform? You may be fortunate to come in 13^th out of 17 if you work very hard. You compete for a higher eternal prize. The prize is knowing the Lord and His power in this world and the next. The joy of Jesus comes from serving the Lord through an intimate personal relationship with Him, and serving others out of the overflow of His love. How is your joy level this Christmas season? If you compete for third place, I am certain your life will be full of the joy of the Lord and overflowing.

Peaceful at Jesus' Feet

“They came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone out, sitting down at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they became frightened.”    —Luke 8:35

The dog trainer called him, “The Shepherd.” My son’s big, black, and beautiful German shepherd’s official name was Prince Hoss Bain. As a pup, he was fun and playful, but as he grew, Hoss began to show signs of aggression, more like nervous defensiveness. We took him to obedience classes. The nine or ten other dogs all had cute names and practiced together. We were instructed to keep Hoss at a distance and he was known only as “The Shepherd.”

The goal of the obedience school seemed to be two-fold: one, to teach the owners, my son, my wife, and me, to correctly train and discipline our dog. A secondary resulting goal was for Hoss to learn to walk obediently on a leash keeping his eyes trained on his master. If we stopped, he should stop. If we turned, he should turn. The distractions of squirrels, cats, dogs, butterflies, and strangers should not drive him crazy as he keeps himself at peace by looking to his masters and resting at their feet.

Recently, I heard a new description for pastors. Jesus is the Good Shepherd, and pastors are like sheepdogs. As a sheepdog herds the sheep, he must keep his eyes on the Shepherd for directions. Go out further to bring the sheep back. Turn left or right. Start here and drive the sheep forward. Constant eye contact with the shepherd is required to herd the sheep according to the will of the Shepherd. In all the craziness of herding the sheep, the one constant is the direction and protection of the Shepherd.

Jesus led the disciples to the other side of the Sea of Galilee and met a demon-possessed man who lived among the tombstones. The demoniac actually behaved very much like my son’s German shepherd. He ran around naked and would break the chains and shackles used to control him (Luke 8:29). Hoss would often break his leash in order to attack a vicious butterfly. Several times Hoss tore a steel door apart to get at a dangerous beetle.

Jesus cast many demons out of this man and sent them into a herd of pigs that immediately drowned themselves in the lake. The herdsman ran off to town to report what had happened. When the townspeople returned, they saw the crazy man sitting at peace at the feet of Jesus. I can picture him sitting completely calm with his eyes trained on his Master, Jesus.

 

Our world appears to be growing crazier with each passing year. I know I am growing older and am less able to cope with change, but I really do think our world is losing its mind. Jesus came that we might have life, abundant life. Because of God’s great love for us and His offer of salvation, each of us can choose to follow the Lord and live at peace. As we receive Jesus as Lord and Savior of our lives, we can be delivered from being controlled by the craziness of our culture. Stress, persecution, and crazy behavior will still surround us, but Jesus has overcome the world.

As we enter this holy Christmas season, let us take our directions from Jesus, our Master, and not from this world. If we keep our eyes on Jesus and sit at His feet, this Christmas can really be a time of peace on earth, at least peace in our hearts and lives. Let us sit peacefully at Jesus’ feet.

Forgetting None of God's Blessings

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits.”    —Psalm 103:2

In the summer of 1963, C. S. Lewis resigned his position at Cambridge. He died quietly at home that fall on November 22. Despite his fame and the spiritual impact of his writings on generations of believers and non-believers, only a brief obituary appeared in the newspaper because his passing was overshadowed by the death of President John F. Kennedy that same day.

The most recent big event often so dominates our minds that it is easy to forget other world shaking news or God’s blessings over the past year. This fall, two major events have impacted Oakland Church and me. We are just completing a church-wide study emphasis. It has been awesome. More importantly, God has been awesome. The Holy Spirit has been speaking, and many in the church are hearing from God. Secondly, last week, we celebrated the one year anniversary of our capital campaign. God is doing what we thought humanly impossible. I have been so focused on these celebrations that it is difficult to remember anything else that happened this year.

Anyone who has been around me much lately has probably heard me recite Psalm 103. In Church, at the hospital or in my personal quiet time, I might burst into, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me. Bless His Holy Name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits” (Psalm 103:1-2). As we enter the Thanksgiving season, I can think of no better exhortation. Let us all bless the Lord. Let us forget not one of His blessings to us.

God has poured out so many blessings in my life and the life of our Church; it would be terribly disappointing to forget one of the great things God has done: the young people who dedicated their lives to Jesus, the child who received Christ as Savior during Sunday School, and the prisoners who have been set free. The sick have gotten well. Some who have lost jobs have seen God supply their needs in miraculous ways. Others have been able to keep their jobs or find better employment. God is God; all the time!

In order to forget none of God’s blessings this Thanksgiving season, we must make a purposeful effort to remember. In the life of the church, I look back over the calendar to see what happened earlier in the year. I may take a moment at a meeting or small group to ask someone how God has blessed them this past year. Their responses often remind me of a forgotten victory in my own life. Going around the table at a Thanksgiving dinner and sharing something for which you thank God does not take much time but may encourage someone and glorify God.

What will you do this year to keep from forgetting any of God’s blessings? Focusing on the last big terrible event may cause us to feel defeated and ungrateful. There are many difficulties in life. You may be experiencing them right now. By remembering all of God’s benefits throughout the year, we can face our most recent tragedy with confidence that God will see us through.

If we focus only on the last big success in our life, we may be extremely happy for a while. If we consider that blessing in light of God’s benefits throughout the year, we will overflow with praise and thanksgiving to God. Will you join me, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits.”

The Stuff Jesus Did

“Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.”    —Acts 2:43

Pastor John Wimber, one of the founders of the Vineyard Movement, often tells the story of his conversion and early Christian growth. In 1963, God got a hold of this musician who played the Las Vegas circuit and eventually helped form the Righteous Brothers. John described himself as a “beer-guzzling, drug abusing pop musician, who was converted at the age of 29 while chain-smoking his way through a Quaker-led Bible Study” (Christianity Today, Feb. 9, 1998).

John became a voracious Bible reader. After weeks of reading the life-changing miracles in the Scriptures and attending boring church services, He asked a lay leader, “When do we get to do the stuff? You know, the stuff here in the Bible; the stuff Jesus did, like healing the sick, raising the dead, healing the blind – stuff like that?” He was told that they didn’t do that anymore. They only performed their weekly services. John replied, “You mean I gave up drugs for that?”

The early church began with miraculous signs and wonders. People were either drawn to the church in holy reverence or driven away in fear. Acts 2:43 describes the atmosphere, “Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.” Although three thousand came to faith on the day of Pentecost, not everyone gladly joined the early band of believers. “At the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s portico. But none of the rest dared to associate with them; however, the people held them in high esteem” (Acts 5:12-13). Loved, hated, feared, and revered, the early Church was anything but irrelevant.

People are still waiting and watching the Church, today. If the world is not seeing God in our midst, it may be because we are not attempting anything that only God can do. “When the world sees things happening through God’s people that cannot be explained except that God Himself has done them, the world will be drawn to such a God” (Experiencing God, 144). Some may refuse; others may criticize; but everyone will be moved to acknowledge that something supernatural is happening.

Jesus told the Disciples and us, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father” (John 14:12). Notice that this promise includes us. Jesus said, “He who believes in me.” We will not do greater things than Jesus in our own strength, but God will do greater things through us. Acts 2 describes these wondrous signs as “taking place through the apostles.”

What are you attempting that cannot be explained except that God has done it? Are you reaching out to the broken and downtrodden? Are you giving beyond your means? Are you stepping outside of your comfort zone in obedience to the voice of the Spirit trusting God to accomplish whatever He will? The world is waiting and watching for those who claim to be Christians to do the stuff Jesus did. Jesus said we would. The early Church did. Let us draw near to God, listen for His voice, and obediently step out in the power of the Holy Spirit. God will show Himself to an unbelieving world as we do the stuff Jesus did.

Final Notice

“The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”    —2 Peter 3:9

I thought I was on the “no-call” list with the telephone company, but I continue to get repeated messages from telemarketers. One claims to be from a government agency telling me to hurry and take advantage of the financial stimulus before the next billing cycle. It ends with the warning, “This is your final notice.” After the twentieth call, I shouted in jubilation to my wife, “This is our final notice! Maybe they’ll quit calling.” I really expect they will call again.

Another urges me to consolidate my debts and lower my credit card rates. They also end with the message, “This is your second and final notice.” As I hang up the telephone for the umpteenth time, I mutter under my breath, “I sure hope so.”

Most people in our culture believe we will always get a second chance. We procrastinate in registering for everything. Whether it is for a concert, a seminar, or a church dinner, we tend to wait for the last possible day to make sure nothing else might come up that we’d prefer doing before committing to anything. The Church has given in to this culture because we permit people to register two days past any deadline. We don’t want anyone to miss an opportunity. We extend deadlines and make exceptions for almost everyone. Yes, we’ll make room for one more.

Many Christians are expecting Jesus Christ to return soon. We often wonder why God is waiting so long. 2 Peter answers that question by pointing out the Lord’s great love and patience toward us. “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (3:9). The telemarketers may be annoying, but you have to give them credit; they are patient and diligent. On the positive side, God, too, is patient and diligent.

A major difference between the telemarketers and God is that telemarketers will probably call us until the end of time, but we have no guarantee that God will call us forever. We can wear out the patience of God. The Lord said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever” (Genesis 6:3). God is definitely the Lord of the second chance (and third, fourth, fifth…), but a day will come when the final notice will be the final notice. Romans 1 describes a time when after continual rejection, “God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil” (1:28-29). If we continually reject and ignore the Spirit’s calling us to God, the Lord may give us over to our own desires. I have heard good parents say to wayward children, “Go ahead, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

God might give us up to our rebellion, but there is also a day of reckoning. “It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). There is a day when all things will be final. Telemarketer calls will ring no longer, and our opportunity to turn to Christ and find forgiveness will be lost. Today, if you feel the conviction of sin and know your need of a new beginning with the Lord, you still have a second chance. Don’t miss it. Eventually, our second chances will run out. A final, final notice will be given. Call on the Lord today, He loves you and is more than patient.

God Guides and Provides

“The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he would drink from the brook.”    —1 Kings 17:6

The greatest disappointment in my life and the greatest miracle of God’s provision occurred while I attended seminary. God had called us to full-time ministry and led us, we believed, to Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. I planned to get a high paying computer job, and Darlene would work for the college or seminary. No companies wanted to hire me for three years as a part-time employee with no prior experience. I had to settle on a work study position at the seminary making $33.50 per week.

Darlene interviewed 35 times with the college and seminary. Each time she felt confident the interview went well and that she could do the job. Each time brought another rejection. Finally, after a short stint as a waitress at a local greasy spoon, Darlene stopped looking for work. We believed God had led us to this place in our lives and ministry so we decided to wait on the Lord. We planned to wait until our checkbook got down to $800, the amount needed to rent a U-haul truck to move home. If God did not provide our needs, we would determine that we misunderstood God’s guidance for our lives.

About that time, I received a $20 check from a missionary I barely knew. The memo of the check contained the scripture reference, “1 Kings 17:6.” For me, receiving support from a missionary is very similar to being fed morning and evening by a crow. God was faithful. Although we never received large amounts of money, each month little by little enough money came in to pay the bills. I graduated from seminary three years later with the $800 for the trip home still in the bank.

Acts 16 recounts an exciting time in the life of the early church. The Gospel had been declared to the Greek world and many non-Jews were coming to faith. The church leaders at Jerusalem had come to agreement on how to lead the Gentile church. Paul and Silas set out on a second missionary journey to encourage the churches and lead many more to faith in Christ.

As they went forward with great confidence, the doors of ministry appeared to close. They attempted to continue their mission but were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to go into Asia and were not permitted to enter Bithynia (Acts 16:6-7). Finally, God gave them direction. “A vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us’” (Acts 16:9). They concluded that God was guiding them to Macedonia. They immediately began proclaiming the Gospel in Europe.

What do you do when you are certain you have received direction from God only to find the doors closed? Darlene and I began with great confidence but soon felt self-pity and confusion. Where was God? What were we to do? We stopped trying to solve our dilemma in our own strength and waited on the Lord for guidance and provision. Paul and Silas continued moving forward one step at a time waiting for the Lord to provide an open door and direction.

As we follow the Lord’s direction, the path may not always be clear and easy, but we can be certain that God will provide and guide. If the Lord is calling you to it, He will surely see you through it. Trust Him today. Keep moving forward, doing what you know to do. Wait on the Lord to provide and guide.

Recognizing Answered Prayers

“And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”    —Mark 2:5

Richard Blackaby tells a story of a time in college when God answered his prayer almost immediately, but he did not recognize the answer when it came. Blackaby was experiencing an exceptionally moving devotional time meditating on the suffering servant passage of Isaiah 53. As he read about the rejection, anguish, and obedience of the servant, he was stirred to pray, “Lord, I want to be that kind of a disciple. I will be your suffering servant, today. If you have a difficult task, a hard to reach person, I’m your man.”

As Blackaby continued communing with the Lord, the phone rang. His roommate answered and spoke with a college acquaintance that wanted to come over and hang out for the evening. This person was a complete social misfit. He found himself severely challenged in social settings and had few friends. One time, trying to fit in and join a conversation, he blurted out, “I haven’t brushed my teeth in two weeks.” As the roommate conveyed the request, Blackaby told him how busy he was and what a wonderful devotional time he was having with the Lord. He asked him to make excuse for him. With a wink of the eye, the roommate conveyed his regrets.

Back to praying, Blackaby asked the Lord, “Now, where were we before we were so rudely interrupted? Oh yes, I was telling you, Lord, if you have a difficult assignment, a hard to reach person, You can call on me. I want to be a suffering servant kind of disciple.” When we pray, it is important that we make the connection between our prayers and what happens next. God may answer our prayers immediately in exactly the way we prayed. At other times, God may answer our prayers in a higher, more glorious fashion. We must practice spiritual concentration to recognize God’s answers.

Sometimes we pray for one thing and receive another. On occasion, the Lord may appear to be busy or “out of town” as His answers are delayed. In these cases, God may be trying to provoke us to persist in prayer. We must keep praying until we receive what we are asking for or something better. Mark 2 tells of the account of four men who brought their crippled friend to Jesus to be healed. Because of the large crowd, they opened a hole in the roof of the house and let the man down in front of Jesus. Their prayer must have been, “Lord, please heal our friend.” Jesus did not immediately answer that prayer but said, “Son, your sins are forgiven” (Mark 2:5).

In this passage, we discover a wonderful truth. The four men asked for one thing, and Jesus gave them another! They prayed for physical healing, but Jesus wanted to make the man a child of God for all eternity so he could inherit everything! I remember a minister friend of mine, Rev. Jay Christner, saying, “God always gives us what we ask for or something better.” The challenge is to watch carefully in order to recognize the answers to our prayer when they come.

If you have been earnestly praying for a specific need, make the connection between your prayers and what happens next. If God does not seem to be answering your prayer as you expect, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the answers the Lord is sending. God may want you to persist in prayer. The timing may not be right. God may be developing your character. God may also be giving you something better. Whatever the situation, may the Holy Spiritual give you spiritual insight to recognize answered prayers.

When God Seems Late

“Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”    —John 11:40

A close friend called me the other day to ask for some assistance with a flat tire. She had stopped at the local convenience store/gas station, but the air pump was broken. I immediately dropped what I was doing and ran to help change her tire. On the way, a local tow truck passed me, and I sensed God saying, “You don’t need to change the tire. Simply go to the closest garage and borrow a portable tank of air.” The local garage had a tank that worked like a charm. I was back to my morning schedule after only a few minutes.

If you were caught in a crisis, who would you call? You would probably call someone you felt close to and who would come at a moment’s notice. Mary and Martha were close friends with Jesus. Jesus often stayed at their home in Bethany while visiting Jerusalem. When their brother, Lazarus, was deathly sick, they called Jesus to come and heal Him. The sisters sent word to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick” (John 11:3). Something very surprising happened: Jesus waited two whole days before coming to the aid of His friend “whom He loved.”

Jesus arrived four days after Lazarus’ death. I often wonder what Jesus’ absence must have felt like to His beloved friends. Have you ever prayed for God to answer in a time of crisis? Have you waited and waited in fear and agony with no apparent reply? What do we understand about God’s silence? What does one do when God seems late?

In the Experiencing God study (120), Henry Blackaby urges us to settle in our minds that God has forever demonstrated His unfailing love for us on the cross. That love will never change. When God appears to be silent, we often jump to the conclusion that God has forgotten or forsaken us. We may feel God doesn’t care about us or that God is angry and punishing us because of sin.

There are a couple possible reasons for God’s silence when we pray. Firstly, there may be unconfessed sin in our lives. Secondly, God may be preparing us for a greater revelation. This was the case with Lazarus. Jesus told the disciples, “This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it” (11:4). Jesus repeated to Mary, “Did I not say to you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” (11:40). As Lazarus and his sisters waited in silent fear and pain, Jesus prepared to display His glory through their lives. A few moments later, Jesus “cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come forth’” (11:43). Some Christians believe if Jesus hadn’t said Lazarus’ name, every dead person in the world would have come back to life.

If you have been praying and waiting and questioning, anchor your life in the certainty of God’s love for you. Ask Him to search your heart. If the Holy Spirit reveals any hidden sin, turn from that sin and ask for the forgiveness that Jesus purchased for you on the Cross. If God remains silent and seems to be late, then prepare yourself for a new experience with the Lord. God may be preparing you for a greater revelation of Himself. Jesus may be about to call forth your name.

Remember, if God seems late, it’s for a reason only His Love can explain.

Small Acts of Faith

“Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”    

—Acts 3:6

Arthur was a machinist who had a wife, family, and home but lost it all due to his drinking. He found himself in a line to receive free sandwiches with other homeless folk in the lower east side of Manhattan. Even as a small fight broke out among those waiting in line, the volunteer looked Arthur straight in the eye, said a kind word, and handed him a sandwich. Arthur broke down in tears to such a degree that they called the pastor to come and speak with him.

The pastor moved Arthur to a park bench nearby where he shared his story of losing his job, wife, family, car, and home. That day, Arthur prayed to receive Christ and got up from the bench a changed man. Although he eventually ended up in prison, Arthur never lost his faith in Christ and led several inmates to the Lord. Eventually, Arthur was released from prison, moved to upstate New York, and now works for a Christian ministry.

What made the difference in Arthur’s life? Arthur said it was a peanut butter sandwich and a kind word that was spoken to him. Someone treated him with dignity and kindness. I never cease to be amazed at how delicate and fragile human life is. One minute we can be cruising along, then a phone call or momentary slip later our lives have completely changed. I am equally amazed at the power of a small act of kindness done in faith. Mother Teresa once said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” 

As Peter and John went up to the temple to pray, they came to a lame man asking for money. They had surely seen this beggar before. He had probably become part of the temple furnishings to many persons by this time, but this day was completely different. Peter and John looked him straight in the eye and engaged him in conversation, “Look at us!” they said. The beggar expected to receive some money, but Peter had none. Peter gave him everything he had; he gave him Jesus. “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” The healing miracle was definitely not a simple act, but stopping to notice someone, speaking to them, and offering to pray are simple acts, if done in faith, that can transform a life.

There are many Bible stories we teach our children that reflect the power of small acts done in faith. A young slave girl comments that a prophet in Israel could heal her master of leprosy. The Syrian General, Naaman, is healed and God is glorified (2 Kings 5). A small boy shares his sack lunch of two fish and five biscuits with Jesus. Jesus is praised and a crowd of 5,000 men (not counting woman and children) are fed (Matt 6).

Think about how many persons you pass everyday without noticing. Do you realize how fragile and broken their lives are? You may never know how thin the thread is that they are hanging on by. You will never know the difference a friendly look, a kind word, or a small act of kindness done in faith will do unless you stop, look, and act. You may not have great wealth, but give what you have. Give them Jesus. Small acts done in faith with great love will transform lives. Why not give it a try.

Privileged View

“Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see.”    

—Luke 10:23

Alex Haley, the author of Roots, has a picture in his office showing a turtle sitting on top of a fence post. The picture reminds him of a very important lesson: “If you see a turtle on a fence post, you know he had some help.” Haley felt indebted to the great leaders who had gone before him paving the way for his success. Sir Isaac Newton reflects this same sentiment in a letter to his rival Robert Hooke, in 1676, “If I have seen a little further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants."

This past week, I was privileged to attend a men’s gathering near Pittsburgh. The United Methodist Men partnered with Christian Sports International to put on an event with former Steeler greats Jon Kolb, Jeff Hartings, and Robin Cole. After being introduced by the MC, Tom McGough, Robin Cole stood and looked over the less than 100 men gathered and remarked, “You guys are spoiled. You don’t realize what a privilege it is to have this lineup of speakers. This place should be packed.” The event had it all: great planning, a great lineup, and a powerful Christian message, but few took advantage of the opportunity.

Jesus appointed seventy others to go out in pairs to minister in every city He Himself planned to go (Luke 10:1). After commissioning the seventy, Jesus declared judgment upon the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum because of their unbelief. The woes Jesus pronounced were not merely for lack of faith but for unbelief in face of the privileged position of seeing many miracles preformed in their midst. With blessing comes responsibility and accountability.

When the seventy returned from their ministry tour, they joyfully related to Jesus how even the demons were subject to them in His name. Jesus celebrated with them rejoicing in the Holy Spirit that God had revealed these things to them.  Jesus told the disciples not to rejoice so much in ministry successes as in their relationship with God. “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven” (10:20).

From a relationship with God the Father through Jesus, we and the disciples, have the awesome privilege of seeing and understanding things of the Kingdom that Old Testament prophets and kings longed to see and hear. Jesus’ comments pertained to the seventy but also to us today, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see” (Luke 10:23). If we have experienced the forgiveness that Jesus offers, if we have a family, a church family, a home, and food, we are tremendously blessed above most people of the world and all of history. What a privilege.

Jesus told the disciples, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father” (John 14:12). With a privileged view, standing on the shoulders of giants, comes great responsibility and opportunity. Many of us have become near-sighted in our view of the world and the Kingdom of God. God wants to show us many more great and miraculous things. We need our eyes opened to see where God is working and plans to work in the world. Seeing from a privileged view calls us to follow. What have you done with God’s blessings? What will you do? Open our eyes, Lord, and let us see from Your shoulders.

Judgers Anonymous

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged.”    —Luke 6:37

I attended a church service a few months ago at a growing mega church in another part of the country. We parked next to a three-story dental surgery building in a professional mall. As we walked the block to the church building, a young greeter welcomed and gave us a first-time visitor’s folder. We made pleasant conversation with our host as we waited in a line which had grown to be two blocks long.

As our new friend said goodbye so she could welcome other newcomers, she asked if we needed earplugs. Feeling quite hip and still not over the hill, I assured her we could handle loud music. Another greeter met us and helped us along the line and again offered us earplugs. I began to wonder if I had a sign on my forehead that said, “Over the hill” or “Old and Cranky.” My confidence about handling loud music began to waver after the eighth, ninth, and tenth suggestions for earplugs. The last offer came as we entered the auditorium and ended with the comment, “If you change your mind, all the ushers have earplugs.”

The service began with video announcements of professional advertisement quality that were so loud my chest and ears vibrated with each word. The music began with a similar thunderous boom. Fortunately, words were projected on the screen so I could understand what was being sung. I consider myself to be one of the most accepting and progressive thinking people around, but I could feel a pharisaical spirit rising within me. Why was the music so loud? Did the announcements have to be that loud, too? Everyone seemed to have on a similar uniform, tight jeans and sneakers. I hate wearing tight jeans.

Jesus came and proclaimed the Good News of the Kingdom to everyone and anyone who would believe. Romans 14 tells us, “The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (17). The Christian faith is not keeping score about how someone behaves or acts. Christians are not called to compare how well others live up to their standard of right or wrong. About now, some of you want to say, “Yes, but…” I’m right there with you. I come out of the charismatic and holiness movements. I am a teetotaler and don’t smoke or chew or date girls who do (Sorry, that just slipped out.).

As I worshipped at this church, I began to realize how judgmental I can be. I look and dress like a guy born in the 1950s. If the songs are too loud or too new and I don’t know the words, I can’t worship well. If the music, especially hymns, is sung too slowly, I often refuse to sing. My walk with the Lord and others should reflect the love and forgiveness that Jesus preached and offers to all. Romans 14 goes on to say, “So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another” (19).

God is doing great works all around us. Some of the folks God is working through may not look like you, dress like you, or act like you. I believe some of us need a group meeting for our addiction. We may not be addicted to drugs, alcohol, or pornography, but we may need a Judgers Anonymous group to overcome that age old foe to the Christian faith, judging. Jesus said, “Do not judge and you will not be judged.” Don’t we pray, “Forgive us our sins as we forgive others?” Have you recently judged another because of outward appearance or worship style? Have you confessed it? I don’t know of the existence of a JA group, but I may start one. Call or email if want to join. 

Willing and Ready to Hear

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting.”   —James 1:5-6a

Hudson Taylor gives a powerful example of God answering prayers of faith. On his first voyage to China, their vessel ran into several weeks of calm, not even a breeze. The ocean currents were slowly drifting them onto the coast of New Guinea where cannibal savages were lighting cooking fires on shore. The captain said, “We have done everything we can.” Hudson replied, “Well, there is one thing we haven’t done yet, let the Christians on board pray about it.”

Hudson went to his cabin to pray, but felt so confident in prayer that he decided to go up on deck to ask the chief mate, who was not a believer, to let down the mainsail. Hudson believed if they were praying in faith for wind, they should make preparations for the answer. The chief mate refused, but then a small puff of wind caused one of the sails to quiver. With Hudson’s urging, the mate begrudgingly let the sail down just in time to catch a good breeze enabling the ship to miss the coral reef and spare their lives. The full story can be found in “The Exchanged Life” chapter of Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret by Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor.

Praying in faith is much more than letting down the sail when praying for wind or carrying an umbrella if one prays for rain. Praying in faith is going to God with the expectation that He will answer our prayers. Additionally praying in faith means being willing and ready to hear and obey what God says. James 1:5 says that if we lack wisdom we should ask for it from God who gives generously. But verse six goes on to say, “But he must ask in faith without any doubting.” Doubting God in this passage would mean asking for wisdom and then not heeding the answer given by God. If we ask God to show us the way, we must be willing and ready to move in the direction God points us.

I have heard many people ask, “Why should I pray? God already knows what I need.” I believe the old saying, “Prayer changes things.” I also believe sometimes the thing that changes is me. Prayer is not just to get things from God but communing with the Lord and being conformed into the image of Jesus. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Notice that Hebrews 11:6, says that God rewards those who seek Him. It does not say God rewards those who seek things from Him.

Are there areas in your life that you been praying earnestly about to God? Are you praying in faith? By faith, I mean are you willing to hear from God? Are you willing to allow God to change you as well as the situation? Being willing to hear means I desire for God’s will to be done on earth, in my life, as it is in heaven.

Secondly, if you are praying in faith, are you ready to hear from God? If God were to answer your prayer, what would that look like in your life? Why not begin living that kind of life, now? For Hudson Taylor, if God answered his prayer for wind, they would have the main sail let down; therefore, Hudson instructed the chief mate to open up the sail. In many of your lives, God may be waiting for you to prepare for the answer to your prayers which is already on the way. Are you willing and ready to hear from God?

Recognizing God's Voice

“The sheep follow him because they know his voice.”    

—John 10:4

My first successful spring turkey hunt took place with Pastor Tom Zimmerman, May 19, 1994. I vividly remembered the hunt, but I specifically recalled the date because Tom gave me a photo of our hunt with the date on the back. It was late in the season so Tom called with a gobble tube walking all over the mountain to give the impression that he was a tom turkey strutting around the woods.

Earlier that season, I learned to recognize the distinctive sound of a turkey gobbling. Tom would call, and we would listen. As we walked along, I would hear a sound and ask Tom, “Was that a gobble?” “No,” he replied, “I think that’s a dog bark.” Later, I’d hear another sound, “Was that it?” “No, that’s a distant crow.” Being new to Spring Gobbler season, I wasn’t exactly sure what a turkey gobble sounded like in the woods.

Finally, Tom called, and a gobbler replied. There was no question in my mind; I heard it loud and clear. When you hear a big bird aggressively gobble in the spring, there is no mistaking it. I didn’t have to ask, “Is that it?” I knew for sure it was a turkey gobble. From that point on to this day when I am in the woods and hear a turkey calling, I recognize it almost instantly.

Just as I was naïve about turkey hunting, many people are unsure what God’s voice sounds like. God speaks today by the Holy Spirit through circumstances, the Bible, prayer, and the Church, but we often mistake other voices for the voice of God. We see a door for our future close, or a door open for that matter, and we conclude God has spoken. We read a verse in the Bible that seems to fit our situation, and we determine God is using that verse to direct us. The pastor or a church leader makes a comment on one situation, and we believe God intends that message for us.

How can we be sure what God is saying to us? I heard a speaker once say, “If you are a Christian and cannot tell the difference from God’s voice and the voice of the world, your flesh, or the devil, you are in deep trouble.” I liken my early turkey hunting experience to learning to recognize God’s voice. At first when we begin to listen for God’s voice, we tend to think everything and anything might be God speaking to us. After a few times of hearing from God, His voice becomes familiar. When we hear God speak another time and again, we know for certain that it is God.

The Good Shepherd passage of John 10 describes a shepherd calling his sheep. The sheep hear, recognize, and follow their shepherd. Once, I saw this dramatized on a video. Several shepherds brought their different flocks to an oasis in the desert. The sheep became completely intermingled with one another. When it was time to go, each shepherd began to leave giving his own distinctive series of whistles and calls. The sheep recognized their shepherd’s voice and followed him.

In order to recognize God’s voice, you must take the time and practice listening. It also takes a willingness to act on what you hear. John 10:4 says that the shepherd “goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.” If you are truly seeking to hear from God, you must be ready to follow Him. If you come to God listening for His voice with a willing heart to heed whatever He says, I guarantee you will hear and recognize the voice of God. “Did you hear that?” “Was that God?” Maybe. Try it again.

Courage

"Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."    --Joshua 1:9

Be strong and courageous! Be strong and courageous! Be strong and courageous! Recently, Pastor Bill Hybels gave this challenge to us from Joshua 1:9 at the opening session of the Global Leadership Summit simulcast at our church. I then heard it repeated at least a half dozen times by the speakers that followed. If we are going to be leaders, then we must step up to the plate and take our swing. Just like facing a pitcher throwing 90-mile per hour fastballs, leading takes courage and strength.

Many of us seldom need to be courageous because we usually play it safe and remain inside the walls of our safe and routine lives. This past week, my wife and I stepped out of our comfort zones and got a little nervous. Over the past few years, I have been invited to travel to Florida in the winter and to Chicago at summer's end to meet with Bill Hybels, his Willow Creek team, and 120 of the most dynamic pastors in the United States. This August, I said, "We're in."

Darlene went along but was nervous for a whole different set of reasons. One of the fun activities planned was a dinner cruise on Lake Michigan. Darlene dislikes boats and is petrified of water. On top of that, her ankle is not completely healed, and the trip to Navy Pier required a great deal of walking. This week, I heard one famous pastor say, "If there is no fear, there is no need for courage." Maybe we weren't facing real life or death situations, but our fears were keeping us from some pretty great experiences.

As Joshua took over the leadership reins from Moses, he needed all the strength and courage he could muster. Not only was Joshua trying to fill the shoes of one of the greatest leaders in history, but leading over a million Israelites across the Jordon River and conquering the promised land was a bigger task than Joshua could do in human strength. The verse continues, "The Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

To have no fear in leading is not faith but fool-heartiness. To believe God is with you wherever you go and whatever you do is also foolish. God does not promise strength and courage for us to walk in sin and rebellion. The promise to Joshua stood true because Joshua was walking in obedience to God's will. Jesus gave the same promise to the Disciples and us as He said, "All authority has been given to Me... Go therefore and make disciples...I am with you always" (Matt. 28:16-20).

The early church went into the world in obedience to Jesus' command. God's power went with them, confirmed their testimony with signs and miracles, and saved all who believed. Christians today have the same promise that Joshua and the early church had. If we walk and act in obedience to the Lord's command, His power and presence are with us wherever we go. No challenge is too big and no task too hard.

Have you been holding back in an area of your life because of fear? Are you facing challenges that are bigger than you? Seek to determine God's will for your life and listen for the Lord's voice in your situation. Move forward in the direction God shows you. Depend upon His strength and presence. "Be strong and courageous!"

Seeing Extraordinary in an Ordinary World

Turning to the disciples, He said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see.”        —Luke 10:23

Last Tuesday was Somerset County Day at the Pittsburgh Zoo. The Zoo closed the park an hour early to the public and, from 5-9 PM, welcomed residents from Somerset County. The Somerset County Visitor’s Bureau gave out free wristbands to everyone who asked, so Nana and Pappy (my wife and me) were urged to take the grand-children. On the drive down, Gavin and Addi (ages nine and almost four) were talking up a storm in the back seat reciting all the animals they planned to see: elephants, tigers, and bears. “Tigers are the meanest,” Addi would frequently chime in. And sharks and kangaroos and giraffes and on it went. In the entire listing, gold fish were never mentioned.

At the African savannah section, we saw a black rhino and elephants. At the next exhibit, we saw a giraffe’s head coming up over the hill towards us. “Oh, look,” everyone exclaimed, “here come the giraffes to feed.” Their food consisted of hay placed in baskets on the top of high poles. While the giraffe made its way to the pole off to our left and then to the one right in front of us, the children became distracted with the koi, goldfish in the moat separating the giraffe exhibit from us.

The word koi comes from Japanese, simply meaning "carp". It includes both the dull grey fish and the brightly colored varieties you might see in restaurant aquariums or landscape ponds. I overheard one parent threaten their children, “If you are gonna’ watch gold fish, we’re going home. We can do that at WalMart.” Darlene and I watched the magnificent giraffe eat its hay and play with tree branches close up and personal while the children knelt in the dirt and watched common bottom feeding carp.

I am afraid, spiritually and naturally, we are no different than the children. The magnificence of this world reveals itself daily, but we are too busy with our ordinary lives to notice. We’ve all heard the saying, “You’ve got to stop and smell the roses.” A stunning sunset, a beautiful flower, or a touching act of love and kindness often goes unnoticed by eyes focused on the daily grind.

Sadly, we fair no better in the spiritual realm. When Jesus paraded into Jerusalem in the Triumphal Entry on Palm Sunday, many crowded to see Him and Lazarus whom Jesus had raised from the dead. The legalistic and religious minded Pharisees could only see the details of the Torah and planned to kill both Jesus and Lazarus (John 12:9-10).

Mary and Martha entertained Jesus at their home. Martha had so fixed her mind and eyes on the chores and details of entertaining, she completely missed her honored guest. Mary sat at the feet of Jesus in awe and devotion. We need and appreciate the Martha’s of this world, but let’s not miss the extraordinary moments of life because our focus is obscured by the daily and ordinary (Luke 10:41-42).

When the seventy returned from their ministry tour, Jesus told them, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see” (Luke 10:23). What have you seen the Lord do recently? If you focus on the ugly, the bad, and the ordinary, you will miss many miraculous moments in your life. I invite you to pause, listen, and see the glories of the Lord and His creation around you.

No Longer Strangers

“There came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.”    —John 4:7

In an opening scene from the movie, Forrest Gump, young, lanky Forrest gets on the bus for his first day of school. As Forrest hesitates at the open bus door, the lady driver says, “Are you comin’ along?”

Forrest thinks and then explains, “Mama said not to be taking rides from strangers.”

The driver replies, “This is the bus to school.”

Forrest solves his dilemma by introducing himself, “I’m Forrest, Forrest Gump.”

The bus driver reciprocates, “I’m Dorothy Harris.”

“Well, now we ain’t strangers anymore,” Forrest concludes as he carefully maneuvers his legs and braces onto the bus.

Forrest’s mother gave him great advice, especially in the world, today. Don’t be taking rides from strangers, but the same advice does not work in Christian ministry and the Kingdom of God. The Bible tells us, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2).  By His own example, Jesus shows us how to reach out to strangers, even questionable ones.

Jesus and the disciples were traveling through the region of Samaria. Samaria was part of the old northern kingdom of Israel that had been transplanted and intermarried with foreigners. The Samaritans were considered sub-par Jews and outcasts. The disciples went to town to get food while Jesus remained at the well. A Samaritan woman with questionable morals came to the well, and Jesus began to talk with her. After a short conversation, they were no longer strangers.

It was AAABA week in Johnstown. I decided to take a late lunch and catch a few innings of the Martella/Livonia game. With the Forrest Gump clip playing in my head, I ran into a young mother taking her two boys to the game. I helped her park her car and then asked if she could change my dollar for the parking meter. We struck up a conversation, and it turns out she knows some of my people and I know some of hers. We were no longer strangers.

At the game, I introduced myself to a Junior High baseball player and soon to be high school football player. We talked baseball and a little about life. We, too, were no longer strangers. Can you remember the last time you reached out to or asked for help from a stranger? If you introduce yourself and strike up a conversation, you, too, may become friends.

The Kingdom of God is all about reaching out to the lost, the least, and the stranger. When have you done that lately? When have you invited someone to church or done an act of kindness for a stranger in the name of Jesus? Jesus has shown us the way. A few seconds of courage in the name of Jesus may make the difference of a lifetime for someone else. Whisper a prayer, take a deep breath, and reach out in faith. You may also make a new friend, and we need all of those we can get. Hello, I’m Randy. What’s your name?