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Distraction Can Be Deadly

2012-01-23T09:18:00.000-08:00

“Serious injuries involving pedestrians wearing headphones have more than tripled since 2004, a U.S. study showed. Researchers from the University of Maryland found that people often were hit by vehicles because their music blocked out horns or sirens alerting them to danger. In 70 percent of cases, the headphone-wearing pedestrians died as a result of the injuries they sustained from being hit by traffic. The researchers studied the data of 116 accidents involving pedestrians wearing headphones between 2004 and 2011. The number of incidents rose from 16 in 2004 to 47 in 2011. "Everybody is aware of the risk of cell phones and texting in automobiles, but I see more and more teens distracted with the latest devices and headphones in their ears," lead author Dr. Richard Lichenstein said. "Unfortunately, as we make more and more enticing devices, the risk of injury from distraction and blocking out other sounds increases." The study, published in the journal Injury Prevention, found that young men were most at risk, with 68 percent of the 116 victims being male and 67 percent under the age of 30” (FoxNews.com, 1-17-12).

Certain activities demand our undivided attention. Being a disciple of Jesus is one of those activities. “No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier” (2 Timothy 2:4). "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth” (Matthew 6:24). "The seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity” (Luke 8:14).

A lack of focus can put you in spiritual danger. Don’t let the noise of the world distract you from what really matters.

God loves you!
Mike

Beware Of The Sewer!

2012-01-17T09:44:00.000-08:00

Several news organizations reported a tragic story from Russia this past week. A mother was pushing her 18-month-old child along in a stroller when the sidewalk collapsed beneath them. Apparently, an underground pipe had ruptured and the resulting damage had caused the cave-in. Onlookers managed to rescue the mother but not the child. The youngster fell into an exposed section of the sewer system and was carried away by the rapidly flowing stream of raw sewage. Rescue attempts proved to be futile and the child was presumed to be dead.

My heart goes out to the family involved in this horrific tragedy. It’s hard to even imagine the grief they must be feeling. In the blink of an eye, their lives have been changed forever. Like most parents, this couple had probably done their best to keep this child safe. But how do you protect against freak accidents like this? Through no fault of their own, the precious life of their child was taken, choked out by a river of sewage.

Reading about this accident prompted me to also think about the precious children in our world today who are being exposed daily to the emotional and mental sewage present in the dark corners of our culture. In most cases, unlike the story above, this is no accident. It can happen because the parents are indifferent, not being attentive to what their children see, hear, or participate in. Incredibly, it also happens with parental approval, when mom and dad live immoral lives and encourage ungodly behavior in their own children. Either way, innocent young lives are being sucked into the sewers that lead to the cesspools of sin.

As parents (and grandparents and concerned Christians), we need to be vigilant regarding the danger that some parts of our culture present to our children. Sadly, not everyone out there has their best interests at heart. These young souls need a loving and persistent hand to keep them away from the gutter that drains into the sewer. They may not know better, but we should.

God loves you!
Mike

Do You Need A Do-Over?

2012-01-09T09:33:00.000-08:00

When they heard it, they began to go out one by one, beginning with the older ones, and He was left alone, and the woman, where she was, in the center of the court. Straightening up,Jesus said to her, "Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?" She said, "No one,Lord." And Jesus said, "I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more” (John 8:9-11).

Do you feel like you could use a fresh start? Perhaps the past year has been a struggle for you in some way. Maybe you have been fighting a particular sin in your life and, lately, you have lost more battles than you have won. It could be that you have faced a setback of some kind that has added stress to your life. Perhaps you have said or done something that has damaged a relationship with someone else. There are any number of scenarios that can leave us wishing for a “do over” in life.

Jesus offered a “do over” to the woman in John 8. He didn’t condemn her but encouraged her to start over. “From now on, sin no more.” No unnecessary dwelling on past failures. No extra-helping of guilt. Just a reminder to her to draw a line in the dirt of life and make it a starting line, not a finish line.

The start of a new year is a great time for a “do over.” While January 1 is no more powerful than any other day, it is great time for a fresh start -- an opportunity to clear the slate and start over. While a “do over” doesn’t automatically eliminate all consequences of our previous actions or mean that future struggles will be avoided, it does allow us to make necessary adjustments and try again.

The failures of the past day, week, or year do not have to define us. “From now on” for us begins the moment we determine, with God’s help, to begin again.

God loves you!
Mike

The God Of Possibilities

2011-12-28T11:40:00.000-08:00

"And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end." Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" The angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:31-37).

The story of the birth of Jesus is stuffed with impossibilities. An elderly, barren woman is found to be with child. A young virgin becomes pregnant. A star leads some wealthy magi on a long journey to the very place where the Promised Child lived with his father and mother. A poor peasant family eludes the murderous plans of a jealous king. At every turn, impossible problems are overcome. Time and again, impossible situations work out. Many of those involved in the drama had to be scratching their heads. How does that happen? Only when the God of possibilities is involved!

Perhaps you are facing an impossibility of your own at the present time. I don’t pretend to know how, when, where, or if God will work in your specific situation. But if you are a child of God, I do know that the God of possibilities is on your side! You may not see a way out, but don’t give up. God specializes in overcoming the impossible. Give Him an opportunity to do that at which He excels! “How can this be?” Because we serve the God of possibilities!

God loves you!
Mike

An Inheritance For A Stray

2011-12-20T09:38:00.000-08:00

“A 4-year-old stray cat that was rescued from the streets of Rome has inherited a $13 million fortune from its owner, the wealthy widow of an Italian property tycoon. Maria Assunta left the fortune to her beloved kitty Tommaso when she died two weeks ago at the age of 94. The feline's new-found riches include cash, as well as properties in Rome, Milan and land in Calabria. As her health began to fail two years ago, Assunta, who had no children, began to seek out a way to see that Tommaso was properly cared for after she died. In November 2009, she bequeathed her entire estate to the alley cat that she'd rescued. Initially, Assunta had instructed her attorneys to "identify an animal welfare association or group to which to leave the estate and the commitment of looking after Tommaso," according to the Daily Telegraph. Unable to find a satisfactory association to see to it that Tommaso was loved and cared for, Assunta decided to leave all her money to the cat via her nurse, Stefania, who cared for her until her dying day” (Kevin Dolak, ABC News Blog, 12-12-11).

My initial reaction to this article was negative. Why would anyone leave an inheritance to an animal? How can a cat be worthy of such a gift? Wouldn’t the money be better used for something else? But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I am a lot like that cat. God has shared an incredible inheritance with me but I am so unworthy of such a gift. Others could look at me and wonder why God would be so generous with a sinner like me. Aren’t there better things that God could do with His resources?

Thankfully, qualifying for God’s inheritance doesn’t depend on my own merits. If it did, I would be in trouble. My only hope is to be made eligible on the merits of Christ. It is God who qualifies me to share in the inheritance of the saints of light (Colossians 1:12).

God loves you!
Mike

Seasons of Life

2011-12-13T09:56:00.000-08:00

Well, it finally happened. I received my first “senior” discount Sunday evening. The family and I stopped at Wendy’s for dinner after visiting Bethlehem Village in Fair Oaks. Initially, I didn’t order a drink with my meal. But after sitting down and starting to eat, I changed my mind. I went back and asked the young lady at the counter for a 99 cent soft drink from the value menu. She said that seniors received that drink free of charge. Knowing that there HAD to be some mistake, I said, “I doubt I am old enough to qualify for that. How old do you have to be?” “Fifty” she replied. I’m sure I had a stunned look on my face as I thanked her for the free drink and returned to finish my meal. When did I pass that milestone? Since when do I qualify for “senior” discounts? Aren’t those just for “older” people?

Time truly stops for no one, but it is seasonal. “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven. A time to give birth and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace and a time to shun embracing. A time to search and a time to give up as lost; a time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; a time to be silent and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8).

Lord, please guide me in discerning and embracing the seasons of life.

God loves you!
Mike

Fence Straddling

2011-12-05T09:18:00.000-08:00

"Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:14-15).

In spite of their promises of allegiance to God at Mt. Sinai, apparently some of the Israelites had reserved room in their suitcases for their old gods. Why would they do that? Perhaps they were just trying to cover all the bases. You know, in case this “God in heaven” thing doesn’t work out? Maybe they were finding it difficult to distance themselves completely from ancestral worship traditions. After all, to totally abandon these other gods might reflect badly on grandpa and grandma. Whatever the reason, Joshua challenges the people to quit straddling the fence. Make a choice! Pick a deity and put away the rest! Divided loyalties always result in lukewarm devotion.

But its so hard to loosen our grip on the old gods in our lives, isn’t it? Perhaps our “god” is a sinful attitude or action that we continue to nurture. Maybe it’s a relationship we encourage even when know better. It could be a sinful desire in our heart that we never fully eradicate. But whatever it is, it is a “god” that competes with our professed loyalty to the true God.

It can be very difficult to make a clean break from the past. But it is absolutely vital if we want to have a close relationship with the one and only true God. It was the Son of God Himself who clearly said: “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24). The call of Joshua echoes down through the centuries to each of us today. Make a choice. Don’t straddle the fence.

God loves you!
Mike

Are You Ready?

2011-11-22T11:30:00.000-08:00

“The young preacher rose to give his first sermon. Since the title of the lesson was ‘Behold I Come Quickly’, he decided to demonstrate it as he announced it. Standing some four paces behind the pulpit, he rushed forward and, at the same time, announced in kind of an eerie voice, “Behold, I come quickly!” When he couldn’t remember the first point in his introduction, he repeated the process and rushed forward announcing his subject, this time with more enthusiasm. Again, he was still adrift from his first major point, so, backing away, he rushed forward saying, “Behold, I come quickly!” Tripping over a small throw rug, he knocked the pulpit over, did a flip and landed right in an older lady’s lap, and they both went to the floor. He was embarrassed beyond words and, trying to help her up, offered his apology. “That’s alright, sonny boy,” she said. “You’d done warned me three times and I should of had enough sense to have moved” (Jack Exum, “The Art of Illustrating,” pp. 145-146).

Be ready. It is a common refrain in the pages of Scripture. “Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed” (1 Timothy 6:18-19). “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2). “Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed” (Titus 3:1). “But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15).

It has been said that “...heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people.” Are you ready?

God loves you!
Mike

Unfailing Words

2011-11-15T15:42:00.000-08:00

"Now behold, today I am going the way of all the earth, and you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one word of all the good words which the LORD your God spoke concerning you has failed; all have been fulfilled for you, not one of them has failed. It shall come about that just as all the good words which the LORD your God spoke to you have come upon you, so the LORD will bring upon you all the threats, until He has destroyed you from off this good land which the LORD your God has given you” (Joshua 23:14-15).

In chapter 23, Joshua is sharing some final words with the leaders of Israel as the time for his passing draws near. He reminds them of all that had been accomplished because God had been fighting for them. He encourages them to remain true to God and to avoid the tempting allure of pagan influences. He clearly warns them of the consequences of disobeying God. And, according to Joshua, all of his reminders, encouragements, and warnings are rooted in a foundational fact: God keeps His word.

A God who keeps His word can be a mixed blessing, depending on one’s relationship with Him. If I am seeking to love God and cling to Him in my life, I have nothing to fear from a God Who keeps His word. But if I choose to cling to the world and reject His instructions, I have every reason to dread a God Who keeps His word. The same God who speaks words of blessing and comfort to the faithful also speaks words of threat and warning to the unfaithful. And rest assured that He will keep every word -- good or bad. God issues no idle blessings or idle threats.

Lord, please help me to live my life in such a way that I will never have to live in fear of any word You speak. Thank You for being a God who honors His Word.

God loves you!
Mike

Good Looks

2011-11-07T09:02:00.000-08:00

“Most people assume being good-looking gives you a career boost. But just how much does it help? A lot. Good-looking people charm interviewers, get hired faster, are more likely to make more sales and get more raises. Daniel Hamermesh, an economics professor at the University of Texas in Austin, measures out the benefits in his book, "Beauty Pays: Why Attractive People Are More Successful." According to his research, attractive people are likely to earn an average of 3% to 4% more than a person with below-average looks. That adds up to $230,000 more over a lifetime for the typical good-looking person, Dr. Hamermesh estimates. Even an average-looking worker is likely to make $140,000 more over a lifetime than an ugly worker” (Sue Shellenbarger, “On the Job, Beauty Is More Than Skin-Deep,” wsj.com, 10-27-11).

This research is not surprising to me. We live in an image-conscious society. We want our movie stars and athletes to be good-looking. Supermodels are used more often in advertising than those with average looks. Some factor in attractiveness as they choose a candidate for political office. Gone are the days when grandfatherly types like Walter Cronkite could get a job as a news anchor for a major network. Now we demand those who can deliver the news and look good doing it. The toxic message were are sending to our young people is that, unless they are good-looking, they can never be popular or financially secure. They are being convinced that if they aren’t one of the “beautiful” people, they will always be second rate.

How thankful I am that my relationship with God does not depend on my physical appearance. How grateful I am that God doesn’t see as the world sees (1 Samuel 16:7). Apparently there was nothing physically attractive about Jesus (Isaiah 53:2) and He still changed the world. That means there is hope for me! With God’s help, I can make a difference in my little corner of the world even if I don’t look like a movie star.

God loves you!
Mike

Driven

2011-10-31T16:34:00.000-07:00

“A Maine man and his car are celebrating a million-mile milestone. Joe LoCicero was given a 2012 Honda Accord at a parade in the city of Saco on Sunday after surpassing the million-mile mark on the odometer of his 1990 Accord. He reached the milestone last Thursday. A Honda spokeswoman tells The Portland Press Herald it's the first time the manufacturer has documented an Accord reaching one million miles. LoCicero says he bought the car in 1996 with 74,000 miles. The former mechanic did much of his own work. The secret he says is following maintenance schedules, using quality parts and driving safely. He swears the transmission and engine are original. Now that he has a new Accord, he's not sure what he'll do with the old one” (FoxNews.com, “Honda’s First Million-Mile Accord,” 10-24-11).

How does a car reach such an incredible milestone? Many factors must come into play. As the article mentions, it is going to take careful maintenance, prompt replacement of broken or worn parts, and driving responsibly. No motor will last that long if the oil is never changed. Leaving broken parts unrepaired will eventually stress other critical components. A vehicle that is abused by it’s driver will never last as long as one that is driven properly. But there is another important factor that must be present for a car to reach a million miles. It is simple, yet vital. To reach a million miles, a car must go one mile farther than the last one. A million miles is accomplished one mile at a time. A car will never make a million miles if it is parked at any point short of that goal.

A life of faithfulness to God is accomplished the same way -- one mile at a time. It’s getting up each day with a renewed resolve to live for God regardless of past mistakes or future obstacles. It’s putting one foot ahead of the other even though you would rather quit. Mile after mile after mile until we reach the goal.

God loves you!
Mike

I Promise...

2011-10-24T13:48:00.000-07:00

“So the LORD gave Israel all the land which He had sworn to give to their fathers, and they possessed it and lived in it. And the LORD gave them rest on every side, according to all that He had sworn to their fathers, and no one of all their enemies stood before them; the LORD gave all their enemies into their hand. Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass” (Joshua 21:43-45).

Have you ever been the victim of a broken promise? Or have you ever been the promise-breaker? If you have lived for any length of time at all, you can answer “yes” to at least one, and probably both, of those questions. We live in a world that is littered with the debris of promises that were not kept. It’s so commonplace that we have almost come to expect it. The current political climate is a case in point. Candidates of every political stripe make extravagant promises to get elected and then seldom keep those promises. And, worse yet, we accept such antics as business as usual. We even joke about it: “Do you know how to tell if a politician is lying? Look to see if his lips are moving.” Now, are all politicians liars and intentionally deceptive? Of course not. But it happens often enough to make us cynical to the point of joking about such important matters. How sad!

Perhaps it is our experiences in this world that make it difficult to trust in God’s promises. We find it hard to believe when we read: “Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass.” We instinctively begin to look for loopholes. We prepare ourselves for the eventually let-down. But it doesn’t come! God is completely faithful to every promise He makes! “Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

God loves you!
Mike

What Did You Say?

2011-10-17T16:34:00.000-07:00

“Accused bank robber Thomas Love may want to invest in a typewriter or a computer printer. He was arrested Saturday shortly after he slipped a note to a teller at the WSFS Bank in New Castle, Del., demanding money, but no dye packs, police said. The teller handed him back the note. “After receiving the note, the teller could not decipher what Love had written, and handed it back to him, and asked that he rewrite it so that it could be re-read,” said a news release from the Delaware State Police. Love, either panicked or frustrated, took back his note and left the bank with no money. After he fled, the tellers conferred and determined that it had been a robbery attempt. They called the police and a description of the suspect was given to state troopers and New Castle county police. A police officer located Love and arrested him for attempted robbery. Love was unarmed and no one was injured during the incident” (Christina Ng, ABC News blogs via Yahoo News, 10-12-11).

This story illustrates the need for clear communication. In this case, poor communication had a good result -- the failure a bank robbery. But in the vast majority of cases, a lack of communication causes problems. When people don’t communicate clearly, everyone suffers. Marriages are fractured. Churches are split. Friendships are destroyed. Businesses go under. Nations go to war. The fallout can be devastating and far-reaching.

One who desires to communicate clearly will avoid empty words (Ephesians 5:6, false words (2 Peter 2:3), arrogant words (2 Peter 2:18), and wicked words (3 John 10). To a citizen of God’s kingdom, a “yes” means “yes and a “no” means “no” (Matthew 5:37). To borrow the words of Paul as he dealt with the struggle in Corinth over speaking in tongues: “...unless you utter by the tongue speech that is clear, how will it be known what is spoken?” (1 Corinthians 14:9).

Lord, please help me to communicate clearly in every area of my life.

God loves you!
Mike

Give Me The Hill Country

2011-10-13T08:43:00.000-07:00

“Now then, give me this hill country about which the Lord spoke on that day, for you heard on that day that Anakim were there, with great fortified cities; perhaps the Lord will be with me, and I will drive them out as the Lord has spoken” (Joshua 14:12)

I am always impressed when I read these words of Caleb. The past forty five years of his life had been spent enduring the wilderness wanderings of his people and fighting the battles necessary to conquer the land of promise. Now, at age eighty five, the time had finally come for him to receive his own inheritance in the land. Seems like a great time to slow down and let someone else do the hard work. For once, do the easy thing. Pitch your tent on a quiet cul-de-sac out of harm’s way and cheer others on to victory.

Not Caleb. He is still volunteering to do the difficult thing. “Give me the tough job,” he says. The sense I get from reading the text is not that everyone else declined the task, so Caleb reluctantly says, “Well, I guess I will have to do it if no one else will.” No, it appears that he was anxious for the opportunity. What a great example!

The Lord could use some “Calebs” yet today -- servants who volunteer for the difficult tasks. Instead of waiting for someone else to step up, let’s challenge each other to step out of our comfort zones. Teach the Bible class that intimidates you. If you don’t know how to teach, then learn! Support the missionary or the one training for ministry even though funds are tight. Commit yourself to being there for your spiritual family even if it is inconvenient. Reach out to that hurting person even if you don’t know them well.

Lord, please help me learn to ask for “the hill country” in my service to you. Give me the courage not to shy away from the difficult things.

God loves you!
Mike

A World Of Hurt

2011-10-03T09:42:00.000-07:00

A soldier called his mother from San Francisco Bay,
Said, “Mother, I’ll be coming home, but hear me when I say,
I want to bring a buddy, please Mom, if you don’t mind,
He has one leg, one arm, one eye, and he needs your love so kind.”
The mother told her soldier with a harsh and bitter tone,
“No, don’t bring your buddy here; find him another home.
We just don’t have a place for him, and if it’s how you say,
We sure don’t need a handicap to be here in the way.”
Then later came a telegram; the soldier boy was dead.
He took his life; they found a note, and this is what it said,
“No, don’t bring your buddy here,” his mother’s words were they,
“We sure don’t need a handicap to be here in the way.”
At last the wheels stopped turning, as the mother met the train.
She came to get her only son with tears that fell like rain.
She stared into the cold steel box to kiss her son goodbye,
And there he was, a handicap -- one leg, one arm, one eye...
(Author Unknown, The Art of Illustrating, pp. 105-06)

May we always remember that sin has disabled ALL of us. Everyone bears the battle scars of life. The body of Christ should be a refuge for the spiritually weak and crippled, not a shrine to the strong and capable. Let’s acknowledge our disabilities and support each other as we seek the Great Physician!

God loves you!
Mike

Get Even God's Way

2011-09-26T10:04:00.000-07:00

“A Christian lady owned two prize chickens that got out of their run and busied themselves in the garden of an ill-tempered neighbor. The man caught the hens, wrung their necks, and threw them back over the fence. Naturally, the woman was upset, but she didn’t get angry and rush over and scream at him. Instead, she took the birds, dressed them out, and prepared two chicken pies. Then she delivered one of the freshly baked pies to the man who had killed her hens. She apologized for not being more careful about keeping her chickens in her own yard. Her children, expecting an angry scene, hid behind a bush to see the man’s face and hear what he’d say. But he was speechless! That chicken pie and apology filled him with a burning sense of shame. But she wasn’t trying to get even. Her motive in returning good for evil was to show her neighbor true Christian love, and maybe even bring about a change of heart” (bible.org).

It is very difficult not to want to take revenge on those who mistreat us, isn’t it? For most people, the urge to “get even” is strong. We feel justified in responding to any negative action or word directed toward us with an equally negative action or word. After all, fair is fair! Sound familiar?

There is a better way! “Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. ‘But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:17-21).

“Kill” them with kindness. They won’t know what hit them!

God loves you!
Mike

What Is Your Grade?

2011-09-21T11:46:00.000-07:00

In a recent article in MoneyTalksNews titled “8 Reasons Why You Are Getting An F In Personal Finance”, Len Penzo shared several factors that can lead to financial failure. Following are the reasons he listed in his article: (1) You don’t have an emergency fund, (2) You don’t know how much you have in your bank accounts, (3) You don’t understand the difference between a want and a need, (4) You don’t know how much money you spend, (5) Your tastes exceed your spending capabilities, (6) You can’t say no, (7) You’re an impulse shopper, and (8) You worry about what others think about you. You don’t have to be a financial wizard to see the wisdom in the words that Penzo writes. Fiscal freedom isn’t rocket science! If I want to avoid financial ruin, I need to be prepared, aware, informed, and disciplined. It really is as simple as that!

I would add one more reason to Penzo’s list of contributing factors to financial failure: (9) You are leaving God out of your financial plans and decisions. While I’m confident that my financial health is not God’s primary concern in my life, He does take an interest in how I handle money. “But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:9-10). “Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU" (Hebrews 13:5). “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). Let God help you improve your finances. His advice is free!

God loves you!
Mike

Space Junk

2011-09-12T08:21:00.000-07:00

It seems that the “last frontier” is rapidly becoming a junk yard. “Space junk” refers to the growing collection of debris that is currently found in orbit around our planet. It includes things like spent rocket fuel boosters and satellites that have become useless. Then there are the remnants of collisions between satellites and anti-satellite weapons testing. Astronauts have lost gloves, tools, and cameras during space walks that are now orbiting earth at tremendous speeds. One monitoring agency reports that there are approximately 22,000 objects in orbit that are large enough to track from the ground. Left uncounted, of course, are the numerous pieces to small to be tracked.

This may not seem to be a huge problem until you realize the danger it poses to current space missions. If a piece of debris hits a manned space vehicle, lives could be lost or critical components could be irreparably damaged. A working satellite could be rendered useless by one piece of junk. And it doesn’t even take a large piece to do some damage. A fleck of paint hit the front window of the space shuttle in 1983 and left a pit over 1 millimeter wide. As the junkyard grows, so does the potential danger (Sources: Yahoo News and Wikipedia).

That sounds like life, doesn’t it? There is a lot of “junk” that comes with living my life in this modern world. Some of it is avoidable -- some is unavoidable. But the more of it that I allow to accumulate, the more dangerous it becomes. When I allow “junk” like bad attitudes, hurtful words, and selfish ambitions to remain in orbit around me, I am flirting with disaster. A stray piece of debris can damage my ability to fulfill God’s mission in my life. I can’t afford to hoard my own trash. I can’t afford to become a dumping ground for others. I need to be diligent about cleaning up the “space” around me. How about you? Is your “space” in need of cleaning?

God loves you!
Mike

Autopilot

2011-09-12T08:17:00.000-07:00

There is a new addiction that should be of concern to those who fly commercially. Researchers refer to it as “automation addiction.” Due to advances in electronics, modern airliners have the ability to almost fly themselves. Typically, autopilot is turned on about a minute and a half after takeoff and is turned off about a minute and a half prior to landing. In flight adjustments, when needed, are made by the pilot entering data into the computer rather than physically touching the controls. “Look Ma, no hands!”

But even though all of this automation has been beneficial in many ways, it has also resulted in some problems. An over-dependence on automated flight controls has apparently weakened the skills of some pilots in reacting to in-flight emergencies. There have been some fatal errors in judgment and reaction when parts of the automated electronics failed or gave false readings. We are learning that pilots who spend less and less time in actual control of the plane begin to lose some important flying skills. As one official with the FAA said, “We are forgetting how to fly” (“Automation In The Air Dulls Pilot Skill,” Joan Lowy, Associated Press, via Yahoo News).

Did you know that “automation addiction” can also be a threat to our relationship with God? It happens when we put our discipleship on autopilot. You’ve seen it happen. We sing the same songs. We pray the same prayers. We hang out with the same crowd. We hide behind the same excuses. We do the same things. We don’t do the same things. We go through the same motions. And when life is running along smoothly, autopilot can get us by. But, slowly, bit by bit, we forget how to fly...

God wants us to soar. “Yet those who wait for the LORD will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary” (Isaiah 40:11). Turn off the autopilot! With God’s help, you can really spread your wings!!

God loves you!
Mike

On The Run

2011-08-29T09:30:00.000-07:00

William Walter Asher III has spent most of his on the run. In 1966, when Asher was 20 years old, he was convicted and sentenced to 7 years to life for his part in the robbery of a San Francisco bar during which a bartender was killed. He spent several years in prison before escaping from an inmate fire camp in El Dorado County in 1975. At that point, he began his career as a fugitive. Asher began using other names and worked as a truck driver. He married and raised a family. He managed to elude authorities for 36 years. Until last Friday, that is. Using a tip regarding a secret phone number and other phone records, the FBI eventually located Asher at a home in Salida, California and finally took him into custody.

Its hard to imagine being on the run for 36 years. Always looking over your shoulder. Always having to be careful about what you said and to whom you said it. Maybe it got easier as the years past by. Perhaps Asher eventually began to believe that he had really gotten away with it. Who knows? It is reported that Asher didn’t say too much during his arrest, although he did keep asking, “How did you find me?”

Life on the run is a difficult way to live. Sadly, there are those who spend their lives running from God. For whatever reason, they decide that trying to hide from God is better than facing Him. Perhaps they think that if they ignore God, He will just go away. Whatever the reasoning, let me remind the spiritual fugitives out there that you can’t run from God forever. “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do” (Hebrews 4:13). God knows where you live. He knows what you have done and He still wants to forgive you. Why not surrender to Him now before it is too late?

God loves you!
Mike

Its A God Thing

2011-08-22T09:42:00.000-07:00

My family and I were blessed to be part of Family Camp 3 at Yellowstone Bible Camp in Montana recently. Some great friendships have been forged over the past 17 years. We get to catch up with other families who have also attended for several years. We see each other only one week each year but its almost as though we haven’t been apart. We also get to meet new families who are trying Family Camp for the first time. At first, they are a bit reserved because they are not sure what to expect. But by the end of the week, they have become another part of the YBC “family.” It truly is a piece of heaven on earth.

The camp experience for me this year was a bit different because I was chosen to be the teacher for the week. Fifteen class sessions in six days kept me a bit busier than normal. It was humbling to be asked to share God’s word with so many good friends that I love and respect. Since we are not around each other except for one week a year, I really had no idea what each heart needed to hear. I didn’t know the struggles each family was facing.

But God did. On several occasions, fellow campers would approach me and say something like: “How did you know I needed to hear that?” “It seemed like you were talking directly to me.” I could honestly say that I didn’t know and I certainly wasn’t speaking directly to any individual person or situation. But, thankfully, God DID know and He WAS working directly on specific hearts and situations.

The experience reminded me, once again, that God is the only One who can change lives. He may use me or any other servant He chooses as a conduit but it is HIS message that makes the difference. It is still HIS word that is “living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). Thank you, Father, for making a difference!

God loves you!
Mike

Bumper Car Theology

2011-08-16T10:43:00.000-07:00

I learned something at the amusement park the other day. No, I didn’t learn that I can’t tolerate wild rides. I learned that at an EARLY age and I have NEVER forgotten it. Just watching others ride on a roller coaster that spins you around, turns you upside down, and hurtles you at break-neck speed through a maze of metal makes my stomach queasy. I always stand at a safe distance with my feet rooted firmly on the ground and admire the foolish courage of others.

But I did learn that it has been too long since I have been in a bumper car. Bumper cars have always been one of my favorite amusement park attractions. They are safe, stable, and, although they do spin, it is at a much slower rate than other rides. I have never lost my lunch, or seen anyone else lose their lunch, after driving a bumper car. So as Taylor, Tessa, Emma, and I waited in line for our turn, I had a sense of anticipation rather than a sense of dread.

The ride operator opened the gate and we all chose our cars. Everyone was poised for action. And we were off! Everyone but me, I mean. I sat helplessly turning the steering wheel back and forth, but not moving an inch. Spectators and participants were all probably wondering, “What’s wrong with the old man? Why isn’t he moving?” Frankly, I was wondering the same thing. About half way through the ride, I discovered the little metal pedal under my right foot. Sheepishly, I pressed the pedal down and began wreaking bumper car havoc on the rest of the smart-alecks who hadn’t forgotten how to make their cars go.

It got me to thinking about the times I have forgotten about how to propel my service for God. There have been times in my walk with God that I have tightly gripped the steering wheel and turned it back and forth but nothing happened. Then I remembered the Power Source! Praise God for His indwelling Spirit!

God loves you!
Mike

I Want To Die Running

2011-08-16T10:40:00.000-07:00

A Wall Street Journal article from October 31, 2008 shares the story of marathon runner Joy Johnson. Lots of people compete in marathons each year, but what makes Johnson unique is her age. At the time the article was written, she was 81 years of age. She won her age division of the New York Marathon the previous year and had set her sights on winning it again in 2008.

Being a competitive marathoner is hard work at any age, but especially so when you are in your 80’s. Muscles, ligaments, and circulation begin to work against you. But Johnson works hard at maintaining her edge. Disappointed with her winning time of 7 hours in the 2007 event, she committed herself to shaving some time off of that pace. “Throughout the summer she ran 50-55 miles each week instead of 30-35. She ran hills and bleachers at the local high school football field, and she worked to build up her core strength at a running camp in Minnesota.” Incredible!

What I find most amazing about this energetic senior citizen is her attitude toward the activity she loves. She is quoted as saying: “I want to die running. That’s my goal...I’ve told my friends if I die here on this track, do not call 911 because I do not want to be revived...I say, wait a half an hour, maybe 45 minutes, then call the mortician. That’s the way I want to go.”

“I want to die running.” That’s the motto I want to adopt in the spiritual marathon that I am running. Nobody crosses the finish line of the race of life until they die. That’s why I must die running. If I want to “finish the course”, I have to kept putting one foot in front of the other until I rest in the arms of Jesus.

In case you are wondering, Joy Johnson did win her division in the 2008 New York Marathon in a time of 6 hours, 5 minutes, and 58 seconds.

God loves you!
Mike

Have You Ever Noticed...?

2011-08-02T13:31:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed that nearly every Christian wants to be part of a church family that has a lot of activities but not as many are interested in being that active?

Have you ever noticed that nearly every Christian likes to see a full church building but not as many are interested in being with their spiritual family on a regular basis?

Have you ever noticed that nearly every Christian speaks of their love for the word of God but not as many are interested in opening their Bible between Sundays?

Have you ever noticed that nearly every Christian believes that it is important to have a strong educational program in a congregation but not as many are interested in participating?

Have you ever noticed that nearly every Christian sees the need for effective and knowledgeable leaders in a church family but not as many are willing to commit and train themselves to be that kind of leader?

Have you ever noticed that nearly every Christian wants a closer relationship with God but not as many want to do whatever is necessary to make it happen?

A healthy church family is built by those who have the faith and courage to step beyond the comfort zone that is home to “nearly every Christian.” Can we take that step together?

God loves you!
Mike

Upgrade

2011-07-26T15:07:00.000-07:00

I picked up a rental car at the airport the other day. Because I’m cheap, I had reserved an economy model. All rental fleets have their “economy” line -- just basic, no frills, cheapest, get-from-point-A-to-point-B transportation. As I approached the counter, I braced myself for the inevitable sales pitch. Every rental car sales associate I have ever encountered has tried to get me to “upgrade” to a sleeker, more luxurious (read that “more expensive”) model. In fact, it just so happened that they had some special deals going on right then. What luck! But after saying “no” and a bit more arm-twisting, she handed me the paperwork and sent me out to the lot to choose a lowly economy model.

When I handed my paperwork to the lot attendant, she looked it over and said, “Sir, we are all of our economy models are out right now. Go ahead and choose any car from the full-size line.” Initially, I thought it was just another trick to pry more money out of me. So I turned to her with a skeptical look in my eye and asked, “For the same price?” “Yes, for the same price” she said. I still could hardly believe it. I was so surprised that I just jumped in the first car in line without even looking at what else was available. I had to get out of the lot before they changed their minds.

I wonder at times if that might be my reaction when I get my first glimpse of what God has in store for the faithful beyond this life (assuming, of course, that I remain faithful until the end). The figurative descriptions in the Scriptures of dwelling in the eternal presence of God likely do not do justice to the literal reality. When comparing this existence with that existence, all Paul could say is that being with Christ is “very much better” (Philippians 1:23).

What an upgrade! It may seem too good to be true, but it isn’t! Life with God is first-class, not economy-class!

God loves you!
Mike

Undefeated

2011-07-26T15:03:00.000-07:00

“I set a snare for you and you were also caught, O Babylon, while you yourself were not aware; you have been found and also seized because you have engaged in conflict with the Lord. The Lord has opened His armory and has brought forth the weapons of His indignation, for it is a work of the Lord God of hosts in the land of the Chaldeans” (Jeremiah 50:24-25).

Babylon was the military super-power of its day. Its army had the finest technology and armaments available and used them with devastating precision. No one had successfully withstood the advance of the Chaldean military machine. But as so often happens, Babylon’s superiority went to her head. In her pride and arrogance, she picked one battle too many. She chose to engage in conflict with God and that proved to be her downfall.

You see, the problem with doing battle with the Lord is that you are automatically out-manned, out-gunned, and out-resourced. You may have lots of soldiers, but God is the “Lord of hosts (armies). Are you sure you want to do battle with heavenly battalions? You may have an impressive arsenal, but it can’t match what God can unleash when He opens His armory. The overflowing coffers of the kingdom of Babylon may be available for your use, but the God of the universe has much deeper pockets.

You never win when you choose to do battle with God. Throughout history, kingdoms and nations have declared war on God, but all have failed. Many individuals have waged their own personal war with their Maker with the same result. And yet, every generation has nations or individuals who are arrogant enough to think that they will be the one who will finally defeat Him.

Think carefully before you engage in conflict with the Lord. He has put together an impressive string of victories!

God loves you!
Mike

Quench Your Thirst

2011-07-12T20:32:00.000-07:00

“With its founder dubbing it the Bentley of bottled waters, Bling H2O promises to quench consumers' thirst for both "award-winning" spring water and the luxe life. Part of a wave of high-end bottled water launches in recent years, Bling's elixir starts at $20 for a small bottle and can run as much as $2,600 -- if you opt for a 750-milliliter vessel hand-encrusted with more than 10,000 Swarovski crystals. (Display case and white gloves included.) The bottle might scream L.A., but the water comes from a more humble source: the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. The company that bottles the water for Bling says its water is sold under about 90 brand names in the U.S. -- including one that prices its bottles at $2.49 each, available at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store locations. (Drinkers who prefer a glass bottle, which better preserves taste, can buy the Tennessee water under yet another name, for $35 a case.) Bling's founder, Kevin Boyd, doesn't dispute that his company's water comes from the Tennessee bottler but says the "couture" packaging justifies its price, especially with its hand-applied crystals and customizable designs. "I'm not just selling a water," he says, "but a lifestyle.”” (“Dumb Money: Six Products That Aren’t Worth It,” SmartMoney, June 29, 2011).

Although a $2600 bottle of water is disturbing on several levels, one of the biggest drawbacks is that you will eventually get thirsty again. Why not seek for refreshment than will quench your thirst forever? Jesus offers water that can do just that. Speaking to a woman at a well, Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life” (John 4:13-14). You know the best part of all? It’s free! (Revelation 21:6; cf. 22:17). Stock up on it now!

God loves you!
Mike

The Price Of Pride

2011-07-05T09:44:00.000-07:00

As states scramble to balance their budgets, I suppose it was inevitable. In a Wall Street Journal article, Nancy Keates reports the following: “After years of selling vanity plates as a modest sideline—charging as little as $5—states think there's more money to be made in whatever drives people to buy them. Facing budget crunches, states are raising surcharges or proposing annual fee hikes for custom plates. Texas has gone a step further. It hired a private company to raise $25 million over the next five years by auctioning off vanity plates. "People like to express themselves, especially in Texas," says a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. This year, at the nation's first such auction, Texas sold 33 plates for $139,400...Other countries have already mined this vein, with big results. A businessman in Abu Dhabi bought a license plate with "1" at an auction for $14.3 million in 2008. Last year, in England, a retired businessman bought "1 RH"—his initials—for about $400,000. Hong Kong sold a plate that read "STORAGE" for $12,000” (online.wsj.com).

In modern usage, vanity is defined as… “excessive pride in one's appearance, qualities, abilities, (or) achievements” (dictionary.reference.com). And the price of such an attitude has ALWAYS been high. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling. It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud” (Proverbs 16:18-19). “A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor” (Proverbs 29:23). “For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think ; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith” (Romans 12:3).

Is it a sin to have a vanity license plate? No. Is it dangerous and costly to be consumed with pride? Yes. Can you afford it???

God loves you!
Mike

Leslie Faith Anderson

2011-07-03T14:43:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday, June 29th, our second granddaughter was born at home to our youngest son, Lane and his wife, Sandra. We now are grandparents of three. Leslie instantly has cousins, Connor and Cadie. The overwhelming joy we felt at our first grandchild's birth is duplicated over and over. What a wonderful layer to this thing called love. Leslie seems to be a very laid back baby and already sleeps very well. We are blessed beyond words to be able to be close to all our children and grandchildren. One more tiny person to love, one more to pray for, one more to hug, kiss, read to, play with and teach about things eternal. Thank you Father for grandchildren.

Imitation

2011-06-28T10:23:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who gathered last evening at the memorial service for our dear sister Charline Yerian. Many people shared how their lives were touched by this remarkable servant of God. Several remarked about how she was such a great example of faithfulness, kindness, and generosity. Although the blue chair with armrests at the back of the auditorium is now vacant, the influence of her example will continue to be present among us.

While Charline can never be replaced, we continue to need godly role models just like her. Who will have the courage to be the next model of godly service and faithfulness in our spiritual family? Who will choose to step up and be the humble disciple that younger disciples can safely imitate?

We may be tempted to say, “That’s not for me! I don’t want to be an example for others.” But we are an example to others whether we like it or not. The only real choice we have is regarding what kind of example we are going to be. Will we be an example that inspires others to greater Christian faithfulness and service or will we be an example that does the opposite?

The baton is being passed in the marathon of faithfulness. Who will run the next leg of the race? While it is never too late to start, it is also never too early to start. This is not just a job for senior saints. There is always a pair of younger eyes watching how we live and serve God. Let’s rise to the task before us!
“Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

God loves you!
Mike

Promises, Promises...

2011-06-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

“Then they said to Jeremiah, ‘May the Lord be a true and faithful witness against us if we do not act in accordance with the whole message with which the Lord your God will send you to us. Whether it is pleasant or unpleasant, we will listen to the voice of the Lord our God to whom we are sending you, so that it may go well with us when we listen to the voice of the Lord our God’” (Jeremiah 42:5-6).

Promises of faithfulness come easiest when God’s people are most desperate. Those who survived the destruction of Jerusalem were fearful of Babylonian reprisals in response to the assassination of Gedaliah, King Nebuchadnezzar’s appointed governor over Judah. They began making plans to run to Egypt, but they paused long enough to ask Jeremiah to seek God’s will in the matter. “Please tell us what to do, God! We promise we will do it -- even if we don’t like it!”

Ten days later, Jeremiah gives the people God’s unpleasant answer. It was God’s will for the people to stay in the land of Judah and trust His protection. But that wasn’t what they wanted to hear. God’s words were barely out of Jeremiah’s mouth before they refused to honor their promise to listen to Him and do whatever He says. “So Johanan the son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces, and all the people, did not obey the voice of the Lord to stay in the land of Judah” (Jeremiah 43:4).

All cultures understand it. The Chinese say it this way: “Talk doesn’t cook rice.” The Arabs say it this way: “A promise is a cloud; fulfillment is rain.” Our own Benjamin Franklin said: “Well done is better than well said.” However you say it, actions do speak louder than words. Promising to listen to God whether you like what He tells you or not is a grand intention. But true faithfulness to God is best measured by actions, not words. Faith without works is STILL dead!

God loves you!
Mike

Word Games

2011-06-06T15:49:00.000-07:00

“...Then all the remnant of Judah who have gone to the land of Egypt to reside there will know whose word will stand, Mine or theirs” (Jeremiah 44:28).

God had mercifully spared a remnant of His people from the destruction that fell upon Judah and Jerusalem. One would think that these individuals, more than any others, would understand the importance of hearing and obeying the words of God. But instead of remaining in the land of Judah as God told them, they fled for refuge in Egypt. And even in that foreign land, God continues to reach out to His rebellious children through the prophet, Jeremiah. He reminds them of what they had already seen and experienced (44:2-6). He confronts them concerning their own stubborn rebelliousness and warns them of the consequences (44:7-14). Incredibly, the people claim they were better off doing things their own way! They had convinced themselves that life was better when they carrying out their own words (44:15-19). God closes the chapter by saying that He is not going to argue with them over the matter. They would know soon enough whose words would stand the test of time.

My words are no match for God’s words. In a contest of words with God, I’m unarmed and disqualified. God’s words will stand long after my words are forgotten. Therefore, when I read Jeremiah 44, I am amazed at the audacity of the Judean refugees in Egypt. How dare they exalt their own words over the word of God! But when I am honest with myself, I have to admit that the temptation is there. After all, am I not “entitled” to my opinion? Not when that opinion contradicts, ignores, or exalts itself over God’s words! Aren’t my words important? Not in comparison to God’s words!

When I am tempted to play word games with God, may I be ready to echo the words and actions of Job: “Behold I am insignificant; what can I reply to you? I lay my hand on my mouth” (Job 40:4).

God loves you!
Mike

The Big Picture

2011-05-31T10:26:00.000-07:00

Researchers at the University of Alabama are using modern technology to uncover ancient ruins. Instead of digging and sifting through tons of dirt by hand, these scientists used satellite images taken by powerful infrared cameras orbiting some 400 miles above the surface of the earth. These images have allowed the researchers to “see” the ruins lying underneath the earth’s surface. So far, they “...have located seventeen lost pyramids, 1,000 tombs and more than 3,000 ancient settlements in Egypt.” Already being referred to as “space archaeology,” this new technology holds a lot of promise for efforts in studying the past. A lead scientist on the project was quoted as saying: “Indiana Jones is old school, we’ve moved on from Indy; sorry Harrison Ford” (Source: http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/05/25/17-lost-egyptian-pyramids-space/).

The implications of these new techniques for the field of archaeology are truly staggering. But in a more general way, this article reminded me again of how greater insight is often gained by stepping back rather than getting closer to any particular situation. As the old saying goes, “sometimes we can’t see the forest for the trees.” This is true in family problems. Those most directly involved in a family issue are often unable to deal with it in an effective way because they are too closely involved. Sometimes assistance from one not so closely involved is necessary to help the family step back and see the big picture. Congregations can also have the same struggles. We get caught up in the day-to-day issues and problems of life because that is where we live. If we are not careful, we can become so narrowly focused that we also miss the big picture.

When we view the work of God from “satellite distance”, some amazing things start to happen. We begin to see opportunities we have never seen before. Problems and fears begin to shrink when they are compared to the plans and desires of God. Let’s take a deep breath, step back, and look at the big picture.

God loves you!
Mike

Did You Miss Judgment Day?

2011-05-24T09:55:00.000-07:00

If you are reading this article, a false prophet has been exposed once again. Harold Camping, a Bay Area radio preacher, has been boldly predicting that the Judgment Day of God would occur on Saturday, May 21, 2011. His own website (familyradio.com) clearly describes what was to take place: “On May 21, 2011, two events will occur. These events could not be more opposite in nature, the one more wonderful than can be imagined; the other more horrific than can be imagined. A great earthquake will occur -- the Bible describes it as "such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great." This earthquake will be so powerful it will throw open all graves. The remains of the all the believers who have ever lived will be instantly transformed into glorified spiritual bodies to be forever with God. On the other hand, the bodies of all unsaved people will be thrown out upon the ground to be shamed. The inhabitants who survive this terrible earthquake will exist in a world of horror and chaos beyond description. Each day people will die until October 21, 2011 when God will completely destroy this earth and its surviving inhabitants.” In answer to the question “What if May 21 ends and nothing occurs?”, the website gives this answer: “The Biblical evidence is too overwhelming and specific to be wrong...God in His mercy has revealed the vital information needed to know the day. Judgment Day on May 21, 2011 will occur because the bible declares it.” So...since it didn’t happen, I guess God and the Bible are to blame, not Mr. Camping!

Time will tell what excuses Camping offers for HIS failure. Sadly, some of his disciples will become disillusioned and give up on God altogether. Others will continue to blindly fund his ministry, enabling him to continue to mislead others. And the world will laugh at the rest of us who believe in God and endeavor to teach what the Bible really says. Sigh...

God loves you!
Mike

You Talk Funny

2011-05-16T07:37:00.000-07:00

Karen Butler hasn’t been the same since she had oral surgery a year and a half ago. While the swelling and numbness didn’t last too long for the Newport, Oregon woman, an unexpected side effect has remained. Butler came out of anesthesia with a foreign accent. That’s right -- this native Oregonian now sounds like she grew up in the British Isles or Australia. Doctors have diagnosed her with a neurological condition known as “foreign accent syndrome.” It is quite rare, with only 60 recorded cases over the last 100 years. Normally, it is caused by strokes, but it has also been linked to migraines, head injuries, and multiple sclerosis. In Butler’s case, doctors are puzzled over what brought it on, since the normal factors don’t appear to be present. Regardless of the reason, oral surgery changed Karen Butler’s life. She no longer speaks like she once did.

When God operates on our hearts, our speech is expected to change. “But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices” (Colossians 3:8-9). “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person” (Colossians 4:6). “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29). “...(A)nd there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks” (Ephesians 5:4). “...(F)rom the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way” (James 3:10).

May we all be afflicted with spiritual “foreign accent syndrome.” May the words we choose and the way we talk reveal us to be foreigners (Philippians 3:20).

God loves you!
Mike

Rivalries

2011-05-16T07:34:00.001-07:00

“After having dug to a depth of 10 meters last year, Scottish scientists found traces of copper wire dating back 100 years and came to the conclusion that their ancestors had a telephone network more than 100 years ago. Not to be outdone by the Scots, in the weeks that followed English scientists dug to a depth of 20 meters. Shortly thereafter, headlines in the English newspapers read: ‘English archaeologists have found traces of 200-year-old copper wire and have concluded their ancestors had an advanced high-tech communication network a hundred years earlier than the Scots. One week later, The Kerrymen, a southwest Irish newspaper, reported the following: ‘After digging as deep as 30 meters in peat bog near Tralee, Paddy O Droll, a self-taught archaeologist, reported that he found absolutely nothing. Paddy has therefore concluded that 300 years ago, Ireland had already gone wireless’” (Glad Tidings of Good Things, Vol. 30, May 6, 2010).

The humor in this fictitious story is strengthened by the real-life rivalries between the countries involved. Most of us have a competitive streak at one level or another and a good-natured rivalry can be beneficial in many ways. But rivalries can also become unhealthy. Jesus had to deal with an unhealthy attitude of rivalry among His own disciples. “John said to Him, ‘Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.’ But Jesus said, ‘Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is for us’” (Mark 9:38-40).

In the midst of our efforts to advance the kingdom of God, let’s remember that every disciple of Jesus Christ is on the same team. We are not rivals. There is no need to oppose or denigrate the efforts of a teammate. If you are not against me, you are for me. Serving Christ is a community effort, not a competition.

God loves you!
Mike

Little Is Much

2011-05-03T18:21:00.000-07:00

“Thus says the Lord, ‘Do not deceive yourselves, saying, “The Chaldeans will surely go away from us,” for they will not go. For even if you have defeated the entire of Chaldeans who were fighting against you, and there were only wounded men left among them, each man in his tent, they would rise up and burn this city with fire’” (Jeremiah 37:9-10).

We are impressed when we read the biblical stories of how God’s people were able to win unlikely victories over more numerous and better equipped enemies. By the power of God, they were able to overcome great odds. I’m thinking of men like Gideon who, with God’s help and a small army of 300 men, routed the combined forces of the Midianite and Amalekite armies (Judges 7). Who can forget the young shepherd boy who, with God’s help and some skill in handling a sling, became a giant slayer (1 Samuel 17)? In fact, during the reign of King Hezekiah, God defeated the entire Assyrian army without a single soldier of Judah going to battle (2 Kings 19)! The size and strength of the enemy doesn’t matter when God is with you.

But we also need to remember that the opposite is true. The size and strength of the enemy doesn’t matter when God is opposed to you. In the time of Jeremiah, God brought the Chaldean army against His own people to discipline them for their rebellion. Jerusalem was under siege and the people of Judah were doing what they could to survive the onslaught. For a brief time, the Chaldeans lifted the siege to engage the Egyptian army that was coming to Judah’s aid. Those in Judah were encouraged by this turn of events. Maybe they would escape! But God warns them not to get their hopes up. He tells them the Chaldeans would accomplish their God-given task even if their army was reduced to just a handful of wounded soldiers.

Little is much when God is in it...regardless of whether you are for Him or against Him.

God loves you!
Mike

Burning Words

2011-04-25T10:29:00.000-07:00

“Then the king sent Jehudi to get the scroll, and he took it out of the chamber of Elishama the scribe. And Jehudi read it to the king as well as to all the officials who stood beside the king. Now the king was sitting in the winter house in the ninth month, with a fire burning in the brazier before him. When Jehudi had read three or four columns, the king cut it with a scribe’s knife and threw it into the fire that was in the brazier. Yet the king and all his servants who heard all these words were not afraid, nor did they rend their garments” (Jeremiah 36:21-24).

King Jehoiakim of Judah heard difficult words on that cold winter day long ago. As Jehudi read God’s words of warning to His people, the king was faced with an important choice. Would he listen to the words and make the necessary changes in his life as his father Josiah had done (2 Kings 22:8-20) or would he continue to ignore God’s appeal? Sadly, Jehoiakim chose the latter. In fact, he brazenly displays his defiance by destroying the scroll itself -- as if destroying the words would somehow alter his responsibility to heed them.

The authority of the word of God is not found in the ink or the paper on which it is written but in the God Who spoke it. You can shred every page and burn every book in which the words of God are recorded, but you cannot evade the God behind the words. Isaiah reminds us that “...the grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8). You can’t change the word of God by slicing it, burning it, or ignoring it. “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89). You can ban the word of God but you can never ban the God of the word. Instead of burning the word of God, let it kindle a fire in you!

God loves you!
Mike

I Am An Addict

2011-04-18T11:38:00.000-07:00

I attended a seminar hosted by a local church recently that was designed to share information about how concerned individuals and organizations can be involved in reaching out to hurting segments of society in El Dorado county. Presentations were given by county agencies, support groups, private enterprises, and churches about how they were helping those who were homeless, those who were suffering with mental problems, and those who were battling addictions. Speakers included some with advanced degrees in their field of expertise as well as others with no letters after their name but with a wealth of experience in reaching out to help others in desperate circumstances. Each one spoke about their specific efforts to help and shared practical information regarding what works well and what doesn’t work very well.

I was particularly impressed by the group representing Narcotics Anonymous. Their presentations weren’t as polished as some of the others. In fact, you could tell that they were nervous but they still did a great job of telling us about how they help those who are fighting addictions. But as good as their information was, I was most impressed by how they introduced themselves. The first words spoken by all three were these: “Hi, my name is ________________ and I am an addict.” I realize that such statements are part of their recovery process, but what courage it must take to stand before others and admit to your own struggles! It appeared that they had all made great strides in conquering the addictions that had nearly ruined their lives. But they remind themselves and others often that they will always battle the temptation to relapse.

Would my life as a Christian change if I started introducing myself like this: “Hi, I’m Mike and I am a sinner”? Perhaps an on-going reminder like that would make me more vigilant against temptations, more patient and forgiving when wronged, and more thankful for My Savior. I just might be less prideful, less impatient, and less judgmental. What do you think?

God loves you!
Mike

Man's Best Friend

2011-04-12T15:00:00.000-07:00

On Friday evening, April 1, a toddler (not quite two years of age) wandered into a densely wooded area near his South Carolina home. Young Tyler Jacobson was dressed only in a T-shirt and diaper. When his mother and her boyfriend discovered that the child was missing, they called authorities and a frantic search was begun. The search effort continued throughout the night as temperatures dropped to within a few degrees of freezing. It was Saturday morning before a volunteer heard the youngster crying. He was found some 200 yards from a road about a quarter of a mile from his home. Other than a few scrapes, he seems to be doing fine.

How did he survive his ordeal? Apparently, you can thank the family pet! When Tyson was found, the family’s Labrador mix was by his side. It is surmised that the toddler curled up with the dog to keep warm during the long, cold night. “I think the dog wanted to make sure the boy was all right,” said Chief Marvin Brown from the Kershaw County Sheriff’s office. “We found the boy and the dog was right there with him. The dog went missing the same time the boy did” (source: “Dog Credited With Saving Missing S.C. Boy,” Edmund DeMarche, Foxnews.com).

There’s something to be said for a friend (human or animal) who won’t leave your side when you need them most. But it is even more important to have a God Who promises to never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). You see, every so often I wander off, spiritually speaking. It seems like a grand adventure at first, but then the forest closes in around me and, suddenly, I can’t find my way home. Its then, like little Tyson Jacobson, that I cry out for help. What a comfort it is to know that the God who was near in times of safety is also near when I have wandered off. He hears my cry and gently leads me back home.

God loves you!
Mike

Spoiler Alert!

2011-04-05T09:26:00.000-07:00

If you read movie reviews, you have likely encountered the phrase “SPOILER ALERT” at the beginning of some articles. In case you haven’t seen the particular movie under discussion, the writer is warning you that he or she will be revealing details about the plot that may “spoil” your experience as a first-time viewer. So be forewarned! If you don’t want to learn of the movie’s twists and turns ahead of time and if you don’t want to know how the movie ends, do not read any farther!

If you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, I have a spiritual “spoiler alert” for you. But I dare you to read on because this is knowledge can actually help you. Okay. Get ready. (Stop reading NOW if you don’t need any assistance in your spiritual life!) Here it comes.... GOD WINS!!! In the on-going battle between the forces of good and evil, God wins. In spite of all the struggles of this cinematic drama we call life, God wins. When it appears that the “bad guy” has the upper hand, God wins. Just when the scenes get dark and scary, God wins. There you have it. The cat is out of the bag.

If we are children of God, that makes us winners as well! When we know how the movie ends, it can change the way we live. Because God wins, we have an antidote for fear in the scariest of situations. Because God wins, we have hope even when all hope appears to be gone. Because God wins, we have an anchor point that will hold in the roughest storms of life. Because God wins, we have a power source that strengthens us in times of desperate weakness.

Isn’t it great to learn that God wins before the movie is over? Now we can enjoy the show! No matter what happens, we know how it will all end. When the credits of our lives begin to roll, we know that God gets all the credit. Isn’t it great to be spoiled?

God loves you!
MIke

You Asked Me To Do What, God???

2011-03-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

“Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have your welfare” (Jeremiah 29:7).

As a result of the discipline of God, a large number of the citizens of Judah had already been taken to the land of Babylon as captives. Everything familiar had been stripped away and they were now forced to live as captives in a foreign land where very little was familiar. How the captives must have longed for home! It is easy to see why they were eager to listen to some prophets who began to tell them what they wanted to hear -- that they wouldn’t be in Babylon for very long. But Jeremiah’s message from God was very different. He told them to get settled in because they would be there for 70 years! They might as well assimilate themselves into Babylonian society because they would not be going home any time soon (Jeremiah 29:5-6). Tough message, huh? But it was about to get tougher. Not only does Jeremiah tell them to settle in for the long haul but then he tells them to pray for good things to happen to their captors! Tough message indeed!

As a child of God, I am also called to do some tough things. I am instructed to love my enemies and do good to those who hate me (Luke 6:27). I am told to pray and be thankful for governmental leaders, regardless of the kind of people they are or the ideas they promote (1 Timothy 2:1-3). I am called to regard others as more important than myself (Philippians 2:3). I must refuse to let any unwholesome word leave my mouth (Ephesians 4:29). Tough instructions? Every last one of them! Hard to do? No doubt about it! But God didn’t check with me first to see if I wanted to do them or if I thought they were fair. He just tells me to do it. Will I or won’t I???

God loves you!
Mike

Like A Vapor

2011-03-21T14:47:00.000-07:00

The pictures of the devastation experienced by the nation of Japan recently as the result of earthquakes and tsunamis are terrifying. Walls of water, mud, and debris raced across the landscape, destroying everything in their path. Entire houses, cars, and boats floating along like toys in a bathtub. I couldn’t help but think that people were losing their lives as I watched. There must have been families in some of those houses. There must have been workers in some of those buildings and fields. There must have been some passengers in some of those cars and boats. Some had time to escape but others didn’t. But my guess is that probably everyone got up that morning and thought that the coming day would be just like any other day. Little did they know that the coming day would be unlike any other day they had ever experienced.

I do the same thing. My waking thoughts are never filled with visions of a coming catastrophic event. I can’t remember ever starting a day with serious doubts as to whether I would live through it. Usually, I’m thinking about what I am going to do and where I need to be (James 4:13). I naively move from moment to moment as if they were owed to me. But they are not. Maybe next time, it will be me swallowed up by water and mud. Perhaps my life will be cut short by a natural (or unnatural) disaster. Maybe the drunk driver will hit my car or maybe it will be my heart that skips one too many beats. Who knows???

I realize the tone of this piece is a bit dark, but from time to time I need a heavy dose of reality. What happened in Japan is one of those reality checks. It re-emphasized for me that life can be a fragile and fleeting thing (James 4:14). And I am reminded that, while I can’t control the future, I can be ready for whatever the future brings. Jesus Christ is disaster insurance!

God loves you!
Mike

The Good Part

2011-03-16T14:59:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, I watched as my five-year-old grandson was eating his snack of frosted mini-wheats. He had several pieces of the cereal lined up in neat rows, frosting side up, on the chair next to him. I also noticed that there were still some pieces of cereal in the plastic baggie. As I continued to watch, it became clear what was happening. He would pick up one of the mini-wheats from the chair, eat the frosting off of it, and then return the now un-frosted portion back to the bag. I picked up the plastic bag and, sure enough, each piece in there had the frosting gone. I almost said something to him about the need to eat all of the cereal but then thought better of it. After all, there isn’t any law that says you have to eat every last bit of your mini-wheats, is there? I’m sure it made perfect sense in his young mind. Why eat the dry, unappealing part when you can go straight to the “good” part?

It is a strategy, by the way, that would earn a stamp of approval from the Son of God. Luke tells of a time when some friends of Jesus disagreed over some priorities. During a visit by Jesus to their home, Martha was “distracted by all her preparations” (i.e. the “wheat” part of frosted mini-wheats). On the other hand, her sister Mary was seated at the feet of Jesus, listening to Him teach (i.e. the “frosted” part of frosted mini-wheats). In answer to Martha’s charge of a lack of concern, Jesus praises Mary’s choice of going straight to the “good” part. He reminds Martha that “...only a few things are necessary, really only one, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42).

Yes, the unappealing parts of life must be given our attention. But let me encourage you to go straight to the good parts from time to time. Ignore the wheat and head for the frosting!

God loves you!
Mike

Veterans

2011-03-08T18:54:00.000-08:00

The last U.S. veteran of World War I died last Sunday at the age of 110. Frank Buckles was born in Missouri in 1901. In 1917, he joined thousands of his fellow Americans in seeking to enlist to serve in the “war to end all wars.” But there was one little problem. At age 16, Buckles was too young. He lied about his age when he tried to enlist with the Marines. He said he was 18 but was told he needed to be 21. He went back a week later and told them he was 21. He was rejected because he didn’t weigh enough. Buckles then tried the Navy but was told he had flat feet. Undaunted, he moved on to the Army. When challenged to provide a birth certificate, the teenager said, "I told him birth certificates were not made in Missouri when I was born, that the record was in a family Bible. I said, 'You don't want me to bring the family Bible down, do you?'" Buckles said with a laugh. "He said, 'OK, we'll take you.'" His official enlistment date was August 14, 1917 and Buckles served in England and France, working mainly as a driver and a warehouse clerk. Although he never saw combat and the armistice was signed between the Allies and Germany on November 11, 1918, this underage soldier answered his nation’s call. Thank you, Frank Buckles (and all other veterans), for doing your part. I am a grateful beneficiary of your courage and service (Source: foxnews.com).

I am also reminded of the indebtedness I have to the spiritual soldiers who have gone before me. There are many who have helped to secure my spiritual heritage in Jesus Christ. The spiritual battles they have fought in their lives are an example and inspiration for me. Let’s all remember to thank the spiritual veterans in our lives before it is too late. Some final food for thought: Who will rise up and take their places in the trenches for the next generation?

God loves you!
Mike

Dealing With The Consequences

2011-03-08T18:51:00.000-08:00

I recently received a mailing from a kind of business I never even knew existed. The name of the company is Aftermath and they specialize in crime scene and tragedy clean-up. Here is an excerpt from their brochure that describes their mission: “Dealing with the death or serious injury of a family member, loved one, or co-worker is perhaps the most difficult and stressful situation most people will ever face. When that event is the result of a violent crime, tragic accident, or suicide, dealing with its consequences can be even more demanding. Its at times like these when Aftermath is the only choice for comprehensive and reputable biological remediation and clean-up services... Aftermath has extensive experience in responding to and cleaning up following situations such as homicide, self-inflicted injury and death, and unattended death.”

At first, I couldn’t imagine doing something like this for a living. Day in and day out, you would be dealing with the remnants of human tragedy. Who could handle such a thing? Would it be possible to go home from work and leave the scenes and events of the day behind you? But as I thought more about it, I had to admit that there was a need for such a service. After all, how could one expect a traumatized family to attend to such details? It is a job best left to others who do not have emotional ties to the tragedy itself.

Picking up the pieces of shattered lives. That describes the work of companies like Aftermath. It also describes a large part of what we do as followers of Jesus Christ. Those who were hurting were attracted to Jesus. The Savior welcomed those who were dealing with the tragedies of life. As we make our way through this world, we will also encounter those who need help cleaning up after traumatic events. Will we be ready to step in and help? No, it won’t be pretty. Yes, it will be difficult. But if we wish to be like Jesus, it is our calling.

God loves you!
Mike

Lend A Hand

2011-02-22T19:18:00.000-08:00

“But the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah, so that he was not given into the hands of the people to put him to death” (Jeremiah 26:24).

Jeremiah had already endured much in his efforts to share the message of God with his rebellious countrymen. He had been beaten and put in stocks. He had become a laughingstock and a mockery. Even his friends and relatives had turned against him. But now the opposition had turned deadly. The false priests and prophets of Judah pronounced a death sentence upon God’s prophet and incited a lynch mob to support their cause. Some officials of the king arrive on the scene as the crowd encircles Jeremiah. They hold an impromptu hearing in hopes of getting to the facts of the case. The leaders of Judah continue to call for the death of God’s prophet. Jeremiah refuses to back down in the face of their threats. The elders of Judah try to inject some sanity into the proceedings with a historical perspective. You could cut the tension with a knife.

But then, a single, courageous individual stood by Jeremiah in his darkest hour. The rest of the Scriptures tell us precious little about Ahikam. But this one act on his part speaks volumes about the kind of person he was. He was willing to put himself at risk by taking the side of someone in desperate need of a friend. Who’s to say that the crowd wouldn’t turn on him as well? Wouldn’t it be more prudent to just stay out of the way and not get involved? Not for Ahikam!

Is there someone you know who could use some help standing firm in the face of life’s struggles? Lord, please help me to have the courage to lend my hand to those in desperate circumstances. Please help me to have the conviction to stand with others who are struggling to stand on their own. May I resist being swayed by the fickle court of public opinion.

God loves you!
Mike

Losers

2011-02-15T16:31:00.000-08:00

The headline in the sports section of the Columbus Dispatch revealed the bad news in large font: “Trail Blazers 111, Cavaliers 105: Futility mark belongs to Cavs.” On February 5, the Cleveland Cavaliers earned the dubious distinction of setting the NBA record for consecutive losses in a single season. Their loss to the Portland Trailblazers marked their 24th consecutive loss in a row, vaulting them past the 1997\98 Denver Nuggets. Apparently, the post-Lebron James era for the Cavs has been, to put it mildly, difficult. The opening sentences in the previously-mentioned article were painfully blunt: “The losing streak has been long, painful and embarrassing. It's now historic. The Cleveland Cavaliers have the NBA's record for futility all to themselves.”

The even-worse news is that the human race can sympathize with the Cavaliers. We have our own long, painful, and embarrassing record of futility. Ever since the failure of Adam and Eve, we have been amassing an unbreakable record of consecutive defeats. We’ve earned every bit of the negative press we have received. One “reporter” put it this way: “There is none righteous, not even one; there is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God; all have turned aside, together they have become useless; there is none who does good, there is not even one” (Romans 3:10-12). How do I know all this? Because I have contributed my own fair share of sinful defeats to the losing streak.

The good news is that we don’t have to be known as losers forever. We can become part of a winning team. The Son of God has a winning streak that surpasses our losing streak. In fact, He has never been defeated. Mercifully, God has provided a way for humanity’s embarrassing record of futility to be removed from the record books. By God’s grace and through my faith in Him, I am on a winning team. I am a child of God. Even though I still fail, don’t call me a loser! I am a winner in Jesus!

God loves you!
Mike

Dreamers

2011-02-15T16:17:00.000-08:00

“How long? Is there anything in the hearts of the prophets who prophesy falsehood, even these prophets of the deception of their own heart, who intend to make My people forget My name by their dreams which they relate to one another, just as their fathers forgot My name because of Baal? The prophet who has a dream my relate his dream, but let him who has My word speak My word in truth. What does straw have in common with grain?” declares the Lord (Jeremiah 23:26-28).

We need dreamers in our world – visionary men and women who are not afraid to think “outside of the box.” We are all beneficiaries of advances made in numerous fields because someone dared to do what others believed was too difficult or even impossible. We have cures for diseases today because someone dreamed of the possibilities and did countless experiments and tests until a breakthrough was made. We have technology that allows us to instantly communicate with each other at any point on earth because someone dreamed of the possibilities and kept working to make it a reality. Thank God for the dreamers among us!

Dreamers are also valuable in the kingdom of God. We need those who can see beyond our human weaknesses and help us to look with eyes of faith at the possibilities before us. But a caution is called for at this point. It is possible that our dreams for God’s people may not be God’s dreams for His people. That was one of the problems in Judah in Jeremiah’s day. False prophets were sharing their own dreams instead of God’s word. Remember – just because someone claims his dream comes from God doesn’t necessarily make it so.

There is a clear difference between our dreams and a “Thus saith the Lord.” It’s like comparing straw with wheat. That doesn’t mean that God is against our dreams. God isn’t opposed to visionaries. You and I can share our dreams for the people of God. Just don’t baptize them with divine authority.

God loves you!
Mike

Do I Know God?

2011-02-01T11:22:00.000-08:00

“Woe to him who builds his house without righteousness and his upper rooms without justice, who uses his neighbor’s services without pay and does not give him his wages, who says, ‘I will build myself a roomy house with spacious upper rooms, and cut out its windows, paneling it with cedar and painting it red.’ Do you become a king because you are competing in cedar? Did not your father eat and drink and do justice and righteousness? Then it was well with him. He pled the cause of the afflicted and needy; then it was well. Is not that what it means to know Me?” declares the Lord (Jeremiah 22:15-16).

Surely King Jehoiakim of Judah knew the Lord, didn’t he? Is it possible to be king of the people of God without knowing the God of the people? According to God, the answer is “Yes.” Sadly, it is common for human rulers to build their empires on the over-burdened backs of those they are leading. Jehoiakim was no exception. What makes it worse is that he had convinced himself that “competing in cedar” (i.e. accumulating material wealth at the expense of others) was the mark of godly leadership. God wastes no time dispelling such a wicked notion. He reminds Jehoiakim that his father, King Josiah, made a name for himself in a different way. Sure, he also enjoyed the privileges that come with being a king, but he was also careful to give attention to issues that matter to God. Issues like justice and righteousness. Issues like standing up for the afflicted and needy. Truly knowing God is evidenced by a life that seeks to honor His standards for godly living in every area of life.

That is a powerful lesson which we would all do well to learn. It is so tempting to claim to know God but live in ways that ignore Him. Jesus continues to ask us a penetrating question: “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? Fair question, isn’t it?

God loves you!
Mike

An Alien Place

2011-01-25T09:12:00.000-08:00

“...Behold I am about to bring a calamity upon this place, at which the ears of everyone that hears of it will tingle. Because they have forsaken Me and have made this an alien place and have burned sacrifices in it to other gods, that neither they nor their forefathers nor the kings of Judah had ever known, and because they have filled this place with the blood of the innocent and have built the high places of Baal to burn their sons in the fire as burnt offerings to Baal, a thing which I never commanded or spoke of, nor did it ever enter My mind” (Jeremiah 19:3-5).

The Bible speaks of Jerusalem as the “holy city.” It is so designated because it had been set apart by God for special purposes. It was home to the Temple, the location God had chosen for His name and presence to dwell. It was recognized as the center of worship and government for the people of God. But by the time Jeremiah spoke the words of God recorded above, Jerusalem had become spiritually unrecognizable. As the prophet and some of the leaders of Judah stood in the southern part of the city overlooking the Hinnom valley, an strange landscape filled their eyes. Perhaps the acrid smoke of idolatrous sacrifices rose to fill their nostrils. Perhaps chants of devotion to false gods rose to fill their ears. The holy city had become “an alien place”, something far removed from the original plans and purposes of God.

What happened to Jerusalem can also happen to human hearts. A heart devoted to the service of God is a “holy place.” It is a dwelling place of the Father. But when wickedness is allowed to enter and grow, the landscape begins to change. Bit by bit, God is forced out. And before long, a heart once devoted to God becomes “an alien place.”

Lord, please help me never to let my own heart become a place that You would not recognize.

God loves you!
Mike

The "Hughes" Approach

2011-01-18T19:30:00.000-08:00

“In April 2003, National Public Radio aired a news story about a standoff between an angry mob of Iraqi Shiites and a heavily armored patrol from the American 101st Airborne Division. Fearing that the soldiers were about to desecrate their holy shrine, hundreds of unarmed civilians pressed in toward the soldiers, waving their hands and shouting defiantly. Although the patrol’s intentions were peaceful, the standoff would most likely have ended in tragedy – had it not been for the quick thinking of U.S. Lt. Col. Christopher Hughes. The commanding officer that day, Hughes picked up a loudspeaker and barked three simple commands to his group. First, he told them to take a knee; second, to point their weapons toward the ground; and finally, to look up and give everyone in the hostile crowd a friendly smile. Within moments of obeying his orders, NPR reported, the troops saw the crowd’s demeanor transform. Hostility and defiance melted away, as smiles and friendly pats on the back replaced shaking fists and screaming voices” (Doug Pollock, Outreach, July\August 2005).

What a great model for interacting with those who need to hear about Jesus! Our efforts to share the good news with unbelievers can get off on the wrong foot when we approach them in a “hostile” way. No, I’m not talking about threatening anyone with physical violence if they don’t listen. That would obviously be ungodly as well as unproductive. But “hostility” can be conveyed in less overt ways. Such as refusing to listen. Such as assuming an “I’m right and your wrong” attitude. Such as using the Bible as a club. Such as ridiculing cherished religious traditions. These kinds of tactics just close minds and close doors.

Why not try the “Hughes” approach of outreach? Approach others with a sense of humility (kneel down). Don’t interact as if you are looking for a fight (lower your weapons). And look for opportunities to share how God has made a difference in your life (smile). You may be surprised just how well it works!

God loves you!
Mike

Re-Creation

2011-01-11T09:36:00.000-08:00

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters” (Genesis 1:1-2).

Right away, in the first two verses of Scripture, we begin to learn something very important about the God of the universe. We learn that God is interested in bringing order to chaos. When God set out to fashion our world, did you notice what He started with? It is described as formless, empty, and dark. The rest of Genesis chapter one speaks of how God took that chaotic turmoil and set it in order. He took the formless and gave it form. He filled the emptiness. He brought light to the darkness. And by the time He was finished, the final product bore no resemblance to the starting point. The world God provided for the human race to fill and govern was “very good” in every way.

May I suggest that what God did with our physical world in the beginning is also what He desires to do in our personal lives? He wants to bring order to the chaos. The ravages of sin make a real mess in human lives. We suffer from the emptiness and darkness that come when we are alienated from our Creator. We struggle to bring some sense of order to our fractured lives but soon realize that our best efforts are futile.

Only God has the ability to straighten out the mess we have made. Only God can take the chaos and transform it into something beautiful. When we choose to become a child of God by grace through a living faith, we receive forgiveness and the gift of God’s Spirit. And that same Spirit “hovers” over our lives from that point on, as the Instrument of God’s re-creative and transforming power. “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).

God loves you!
Mike

This Isn't Mr Roger's Neighborhood

2011-01-03T14:49:00.000-08:00

“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, generous inside and out, true from start to finish.”

During a bible study, a friend shared this reading of John 1:14 from The Message, a modern paraphrase of the Bible. While not a literal translation of the words of the original text, this version often does a pretty good job of putting the message of the Scriptures into a modern way of speaking.

One particular phrase captured our attention. The verse speaks of how the Word of God took on human form and “…moved into the neighborhood.” Think about that for a moment. Why didn’t the Son of God just remain in the heavenly realms and invite mankind to come to His neighborhood? Property values are obviously much better there. Crime is non-existent. There are no taxes. You will find no potholes in golden streets. On the other hand, why would Jesus leave the splendor of heaven to move to our side of the tracks? Talk about moving to the slums! Talk about the need for urban renewal! Our neighborhood is a good place to get mugged. Just ask Jesus!

Why did Jesus leave his neighborhood? Because it was our only hope of ever getting out of our neighborhood. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). Left to our own devices, we could not even dream of living in God’s part of town. But because Jesus came to live with us, we can live with God (John 14:2-3). From the projects to Park Avenue! From the ghetto to a gated community (Revelation 21)! To borrow the words of Paul in another context: “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15).

God loves you!
Mike

Dependability

2010-12-21T09:52:00.000-08:00

Brett Favre, quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, wasn’t able to play for his team this past Monday night due to a shoulder injury. Normally, that would not be very newsworthy because players on every NFL team routinely miss games because they are hurt too badly to compete. Professional football is a notoriously rough sport in which players are injured every weekend. It is difficult for anyone to go through an entire season without missing some playing time. It is just the nature of the sport.

The fact that Brett Favre is missing a game is making the headlines because this is the first time it has happened in 19 seasons. He started a game on September 27, 1992 and, for the next 297 regular season games (321 including playoff games), he has shown up, put on his pads, laced up his cleats and did his job. Dan Wetzel of Yahoo Sports summed it up well: “Favre has played through countless broken bones, torn muscles, concussions, battered ankles, banged-up knees and every other calamity that would fell most mortals. For years on end, the best (or easiest) job in football was Brett Favre’s backup. You collected an NFL check, you got your own uniform and you never got hit while you held the clipboard.” Favre has other well-documented shortcomings, but you can’t doubt his heart and commitment to his team.

I’m thankful for every Christian who shows this same kind of heart and commitment to the body of Christ. You know the kind of disciple I am talking about. The disciple who refuses to run at the first sign of struggle. The disciple who perseveres through times of difficulty. The disciple who hangs in there through thick and thin. The disciple who continues “playing” even when hurt. The disciple who can be depended on by the rest of the team.

Could your church family use this kind of a disciple? Why not begin your own consecutive game streak today? Make the choice now to be there for your spiritual brothers and sisters! Do it for YOUR team!

God loves you!
Mike

An Iron-clad Guarantee

2010-12-07T13:25:00.000-08:00

“Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, saying, "What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are – the Holy One of God!" And Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of him!" Throwing him into convulsions, the unclean spirit cried out with a loud voice and came out of him” (Mark 1:23-26).

This encounter in a synagogue in Capernaum is interesting for its portrayal of the vulnerability of the demonic world in the presence of Jesus. Let’s notice how this servant of the prince of darkness cowered before the Son of God. First, the demon was timid in the presence of Jesus. “What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth?” He uttered no threats nor issued any challenges. One gets the sense that he was just fearfully awaiting Jesus’ declaration concerning what would happen to him. Second, the demon understood the mission of Jesus. “Have you come to destroy us?” Apparently he knew better than many others that Jesus came to earth to “destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8). All he could do was surrender to the inevitable. Third, the demon clearly recognized and acknowledged the identity of Jesus. “I know who You are – The Holy One of God!” There was no doubt in his mind regarding who Jesus claimed to be. Fourth, the demon had no choice but to obey the command of Jesus. When Jesus said, “Be quiet, and come out of him!”, he resisted but did as he was told. There is no debate as to who was in charge in this situation!

This text should be a comfort to anyone who is concerned about the evil that seems to fill our modern world. The Son of God who cast out a demon in Capernaum is the same Son of God who continues to terrify the forces of darkness today. Good will ultimately triumph over evil. Jesus guarantees it!

God loves you!
Mike

Courage For The Road Ahead

2010-11-16T10:48:00.000-08:00

“In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him; and a voice came out of the heavens: ‘You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased’” (Mark 1:9-11).

Jesus was standing on the threshold of His earthly ministry. The next three years of His life would include much conflict and turmoil. There would be victories but also many setbacks. Eventually, He would be betrayed, abandoned, and crucified. The view of the road ahead was enough to make even the most courageous man tremble.

Considering the task before Him, what was it that Jesus needed most at this point? An army to help Him conquer His enemies? A well-oiled public relations team to help break down resistance to His message? Political allies who could open doors to advance His agenda with those in power? As Jesus began His life’s work, we find that He had none of these “advantages” – in fact, He actively avoided them.

What was it that Jesus needed most? The affirmation of His Father. And that is exactly what He received as He stepped out on the road to the cross. “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.” How those words must have helped to calm whatever anxieties Jesus may have been experiencing! How reassuring it must have been to know that He had the unqualified backing of His Heavenly Father! Is it any wonder that Jesus took everything the world could throw at Him and still completed His mission?

As children of God, we also enjoy the affirmation of our Father. We are emboldened to complete our own missions, even in the face of struggle, because we have the backing of our God. We will overcome, not because of who we are, but because of Whose we are. Paul’s words still ring true: “If God is for us, who is against us?” (Romans 8:31)

God loves you!
Mike

Point The Way To Jesus

2010-11-09T18:37:00.001-08:00

“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I send My messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.’” John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Mark 1:1-4).

John appeared on the scene in the first century A.D. as the promised forerunner of the Messiah. With his distinctive dress and diet, he called to mind the stories the people had heard of the great prophet Elijah. His words were bold and uncompromising: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2). He challenged his listeners to make the needed changes in the lives. With humility, he unselfishly pointed others to Jesus. Hearts needed to be prepared to receive the Coming One, the Son of God Himself.

There is a sense in which every Christian shares in the ministry of John. Part of our calling is to help prepare hearts to receive Jesus. Make no mistake -- God is the only One who can change hearts. But we have the privilege of participating in the preparatory work! Notice how Paul reminds us of our place when it comes to saving souls: “What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one. I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:5-6).

Planting and watering is preparatory work. We do it when we speak an encouraging word to others. We do it when we share the burdens of those who are hurting. We do it when we stand up for those who are oppressed or defenseless. Anything we can do to soften hearts helps to pave the way for God’s miraculous work. As we interact with our world this week, let’s look for opportunities to point the way to Jesus!

God loves you!
Mike

Incomparable

2010-11-09T07:43:00.000-08:00

“But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King. At His wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure His indignation. Thus you shall say to them, ‘The gods that did not make the heavens and the earth will perish from the earth and from under the heavens.’ It is He who made the earth by His power, Who established the world by His wisdom; and by His understanding He has stretched out the heavens. When He utters His voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and He causes the clouds to ascend from the end of the earth; He makes lightning for the rain, and brings out the wind from His storehouses” (Jeremiah 10:10-13).

In chapter 10 of Jeremiah, the prophet is trying to convince his people of the utter foolishness of their idolatrous practices. He does so by contrasting their idols with the real God of heaven. In every way, God proves to be infinitely superior. God is everything that an idol is not. In the verses above, Jeremiah notes four specific areas of contrast. First, God is “true.” There is nothing untrustworthy or unreliable about Him. In comparison, idols are false and represent a system of lies and deception. Second, God is “living.” He is the very source of life. In comparison, idols are dead. They are inanimate objects that are symbols of a lifeless deity. Third, God is “everlasting.” He is ageless and eternal. In comparison, idols are temporary. They are crafted of material things and, consequently, they experience the decay that is common to all material things. Fourth, God is powerful. According to his great might and wisdom, He spoke the universe into existence and continues to direct its operation. In comparison, idols are powerless. They are humanly-devised, humanly-crafted, and depend on human power to do anything.

Why worship a created thing when you can worship the Creator Himself? It is an undeniable fact: “There is none like you, O Lord” (Jeremiah 10:6).

God loves you!
Mike

Stubbornness

2010-10-27T14:10:00.000-07:00

“Who is the wise man that may understand this? And who is he to whom the mouth of the LORD has spoken, that he may declare it? Why is the land ruined, laid waste like a desert, so that no one passes through? The LORD said, "Because they have forsaken My law which I set before them, and have not obeyed My voice nor walked according to it, but have walked after the stubbornness of their heart and after the Baals, as their fathers taught them" (Jeremiah 9:12-14).

It really is pretty simple, isn’t it? Perhaps we make it more difficult than it is because we don’t want to face the truth. But the choices are crystal clear. We can choose to forsake the instructions of God or we can accept them. We can choose to listen to God or we can ignore Him. We can choose to follow God’s way or we can chart our own course. But choose carefully because judgment comes to those who forsake, ignore, and refuse to follow God! Why can’t people see it? Why don’t they make better choices? Because they are stubborn!

How do I know this? Not only because God said it but because I battle stubbornness in my own life. I know the precepts of God but I find it so tempting to make my own rules. I know what God says, but, too often, I find it easier to listen to myself. After all, I always agree with me! I know that following God is the best way to live, but I struggle with wanting my own way. My stubbornness keeps getting in the way.

I am called by God to present myself as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:2). But the difficulty with being a living sacrifice is that there is always the possibility of crawling off of the altar. My own stubbornness prompts me to do that too often. Lord, please help me to die daily as I seek to follow You (Luke 9:23-24).

God loves you!
Mike

Errors

2010-10-18T09:10:00.000-07:00

Brooks Conrad, a professional baseball player for the Atlanta Braves, became an instant celebrity last Sunday. No, it wasn’t because he hit a game-winning home run. It wasn’t due to a diving catch that prevented a key base hit. He didn’t pitch a perfect game. Conrad can only wish that his notoriety was based on any of those heroics. No, he had the dubious honor of committing three errors in one playoff game. His third and final error of the game, when a ball skipped by his glove and escaped between his legs, allowed the opposing team to take a one-run lead in the ninth inning and, ultimately, win the game.

Negative reaction to Conrad’s miscues, especially the last one, was swift and strong. Many of the hometown Braves fans booed him mercilessly. Following the game, a hoard of reporters cornered him at his locker and peppered him with questions regarding the costly mistake. To his credit, Conrad didn’t make excuses. He was quoted as saying: “It’s completely embarrassing. I feel like I let everybody down. It’s a whole lot to swallow, but I’ll do my best to get over it. I probably won’t for a long time, if ever. I wish I could dig a hole and sleep in there.” Regardless of all the good things he has accomplished as a baseball player, if the Giants go on to win the series, he will likely be remembered for his errors in this one game.

I can sympathize with Brooks Conrad. Not because I am a professional baseball player, but because I am a player in the game of life. I live in a world that tends to remember my errors instead of my successes. Too often, my errors end up being costly and disappointing to others. Thankfully, I serve a God who specializes in forgetting my errors (Hebrews 8:12). As a child of God, while I may deserve getting booed, I am not defined by my mistakes.

I hope Brooks Conrad gets another chance. I know God continues to give me one.

God loves you!
Mike

G.P.S.

2010-10-11T09:03:00.000-07:00

“Thus says the LORD, ‘Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; and you will find rest for your souls.’ But they said, 'We will not walk in it.' And I set watchmen over you, saying, 'Listen to the sound of the trumpet!' But they said, 'We will not listen.' Therefore hear, O nations, and know, O congregation, what is among them. Hear, O earth: behold, I am bringing disaster on this people, the fruit of their plans, because they have not listened to My words, and as for My law, they have rejected it also” (Jeremiah 6:16-19).

Judah had not navigated wisely on her spiritual journey. She had come to a crossroads and chosen the wrong path -- one that led her away from God. Her chosen path was characterized by sin, stubbornness, and rebellion. Mercifully, God had been pleading with Judah to correct her course -- to make a u-turn and find “the ancient paths.”

What are these “ancient paths?” These are roads that lead toward God, not away from Him. The ancient paths are characterized by repentance and submission, not rebellion. The ancient paths encourage reverence for and knowledge of God, not arrogance and abuse. Godly people since the beginning of time have charted their course along these paths and have enjoyed the blessings of God. But Judah would have none of it! Like an insolent child, she stamped her foot and declared, “I won’t do it! I won’t listen!”

Periodically, I have to re-calibrate my spiritual G.P.S. (Godly Path Sensor). Like Judah, I regularly face the temptation of choosing a road that takes me away from God instead of toward Him. I must choose carefully because the wrong path can appear so appealing. I must remember that the “new” road isn’t always better than the “old” road. God has clearly marked out the safe path to a relationship with Him. The question is: Will I follow His directions or stubbornly insist on my own?

God loves you!
Mike

Just Walk Away

2010-10-04T16:29:00.000-07:00

The Texas Rangers secured their place in the Major League Baseball post-season for the first time since 1999 on September 26 with a win over the Oakland Athletics. Not long after the win, the victors gathered in their locker room for the obligatory team celebration. If you have seen these events on television, you know what goes on. Players are yelling and laughing, slapping each other on the back. The aches and pains of a long season are temporarily forgotten. And, without fail, large quantities of alcoholic beverages are sprayed or poured on everyone in the room. Some is consumed as well.

Josh Hamilton, one of the best Ranger players (as well as one of the best hitters in all of baseball), was noticeably absent from the locker room revelry. Hamilton celebrated with his team on the field after the last out but changed out of his uniform in an area away from the party in the locker room. Why? Does he think he is better than everyone else? Not at all. You see, Josh Hamilton is a recovering alcoholic and drug addict. A few years ago, his addictions nearly ended his promising career just as it was beginning. It has been an incredible battle for him to try to clean up his life. He has had some embarrassing setbacks. The temptation of alcohol and drugs will always haunt him. So he made the difficult choice to steer clear of the locker room scene even though he wanted to celebrate with his teammates. The risk was just too great.

This example illustrates a basic principle regarding whatever addiction we may be facing. Instead of drugs or alcohol, our struggle might be with addictions to money, power, pornography, etc. Whatever it is that threatens to destroy us, let’s avoid it! Let’s keep our distance from sin’s entangling web (Hebrews 12:1). Often it is best just to flee from situations that may lead to a relapse in our battle against sin (1 Corinthians 6:18; 10:14; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22).

God loves you!
Mike

Spiritual Deafness

2010-09-27T10:08:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah was a reluctant draftee into prophetic ministry. He didn’t think he was qualified to confront His people about their sin (1:6). But God convinced him otherwise. In some ways, he was just the man for the job. He knew them as well as anyone because he lived among them. He was devastated over the impending judgment that was coming upon Judah (4:19-21). He was aware of just how stubborn they were and even made excuses for them (5:3-4). He was appalled at how far they had strayed from God (5:30-31). Is it any wonder that the frustration level of the prophet finally bubbles over? “To whom shall I speak and give warning that they may hear? Behold, their ears are closed and they cannot listen. Behold, the word of the Lord has become a reproach to them; they have no delight in it” (6:10).

The problem with refusing to listen to God is that, sooner or later, the time will come when you cannot listen to Him. Many in Judah had reached that point. They had stubbornly ignored the word of God for so long that they had become spiritually deaf. And the inability to hear God had dangerous consequences. They eventually came to view the word of God with contempt. What had been a delight became a reproach to them.

Avoiding spiritual deafness requires focus and determination. A preventative treatment regimen is found in Psalm 1:1-3: “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.” Lord, I pray that Your words will always be a delight to my ears!

God loves you!
Mike

Bragging Rights

2010-09-20T09:37:00.000-07:00

Two farmers, one from Nebraska and the other from Texas, happened to be sitting next to one another on a recent airline flight. After introducing themselves, the talk quickly turned to their shared profession. Not long into the conversation, the Nebraska farmer began to notice a disturbing trend. No matter what he mentioned about his farming operation, the Texas farmer always claimed to have something bigger or better. It didn’t matter what they were talking about -- crop yields, herd sizes, profits, or football -- the Texas farmer always found a way to brag. Frustrated by the direction of the exchange, the Nebraska farmer finally picked up a magazine from seat pocket in front of him and pretended to read it. Undeterred, the Texas farmer asked, “How big is your farm?” Dreading the inevitable comparison, the Nebraska farmer muttered, half under his breath, “I farm 800 acres all together.” “Why, that’s nothin’,” the Texas farmer countered. “My spread in Texas is so big that I get in my pickup in the morning and I don’t make it to all of my fields until the sun is going down!” A grin slowly spread across the Nebraska farmer’s face. Finally, he had him! Turning to the Texan, with an expression of mock sympathy, he said, “I’m so sorry to hear that. I used to have a pickup truck like that myself...”

If you hang around children long enough, sooner or later you will hear them comparing their fathers. “My dad is richer than your dad!” The claim may or may not be true. And as far as playground bragging rights go, it is probably not a big deal. As children of God, we can truly claim to have universe’s richest dad. He owns the earth and everything in it (Psalm 24:1; 50:10-12). In view of that fact, I must ask myself some questions. Does my life reflect the wealth of my Father? Do I doubt His ability to provide? Do I really believe He has the resources to meet my needs? I wonder...

God loves you!
Mike

The Danger In Doing Nothing

2010-09-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

The U.S.S. Olympia is a 5,500-ton cruiser-class battleship that was built for and used by the United States Navy. She was launched on her maiden voyage in 1892 from San Francisco, California. She was chosen to serve as the flagship of the Asiatic Squadron during the Spanish-American war. She played a pivotal role in the Battle of Manila Bay in 1899 which resulted in the sinking or capture of the entire Spanish Pacific fleet. She saw duty during World War I and took part in the 1918 Allied landing at Murmansk during the Russian Civil War. Her final mission was bringing home the body of World War I's Unknown Soldier from France in 1921. This sturdy vessel was decommissioned for the final time in 1922. For nearly thirty years, the Olympia took all that the enemy could fire at her and proved to be unsinkable.

Oddly enough, it is inactivity and inattention that are proving to be the Olympia’s downfall. Since 1945, she has been sitting idle in the water near a dock in the Delaware River near Philadelphia. Her steel hull has been badly corroded. Some patching has been done, but the cost of the necessary repairs and restoration needed to keep her afloat are prohibitive. But if something is not done soon, she will sink where she sits. Ironically, what two wars and enemy attacks failed to do, rust now seems poised to accomplish (Sources: en.wikipedia.org and news.yahoo.com).

While I have no statistics to prove it, I’m beginning to believe that inactivity causes more Christian casualties than the wounds of spiritual warfare. Sitting on the sidelines can actually be more dangerous to faith than engaging the enemy. When children of God begin to pull back from active involvement in the body of Christ, spiritual rust starts to eat holes in the hull of their faith. To be useful, faith needs to be exercised, not mothballed. Could that be why we are encouraged to be “...always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58)?

God loves you!
Mike

Drive Carefully!!!

2010-09-07T09:04:00.000-07:00

Not long ago, a news service compiled a list of the most dangerous roads in the United States. The results were listed by county and individual rankings were based on a percentage of the overall total of 562,712 fatal automobile accidents that occurred between 1994 and 2008. Those of us who drive regularly on the roadways of California probably won’t be surprised to learn that roads within our own home state filled up 50 percent of the list.

According to the study, the most dangerous stretch of road in the country is I-15 in San Bernardino County in Southern California. During the study period, this one section of highway recorded a total of 834 automobile accidents, resulting in 1069 fatalities. Using only the criteria of total deaths recorded, this one stretch of road is twice as dangerous as the second place road (I-10 in Riverside County, 515 fatalities). On average, 6 people have died every month in traffic accidents on I-15 in San Bernardino County in each of the last 15 years.

Let me tell you about a much safer road. The Bible calls it the “Highway of Holiness” and it is referenced in Isaiah 35:8-9: “And a great road will go through that once deserted land. It will be named the Highway of Holiness. Evil-minded people will never travel on it. It will be only for those who walk in God’s ways; fools will never walk there. Lions will not lurk along its course, nor any other ferocious beasts. There will be no other dangers. Only the redeemed will walk on it.”

Charting a course through this wicked world can be a daunting task. We must be careful to choose the right roads. Glittering road signs tempt us to take the on-ramp to Broadway, which will take you at freeway speeds to Destruction (Matthew 7:13). Once you are on Broadway, it can be very difficult to find an exit. Take an alternative route. The Highway of Holiness is much safer and leads to a better destination.

God loves you!
Mike

The Strength Of Weakness

2010-09-03T09:25:00.000-07:00

“Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:8-10).

I suspect that Saul of Tarsus was a driven individual, what we today might call a “Type A” personality. When he made up his mind to do something, he aggressively pursued that goal with all of his strength and ability. The trail of destruction left behind him as he endeavored to stamp out Christianity as a young man testifies to this part of his character. It was a part of Saul’s personality that likely endeared him to his associates and made him a rising star in Judaism.

But it was a character trait that God had to root out of His chosen messenger. The apostle Paul would never reach his full potential for God as long as he depended on his own power, knowledge, and ability. He viewed his “thorn in the flesh” as a hindrance to his task, but God viewed it as an helper. To Paul, it was an antagonist; to God it was his ally. And as difficult as it must have been for him, Paul ultimately learned that true strength is found in weakness.

In a world that applauds the strong, the flashy, the influential, and the attractive, it is easy for us to loose our focus. We begin to trust in our own power and ability. We start to compare ourselves to others. We glory in our accomplishments instead of glorifying God. We boast in our strengths instead of our weaknesses. We brag about our victories instead of our defeats.

Father, like my brother Paul, please weaken me so that I can be strong for You.

God loves you!
Mike

Making The Right Decision

2010-08-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

Kevin Slowey, a pitcher for the Minnesota Twins, was pulled from a recent game against the Oakland Athletics after throwing a no-hitter through the first seven innings. The home-crowd of over 40,000 fans voiced their disapproval, raining down a chorus of boos as the pitching change was made. The question that begs asking is: Why in the world would a manager replace someone who was obviously pitching so well? Does he not like the guy? Does he have something against no-hitters? This makes no sense! Or does it?

There were other factors at work that prompted Ron Gardenhire, the Twins manager, to make the difficult and unpopular choice. Slowey had recently had arm problems that caused him to miss his last start. In such situations, the pitch count is limited when the pitcher returns to action to prevent further and more serious damage to the throwing arm. If care is not taken, a career-ending injury can take place. Slowey had reached his pitch limit in the game. Gardenhire was quoted saying: "We're not going to come close to risking this guy. It's the way it is. It's sad. I'd be booing too because I want to see a no-hitter, but I also know I'm responsible for this guy's arm."

Making the right decision is often difficult. Reading this story made me think of another difficult choice (Philippians 1:21-26). The apostle Paul wanted to leave the struggles of this world and be with God. But his continued presence would be better for others. What a difficult choice! What did Paul choose? When faced with the decision between doing what was best for himself and what was best for others, Paul chose to benefit others.

Ron Gardenhire made the right decision even though others didn’t like it. Paul made the right decision even when he wasn’t sure if he liked it. God, please give me the wisdom and strength to make the right decIsions, even when they are difficult and unpopular.

God loves you!
Mike

A Rock-Solid Faith

2010-08-19T16:22:00.000-07:00

“Listen to me, all who hope for deliverance -- all who seek the Lord! Consider the rock from which you were cut, the quarry from which you were mined. Yes, think about Abraham, your ancestor, and Sarah, who gave birth to your nation. Abraham was only one man when I called him. But when I blessed him, he became a great nation” (Isaiah 51:1-2).

Not everyone among the nation of Israel who heard the prophecies of Isaiah was stubborn and rebellious. While most did refuse to hear, there was still a faithful remnant who listened to God and desired to do His will. But even this small group was becoming disheartened as they considered Isaiah’s messages of judgment and destruction. Perhaps they had reached the point where they thought all hope was lost. Maybe they had begun to believe that even the faithful were doomed. Could it be that things were so bad that even God would be helpless to straighten the mess out?

God’s answer to those whose faith was weakening was to point them to the past. He is a specialist when it comes to taking seemingly hopeless situations and doing something incredible. The writer of Hebrews describes God powerful work in Abraham and Sarah’s lives this way: “It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise. And so a whole nation came from this one man who was as good as dead -- a nation with so many people that, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore, there is no way to count them” (Hebrews 11:11-12).

When we are faced with a situation that seems hopeless, I believe God would remind us of the same thing. “Consider the rock from which you were cut, the quarry from which you were mined.” May we all experience the blessing of being “...living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple (1 Peter 2:5).

God loves you!
Mike

Tomorrow

2010-08-19T16:19:00.000-07:00

“But I am trusting in you, O Lord, saying, ‘You are my God!’ My future is in your hands. Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly” (Psalm 31:14-15).

The writer of this Psalm 31 was experiencing a very difficult time in life. While the specific problem isn’t stated, the text gives us some insight into what was going on. There was the potential of being disgraced (v. 1). Enemies were seeking the writer’s ruin (v. 4). Stress was taking an emotional and physical toll (vv. 9-10). A sense of estrangement and isolation was taking root (vv. 11-13).

Life was a mess for the psalmist. And things appeared to be going from bad to worse. Have you ever been there? Sure you have! You’ve experienced the savage winds of the storms of life, haven’t you? You have felt the sting of betrayal. One after another, the hits keep coming. A unexpected death in the family, a scary diagnosis, too much month at the end of the money. What do you do when life seems to be caving in? Where do you turn?

The psalmist turned his problems over to the God of the future. When life is going badly, the tendency is to believe that things will never get better. The struggles of the present blind us to the possibilities of the future. The root issue here is control. Am I willing to surrender my past, my present, and especially my future to the One who can truly control such things?

Ira Stamphill had it right in 1950 when he wrote the first verse of his well-known hymn: “I don’t know about tomorrow, I just live from day to day; I don’t borrow from its sunshine, for its skies may turn to grey. I don’t worry o’er the future, for I know what Jesus said; and today I’ll walk beside Him, for He knows what is ahead. Many things about tomorrow, I don’t seem to understand; but I know who hold tomorrow, and I know who hold my hand.”

God loves you!
Mike

Yellowstone Bible Camp

2010-08-19T11:01:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite place to go is YBC in Montana. In fact we like it so much we've been there 15 times! It is a wonderful spiritual retreat away from technology and the world. We highly recommend it! This year was quite different in that only those who live in our house ;) were able to go. It was strange traveling with only one vehicle, needing only one hotel room and sleeping in a small cabin. We truly missed all our family that could not go with us this year and they missed going. But next year, Lord willing, we will all be there! On the way to camp we cut thru Yellowstone park and actually saw a grizzly bear right off the edge of the road! However I could not get my phone out fast enough to take a picture. We visited Chico Hot Springs for the second year in a row- a new family favorite, and on the way home went back thru Yellowstone. This time I had my camera ready and although we didn't see a bear we did see a bison walking right down the middle of the road! We stopped at Mammoth Hot Springs, to pacify me, and did the short walk. The pic of the twins on the bench is very near the start of the trail and the first bench they saw....

I Dare Not Boast

2010-08-03T11:14:00.000-07:00

“For by God’s grace, I am a special messenger from Christ Jesus to you Gentiles. I bring you the Good News so that I might present you as an acceptable offering to God, made holy by the Holy Spirit. So I have reason to be enthusiastic about all Christ Jesus has done through me in my service to God. Yet I dare not boast of anything except what Christ has done through me, bringing the Gentiles to God by my message and by the way I worked among them” (Romans 15:15b-18; NLT).

Boasting is a common human malady and religion is not immune to the disease. Preachers can be especially susceptible to the virus. Resumes are filled with impressive lists of “look what I have done” (degrees held, meetings conducted, number of conversions or responses, lectureships attended, books written, etc.). Sadly, churches have encouraged such a mindset. After all, when we set out to hire a minister, we want someone who can “produce the goods.” So there is a subtle (and, sometimes, not so subtle) pressure to “look better” than the next guy. The same spirit is also seen in the competition between congregations. Groups seek to attract attendees by touting their size, their programs, their soundness, or their worship experience. Too often, the message seems to be: “Look at us! Look at what we have to offer!”

In the face of such boasting, it is refreshing to consider the attitude of the apostle Paul. He could certainly compare resumes with the best in his profession. Yet, when he considered his service for God, all he could humbly utter was: “...I dare not boast of anything except what Christ has done through me...” For Paul, it was not about what he had done or what he could offer. The focus was to be on Christ, not on Paul.

“Usually the greatest boasters are the smallest workers. The deep rivers pay a larger tribute to the sea than shallow brooks, and yet empty themselves with less noise” (W. Secker).

God loves you!
Mike

Comebacks

2010-07-20T08:44:00.000-07:00

On July 6, 2010, the Colorado Rockies engineered one of the greatest comebacks in major league baseball history. The visiting St. Louis Cardinals took a 9 - 3 lead into the last half of the ninth inning. The Rockies were down to their final 3 outs. Rarely does a team ever overcome such a large deficit in their last at-bat. But Colorado defied the odds on that day. After struggling to put just 3 runs on the board through the first 8 innings, they exploded for 9 runs in the last half of the 9th for the win. Not many teams have ever accomplished such a feat. In fact, according to those who keep track of such statistics, it was only the third time in major league history that a team scored nine or more runs in the last inning of a walk-off win. The other two both occurred way back in 1901. What an amazing comeback!

May I share with you the story of an even greater comeback -- the greatest comeback of all? The battered body of Jesus was lying in its borrowed tomb. Some friends had given the body of their Master what little attention they could before the Sabbath and then gently placed it in darkened recesses of Joseph’s burial chamber. They would return after the Sabbath to complete the burial preparations. The disciples of Jesus were scattered, fearful for their own lives. Most among the Jewish leadership were likely glad to finally be rid of the blasphemous impostor from Nazareth. And Satan himself must have been been sporting a devilish grin, thinking he had finally triumphed over God Himself. Game over, right???

Wrong! God wasn’t done yet. He had one more at bat and, by the time the dust settled on that eventful weekend, the score would be reversed. Jesus Christ was raised from the dead by the power of God, defeating sin and death in the process. No extra innings needed in this contest! The saved of all ages can lift the banner of Christ high and truly proclaim: Game over!

God loves you!
Mike

"The Lord Kept His Word..."

2010-07-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

Abraham was 75 years old when God called him to leave nearly everything familiar and go to a land he knew nothing about. God’s promise to transform Abraham’s tiny family into a great nation and to use him to bless all the families on earth must have seemed incredible to him at the time, but he launched out in faith anyway.

At a later point, when God speaks again concerning His promise, Abraham reminds God that he still doesn’t have a son. To his way of thinking, it is pretty hard to be a father of a great nation when you are not even the father of one child. He even tried to “help” God out by having a child with a servant in his household.

Nearly 25 years go by before God finally tells Abraham that Sarah will become pregnant with the the long-awaited child of promise. When he hears the news, Abraham stifles a laugh and thinks to himself: “How could I become a father at the age of 100... And how can Sarah have a baby when she is ninety years old?” (Genesis 17:17). Abraham thinks that the window of opportunity had passed them by. When he suggests to God that Ishmael, the child born to him by the servant Hagar, become the child of promise, he is refused. God clearly tells Abraham: “But My covenant will be confirmed with Isaac, who will be born to you and Sarah about his time next year” (Genesis 17:21).

Well, what happened? “The Lord kept His word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised. She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would” (Genesis 21:1-2).

Why do we doubt the promises of God? Like Abraham, it is often because we dwell on our own circumstances or set our own time table. Lord, please help me to strengthen my own faith so I can fully trust in Your promises.

God loves you!
Mike

Is Your Religion Burdensome?

2010-07-06T11:03:00.000-07:00

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light’” (Matthew 11:28-30; NLT).

Contrast Jesus’ perspective on serving God with that of the religious leaders of His day. According to Jesus, the scribes and the Pharisees “...crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden” (Matthew 23:4; NLT). Their burdensome rules regarding tithing fostered neglect of more important matters (Matthew 23:23-24). They were so busy creating numerous regulations concerning external hygiene that they ignored internal purity (Matthew 23:25-27). Because of their influence, the joyful task of serving God had become unbearable. What Jesus offered as an easy yoke and a light burden had become unrecognizable.

It is so very easy to make serving God a burdensome endeavor. It can happen when we have the best of intentions and it can take many different forms. Human plans and programs begin to rise to the level of Divine mandate. Guilt becomes the prime source of motivation. Faithfulness is judged according to human criteria instead of God’s standards. Success starts being measured in increments that impress us (like numbers, programs, and flashy worship) instead of what impresses God (like spiritual growth, humble service, and love).

When serving God starts becoming burdensome, it is time to re-evaluate our religion. Perhaps we are going about it all wrong. A religion that promotes and produces weariness is not the religion of Jesus Christ. Will a faithful disciple want to do things for the Master? Sure, but it is activity that should produce calmness and peace. It is service that should be refreshing rather than draining. Remember, we don’t have to impress our Savior. He offers rest, not more weariness.

God loves you!
Mike

Delayed Gratification

2010-06-25T16:55:00.000-07:00

This past Christmas we got the twins a puppet stage. I thought it was the perfect gift and one they would absolutely LOVE. So we set it in the dining room while they weren't looking and with all the family watching said "Taylor and Tessa, you have one more gift!" Tee Hee I was *so* excited! They came into the dining room and said "Oh!" translated "what is it?" "It's a puppet stage!" I said in my excited mommy voice. "OH!" and off they went to play other things..... oh well you win some you lose some... but part of the gift was a book on making sock puppets and finally they have "caught the vision". They spent the better part of three days making puppets and here are pictures of the first puppet show! Ahhhhh, it was a good gift!

Tradeoffs

2010-06-15T11:02:00.000-07:00

“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:1).

At first glance, this seems like a no-brainer. Why would any thinking person willingly trade an eternal reward for the temporary thrill of peer approval? But that is the root of the problem, isn’t it? Far too often we don’t stop to think about the consequences of the choices we make.

The Bible testifies to the human propensity for foolish tradeoffs. The list of examples is long and embarassing. Adam and Eve traded a garden paradise for a bite of forbidden fruit (Genesis 3). Cain traded a living brother for a momentary fit of anger and jealousy (Genesis 4). Esau traded his birthright for a bowl of food (Genesis 25). Saul traded his kingdom for the opportunity to do things his own way (1 Samuel 15). David traded family harmony for a moment of sin with another man’s wife (2 Samuel 12). Solomon traded his full devotion to God for seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines (1 Kings 11). Rehoboam traded a united kingdom for a petulant power trip (1 Kings 12). Judas traded his Savior for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26).

It is tempting to look at this list and say, “Shame on them! How could they make such foolish choices?” But before I look too far down my nose at the tradeoffs they were willing to make, I should focus my critical gaze on my own less-than-sterling track record. If I am honest, I must admit that I have ignored eternal realities for temporary pleasures. I have damaged relationships because I have insisted on gratifying myself. I’ve sold out my Lord for less than silver. Upon further reflection, the words that should come to my lips are “Shame on me!”

God, please help me to learn, as Moses did, that the key to refusing “the passing pleasures of sin” is to keep “looking to the reward” (Hebrews 11:25-26).

God loves you!
Mike

Who Is In Charge?

2010-05-31T11:43:00.000-07:00

“So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy” (Romans 9:16).

Many of Paul’s fellow Hebrews struggled to accept the fact that God would welcome Gentiles into His kingdom on the same basis as Jews. The gospel of salvation which Paul preached challenged their prejudicial sensibilities. Early and often in the book of Romans, Paul assaulted the fortress of Jewish exclusiveness (cf. 1:16; 3:9,22,29). By the time we reach chapter 9, some could stand no more! How could “their” God do such a thing? Apparently, some even began to charge God with failure (9:6) and injustice (9:14).

According to Paul, the answer to such foolishness is found in the sovereignty of God. The accomplishment of God’s purposes doesn’t depend on the will or actions of man. The Author of the plan for the inclusion of the Gentiles didn’t ask the Jews for their opinion on the matter. It really didn’t matter what they thought, did, or felt about it. That some were upset with what God was doing didn’t cause Him to alter His plans or purposes. The clay is in no position to question the Potter (9:20).

Even today, some of God’s people still struggle with His sovereignty. While we would say that God is in charge, too many of us still act and speak as if it depended on us! I need to remember that God will accomplish His purposes with or without me. Does God desire my participation? Surely. Can God use me to implement His will if He chooses? Of course. But I am not so valuable that the work of God would grind to a halt if my plans, programs, or changes are ignored. While I am important to God, I am not indispensable. The success of God’s mission doesn’t hinge on my own success or failure.

Thankfully, God didn’t put me in charge of His world or His church. There is only one God and it is not me!

God loves you!
Mike

Sowing and Reaping

2010-05-25T08:44:00.000-07:00

The northern kingdom of Israel had rejected God as their Savior and Protector. In spite of all that God had done for them, they chose to trust in earthly alliances instead of heavenly ones. For some reason, ties to Syria were more valued than ties to God. So Isaiah the prophet was given the unenviable task of bringing a message of judgment against his own countrymen. The devastation would be comparable to what happened to the pagan nations when Israel first entered the land of promise. Only now, the judgment of God would be poured out on His own people. How could such a thing happen? Listen in as Isaiah reveals the answer:

“Why? Because you have turned from the God who can save you. You have forgotten the Rock who can hide you. So you may plant the finest grapevines and import the most expensive seedlings. They may sprout on the day you set them out; yes, they may blossom on the very morning you plant them, but you will never pick any grapes from them. Your only harvest will be a load of grief and unrelieved pain” (Isaiah 17:10-11).

Israel was experiencing the bitter fruit of what is called the “Law of the Harvest.” Simply stated, it affirms that you will reap what you sow. Paul referred to it in Galatians 6:7-8: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” Israel had sown the seeds of the flesh and the time had come to pay the price for it.

No one is exempt from the “Law of the Harvest.” I must carefully consider the seeds that I plant in life. Will the crop that matures from the choices I am making bring me joy or sorrow? Lord, as I plant, help me to also to think about the harvest.

God loves you!
Mike

Don't Be Afraid

2010-05-17T09:02:00.000-07:00

“As Pharaoh approached, the people of Israel looked up and panicked when they saw the Egyptians overtaking them. They cried out to the Lord, and they said to Moses, “Why did you bring us out here to die in the wilderness? Weren’t there enough graves for us in Egypt? We said, ‘Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!’” (Exodus 14:10-12).

Can you imagine the terror that the Israelites experienced as they realized that Pharaoh and his army were bearing down upon them and there was no way of escape? They knew first-hand how cruel Pharaoh could be and now he was really angry! Such fear in a seemingly hopeless situation clouded their thinking. They began to rationalize that it would have been better to remain as a slave than to trust God.

You could find yourself in a similar situation in life. You are hemmed in by a threat with no discernible way out. It might be a devastating disease or illness. It could be a severe financial setback. Regardless of the circumstances, you find yourself with your back against the wall and out of options. You stepped out in faith and, now, disaster has overtaken you. The temptation will be to believe that you were better off without God.

Notice how Moses responds to the fearful and desperate Israelites. “But Moses told the people, ‘Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.’” (Exodus 14:13-14).

Sooner or later, the time will come for all of us when we must choose between surrendering to fear or surrendering to God. May God prepare us for such a time. When my back is against the wall, I pray that I have the courage to stay calm, stand still, and watch God rescue me.

God loves you!
Mike

Spiritual DNA

2010-05-10T09:34:00.000-07:00

“I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you” (2 Timothy 1:5; NLT).

Mothers are hard-wired by God to develop a close, personal bond with their children. Childbirth is a transformational experience. Motherhood can turn a timid young woman into a fierce warrior whenever anyone or anything threatens to harm her child. While Dad is handy to have around, Mom is truly indispensable. She bandages hearts as well as knees. She builds character as well as sandcastles. She dries tears as well as clothes. She feeds souls as well as stomachs. She, perhaps more than any other, understands the meaning of sacrifice. She continually gives of her time, her energy, and her resources -- even if her own reserves are depleted -- because she wants the best for her children. Do you know a mom like that?

Lois and Eunice must have been those kind of mothers. Timothy was blessed to grow up in their loving care. Out of all they had shared with him over the years, one special gift stands out. They planted seeds of faith in his young heart and then nurtured that faith as it grew. While Timothy shared physical DNA with these women, it was the spiritual DNA that ran through this family that impressed Paul. It is possible that Timothy physically looked like his mother and grandmother. But it was the spiritual resemblance that caught the apostle’s eye.

Moms (and grandmoms), let me encourage you to remember that the greatest gift you can share with your own children is your faith. Other gifts can be good and important, but this is pre-eminent. May others look at your children’s faith and say, “You know, you look just like your mother (or grandmother)!” There is no better time to start than now. Begin today to leave a legacy of faith in the generations that follow after you.

God loves you!
Mike

Draft Day

2010-05-05T14:18:00.001-07:00

The annual extravaganza called “The NFL Draft” is history for another year. Each year all 32 teams in the National Football League line up for the opportunity to select athletes from the current crop of eligible college football players. The selection process cycles through seven rounds before it is complete. Of course, excitement is highest during the first round, when the most gifted athletes are chosen. Teams spend months prior to the draft preparing for that first-round choice. No team wants to make a mistake with so much on the line. The fortunate few who do end up as first-round picks become instant millionaires.

The excitement begins to wane as you move into the later rounds. The marquee names are usually all gone by now. By the time you reach the seventh round, no one but the team executives and die-hard fans are paying much attention. Eventually, you come to “Mr. Irrelevant.” Who is that, you ask? “Mr. Irrelevant” is the last player taken in the draft. The title comes from the fact that a player taken this low in the draft is not expected to make much of a difference for his prospective team. He may not even make the roster. For the record, the 2010 “Mr. Irrelevant” is Tim Toone, a receiver from Weber State University in Ogden, Utah.

The Bible uses “draft language” to describe God’s interest in us. “But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:13). The difference between the NFL draft and the choosing of God is that it is the “draft order” itself that is irrelevant! The last one drafted is just as important to God as the first one drafted. “...He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world...” (Ephesians 1:4). God has no “Mr. (or Mrs.) Irrelevant” on His team! Thank you, God, for choosing me!

God loves you!
Mike

Can God Handle It?

2010-04-27T14:32:00.000-07:00

“Why do the nations rage? Why do the people waste their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the LORD and against his anointed one. ‘Let us break their chains,’ they cry, ‘and free ourselves from this slavery.’ But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them. Then in anger he rebukes them, terrifying them with his fierce fury” (Psalms 2:1-5).

I need to read these verses periodically. In a world that seems to be spinning out of control, I tend to forget that God still runs the universe. It seems that there is always some nation plotting the destruction of some other nation. Another terrorist attack is a very real possibility. Every day brings further drift from the godly underpinnings that are vital to the success and well-being of any civilized society. God is openly mocked and His followers are caricatured as ignorant peddlers of medieval superstitions.

When faced with such a world, I often feel the need to defend God. So I begin rage against the “rage-ers.” I make battle plans against the “battle-ers.” I form plots against the “plot-ers.” After all, if I don’t do something, this country will fall completely in the gutter.

But then I read verses like Psalm 2:1-5 and I am forced to re-think my way of dealing with the world I live in. I must answer some important questions. Does God need me to defend him? No. He laughs at those who think they can overthrow Him. Can He run the universe without my help? Yes. He did it before I was around and He will do it after I am gone. Has God called me to change the government? Not unless it involves helping to change the hearts of those involved in government.

Instead of developing ulcers, perhaps I should turn the world over to God and concentrate on being who God has called me to be in spite of the world around me.

God loves you!
Mike

Could God Be Here?

2010-04-21T08:49:00.000-07:00

Jacob was on his way to Paddan-aram to see his relatives and, hopefully, find a wife. Recent events at home had been disruptive to say the least. His mother had convinced him to deceive his father and steal his twin brother’s blessing. Now, Esau was threatening to kill him because of it. The more distance he put between himself and his murderous brother, the better.

The sun was setting as Jacob stopped to make camp for the night. Not long after leaning his head against a stone pillow and closing his eyes, he drifted off to sleep. But this night would not prove to be very restful. Strange dreams filled his mind. He saw an enormous ladder stretching from earth all the way up to heaven. Angels of God were going up and down the ladder, with God Himself standing at the top. As the dream unfolds, the Lord extends the same covenantal promises to Jacob that He had offered to Abraham and Isaac.

Jacob awoke with a start. While he may not have understood the full significance of what had just happened, there was no doubt in his mind as to Who had just communicated with him. He blurts out: “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I wasn’t even aware of it!” (Genesis 28:16). It appears that Jacob certainly never expected to encounter the God of heaven at a lonely campsite in the wilderness.

God has a knack of showing up in the most unexpected places. He could show up in a fiery furnace. Just ask Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. You might find Him in prison. Just talk with Joseph, Paul, or Silas. He could be in the midst of terrible pain and struggle. Ask Job. He was with Jeremiah in a cistern. He was with Elijah in a cave. He was with Stephen in a barrage of stones. He was with Jesus on a cross and in a tomb.

Be on the lookout! Keep your eyes wide open! You never know where you might encounter God.

God loves you!
Mike

Family Feuds

2010-04-21T08:48:00.000-07:00

“Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart” (Matthew 12:25).

Jesus had just healed a demon-possessed man, allowing him to once again see and speak. The crowd who viewed the miracle was amazed at such power and began to discuss among themselves the possibility that Jesus was their long-awaited Messiah. The Pharisees, of course, were adamantly opposed to such a suggestion. They viewed Jesus as an impostor and a threat to their influence among the people. To stem the tide of increasing support for him, they actually accuse him of being in league with Satan himself. “No wonder he can cast out demons. He gets his power from Satan, the prince of demons” (Matthew 12:24). Jesus responds with the words that began this article. His point is that it would be self-defeating for Satan to empower someone who is working against him. Even the devil is smarter than that!

The principle Jesus states is universally true. Any group that is characterized by infighting and discord is doomed to failure. It is true of nations. A country that has resorted to shooting at each other will ultimately destroy itself. It is true in athletics. A sports team can have superior athletes, facilities, and funding, but if the same team doesn’t work together, it can be defeated by a “weaker” opponent that is united in purpose. It is true in business. If the board of directors are fighting among themselves or if management and employees view themselves as adversaries, a company will never reach its potential.

What is true for nations, sports teams, and businesses is also true for congregations of God’s people. Any group of Christians that cannot work together for the common good will eventually wither or self-destruct. A divided church is a doomed church. Family feuds may provide a good game show format, but they will never be the basis of effective ministry for God.

God loves you!
Mike

Have You Asked God?

2010-04-08T20:51:00.000-07:00

“So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the Lord” (Joshua 9:14).

God had been very clear about how Israel was to deal with the pagan influences they would encounter when they entered the Promised Land (Exodus 23:32-33; 34:12-16; Numbers 33:52-56; Deuteronomy 7:1-6, 16-18, 25-26; 20:16-17). With God’s help and guidance, the Israelites experienced a convincing victory at Jericho. After some costly lessons, the same results were achieved at Ai. As one would expect, news about the conquering Israelite forces traveled fast among the Canaanites. Most began to combine their armies in hopes of surviving. One group, the Gibeonites, decided to employ a more devious defense. They sent emissaries to Joshua who were cleverly disguised as travelers from a distant land and asked to make a peace treaty with Israel. God’s people were initially skeptical, but the Gibeonites played their ruse to the hilt. The Israelites examined all the evidence at their disposal and fell for the trick. One critical step was left out of their deliberations – they forgot to include God as a part of the process!

We all make decisions every day. How shall I spend my money? Whom shall I marry? Which job should I take? Where should I live? How should I raise my children? On and on the list goes. And we live in a time when we have a seemingly unlimited amount of information available to help us make our decisions. At the click of a mouse, we can instantly have more than we care to read on any subject at hand. A trip to the library can provide an armload of books written by well-credentialed experts. The airwaves are full of gurus that claim to have all the knowledge that you will ever need to succeed.

In the face of such an informational onslaught, it is easy to overlook the one Source that is more important that any other. Like the Israelites, we can also fail to “consult the Lord.” And any decision made without God’s input is just asking for trouble.

God loves you!
Mike

You Do The Math...

2010-03-29T13:29:00.000-07:00

Goliath was an imposing warrior. He stood over nine feet tall. His armor alone likely weighed more than most of his opponents. It would have been work for normal men to even carry his weapons – imagine trying to throw a spear whose tip alone weighed 15 pounds! These are just a few of the reasons why Goliath was undefeated in combat. In fact, the rest of the Philistine army was so confident in his fighting abilities that they were willing to pin all of their hopes on him. Do you recall his boastful taunting of the Israelite army? “Why are you all coming out to fight?” he called. “I am the Philistine champion, but you are only the servants of Saul. Choose one man to come down here and fight me! If he kills me, then we will be your slaves. But if I kill him, you will be our slaves! I defy the armies of Israel today! Send me a man who will fight me!” (1 Samuel 17:8-10, NLT).

Perhaps it was this over-confident view of himself and his abilities that caused Goliath to become so incensed when a young shepherd came to engage him in battle. To his way of thinking, this was the ultimate sign of disrespect. “Goliath walked out toward David with his shield bearer ahead of him, sneering in contempt at this ruddy-faced boy. ‘Am I a dog,’ he roared at David, ‘that you come at me with a stick?’ And he cursed David by the names of his gods” (1 Samuel 17:41-43, NLT). He then boastfully predicts a swift and bloody demise for the presumptuous lad who dared to challenge his supremacy. ‘Come over here, and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and wild animals!’ Goliath yelled (1 Samuel 17:44, NLT). But the story doesn’t end as Goliath predicts. By the end of the day, the boastful giant lay dead at the feet of youthful shepherd.

Goliath boasted in his own abilities. David boasted in the abilities of God (1 Samuel 17:45-47). You do the math…

God loves you!
Mike

Exercise Can Be Bad For You!

2010-03-29T13:23:00.000-07:00

The soldiers of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh had fulfilled their commitment to their fellow Israelites. Although they had asked for and were granted a territorial inheritance on the east side of the Jordan river, they had promised Moses that they would go on to help their brothers possess their own inheritances which lay on the western side. After many battles, it was time to go home to their families. As they made their way home, just before they crossed the Jordan, they paused to build an altar. Little did they know just what an uproar this altar would cause (Joshua 22:1-10).

When the rest of the tribes heard about the altar, they gathered together and prepared to go to war with their brothers whom they suddenly viewed as traitors. Thankfully, they halted their battle plans long enough to send a delegation to confront the rebels. To the leaders of the western tribes, this was a clear-cut case of rebellion against God. Was not the God-ordained altar at Shiloh enough for these rebels? The foolish presumption of the eastern tribes was going to bring judgment on the entire nation (Joshua 22:11-20)!

The rapid-fire accusations stopped long enough for the incredulous easterners to explain their actions. Their altar wasn’t built for sacrifice but as a memorial. They would never run competition with God’s altar! Upon hearing the explanation, the delegation of western leaders softened their harsh rhetoric. After learning the facts, they realized that the situation wasn’t what they had initially imagined (Joshua 22:21-34).

Jumping to conclusions. Sadly, it is the only spiritual exercise some believers get. Someone hears something about someone else (usually second- or third-hand) and before you know it, war is declared. Sinful motives are assumed. Characters are assassinated. All before any time is taken to discover all the facts in the matter.

Jumping to conclusions is a dangerous exercise! Let’s stop before we hurt ourselves and those around us.

God loves you!
Mike

Equal Opportunity

2010-03-15T17:26:00.000-07:00

A significant part of the early chapters in the book of Isaiah is devoted to warnings concerning the coming judgment of God upon human sin. Some of the most pointed words of rebuke are reserved for God’s own covenant people. Due to the rebellion of Judah and Israel, the discipline of God was imminent. But surrounding nations also come under the scrutiny of the Sovereign Ruler of the universe. Assyria, Babylon, Moab, Ethiopia, Egypt, Edom, Arabia, Tyre – each receive their own personal word of warning from the prophet of God. In fact, the jurisdiction of God over the nations of earth is so complete and far-reaching that, by the time you reach chapter 24, the judgment of God is described in global terms: “Look! The Lord is about to destroy the earth and make it a vast wasteland. He devastates the surface of the earth and scatters its people” (Isaiah 24:1; NLT).

Notice, though, what the text goes on to say about God’s judgment: “Priests and laypeople, servants and masters, maids and mistresses, buyers and sellers, lenders and borrowers, bankers and debtors – none will be spared” (Isaiah 24:2; NLT). We learn that everyone who persists in rebelling against God will experience his judgment, regardless of their place in human society. The wealthy won’t have an advantage over the poor. The powerful won’t have an easier time than the weak. All rebels stand on equal ground before the God of heaven. In that sense, God is an equal opportunity Judge.

But, thankfully, the opposite is also true. God is also an equal opportunity Savior (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:28). Racial, economic, or gender distinctions are irrelevant when it comes to God’s deliverance. The poor are just as valuable to God as the wealthy. The weak are just as welcome to salvation as the powerful. Remember, God “…does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent” (2 Peter 3:9; NLT). We can also affirm that all redeemed rebels will also stand on equal ground before the God of heaven. Thank God for that!

God loves you!
Mike

The Agony of Defeat

2010-03-08T09:14:00.000-08:00

With God’s help, the Israelites had just conquered the mighty city of Jericho, the first obstacle in taking possession of their inheritance. The sight of the crumbling fortifications was still fresh in their minds. The rumble of the collapse was perhaps still ringing in their ears. What an incredible boost this must have been to their confidence! Who could stand against them with God on their side?

They were so confident that they didn’t even send all of their fighting men to the next stop on the campaign – the city of Ai. But this day of battle ended far differently. This time, the Israelite army was routed and forced to run for their lives. We are told that they “…were paralyzed with fear at this turn of events, and their courage melted away” (Joshua 7:5).

Joshua and the other leaders of Israel agonized over the defeat. They appealed to God and He revealed the cause of their troubles – someone had disobeyed by taking some of the spoil from the defeat of Jericho. God said: “Hidden among you, O Israel, are things set apart for the Lord. You will never defeat your enemies until you remove these things from among you” (Joshua 7:13).

I wonder how often hidden sins keep us from realizing victory in our own lives? Some brothers and sisters in Corinth were using their assembly times to promote their own greed and exclusivism. When they ate together, some refused to share their food with others. This greediness spilled over into their attempts to honor the death of Christ in the Lord’s Supper. Paul charges them with “…sinning against the body and blood of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 11:27). These sins caused the Corinthian brethren to fall under the judgment and discipline of God (1 Corinthians 11:30-31). The Corinthians church was experiencing defeat because they were harboring sin in their midst.

May God help us to remove every sinful attitude or action from our own lives that prevents us from experiencing the victory He desires for each one of us!

God loves you!
Mike

Home Security

2010-03-01T16:16:00.000-08:00

I read this week of a home in the hills overlooking Los Angeles that some claim could be the safest house in the world. Jack Bauer might even break a sweat infiltrating this place! “The heavily fortified and super secure residence occupies an easily defended promontory with 360-degree views. The well-defended dwelling stands five stories tall, measures almost 8,000 square feet and includes 32 rooms that all sit atop a virtually impenetrable batcave-like garage that will hold six, preferably armored, cars…The home’s real luxury is, of course, the ensured safety of its inhabitants. Should an intruder manage to breach the extensive exterior safety measures that include comprehensive surveillance abilities, there are two hidden panic rooms and two architecturally invisible ‘safe cores.’ The safe cores consist of entire sections of the residence that can be isolated from the rest of the home and where the homeowner can retreat in complete safety – not to mention luxury – from an outside threat that might include an intruder, a natural disaster, or even a nuclear, biological or chemical attack….While it can be tough to put a price on the safety and security of one’s family, in this case the tab is $7.25 million” (finance.yahoo.com, 2-22-10).

May I share with you a better way to secure your home? It really has nothing to do with steel, reinforced concrete, surveillance cameras and ‘safe cores.’ It has everything to do with who you are rather than where you live. Jesus tells us that ‘…everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock” (Matthew 7:24-25).

True security is found in submitting to God’s will for your home. “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain” (Psalm 127:1).

God loves you!
Mike

First Stone

2010-02-22T15:54:00.000-08:00

Jack Exum passed away on February 7 at the age of 81. Brother Exum is probably best known for the gospel meetings he held around the country called “Three Unusual Days.” I never met him personally but was privileged a few years ago to watch a video series that included several of his lessons. His wit, wisdom, and illustrative ability made him an engaging and effective communicator.

Brother Exum wrote a column for the local paper in Lake City, Florida, where he lived. In the Sunday edition of February 14, the publisher and editor of the Lake City Reporter, Todd Wilson, reminisced about his relationship with his late friend. Wilson shares the following story that illustrates the heart of this servant of God:

“Jack was quite a salesman, explaining in great detail how important his column was, why it needed a consistent place in the newspaper and how he would never miss a deadline. It was never about him; it was about his message and his readers. He sat in my office talking in his calm, baritone voice, and he smiled, even though he was firm in his position on how he believed his column should be presented to our readers. In one of his large hands, he clutched something that took up most of his palm. At the end of our meeting, he opened his hand and gently placed a large rock on my desk, a present he said he had customized especially for me. It was a brown river rock, odd-shaped with one flat side perfect to sit upright. In a black permanent marker, he had written me a message: ‘Todd…First Stone.’ ‘Every writer should have one of these, so they can think about the impact all words have,’ Jack said. ‘This one’s for you.’ He smiled, thanked me for my time, and excused himself from our meeting. To paraphrase John 8:7: Let he who is without sin cast the first stone” (lakecityreporter.com).

Jack Exum understood that words can be powerful tools for good or evil. Therefore, they should be used very carefully.

God loves you!
Mike

Does The Walk Match The Talk?

2010-02-15T15:28:00.000-08:00

“John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, ‘Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?’ Jesus told them, ‘Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. And tell him, ‘God blesses those who do not turn away because of me.’ ” (Matthew 11:2-6).

I find Jesus’ answer to John’s question here intriguing. When asked to provide evidence for His claim to be the promised Messiah, Jesus doesn’t offer a lengthy discussion of deep theological truths (although He would have been totally capable of doing so). He doesn’t provide a laundry list of all the ancient prophetic predictions concerning the Coming One that found fulfillment in His life and ministry. He doesn’t mention his genealogical links to prominent Hebrew forefathers. He does none of these things. Instead, Jesus simply points to the results of his work: “…the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor…” The greatest evidence He could provide was found in the fulfillment of his mission.

A wise old saying reminds us that “the proof of the pudding is in the eating.” In other words, good food is best identified by how it tastes, not by how often the chef tells you it is good. In like manner, identification of the Annointed One of God is best established by words coupled with actions, not by words alone

My own profession as a follower of Jesus is hollow and useless without the practice to go along with it (John 13:35; Matthew 7:17-20; 12:33; John 15:8). Lord, I pray that you will help my walk to match my talk.

God loves you!
Mike

Self-promotion

2010-02-09T09:49:00.000-08:00

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).

We live in a culture that is saturated with the excesses of self-promotion. You don’t have to look far to find people who are more than willing to tell you that they are the best athlete, the best actor, the best politician, or the best ____________ on the planet. Publicity agents are hired for the express purpose of keeping their client’s face and name before the public as much as possible. Self-promoters have honed their craft because they have learned that the pinnacle of success in any profession is a precarious perch. They know that there is always a self-promoting newcomer seeking to replace them.

Do you find it difficult to be all you can be for God without surrendering to the desire for self-promotion? When I am tempted to exalt myself, I need to remember verses like those listed above. Peter calls me to humility instead of self-promotion. “But, Peter, you don’t know what it is like in my job. If I humble myself, I will get run over! I will never get ahead!” Peter tackles that kind of anxiety by reminding me of three key facts about God. First, He has the power to protect me. I must remember that my security is grounded in God’s “mighty hand” (i.e. His strength and abilities), not my own. Second, He knows when the time is right for me. He will exalt me “at the proper time.” And, third, He wants what is best for me. I can trust His decisions because He “cares for” me.

May God help us all to learn to trust in Him instead of ourselves. May we seek to promote Him through our words and actions instead of promoting ourselves. May we join Paul in proclaiming: “…to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:21)

God loves you!
Mike

Memorial Stones

2010-02-02T08:54:00.000-08:00

“Now choose twelve men, one from each tribe. Tell them, ‘Take twelve stones from the very place where the priests are standing in the middle of the Jordan. Carry them out and pile them up at the place where you will camp tonight.’ ” So Joshua called together the twelve men he had chosen—one from each of the tribes of Israel. He told them, “Go into the middle of the Jordan, in front of the Ark of the LORD your God. Each of you must pick up one stone and carry it out on your shoulder—twelve stones in all, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel. We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the LORD’s Covenant went across.’ These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever” (Joshua 4:1-7).

Let me encourage you to build some memorials to God’s presence in your own life. You can begin now to find various “stones” to use for construction materials. One “stone” may represent a great victory that never would have been possible without God’s help. Another “stone” might be a reminder of when God blessed you with a time of incredible joy and happiness. But remember that not all memorial stones you find will bring a smile to your lips. Some “stones” will be markers of times of pain or grief. Perhaps a particular “stone” will remind you of the death of a loved one and how God carried you through the dark days you faced. Maybe a different “stone” will bring to mind how God provided for you during the loss of your job or some other setback.

Use all of these various “stones” in your life to set up a spiritual monument to God. This marker will stand as a testimony to God’s faithfulness when your own faith is being tested.

God loves you!
Mike

Don't Tease The Lion!

2010-01-25T10:39:00.000-08:00

“When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the LORD. Abel also brought a gift—the best of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The LORD accepted Abel and his gift, but he did not accept Cain and his gift. This made Cain very angry, and he looked dejected. ‘Why are you so angry?’ the LORD asked Cain. ‘Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master’” (Genesis 4:3-7).

The temptation to sin is not an enemy that waits passively until we just happen to stumble upon it. In the text above, God pictures sin as an active predator who eagerly stalks its victim. This description fits well with what the Bible reveals in other places about the devil and his tactics. In another vivid word picture, Peter tells his readers: “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

No one in their right mind messes around with a hungry lion. And yet, people continue to play around with sin. You don’t have to look far for examples, do you? We are all surrounded by people who are foolishly making this grave mistake in their lives. We shake our heads sadly over neighbors, friends, relatives, or business associates who are taunting a ferocious beast and are about to be attacked.

But if I am honest, I must admit that there is a closer and more familiar example of the problem – me. I convince myself that I can tease the cat and get away with it or that my sins are not as bad as other people’s sins but it is a self-delusion. Lord, please help me to stay as far as possible from the lion that seeks to devour me!

God loves you!
Mike

Consequences

2010-01-19T10:57:00.000-08:00

“What have you done?” (Genesis 3:13). How those words must have reverberated in the stillness of Eden. There is no way to know what tone God used as He uttered these penetrating words to Adam and Eve. Perhaps you imagine God speaking angrily with a booming voice. That is certainly possible. When I read the question, I’m more inclined to believe it was spoken in a quieter way, tinged with sadness and regret.

Standing before God in their fear and shame, the parents of the human race had no clue as to the full significance of what they had just done. After all, this was the first case of human sin. Adam and Eve had no benchmark from which to assess the potential fallout from their actions. In fact, they were already beginning to think of the feeble excuses they would offer to the Father for their sin.

But God knew. Only God could fully comprehend the consequences of that initial act of rebellion. As a result of that one act, an entire world would change. Weeds would grow. Pain would increase. Relationships would be altered. A sin-free world suddenly became infected with a deadly virus. The apostle Paul described it this way: “When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned” (Romans 5:12). And only the death of God’s own precious Son would reverse the curse and provide the antidote for the spiritual plague.

Every sin has consequences. But it seems to be so difficult to remember that fact when I am faced with an appealing opportunity to disobey God. Do you suppose Adam and Eve would have still chosen to sin if they could have foreseen the problems that it would cause? Maybe or maybe not. Who knows? But I do know that I make better decisions when I pause to consider the consequences of my choices. Perhaps I can avoid the question “What have you done?” if I learn to first ask myself “What might happen if I do?”

God loves you!
Mike

Being Right With God

2010-01-11T09:42:00.001-08:00

“For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the ceremony of circumcision. No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people” (Romans 2:28-29; NLT).

Paul certainly knew something about taking pride in his “Jewishness.” There had been a time in his life when he could have compared pedigrees with the best of them (Philippians 3:4-6). As Saul of Tarsus, he had been well-schooled in all of the externals which many Jews believed afforded them a special relationship with God. But Paul learned, at great personal cost, that his belief in what it took to make himself right with God was misplaced. He learned that all the externals in the world were useless without a change internally. Perhaps that is why he speaks out so strongly and clearly as a preacher of the Good News against the dangers of trusting in anything other than the finished work of Jesus Christ to make us right with God.

This is a lesson that I have to continually take to heart. Just because I don’t deal with the same specific issue that Paul and his contemporaries faced doesn’t mean I can’t make the same mistake in other ways. I need to remind myself that my relationship with God doesn’t depend on my ability to keep His commandments. It doesn’t hinge on whether I worship correctly. It doesn’t rely on my understanding of Bible. I am made right with God by God’s effort, not my own.

Do I want to obey God? Of course! Do I want to offer worship to God that pleases him? You bet! Do I want to understand the word of God? Certainly! But my success or failure in any of these areas doesn’t determine my standing with God.

God loves you!
Mike

Rust-out, Burn-out, or ???

2010-01-11T09:37:00.000-08:00

“But the news about Him was spreading even farther, and great multitudes were gathering to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But He Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray” (Luke 5:15-16).

“But Jesus, don’t you know there is work to do?” “But Jesus, don’t you know there are people who need help?” “But Jesus, if you don’t do it, who will?” “But Jesus…” I don’t know if our Lord ever heard comments like this, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he did. Surely Jesus felt the pressure of having more to do than hours to do it. Surely Jesus experienced the stress of an unrealistic workload. And yet, He made time for rest and fellowship with God.

I’ve heard others say, speaking of their service to God, that they would rather burn-out than rust-out. I think I understand what they are trying to say. And if burning-out and rusting-out were the only two choices, I suppose I would agree. But I believe that there is another alternative for those who are devoted to the service of their King.

It blesses me to read that even Jesus took a break now and then. Even when confronted with pressing needs, he “slipped away” for awhile. Sure, He could have driven Himself to emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion in His service to others, but such a burn-out could have jeopardized His overall mission for God.

Surely no serious disciple desires to rust out for Jesus. But perhaps you have been called by God to burn-out in His cause. If so, then by all means do it with all your might. But it is also possible that others may be called to serve-out their lives instead of burning-out or rusting-out. God still uses the long-term testimony of a lifetime of steady, faithful service for Him. Such lives may not flash with the brilliance of a burn-out, but they do offer a steady beacon that shines for Christ day after day for a lifetime.

God loves you!
Mike