A Sojourner By Faith

Nothing Like A Good Cleaning

2008-07-02T16:16:00.003-05:00

“… cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
– Hebrews 9:22 (NIV)

When I was in elementary school, I remember having our school nurse come to my class to discuss good dental hygiene. Every student was given a new toothbrush and a small sample size of toothpaste (all donated to the school by some toothpaste company). She also gave us some special little tablets that we could chew after brushing our teeth which would show us how well we cleaned our teeth during brushing. Through a demonstration with one of my classmates, the nurse showed that if we didn’t brush our teeth well, the little tablets would stain our teeth red. Apparently, my classmate didn’t brush his teeth very well because he grinned a bright red smile at the class to our delight.

What we learned was that we needed to do more than just go through the motions of brushing our teeth in order to get our teeth really clean. We needed to accept the instructions we were given by the nurse and follow the procedures in order to have clean and healthy teeth.

I am thankful that our lives, which are stained by sin, can be cleansed and made as white as snow, not because of following some religious rituals but because of accepting the cleansing that comes from what Jesus did for us on the cross.

The prophet Isaiah records an invitation by God to come to Him in order to be cleansed from sin. “‘Come, let’s talk this over,’ says the Lord, ‘no matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you white as wool!’” (Isaiah 1:18 – Living Bible).

The writer of Hebrews describes the inadequacy of ritual sacrifice and how the death of Jesus Christ completely covered the requirements for the forgiveness of sins and the provision of salvation. The author writes, “If that animal blood and the other rituals of purification were effective in cleaning up certain matters of our religion and behavior, think how much more the blood of Christ cleans up our whole lives, inside and out. Through the Spirit, Christ offered himself as an unblemished sacrifice, freeing us from all those dead-end efforts to make ourselves respectable, so that we can live all out for God. … Everyone has to die once, then face the consequences. Christ’s death was also a one-time event, but it was a sacrifice that took care of sins forever. And so, when he next appears, the outcome for those eager to greet him is, precisely, salvation” (Hebrews 9:13-15, 27-28 – The Message).

Imagine what would happen in your life if there was some type of spiritual “tablet” you could take that exposed whether you were going through the motions of devotion and commitment to the Lord or if you had been thoroughly cleansed by blood of Jesus Christ? Ultimately, we will have to stand before the Lord and give an account of our lives based on what we did with Jesus (see Revelation 20:12-15). Only those who have trusted Jesus for forgiveness and salvation from sins will be with God for all time after this judgment (see Revelation 21:1-8, 27).

Praise God we can pray now to Him and ask Him to wash away our sins and make us clean through Jesus Christ. First John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (English Standard Version). And God promises, “I will cleanse them from all the sin they have committed against me and will forgive all their sins of rebellion against me” (Jeremiah 33:8 NIV). We can simply pray to God by faith what David prayed in Psalm 51: “Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. … Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow” (Psalms 51:2, 7 – New Living Translation).

To quote some of our hymns of the faith: “Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power? Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?” And, “Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe, Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.” Praise God we can receive a good and thorough cleaning from the stains of sin through Jesus Christ.

God Will Never Let Go

2008-07-01T10:50:00.003-05:00

“The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The LORD is with me; he is my helper. …”
– Psalms 118:6 – 7a NIV

Several years ago, I heard a tiny little knock on my bedroom door in the middle of the night by Daniel, my oldest son. It was storming outside and the loud thunder and nearby flashes of lightning made him very frightened. So I got up and went to his room with him and I stayed with him during the storm. We talked about the loudness of the thunder in relation to the nearness of the lightning, counting off guesses as to how near the lightning was to us. After a while the storm passed and Daniel drifted off to sleep with his dad nearby.

When we face the storms of life, we all need to be reminded and have our faith encouraged to know that our Heavenly Father is always nearby to give us courage and strength.

During “Day 3” (Wednesday, June 11) of our Power Lab™ Vacation Bible School (Group Publishing), we had an incredible day with 104 kids in attendance “discovering Jesus’ miraculous power.” That day's Bible Point was “Jesus gives us the power to be brave!” (“Aha!”). And the kids learned about how when Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he was able to walk on water. But when Peter focused on the waves and on the storm…blub, blub, blub—down he sank. After calling for Jesus to help, Peter was rescued by the hand of Jesus. Then they climbed into the boat together after Jesus asked Peter why he doubted (Matthew 14:22-33).

That’s my question. Why do we doubt and fear? God is pretty clear in His Scriptures that because He is with us, we have nothing to fear. And yet we worry and shake in our boots whenever the slightest breeze of trouble blows our way. Granted, many people I know have been or are currently in the middle of some hurricane-force storms of life through the loss of loved ones or through dealing with major sickness. Yet, some that I have talked to about how they are doing have expressed a strength of faith that has truly inspired and encouraged me.

When the waves and storms of life are blowing around us, can anything or anyone truly harm us if God is with us through them all? According to the promises of God’s word, THEY CAN’T! The writer of Hebrews quotes Psalms 118:6 (listed above) in Hebrews 13:6: “So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” (NIV) But what gives the writer of Hebrews such “confidence” is found at the end of the preceding verse, “…God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (v. 5b NIV), where he quotes Moses’ words to Israel and Joshua (see Deuteronomy 31:6 & 8).

When we have to face anything in life, we can have the confidence to be brave because God is always with us and He promises never to leave us. This was what the children learned at VBS in their “Power Verse” for the day 3 from Psalm 23:4: “I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me” (NLT).

By faith in Jesus Christ, we can rest assured that nothing—neither storms of life nor even our failures and sins—can loosen God’s grip on our lives. Jesus said in John 10:29: “My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand” (NIV). According to Paul, it’s God’s strong love that holds us tight to Him regardless of what tries to pull us from Him. Paul wrote, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39 NIV).

Therefore, knowing that my strong and loving God is always with me as my Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ, gives me the courage and the power to be brave. There are no storm winds that are stronger than God’s love for me. God will never let go of me.

I close with the words to one of my favorite praise songs by Matt and Beth Redman, which the kids learned at Power Lab™. It’s called “You Never Let Go”.

Even though I walk / Through the valley of the shadow of death / Your perfect love is casting out fear / And even when I'm caught / In the middle of the storms of this life / I won't turn back I know You are near.
And I will fear no evil / For my God is with me / And if my God is with me / Whom then shall I fear? / Whom then shall I fear?
Oh no, You never let go / Through the calm and through the storm / Oh no, You never let go / In every high and every low / Oh no, You never let go / Lord, You never let go of me.

(©2005 Thankyou Music, CCLI License #1167348)

Thank you, God, for never letting go of me.

Somebody Up There Is Watching Me

2008-06-30T16:09:00.003-05:00

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”
–Hebrews 12:1 (New Living Translation)

Every once in a while I wish I could ask some of my deceased relatives their opinion of how I am living my life. Before you get worried, I am not talking about conversing with them in some type of séance. It’s just that sometimes I find myself missing them and I just wish they were still alive and could give me advice from their wisdom. I wonder how they would warn me concerning the pitfalls of my life based on their own successes and failures. I wonder how they would encourage me in facing difficulties and in facing victories. I wonder if there would be more cheers than jeers from them for how I am running my race of faith.

I know that these conversations with them will never take place. But for those of my deceased relatives who, because of their own faith, are now with their Savior Jesus Christ, I know they have joined the other saints of old and are watching my life of faith from the bleachers in heaven.

Each of us has been preceded by a heritage and legacy of faith. Some of our faith heroes may have been relatives or close friends, or they just may have been believers in history or the faithful from the Bible. These heroes of the faith surround us and observe the strides we make as we grow in and live out our faith. When we fall on our faces in sin, maybe a collective moan comes from them. When we fight the good fight in a given situation, maybe there is a round of thunderous applause and hurrahs. I am sure they are watching us on the edges of their seats pulling for us and booing our enemy Satan for the cheap shots and dirty tactics his evil team of minions throw at us.

The Bible says “we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith” (Hebrews 12:1 NLT). The writer is referring specifically to the heroes of the faith listed in the previous chapter. Some of the faithful were referred to specifically—like Abraham, Moses, etc.—while others were just generally mentioned. Some were faithful throughout their lives. Some were even killed for their faith. Many of the early readers of the book of Hebrews probably knew someone personally who had been persecuted because of faith in Jesus Christ. So the writer is encouraging his readers to live their lives mindful of the faithful examples that had preceded them and to honor those heroes with holy and faithful lives.

The writer encouraged his brothers and sisters in faith to join him by choosing to “strip off every weight”—all the easily ensnaring sin—so that they could run the race of faith more efficiently with less trip-ups. He wanted them all to continue to endure the race of faith which God laid out before them so that they would finish strong.

But for each of us, as with the early readers, Jesus Christ is the greatest observer of our lives. From the best seat in the “Heavenly Stadium,” He not only watches our progress but He is the One to whom we must aspire to emulate. Jesus Christ is “the champion who initiates and perfects our faith” (v. 2). This means, because of Jesus’ victory over sin and death, He makes our faith and relationship with a loving God possible in the first place. And second, Jesus is the One through whom the power of His indwelling Holy Spirit makes running the race of faith victoriously feasible for every believer. When we consistently shed the excess baggage of sin in our lives and when we focus on our Champion’s victorious example for us and made available to us, we will run our races of faith better and receive great cheers of “Well Done!” from the One seated on the throne.

When life’s race gets hard, we must remember the examples of those who have run before us. We must remember their successes and failures and run accordingly. But we must never take our eyes off of our Champion—Jesus Christ. He is the One for whom we are running and the One who gives us everything we need for the victory. We must run by faith in the example of our Savior who receives the glory for our races run well. Keep your eyes on Jesus. His eyes are always on you.

Beneath the Surface

2008-06-26T11:15:00.003-05:00

[Jesus said,] “…First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean”—Matthew 23:26 (NIV)

Recently in our church's parsonage, we noticed evidence of termites. Whatever the termites were doing beneath the surface deep inside the structure of the master bedroom walls had become evident due to the debris they left on the outer surface of the wall in the room. At first, I just cleared away the mounding debris from the wall and made the wall nice and clean again on the surface. But a few days later, the mound was back.

After talking to our church's property committee chairman, it was decided we needed to treat the termite problem beneath the surface in the structure of the house or the damage would get worse, and dirty termite mounds on the surface would be the least of our troubles. So the “termite guy” came and investigated, and sure enough, the termite problem was bad beneath the surface, but not so bad that the house was going to fall down around us (unless we chose to ignore the problem). He then began to treat the termite problem beneath the surface, digging trenches around the perimeter of the parsonage's foundation, which he filled with chemicals. He sprayed vital areas underneath the house, and drilled holes through the concrete areas around the house, putting chemicals in the soil beneath. It was a long process, but time will tell how well it worked. Nevertheless, periodic re-treatments in the future will help control them at least or prevent their return at most.

Spiritually speaking, we have to be careful with just dealing with the surface affects of self-serving religion and self-indulgent sin. Sometimes we just try to be busier with religious activity, giving an appearance that everything is hunky-dory, but beneath the surface our souls are being eaten away. Busyness is not an accurate determiner of a person’s spiritual health. It takes a deep, prayerful investigation by God in our hearts to show us how healthy we actually are in our relationship with Him.

Jesus dealt with the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law and sought to expose to them the heart problems they had beneath the surface of their lives. He told these religious leaders that, spiritually, they were just cleaning “the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they [were] full of greed and self-indulgence” (Matthew 23:25). He also described them as being like “whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean” (Matthew 23:27-28). Other times, Jesus quoted Isaiah to describe the problem of surface religion, saying “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men” (Mark 7:6-7; also Matthew 15:8-9, quoting Isaiah 29:13-14). Left unchecked, Jesus said to them, “Your house is left to you desolate” (Matthew 23:38). These religious people needed their “insides” cleaned—their hearts cleaned—and then they would be cleaned from the inside-out (Matthew 23:26).

As people who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ, saved by God’s grace, and filled with the Holy Spirit, we constantly need to have deep surface scans, spiritually speaking, of our hearts. We need to seek the Lord as David did in the Psalms: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalms 139:23 - 24 – NIV). And, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me” (Psalms 51:10 - 12 – NIV).

We must get beneath the surface of our lives and pursue God with hearts desperate for Him. Then our house will be strong and God will be truly praised.

Never Surfing the Same Wave

2008-06-26T10:55:00.004-05:00

“See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.” … “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? …”
– Isaiah 42:9; Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)

There is an old saying that goes, “You can never step in the same river twice.” Oh sure, you can go to the river over and over and place your feet in the water, but the river water you first stepped into, will have either gone down stream, been consumed or absorbed by some living thing, or have been evaporated, only to rain down and enter the water cycle somewhere else at some other time.

Similarly, you can never surf the same wave. The ocean moves in waves and the same formation of water molecules will never realign on any shoreline anywhere to form the same exact wave you surfed before. But you keep on surfing, even if you feel like it couldn’t get any better than yesterday or if you feel like yesterday’s waves were as good as waves gets. Some years, in certain times of the year, at certain places on the planet, surfing is better than others for those who patiently pursue the waves. So you keep pursuing the waves because you just love to surf.

Although the only waves around here may be “amber waves of grain,” there can be some huge spiritual waves for us to surf. I have experienced some great spiritual waves in my past, great times of spiritual renewal, discipline, worship, and fruitfulness. But, I am not satisfied with what I have experienced with God so far in my Christian life. I want to know God more. I want to love Him more and experience more of His blessings. I want to serve Him more and see more people come to experience God in greater ways in their lives.

We have to be careful of trying to re-surf old spiritual waves, especially when God wants to do something new in and through our lives. We can only frustrate ourselves in the present trying to realign the same elements from our past which the Holy Spirit of God orchestrated to bring about something glorious and remarkable. That wave may never happen the same way again. Times change, people change, hearts change, and so that particular spiritual wave has come and gone and can never be experienced the same way again. And I know that makes us feel reflective and melancholy, nostalgic and sad as we realize that wave of experience with God is gone and can’t be re-experienced the same way. Wisdom, then, would ask why pursue something that will never be the same and is constantly changing?

Instead, we must pursue with fresh passion the unchangeable God. He wants us to experience Him in new ways for a new day. We must actively and prayerfully seek out the movement of God in our hearts and lives and in our churches—letting Him create new waves of faith, hope and love in us. Sometimes, that may require us to get a new “surfboard” to ride the new waves, but, in some cases, our old boards may just need a new coat of wax to help us surf more efficiently.

I say all that to say, I know you want to experience God like you did in the past. But I know that you don’t necessarily want to or expect to experience the same exact waves—because they have come and gone. However, I believe you truly want to experience anew the exhilaration of changed lives, the excitement of renewed passion, and the explosive power of God’s love moving in our midst. That’s what I want, and what I believe God also wants for us.

So what’s it going to take?

The LORD says, “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14 – New Living Translation). We must be prepared for when God’s spiritual wave moves. But we have to get ready now, humbling ourselves, praying to God and seeking Him earnestly, confessing and turning from our sins, so that God will hear us, heal us, and carry us to new waves of blessing.

Will you prepare your lives for a new wave of spiritual revival? Will you seek a fresh and powerful new move of God in your hearts, lives, churches, and communities? Surf’s Up!

Once Upon A Track

2008-05-21T14:01:00.004-05:00

“… But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on…” – Philippians 3:13-14 NIV

Once upon at time and many pounds ago, I ran track in high school. In fact I did hurdles. Notice I didn’t say I ran hurdles, because there was more stumbling and tripping than running. And I didn’t say I was a hurdler, because that would mean I had gained some level of proficiency. No—I did hurdles.

What I learned about hurdles was there was always one more hurdle in front of me to clear. The hurdles were laid out in front of me in my lane by some unseen track official and I was to engage in running to clear them in succession after the gun sounded. I was to do this until I reached the finish line.

The harder hurdle event for me was the 300 meter hurdles. The difficulty wasn’t due to the distance being too long or the hurdles being too high or too many; the problem came in the space between the hurdles. During this space between the hurdles I had time to think and was easily distracted.

In the shorter distance hurdle event, like the 110 meter high-hurdles, there is never time to think because it happens so fast. For me, however, in the 300, thoughts would come at me like: “Okay, you cleared that one, here comes another one. Don’t jump too soon. Don’t hit the hurdle. Is that girl looking at me? I should have stretched more. HURDLE!”

It takes consistent focus to run hurdles. Missed steps have to be corrected and adjusted on the fly. You can’t let the success over one hurdle or the stumble over another keep you from continuing around the track toward the finish line. You have to keep progressing around the track to the tape at the end. You don’t stop after a successful clearing of the 6th hurdle and say, “I have sure enjoyed the race so far. But clearing this 6th hurdle has been so enjoyable that I think I will just stay right here.” Nor should you just walk off the track when you fall on your face. No, you keep going and don’t stop until the race is over. You don’t wait for the hurdles to come to you; you have to keep running until there are no more hurdles. The race is not about how cleanly you clear the hurdles but how efficiently and effectively you cover the distance from start to finish and how you run between each hurdle.

Only God knows how long our life-races are and how many hurdles or challenges we will face. It is important to honor past successes by learning from them but we must move forward from them to face new growing experiences. It is also important to learn from and move on from failures because another challenge is just around the bend. Until our last breaths we must keep moving forward with our mind set on the prize—to be like Christ and to be with God for all eternity because of Christ.

Paul wrote about his life-race to the believers in Philippi. “Not that I have already obtained all this [meaning obtaining all that God had for Paul because of knowing Christ], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14 NIV).

Then Paul gives some instructions to his fellow Christian runners: “All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained” (Philippians 3:15-16 NIV).

We each have to continue on the track God lays out before us. We must not stop regardless of success or failure or even fatigue. We must keep moving and God will give us the strength to carry on. But, if at some point we forget that our attitude should be as it was for Paul, we must ask God to re-enlighten us while we keep on moving forward toward the finish line. We who believe are already victorious because Jesus already won the race for us. We must just “live up to” the victory we have in Him. And at the end of our life-race, we can celebrate His glorious victory for us for all eternity.

Until then, keep running. Here comes another hurdle.

Who Needs Prayer?

2008-02-06T10:46:00.000-06:00

“I tell you to pray for all people, asking God for what they need and being thankful to him.”

–The Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 2:1 (NCV)

Everybody needs prayer. Sometimes, however, it’s seems easier for me to pray for the needs of others than it is to seek prayer for myself. I wonder if this is somehow because—and I am guessing—by concentrating on the needs of others I sometimes find that I feel better about myself, thinking that my troubles may not seem as bad as the needs of those for whom I am praying. I know God’s word commands us to pray for one another, but why do we deny our own need for prayer?

The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy and told him “to pray for all people” because Paul knew God could meet all people’s needs and was, therefore, worthy of thankfulness all the time. But Paul was not above asking for prayer support from his brothers and sisters in Christ.

Paul made a request to the church in Ephesus to pray for him. He wrote: “Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should” (Ephesians 6:19-20 NIV). In this request, obviously, Paul is asking the Ephesians to pray that God equip him to teach the message of Jesus Christ effectively and fearlessly. This is his main concern, it seems, because he asks it twice. But there is a subtle reminder of another personal need of Paul’s mentioned in two words: “in chains.” Paul was a great ambassador for the Kingdom of God and the message of Jesus Christ, but at the time of his request, it had cost him his freedom.

I wonder if being “in chains” wasn’t a real downer sometimes for Paul, regardless of how thankful he was to God for the privilege of suffering for Jesus (see 2 Corinthians 12:9-10). I wonder if Paul had days where he just didn’t feel like being “ON” for the Kingdom and wanted to take a mental health day. So, sure, Paul asks for fearless effectiveness as the subject for the prayers of his friends. But was Paul also admitting he needed encouragement from God because of the chains associated with being a servant of Jesus Christ?

We must admit our needs and seek the prayers of others on our behalf. At first glance this may sound selfish, but hear me out. Sometimes we don’t ask for prayer for our own needs because we don’t want to admit that we ARE in need of prayer. We may not want to appear weak by asking others to pray for us. But until we admit our own weakness and need for prayer, we are not being very humble, an important component in getting God to hear our prayers (see 2 Chronicles 7:14).

Everybody needs prayer. We all struggle with temptation and sin. We all struggle with pain and disappointment. We all struggle with finding God’s plan and guidance in our lives. To deny these needs makes us out to be liars. Nobody has life all together and to act like we do is arrogance.

Furthermore, by admitting our needs for prayer to one another, we are actually admitting our need for God to move and work in our lives. If we can’t admit we need prayer, then, we are admitting, on a heart level, that we don’t need God. But the truth is: We all need God.

So here’s the question to consider: how can we expect God to move in the lives of others if we won’t admit that we also need Him to move in our lives? That’s just not right. Instead, we must do what James 5:16 (Amplified) says: “Confess to one another therefore your faults—your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins—and pray also for one another, that you may be healed and restored to a spiritual tone of mind and heart. The earnest, heartfelt, continued prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available, dynamic in its working.”

We all need prayer like we all need God. I need you to pray for me. I’m praying for you.

Emptiness Filled By Jesus

2007-12-20T13:52:00.000-06:00

“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” –Luke 2:12 (NIV)

One day, the manger was empty except for a few straws of hay for the animals in the stable. Then, that special night in Bethlehem, it held the Bread of Life that came to fill mankind with peace in their lives and joy in their hearts.

One day, the stomachs of those on the hillside were empty and there wasn’t any food to give them, except for the lunch of a boy in the crowd. Then, Jesus took those loaves and fishes, blessed them, and miraculously filled those thousands of stomachs and still had more to give.

One day, the eyes of a man born blind were empty except for the darkness of a life without sight. Then, after the man’s eyes covered with a salve Jesus created with His spit and some dirt from the ground, and after obediently washing in the Pool of Siloam, the man went home filled with light in being able to see for the first time.

One day, the road leading into Jerusalem was empty, except for a few passersby. Then, at the beginning of His week of Passion, Jesus, riding on the back of a donkey, was met by many of His followers who filled the air with waving palm fronds and with shouts of “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord!”

One day, the cross was empty, except for the blood of the One who had just painfully given His life on it, having proclaimed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Then, after being taken down from the implement of torturous death, Jesus had fulfilled His purpose of dying to take away the sins of the world.

One day, the tomb was empty, except for the remnants of grave cloths that had once covered Jesus’ dead and buried body. Then, after the stone was rolled away, Jesus filled the world with His victorious presence, having conquered death and offering life to all those who would believe.

One day, my heart was empty, except for the hope that someone could satisfy the hunger of my soul, shine a light in my darkness, and remove the pain of sin in my life. Then, after I heard His still small voice in my heart saying, “I’ve done it all for you!” Jesus filled my life with peace and my heart with joy.

And one day soon, the sky will be empty, except for the sound of the archangel’s trumpet blast. Then, after Jesus appears in triumphant return, the sky will be filled with those who knew Him, returning victoriously to heaven with Him.

If your life is empty, let Jesus fill it. He is the only One who can. Merry Christmas.

The Indestructible Christmas Present

2007-12-18T14:04:00.001-06:00

Jesus Said: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” –John 10:10 (NIV)

It was the Christmas of my eighth grade year and at first we were all shocked and sad. Someone had tried to ruin our Christmas but they would not succeed.

We found the door open when we got home. We could feel the cool December wind blowing through our house as we looked at where presents had once been carefully placed under our Christmas tree. Gone. All gone. We had been robbed.

Before the police arrived we noticed a present that had not been taken. It was from my Mammaw Jackson, who had been blessed with the ability to wrap packages that could survive a nuclear blast. The robbers had tried to get into the box but found that the many layers of paper and tape and string were too difficult to penetrate and was therefore costing them valuable time. So they left it and took the more accessible presents.

Though I can’t remember exactly what was in her box—probably some socks or underwear or a shirt for me and a nightgown or pajamas or perfume for my sister—I do remember that the contents were sent and wrapped with love. Mammaw wrapped the package the way she did because she really wanted us to have what was inside. Wrapped as it was, it thwarted the burglars’ attempt to steal its contents and to steal our joy. Instead we laughed and laughed and ended up having a wonderful Christmas thankful for having received the indestructible Christmas present.

You may have your favorite Christmas memories but what makes them special? When the company has gone and the paper, bows, and boxes have all been discarded, what will you remember about this Christmas? We may take pictures or video to remind us of the gifts we received so that we can relive the joy at a later date, but the Kodak moments may fade and the video might be recorded over with the latest episode of our favorite TV program. The toys may break or get lost; the clothes may get worn out; the pounds you gained from Christmas dinner will get worked off (hopefully). What will leave a lasting impression on you to remember for years to come? I pray that we will remember the thought and love that had been put into the presents we received. Not necessarily what we got but why we got it.

Without trying to sound trivial, the only perfect gift we have ever been given was the salvation offered to us by God. It was (and still is) perfect because of the package, its contents, and the motivation behind the gift. In John 3:16, which most of us have memorized, we see that God loved us so much (the motivation) that He wrapped up His gift of eternal life (the contents) in His Son Jesus Christ (the package), which is just waiting for us to open and receive.

Satan comes to our lives and tries to steal what God has for us—life. Jesus said in John 10:10 that “the thief [speaking of the enemy Satan] comes only to steal and kill and destroy,” but Jesus goes on to say that He came “that they [speaking of us] may have life … to the full.” That gift cost Jesus Christ His life on the Cross but it was delivered to us through the power of the Resurrection. Satan tried to destroy the gift by killing Jesus but the power of God’s love, which was the reason for sending the gift in the first place, defeated the enemy and set us free. We are, therefore, free to live with and for God and to love Him and others.

The gifts and presents this world offers us may give us pleasure for a while but that pleasure soon fades. Matthew 6:20-21 says that we should “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The gifts God offers—eternal and abundant life—will never fade for those who have accepted them, and they can’t be taken away.

So as you and your family face the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, remember the gifts that God has for you wrapped up in Jesus. But don’t forget to share those gifts you receive from God with others. Don’t let the hype and commercialism distract you or steal from you the real joy God has given to the world.

And on behalf of the Jackson household, I pray that Christmas this year will be full of lasting memories for you and your loved ones. I hope you will receive the Indestructible Christmas Present of Jesus this year and may you have a wonderful and Merry Christmas.

Allies In A United Front

2007-11-07T11:15:00.000-06:00

“Keep your guard up. You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It’s the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith.”
– 1 Peter 5:9 (The Message)

When I served in the United States Army, I had the privilege of serving with service men and women from some of the other branches of the military. Side by side I worked with Marines, airmen, and sailors in protecting and promoting our country’s national interests. Occasionally, each group would get all excited—especially the Marines—claiming they were the best, the toughest, and the smartest. Of course the Marines were always the fewest and the proudest (Semper Fi). However, there was one thing I noticed: when it came to serving together for the common goal of guarding our nation and when it came to patriotism, we were all united as Americans.

For quite some time now, I have felt God leading me to give emphasis to uniting brothers and sisters in Christ across denominational lines for the common purposes of service to and worship of our unifying Savior, Jesus Christ. Though each congregation and church family may maintain its traditional methods and practices in order to maintain their distinct identities, it is time for us to lock arms and stand firm together in the promotion of the Kingdom of God.

I am not suggesting we do away with denominations. Each church and denomination needs its own biblical and organizational foundation in which to function effectively. What I am encouraging is that every believer and follower of Jesus Christ sees every other believer and follower of Jesus Christ as beloved members of THE CHURCH as THE BODY OF CHRIST regardless of affiliation. But as much as I love being a Baptist, I am a believer and follower of Jesus Christ and will preach and proclaim salvation in Him alone (see 1 Corinthians 1:10-18).

When a person stands before God in heaven, God is not going to look at any Christian denomination membership book marked Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Non-denominational, Pentecostal, Church of Christ, Assembly of God, or ___________ (fill in the blank with any other designation) to find his or her name. No, God is going to look at “The Lamb’s Book of Life” (see Revelation 21:27 and 20:15) and only those whose names are written there—names of those who have trusted in Jesus Christ for their forgiveness of sins and their new life in Him—will get to enter into heaven. If God’s love and grace isn’t limited to any particular Christian denomination why should we limit our love and grace?

Richard Baxter, a 17th century English Puritan church leader and theologian, once said, “In necessary things, unity; in doubtful things, liberty; in all things, charity.” This means, in the basic biblical essentials of the Christian faith, we must be unified. In those non-essentials that differentiate us as denominations, we must let each other work that out before the Lord (see Philippians 2:12). But regardless of our differences, we must love and serve each other with each other, whether that extends around the corner or around the world.

Our enemy and competition is not the church down the street. As devoted citizens of the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ, our common enemy is Satan’s kingdom of darkness (see Ephesians 6:12). Therefore, we must be united on our knees in prayer, united in our lives in service, and united in our hearts in love as we pledge our allegiance to our Lord God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—and to His loving plan for this temporary home we call Earth. May we together proclaim “Victory In Jesus” and shout our battle cry “His Kingdom Come!”

Are You Passionate About Prayer?

2007-04-12T11:41:00.000-05:00

“Be unceasing in prayer praying perseveringly.”

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (Amplified)

There is no doubt you have heard the saying, “Time flies when you’re having fun.” Think of the things you enjoy doing. Have you ever been so involved in those activities that you don’t notice the passage of time? Before you know it, time gets away from you and maybe hours have passed. It is said that those activities are the things that you are “passionate” about.

Have you ever been talking to a friend or loved one in the evening and gotten deep into a conversation or discussion only to realize well in to the night or early morning that you have been talking or reminiscing for hours? That’s passion—either for the subject or for the person with whom you are talking. Time means nothing in those situations, and often, you didn’t even get tired while talking.

Yet how often do we lose ourselves and lose time in prayer with God? How passionate are we about prayer? I know what you’re going to say: “But James, I am praying all the time. I am in constant prayer.” Well, I know what you mean, if your relationship with God is so deep that no matter where you go or what you do, God is there with you, as your faithful companion, and you are in constant conversation with Him. That sounds real good, I know, but often times, if you are like me, you get so busy with the rest of the stuff of life that you don’t think about God, or at least you forget about Him. Let’s just be honest with ourselves.

Yet, the Bible says that prayer should never cease. Does this mean 24/7/365? That’s a possible interpretation, but it’s not a practical application. Yes, in Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit, God is always with us—never leaving us or forsaking us—and as believers in Jesus Christ, we have open and constant access to God at all times and for all time. But God has given us lives to live and we must come out of the prayer closet to live them. Thankfully, therefore, we can talk to God in prayer any time of day.

I believe the practical idea behind “praying without ceasing” is that prayer should be such an important part of our lives that we pursue it passionately with unending and unswerving determination. When prayer ceases to be an intentional pursuit, our faith begins to suffer. Instead of trying to figure things out on our own, we should pray. Instead of listening to advice from some pop psychologist, we should pray. Instead of worrying, whining, and weakening, we should pray.

We must be consistent, persistent, and insistent in our prayer life. God alone has the strength, wisdom, and comfort to give us when we and others face the trials and troubles of life. When was the last time you let time get away from you while praying for others or just in intentional dialog with God? Like me, it’s been too long since that time.

I like Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase in The Message, of Jesus’ admonition and instruction to His disciples when He was praying in the garden before being arrested. Jesus said to them, “Stay alert; be in prayer so you don’t wander into temptation without even knowing you’re in danger. There is a part of you that is eager, ready for anything in God. But there’s another part that’s as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire” (Matthew 26:41 – The Message).

May we become passionate and active people of unceasing prayer.

Who Was The Hammer-Man?

2007-04-11T15:01:00.000-05:00

I am so thankful to God that sometimes my imagination leads me to some interesting questions and discoveries, especially when sparked by brilliantly creative teachers and authors.

In a recent prayer group meeting, we were discussing Calvin Miller’s book Once Upon A Tree (Howard Publishing Co., Inc., ©2002). Because Dr. Miller was such a great communicator, I couldn’t take enough of his classes at seminary, and over the years, I have jumped at the chance to hear him at conferences any time I could. So I knew from our discussion of his book, I would again receive a blessing. I was right. But not so much from some dynamic inspirational thought he wrote, necessarily, but from how what he wrote sparked my reflective thoughts. Little would I know that my thoughts paralleled his, though not as eloquently as his I’m sure.

In his book, he mentions the idea that the identity of the man who nailed Jesus to the cross has remained a mystery all these centuries. My mind began to wander from that point on, with thanks given to Calvin Miller and my regrets given to our discussion leader in the prayer group.

“Who was the hammer-man?” I wondered. In each of the Gospels, there is no biblical discussion about the procedure of actually nailing Jesus to the cross. I see images in my mind but those come from the myriad of cinematic depictions of the event I have seen over the years. But we can at least deduct that the hammer-man was a Roman soldier, for we learn from each telling of the story that the Roman soldiers carried out the execution duty.
After getting Jesus and the cross to “Golgotha” or “the place of the skull,” three of the Gospel accounts simply say “…they crucified Him…” (Matthew 27:35; Mark 15:24; Luke 23:33). In the context of these accounts, “they” refers to the Roman soldiers. But John actually says, “…the soldiers crucified Jesus” (John 19:23).

But I wonder: what was involved in the process of choosing who did the hammering? Did the Roman guards take turns nailing people to the cross? Was it considered a privilege and honor to be the hammer-man, or a responsibility much dreaded? Was it just part of the job? Did they “cast lots” like they did in dividing Jesus’ clothing, and the winner or loser drove the nails? Did they play “rock-sword-scroll”? I wonder how the man chosen this particular day felt as he pounded the nails through the flesh of Jesus into the cross. Was Jesus just another criminal to him?

If the hammer-man that day was oblivious to the fact that He was nailing God’s Son to the cross for his sins and the rest of the worlds, I wonder if he ever came to understand the significance of the events that day. After hundreds or maybe even thousands of crucifixions, did he wake up in the middle of the night years later in a cold sweat under the weight of what he had done? Or did he end his days clueless as to the realities of that special crucifixion that changed the world?

Years ago I saw the movie The Robe (1953) starring Richard Burton, Jean Simmons, and Victor Mature. It was a fictional account of the Roman centurion (played by Burton) who ended up with “the robe” the soldiers mockingly put on “the King of the Jews.” The centurion was tormented in his heart over what he had done and what “the robe” represented until he came to faith in Jesus. I wonder if the hammer-man ever had a similar experience.

After Mel Gibson’s movie, The Passion of the Christ, came out there was much discussion and finger-pointing being done concerning who was responsible for the death of Jesus. But I couldn’t help but say, “I was responsible for killing Jesus,” knowing that He died in my place to take away my sins.

In a similar way of thinking in my current reflection, I believe I know the identity of the hammer-man. I was the hammer-man! I was the hammer-man!

No, I’m not saying that I was actually the soldier there at the cross. Nor am I saying that I was the hammer-man in a previous life. What I am saying is that I am the one, along with every other human being that has ever lived on this planet, who nailed Jesus to the cross. The weight of my sin pounded those nails through the strong, gentle, healing hands of Jesus and through the very feet that walked on water. Yes, it was a Roman soldier that day, but he did my dirty work.

In my blinded sinfulness, I didn’t know what I was doing. But I nailed Him to the cross nonetheless. I’m not bragging. I’m not proud. I am just taking responsibility for my actions.

And years ago, at age 19, I acknowledged my actions before a forgiving Jesus, who willingly received the nails into His flesh, from which He hung on the cross. I deserved to have someone nail me to the cross, but Jesus didn’t. He died in my place and offered forgiveness and not condemnation. Thankfully, God’s power over death was stronger than the sin that nailed His Son to the cross, because, as we celebrate at Easter, He didn’t stay dead. Instead, He rose from the dead to offer the world—and me—new life in Him.

Yes, I was the hammer-man. But so were you. Let Jesus take the weight of the hammer out of your hands and into His.

Thank you, Calvin Miller, for sending my thoughts to the cross of Jesus. You are an inspiration.

Being A Pilgrim

2007-03-30T11:04:00.000-05:00

I wish I had thought this up myself. But I must give credit to Andrew Paschen, who wrote this in his Infuze Magazine Blog: Brutally Honest.

“On Being a Pilgrim”
March 28, 2007 Wednesday, 11:15 AM
A while back I was thinking about how the Bible calls all believers "Strangers and aliens in a foreign land." You know, another good word for that is a "Pilgrim."

I got to thinking about being a pilgrim in a land we do not belong in and just what being a pilgrim entails. So, I came up with some ideas about the Pilgrim life.

Pilgrims are those who make their temporary home in a foreign land, while on their way to their final, true home (heaven).

This 'Way of the Pilgrim' guide is for those seeking to live their lives for the glory of God, while living on earth in preparation for their true home; heaven.

The 'Way of the Pilgrim' is not meant to be another set of legalistic laws to put us in bondage, or just another set of rules to memorize, but rather is a set of goals to work toward- a list of suggested principles to live by in order to give God glory by serving our fellow man.

The 'Way of the Pilgrim' is for a people who want to be a community of believers, and is given to all who would desire to follow Jesus and make a commitment to others in the Pilgrim community by living lives that honor God and encourage their brothers and sisters in their walk with God.
Here are the basic principles I would like to use as a guide for my life.

I. Life Purpose Statement:

The Purpose of my life is:
To bring glory to God alone by offering my life in pursuit of Him;

A. Through loving Him above all things, by seeking His will for my life and obeying it,

-And-

B. Through pointing others to God by loving and serving them through good works.

The Pilgrim life is lived with a two-fold focus.
1. Life with God.
2. Life among men.

1. Life with God.
A. I intend to live in such a way as to bring glory to God in all I do. If there is any question about whether or not I should do a given thing, I will ask myself, "Does this bring glory to God?"

B. I intend to strive toward never doing anything that I would be afraid to do if Jesus should personally appear at the moment. The truth is, Jesus is personally there and sees everything I am doing.

C. I intend to strive toward not doing anything I would be afraid to do should I be found doing so at the moment of my death.

D. I intend to strive to read God's Word, the Bible, on a regular basis. This may be as little as a few verses at a time, to whole books at one sitting, depending upon circumstances and available time.

E. I intend to practice spiritual reading. There are many good Christian books I may choose from.

F. I intend to daily carve out time for silence and retreat, in order to spend time alone with God. This may be a short 15 minute walk at lunch time, or a half hour in the evening, or longer. The point is that I will practice silence and meditation daily. It is a matter of setting priorities.

G. I intend to make time to pray every day. Preferable when I awake and when I lie down to sleep.

H. I intend to examine myself, every night at the close of the day, to see whether I have sinned and fallen short and to seek God's cleansing.

I. I intend to look for opportunities to express gratitude to God for His many provisions.

J. When I feel pain, I intend to think of the pain of martyrdom and hell. I intend to think soberly on the subject of martyrdom, knowing this could eventually be my lot, and upon the subject of hell in order to build compassion for those who are not saved.

K. I intend to avoid doing that which makes my conscience uneasy.

2. Life among Men.
A. I intend to recognize everyone I come across in a day as a divine appointment. Whether it is a family member, co-worker or stranger, God has placed them in my life today for a reason. It may be to teach me something or to use me to encourage them, but God has sent them my way.

B. I intend to strive to be honest and authentic in my relationships with people. God does not like the masks we wear.

C. I intend to have frequent contact with someone I recognize as a spiritual director, or mentor, who can help me and encourage me in my walk with God, even as I am available to do so for others.

D. I intend to avoid doing anything out of revenge.

E. I intend to avoid speaking evil of anyone, but only words that will build up. Where I cannot build up, I intend to keep silent.

F. I intend to strive toward living my life to match my words. Anything other than that shows me to be a hypocrite.

G. I intend to strive to keep what others tell me in confidence and not pass it along to others.

H. I intend to strive toward eliminating self-consciousness and timidity and to boldly tell others about my faith.

Once again, these are guidelines and are not meant to put a yoke of bondage upon us. As a friend has said recently, "A religious person is a person who is afraid of going to hell. A spiritual person is a person who has already been there and is now on their way home."

Our goal is not to complicate the Christian walk, but to simplify. Jesus was not complicated. He did not teach and practice deep theological theories about prayer. He just spoke to His father like speaking to anyone else.

These are by no means an exhaustive list of all we need to do as Christians. There will undoubtedly be many more on your own list of things God will lead you to intend to follow. But, this list is a good goal to begin with.

May God bless you as you live with intent. Special thanks to Jonathan Edwards and his many resolutions, some of which I gained great inspiration from.

_____________
Thank You Andy for your blog entry.

Prodigal Daughter?

2007-03-30T10:16:00.000-05:00

I recently read this very interesting article that convicted me about how easy it is to judge people by their actions when I should be praying for their broken hearts that cause those actions. Maybe you too have been more judgemental and less prayerful like me concerning this special young mother.

Is Britney Spears the Prodigal Daughter?
David Kuo Christian Post Contributor
Wed, Feb. 21, 2007 Posted: 17:07:23 PM EST

I have two snapshots of Britney Spears stuck in my brain.The first is from the late 1990s. I was living in Atlanta and had started attending a cool new church. It was a church “unplugged” – the pastor was young and sat on a stool and talked about Jesus and U2 and Quentin Tarantino. “Worship” was performed by a band. No one wore suits. It was so much fun there were mid-week worship services.

Early one evening I walked in and sat down and worshipped and listened to the sermon and was getting up to leave when I caught up to the non-Jesus buzz in the room. “Britney is here ” I heard whispered as I saw a hulking man and a small girl bustle out a side door. Apparently it wasn’t a terribly uncommon experience. Whenever she was in town for a concert or for meetings, she stopped by the church. I hadn’t heard of pop stars going to church. It never made me a fan but it made me believe that her ‘virgin talk’ was far more than some marketing ploy.

The other Britney snapshot was from 2002. The NFL opened its season on a Thursday night in Washington, DC and there was a concert on the mall to celebrate. My wife Kim and I had been given backstage passes. A host of stars passed before us on their way to perform. Steven Tyler of Aerosmith strutted by, Mary J. Blige held court, Aretha Franklin deigned to be there. Most memorable, however, was the very small Britney Spears. She looked timid, comforted by the big jacket she was wearing, looking like a little girl lost in a glittered world. As her stage time approached, she looked around and shed the jacket to reveal a very tight little outfit. She fidgeted. Her dancers moved in closer and so did her bodyguards. She walked out on stage and lipsynched a new song, grinding and moving and stripping down further to reveal pants well below her navel and a top that covered not much at all. After the performance she ran offstage and back into the clothes. The empress needed her clothes.

Those two moments have colored my perception of Britney. I couldn’t buy the image of her as a sexual diva, a slithering temptress. It seemed an image that old men and young boys wanted but not one based in reality. During the past several years as her music became coarser and her sexuality even more overt I couldn’t buy it. It felt faker than people said her virginity talk ever was. The toll it took on her own soul, however, was real.

Now there is this runaway, this breakdown, the shaved head, the tattoos, the parties and the presumed drugs. And it all makes me wonder if the lost, little girl who now has two little boys isn’t trying to do whatever she can to get back to who she once was. I wonder if she’s looked at the pictures of her onstage kissing Madonna and writhing around on the floor and felt much as the prodigal son felt when he found himself lying in a pig sty. Britney’s sty may be different – more luxe and less slop – but the self-loathing, hopeless destination is the same. They both reached the end of the of the glam road and discovered it looked a lot like hell.

For the son there came the conclusion that his father’s house would give him a better chance at life even if the father he had once shunned no longer loved him. So he went home to confess and ask for forgiveness. He was greeted with a party; a party to celebrate his life.

For Britney now there is a trip to rehab; a trip to rehab with a newly tattooed cross on her left hip. And there is the prayer that as she goes into rehab that she might remember a simple faith that she once had in a man named Jesus and that she might return to him and find that he is waiting to welcome the little girl back and throw her the kind of party she has really been looking for.

___________
About the Author:
David Kuo has been walking with Jesus for more than 20 years, during which time he has served as special assistant to the president in George W. Bush's White House, policy director for Sen. John Ashcroft, and speechwriter for a gaggle of conservatives (plus a few liberals here and there). He is the author of "Tempting Faith," a book about God and politics, and is currently the Washington editor for Beliefnet.com.

Faith to Face

2007-02-27T10:01:00.000-06:00

I love reading mysteries. I love working and solving puzzles. I love surprises. But sometimes it can be frustrating living this way in my relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

I know God and I am growing to know Him more and more intimately by His Holy Spirit through prayer and the study of His word, the Bible. But I still have much to learn this side of heaven. I want to know Him so well that my desires and plans for life line up PERFECTLY with His. More often they do when I walk more by faith and less by my selfish humanity.

There have been many times in my life when God has supernaturally revealed to me glimpses of His specific will for my life through cryptic dreams and remarkable coincidences. It was only after the specific aspect of His will came to pass that I recognized how God had been leaving clues as to what would transpire. It's easier to connect the dots when you already know the picture they draw.

The problem comes when a person demands signs and wonders (Matthew 12:39; 16:4), walking by sight instead of by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). Faith in God requires us to trust in Him and place our hope in the fulfillment of what He promises according to His methods and timing (Hebrews 11:1) and not in our own understanding of what and how we think life should be (Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 37 esp. vv. 3-7, 23-24, 27-31, 34, 39-40). Unless we have faith we can't please God (Hebrews 11:6).

But I want to be so tight with God in my faith relationship with Him through Jesus Christ and empowered by His Holy Spirit that I can discern what He's up to and where He's leading and how He's moving and I can join Him by unquestionable faith in His activity.

The author of the book of Hebrews writes about the "commendation" of the heroes of the faith in the Old Testament in Hebrews 11. Some of the heroes had very intimate personal relationships with God--like Noah, Abraham, and Moses--and followed God's leading because they trusted Him even though they couldn't actually see what would happen to them by following Him.

In a rebuke given to Aaron and Miriam, God describes just how close He was to their brother Moses. Moses didn't have to guess about God's will and intentions through the interpretation of cryptic visions or dreams, like the prophets. Moses heard clearly and directly from God.

"And the Lord said to them, 'Now listen to what I say: If there were prophets among you, I, the Lord, would reveal myself in visions. I would speak to them in dreams. But not with my servant Moses. Of all my house, he is the one I trust. I speak to him face to face, clearly, and not in riddles! He sees the Lord as he is. ...'" Numbers 12:6-8a (New Living Translation 2004).

Of course I believe that every believer in Jesus Christ can be this intimate with God through the Holy Spirit that dwells within us and we can know God's will without guessing (1 Corinthians 2:9-16). But the reason I tend to miss this clear information and instruction is because of the fog caused by my own sinfulness, which inhibits me from clearly knowing and following God's plans (Romans 8:5-17). Being intimate with God and knowing and following His will is a conscious choice every child of God must make. And when we make that choice, Jesus Himself says we will "bear much fruit" and we can "ask whatever [we] wish, and it will be given" to us because of our intimate relationship with God through Him which leads to a greater knowledge and obedience to God (John 15:1-17).

I want to know God by faith but also face to face. I want to know God "faith to face." But it is my choice made possible through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. I want to go wherever God leads and learn from Him what I need to know for the journey. Do you know where your journey will take you?

Joyful Journey to Christmas

2006-12-19T08:47:00.000-06:00

Today as every day I received an email from Mikey's Funnies with this wonderful list of ideas to help you have a joyful Christmas. May God bless you and yours.

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." -- Luke 2:11 (NIV)

Merry Christmas!
James

SEVEN THINGS TO INCLUDE FOR A JOYFUL JOURNEY TO CHRISTMAS
"Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened..."(Luke 2:15 NIV)

By Dr. Michael A. Halleen
1. People.
Attend services and other events that celebrate the day, even if you are far from home. The journey is best taken in the company of others.

2. Tradition.
What "makes" Christmas for you? Handel's Messiah? A special ornament on the tree? For many, it's the food. (I can't imagine Christmas Eve without meatballs, rice pudding with an almond in it, lingonberries and root beer.) Some tell stories, some re-enact the stable scene. Honor your traditions — hold on to them. They add warmth to the journey.

3. Music.
Turn off the television and put on some of the great music of the season. This journey is along a road filled with singing. Let your voice be added to the chorus.

4. Generosity.
Obey any impulse to be generous, even to those who are not expecting generosity from you. "When in doubt, shell it out," one of my crazy uncles used to say, and he was right. Tip freely. Christmas is a time for liberality. It makes the journey to Bethlehem easier for others and more fun for you.

5. Healing.
Take the opportunity to restore a lost personal relationship, to mend a broken friendship. Take the initiative, without worrying about who was right or wrong in whatever it was that divided you. Get past it, and forgive. Best to travel light on this journey.

6. Discipline.
Keep your wits about you. Do everything in moderation, the Bible says, like eating, for example — or drinking — or driving. We can overextend ourselves in a hundred ways on this journey, thinking other people's joy somehow depends on us. In fact, we simply add hazards — for ourselves and others — on what is meant to be a road of peace and joy.

7. Smile.
Erase the frown of worry from your face for the season. Think about what children see when they look into your face, and consciously make it a smile. Determine that only kind words will come out of your mouth — no criticism, no complaints. Decide to let more love into your life — love for God, for God's children, for life itself. It was for them that that he came — and for you. Smiles carry us far on this journey.
Let's go to Bethlehem!

Copyright 2006 Dr. Michael A. Halleen. Permission is granted to send this to others, with attribution, but not for commercial purposes.
You can contact Mike at mhalleen@att.net to be added to his weekly devotional email list, Monday Moments.

A Drifter Finds Home

2006-10-30T11:27:00.000-06:00

Five years ago, I led my family away from God's will. I was going through a crisis of belief--not knowing who I was or what I was supposed to be doing--and I took us down a road we should not have taken. Not a day went by over our five year journey that I didn't struggle with regret over the decision to leave our church and friends in Des Moines, Iowa in search of something only God could satisfy.

But God is gracious and good. Through the tragic death of my friend Jamie Walker (see blog entry for October 3, 2006) I was able to return to our church and friends in Iowa for the first time since we left on February 27, 2001. While in Des Moines for the funeral, I reconnected with some very special friends. I shared my regret and found forgiveness and understanding. I also found peace from God.

Many don't get the chance to "click their heels" and go back home. Instead they have to deal with the regrets of wrong turns made in the past as they continue through the desert. Getting to go back was, as one friend said, "like a miracle." Unfortunately, the circumstances surrounding my return related to the funeral of my friend.

Another friend related my last five years to a "wilderness experience" (like the 40 years of wandering by the Israelites in the books of Numbers and Deuteronomy). The peace I now have about who I am and what I am to do by faith in the future is much like finally being restored and being allowed to enter the "Promised Land." My response to my friend was that I wished I had gained this peace not from wandering in the desert but from the security of faithful obedience and patiently waiting on the Lord five years ago.

I have learned (and am learning) to wait in the silence of the Lord, as loud as that silence might seem, and not to move unless the Lord definitely leads me.

It may seem like "over the rainbow" is where you ought to go to find what you are looking for. But most likely, God has already blessed you with everything your heart desires in your own backyard. Be careful not to get sucked up in a cyclone of confusion because all you'll find yourself wanting is to get back home.

There's a saying, "Home is where the heart is." If you give your heart to God, in a relationship with Him through His Son Jesus Christ and empowered by His Holy Spirit, you will always be home. He promises to be with us always (Deuteronomy 31:6; Isaiah 41:10-13; Matthew 28:20). Therefore, if your heart is with God, and He is with you always, look to Him and Him alone for feelings of home, for "there's no place like home."

As I was writing this blog entry, I heard the following song playing in the background through the streaming audio of one of my favorite Christian radio stations: KZZQ. The timing of the words could not have been more perfect. Thanks God!

"Drifter" by DecembeRadio
I used to have a home
a place i started from
a place to call my own
bright lights and late nights
the devil took me on a midnight ride
left me out in the desert on my own
Now I feel alone
i need a hand to help me find my way back home

I'm a drifter out on a dead end road
trying to find my way back home to get to you
oh to get to you lord i've been gone for far too long
headed to places i don't belong
and i've got to get back home to you

sometimes i think about the past
the road that i was on
the one that lead me home
i'll walk on another day
i may wonder but i never stray
cause i found out the hard way sin don't pay
Now I feel alone
i need a hand to help me find my way back home

I'm a drifter out on a dead end road
trying to find my way back home to get to you
oh to get to you lord
i've been gone for far too long
headed to places i don't belong
and i've got to get back home to you

and when i feel the night is closing in
and i can barely breathe the air
i just remember that i've got a friend who really cares
oh who really cares

I'm a drifter out on a dead end road
trying to find my way back home to get to you
oh to get to you lord
i've been gone for far too long
headed to places i don't belong
and i've got to get back home to you

We Live

2006-10-03T10:31:00.000-05:00

This past Friday afternoon, Jamie Walker, 20, who was one of the young men that I had in my youth ministry in Des Moines, was killed in a car accident. The Associated Press wrote the story about it here. Jamie was special to me. I could always count on him to participate in everything we did.

Together we shared the loss of our favorite golfer, Payne Stewart in 1999. At the time, I thought it was interesting that my former youth pastor, J. B. Collinsworth, had been a minister in Payne's life and spoke at the funeral. Soon thereafter, I reconnected with J. B. and shared how through that tragedy I was able to connect with Jamie. Now I will be attending Jamie's funeral.

He was a great kid and I believe he was becoming a great young man. I can only imagine what God is going to do through this loss.

I heard a song today by Superchick called "We Live." In light of the pain of the loss felt by all those who knew and loved Jamie, especially his mother, and in light of my post yesterday, I thought I would put the words of that song in my blog today.

"We Live" by Superchick on the Album Beauty From Pain:
There's a cross on the side of the road
Where a mother lost her son
How could she know that the morning he left
Would be the last time she'd trade with him for a little more time
(so she could say she loved him one last time)
And hold him tight
But with life we never know when we're coming up to the end of the road
So what do we do then
With tragedy around the bend

We live, we love, we forgive and never give up
Cuz the days we are given are gifts from above
And today we remember to live and to love
We live, we love, we forgive and never give up
Cuz the days we are given are gifts from above
And today we remember to live and to love

There's a man who waits for the tests to
See if the cancer had spread yet
And now he asks why did I wait to live 'til it was time to die
If I could have the time back, how I'd live
Life is such a gift
So how does the story end?
Well, this is your story and it all depends
So don't let it become true
Get out and do what we were meant to do

We live, we love, we forgive and never give up
Cuz the days we are given are gifts from above
And today we remember to live and to love
We live, we love, we forgive and never give up
Cuz the days we are given are gifts from above
And today we remember to live and to love

Waking up to another dark morning
People are mourning
The weather in life outside is storming
But what would it take for the clouds to break
For us to realize each day
Is a gift somehow, someway
And get our heads up out of this darkness
And spark this new mindset and start on with life cuz it ain't gone yet
And tragedy's a reminder to take off the blinders and wake up (to live the life)
We're supposed to take up (moving forward)
With all our heads up
Cuz life is worth living

We live, we love, we forgive and never give up
Cuz the days we are given are gifts from above
And today we remember to live and to love
We live, we love, we forgive and never give up
Cuz the days we are given are gifts from above
And today we remember to live and to love

I pray you will live the life God has given you, loving Him with all your heart and all your mind and all your soul and all your strength. God loves you som much and wants to have a relationship with you (Romans 5:8). That's why He sent His Son, Jesus Christ to die a tragic death on the cross for you. But by God's power, Jesus was raised to live so that we can have life in Him empowered by His Holy Spirit. Ask God to give you this new life He offers through Jesus in exchange for the sinful, dead one (Romans 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:17). God will forgive you of your sins if you confess them to Him (1 John 1:9). And you can live that new life He gives you by the power of the Holy Spirit, which is a downpayment for you for what you will receive in Heaven someday (Ephesians 1:13-14).

In God, through Jesus Christ, by the Holy Spirit, we live. Are you really living? Live life now for God while you have breath.

Ministry From Strangers

2006-10-02T14:18:00.000-05:00

"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."

Hebrews 13:2 NIV

Let me tell you about a man I met today. His name is Vidal. He is a 63 year old Navy Veteran of the Viet Nam War from New Mexico. He is camping nearby on his way to the VA hospital in Dallas for his regular treatments for prostate cancer. He stopped by the parsonage during lunch to ask for help in getting some gas. I helped him on behalf of the church, but he helped me in the name of Jesus Christ.

Just as I was whining today through my post-Sunday funk, where I sometimes doubt everything from my calling to doubting the moon-landing, the doorbell rang. He was a stranger that needed ministry but he ministered to me.

As we were standing at the gas pump just chatting, he started telling me his life story. Vidal's life has been so hard in the last few years with tragedy after tragedy coming to him and his extended family. Then he found out he had cancer.

The first doctor had told him the cancer had spread to the point that he had only 6 months to live. But the second doctor said, "Only God can knows when you will die. Take you treatments but don't listen to the doctors about how long you'll live. Put your faith in God because he is in control." That was over two years ago.

Then Vidal told me about when he gave his heart to Jesus Christ. It was about 10 years ago when he was taking care of his dying mother. Both of his parents had been Christians and tried to teach him and his siblings about the Lord, but he kept pushing Jesus away. One day, however, while a nurse was helping with his mother in the other room, he started watching a famous preacher on television. Vidal told me that he had heard this guy before and had some opinions about his ministry, but this day he heard the word of God and not the man. "Like lightning" is how Vidal described what happened when he gave his life to Jesus Christ. He knew his life was changed. As he described that day to me I could see tears pooling in his eyes becasue of the joy he had received that day.

Since then, through all his trials, Vidal has kept his faith even though he doesn't know how much longer he has. "God is in control," he said, "I just have to keep the faith no matter what."

Then he shook my hand, thanked me and blessed me. And I thanked him.

And as I got in the car and drove away, with tears in my eyes, I thanked God for Vidal. I have just got to keep the faith no matter what.

Faithful Journey

2006-09-05T11:03:00.000-05:00

In a dream two nights ago, I found myself singing and playing the drums to the 80s hit "Faithfully" by Journey. (Of course in my dream, I sounded exactly like Steve Perry, Journey's lead singer at the time.) When I woke up, I knew it was a Journey song but at the time I couldn't remember how it went or what the title was. Last night, again in my dreams, I remembered that it was "Faithfully." Why was this song coming into my mind?

In my dreams there were certain phrases in the lyrics that jumped out at me and I feel they describe where I am on my journey. (Sidenote: I was offended that the lyrics were listed on an "oldies lyrics" site. I don't want 80s music to be considered "oldies." -- I digress.) For me, the lyrics had less to do with my relationship with my wife (who is the "girl" I love) and more to do with my relationship with my Lord. I feel so distant from Him many days, even though, as a pastor, a professional Christian leader, I am supposed to be close to Him all of the time.

"Highway run, Into the midnight sun, Wheels go round and round, You're on my mind" -- My Christian journey over that last few years has seemed to center around road trips in search of my place in this world. God has been on my mind and the longings of my heart have focused on following Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, but some of the time, regretably, I have gone down the road without Him. This has mostly been because of my "Restless heart," when I would "Sleep alone tonight," because of the distance I put between me and God due to selfishness and disobedience. It would seem as if I were "Sending all my love Along the wire" as I would seek to connect with God in a long distance relationship.

In college, when I began my search of who God was leading me to be and where that would lead, it was just me. I was searching alone in my relationship with God. Then I met Jill, who willingly decided to join me on the road as my wife. Even then, I drug her across the country as I pursued God's will and plan. However, "They say that the road Ain't no place to start a family," and along the way, I have brought our two sons along for the ride. I have prayed more than once, "Dear God, please protect us on this journey." And on we go, the whole family, as I still pursue God's plan for my life (and theirs), wherever that leads.

Sometimes the ministry, especially as a pastor, seems like a "Circus life, Under the big top world ... Always another show." As I find myself "Wondering where I am" and what I am doing, I know that I wouldn't want to be anywhere else doing anything else. In the midst of the pain, I can always find joy. When I doubt -- myself and God -- I find I have been given the courage to not be afraid, as hard as it to face the pavement one more day. I cry out to God "Lord, I'm 'Lost without you,'" and, somehow I know I am not alone. When God picks me up I "learn to fall in love again" and then "I get the joy of rediscovering" Him in my life. Through tears of love, I praise my Lord and recommit to Him on the journey: "Oh, [God], you stand by me. I'm forever yours, Faithfully."

God's word says this:

Psalms 16 (The Message)
Keep me safe, O God, I’ve run for dear life to you. I say to God, “Be my Lord!” Without you, nothing makes sense. And these God-chosen lives all around— what splendid friends they make! Don’t just go shopping for a god. Gods are not for sale. I swear I’ll never treat god-names like brand-names. My choice is you, God, first and only. And now I find I’m your choice! You set me up with a house and yard. And then you made me your heir! The wise counsel God gives when I’m awake is confirmed by my sleeping heart. Day and night I’ll stick with God; I’ve got a good thing going and I’m not letting go. I’m happy from the inside out, and from the outside in, I’m firmly formed. You canceled my ticket to hell— that’s not my destination! Now you’ve got my feet on the life path, all radiant from the shining of your face. Ever since you took my hand, I’m on the right way.

Today, I pray that I will live "Faithfully" with God and for God on this leg of my journey.

Detours to Maturity?

2006-07-19T09:42:00.000-05:00

I was reading an article entitled "A Twentysomething Addresses the Church" by Sarah Cunningham and totally understood where she was coming from. But then I remembered: I am a thirtysomething and will only be such for nine more months.

When I was a twentysomething, I loved watching the show thirtysomething on TV. I must have been mature for my age. Does that mean that I am immature for my age now?

I think about this every once in a while. I start to add up all the years I spent detoured in the wrong direction and regret all the wasted time wandering in the wilderness. I calculate that I have spent much of my thirtysomething years off track somewhere. So then I wonder where and who I'd be if I had been more faithful in the past. Did Moses feel this way 39 years after killing the Egyptian and hiding in Midian tending Jethro's sheep before seeing the burning bush (Exodus 2:11-4:17)? Did the children of Israel feel this way 39 after missing their first opportunity to enter the promised land (Numbers 13-14; Deuteronomy 1:19-2:15)?

But then I think about all the things God has taught me while off the beaten path. Thankfully, God used my detours to teach me about Him and to teach me to trust Him more and more. Could God have matured me on the faithful path? I am sure He could have but it may have taken longer or I may never have learned what I know now. I can only guess about what might have been. But, I know for sure that God used my faithless excursions as detours to maturity. Romans 8:28 (New Living Translation) says:
"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."
If God used those detours to mature me, does that mean I should choose those paths of faithlessness and disobedience on purpose? No way! (Romans 6:1-2, 15-18) I would rather stay in center of God's will for my life, faithfully pursuing becoming like His Son Jesus Christ, living by the power of His Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:14-16; Galatians 5:16-18, 22-25).

If you are on a detour to maturity, learn all you can and trust God like crazy. What I have found is that I needed all the instruction which I learned on the detour in order to be equipped for the journey at this place in my life. The detour was hazardous and painful as I struggled in the wilderness until God was ready for me to get on the road to the "promised land" He has planned for me. Obedience and faith, though it too may be a difficult road to follow, is a better path to follow. It requires strength and courage (Joshua 1:6-9) but a joyful fellowship with God through Jesus and by His Spirit on the journey is so much better.

“Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:6-9 New Living Translation (2004 Edition)

The Lord your God is with you wherever you go. No matter whether you are a twentysomething, a thirtysomething, or a one-hundred-andsomething God will be with you.

P.S.:
The band Jonah33 has a great song called "This Is It (You Instead Of Me)" on their CD The Strangest Day. Here are the lyrics:
Because I’m playing for keeps this time around
I’m in too deep
To think about falling down
And giving up again
I want to live each day just like
It was my last chance to prove
You’re all I have
And that is all I need

CHORUS: This is it—it’s what we’re waiting for!
This is it—it’s all we’re fighting for!
I finally get a chance to show the world
What You have done for me
So let this moment be
You instead of me.

Tired and bruised—every broken bone
Reminds me that I’m far from home
And these scars remind me who I am
But You’re the one
the Reason that I run
And I won’t stop until You’re done
You’re the only hope I have

BRIDGE: I’ve counted the cost and I know
Everything that matters is
Everything worth fighting for

Written by Vince Lichlyter, Joshua B. Dougan, Jeremy Bose ©2005 Photon Music (BMI) & Meadowcreek Music Co. (ASCAP) All Rights Reserved.

All Flash But No Bang

2006-07-12T11:47:00.000-05:00

Last night I watched a thunderstorm brewing out of the northwest. In the night sky I saw lightning flashing in the clouds and occasionally I saw bolts hitting the ground through a blurred veil of rain on the horizon. It was beautiful as I watched the lights and streaks in the sky but something was missing. There wasn't any thunder, not even delayed thunder. The storm seemed to be "all flash but no bang." Of course, once the storm reached our town, the lightning and thunder did their usual synchronized flash-bang thing as the rain came down.

There is something impressive about the whole package when a storm brings the brightness of the lightning and the powerful resonance of the booming thunder as the nourishing rain brings new life. Somehow it seems the pounding of the thunder reinforces to me that something powerful is happening. Though I can see the flashing light and can feel the falling rain, I still desire to have my core rocked by the explosions of sound. I want to feel in the thunder the sound of the lightning releasing its powerful electrical charge. So lastnight, I was a little disappointed that I didn't hear the thunder.

I am not doubting the awesomeness of God or questioning His methods of storm production. But I have to ask myself: Why wasn't the display of power in the lightning good enough to bring my praise for God? Why wasn't the knowledge that the much needed rain was falling on drought scorched earth worthy of my thanks? God can do what He wants and will still be worthy of my praise, even though I may fail to give it to Him enough.

Hmm...even though I may fail to give it to Him enough.

Isn't thunder a reaction to the power of the lightning? Thunder, in nature, is an audible sound produced because of the release of the electrical charge in lightning. I wonder: how many times in my spiritual experience have there been times of "all flash but no bang?" Was God disappointed when He didn't hear my respondsive thunderous praise when He was displaying His power in my life? God was moving because lightning was visible as He released His power and the rain could be felt as He poured His nourishing love and strength in my life. Somehow I missed experiencing the thunder. But was this God's fault?

Could it be, spiritually speaking, that praise is like the thunder heard in response to God's power being released? Maybe the praise, or the thunder, should come from those being affected by God's power. It could be that sometimes in my life I haven't praised God as I should or loud enough when I could as His power and blessings were being released in my life.

I want to experience thunder in my life and I think God wants to experience my thunderous praise of His movement in my life. If the pounding of the my praise to God reinforces my admission that something powerful is happening, I need to be more respondsive in my praise.

Because I know God's power is working in my life, May I become the thunder to God's lightning.

A Loving Church

2006-06-19T10:19:00.000-05:00

I read a great article recently by Rick Warren in a “Ministry ToolBox” weekly e-mail on the Pastors.com website called "The Secret of A Loving Church." I hope it is as encouraging and challenging to you as it was to me.

Our church recently wrapped up a "40 Days of Purpose" Campaign and I am curious about what types of new commitments were made (if any) in our church during the 40 Days. I have had several people thank me for leading our church through the campaign but my hope is that it caused more than just warm-fuzzies in the lives of my church family. Will this Purpose Driven Life experience have a real impact on the future life of our church? Only God knows.

Understanding Waffles -- WHAT?!?!

2006-06-05T16:16:00.000-05:00

Recently, I have heard some comments and observed some actions which were in response to something I either did or said. However, because these responses didn't seem to be logical responses to what I said or did, I find myself tilting my head, squinting my eyes, and emphatically asking: WHAT?!?! I am left feeling bewildered and distracted as I try to understand how these people got from what I said or did to their response.

I have been wasting my mental energy for several weeks trying to figure out where their response came from because the response just doesn't make sense. It's as if I said "2+2" and received the answer "waffles." The response is so baffling to me and yet it somehow makes perfect sense to the respondents. What am I missing? Something is being added between "2+2" and "waffles" that I am missing. Where is it coming from and why? I am confused and distracted by the anger and/or hurt feelings of others because of their "waffles," when all I thinking was "4."

WHAT?!?!

I am sure God sometimes looks at our responses (or lack of responses) to His words and actions and He wonders: WHAT?!?! He must scratch or shake His head when we respond to Him with waffles. How sick and tired He must get sometimes with our faithless waffling. I wonder if God sometimes asks about me what He asked about Israel to Moses in Numbers 14:11:

"How long will this people provoke, spurn, and despise Me? And how long will it
be before they believe Me, trusting in, relying on, and clinging to Me, for all
the signs which I have performed among them?" (Amplified)

I am thankfully hopeful that my Advocate, Jesus Christ, is willing to intercede on my behalf and say to the Father what He said on the cross, "Father, forgive them, they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34 NIV).

May I give God the response He deserves in my worship and my service, in my love for Him and my love for others. And may the only time God gets waffles is when He expects waffles.

Circle of Love

2006-05-24T11:50:00.000-05:00

I recently received this sermon illustration from Voicings Publications. It describes the opposite reaction to sin in the community than some churches employ.

“Circle of Love”
The lifestyle of the Babemba tribe in South Africa was featured a number of years ago in a TV documentary on Apartheid. Within that community, antisocial or criminal behavior is rare. However, when it does occur, the Babemba have an interesting and beautifully creative way of dealing with it ...

If a member of the tribe acts irresponsibly, he or she is placed at the center of the village. Work stops, and every man, woman and child in the village gathers around the accused in a large circle.

Then, one at a time, each individual, including the children, call out all the good things the person in the center of the ring has done previously. All the positive attributes and the kind acts are recited carefully and at length. No one is permitted to exaggerate or be facetious. It’s serious business!

The ceremony often lasts for several days and doesn’t stop until everyone is drained of every positive comment he or she can muster about the transgressor. Not one word of criticism concerning the accused’s irresponsible, antisocial deed is permitted. At the end, the tribal circle breaks up, a joyous celebration begins, and he or she is welcomed back into the community. Apparently this overwhelming, positive bombardment strengthens the self-esteem of the accused, and causes that person to resolve to live up to the expectations of the tribe. Proof of the success of this creative response to wrongdoing seems evident in the fact that these ceremonies are quite rare. One wonders if, perhaps, borrowing from this technique might be a good idea, at least in certain family situations in which a member has gone astray.

"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35).

May we be quick to love and slow to judge and condemn those with us in our journey communities.

Oh, The Places You Could Write

2006-05-17T09:14:00.000-05:00

I recently spoke to some graduates at Munday High School's Baccalaureate service and I read to them Oh, The Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss. My main point to them was that their futures will be full of choices they will face as they Go on their journeys after high school. I told them they would need to remember what they had already learned as they continued learning, to seek advice from trustworthy people, and, most importantly, to pursue God's plan for their lives.

It seems that in all the places I have gone, those ideas--continuing to learn, seeking advice, and pursuing God's plan--have been reinforced to me over and over. Yet, there have been many times that I have acted as if I hadn't learned anything, as if I were going it alone without counsel, and as if I were pursuing my own plan and not God's. It's usually not too long after I wake up in a ditch on my journey, covered in the mud of my mistakes and wrong choices, that I say to myself "I should have known this was going to happen!" or "I wished I had listened to so and so," or "I'm sure God's plan would have been better than this ditch."

Now I have a dilemma: "Where is the best place to write about what's going on along my journey?" Here are the places I write: For years, I have been writing feelings, experiences, and lessons I am learning in my Christian life in my personal journal. Additionally, I have been writing newsletter articles for the newsletters of the churches in which I have served, most of which have been newsy at times but many have had a devotional feel to them. I have also been keeping a daily work-log of activities (phone calls, appointments, meetings, ministry events, etc.) associated with my job as a pastor. And now I have a blog and I feel like saying, "Oh, The Places You Could Write!"

There are things I experience that I want to get off my chest, but I feel no one needs to see them due to the raw honesty of the feelings I am expressing. People may not understand my emotions and jump to conclusions while I am still trying to figure out what the truth is in the situation. So I put these thoughts in my journal, only to be read at the end of the "chapter" I am living.

I love writing the devotional type of newsletter articles I write but I also have to disseminate information about what's going on in the church. The newsletter isn't very long (at this point) and, therefore, I usually have to choose to write more news and less letter.

My work-log is -- well, it is just a log. It's not good reading because it's not good writing. I keep it primarily to keep track of what I spend my time working on as a pastor.

Then there is my blog. Because I'm new to blogging, I am having a hard time posting because I am so busy writing in all the other places. This doesn't even include the time I spend reading and studying in preparation for the sermon(s) I have to preach every week. In that prep time, I write and edit and write and edit before I have a preachable sermon.

I also have a hard time blogging due to the decisions of what to share and what to either keep private or keep as strictly church business. So I struggle with what to write in my blog and when.

Therefore, please forgive me (those of you who read this blog) for being sporadic in my blogging. I am just wondering and wandering on my blog journey.

Chased By A Storm

2006-05-08T15:02:00.000-05:00

This past Friday night, my family and I were on our way back home from Abilene as a severe storm was brewing to the north and west. My wife and I were acting like "storm-chasers" on the Weather Channel while our boys were fast asleep in the back seat.

The farther north we drove the more it seemed we might intersect the storm. Pressing on toward home, we watched through our windshield the little fingers of cloud drop down from the dark black monster that loomed out to the front and left of our car. Giant bolts of lightning flashed from the main body of the storm and all around us on the horizon. We were scanning the sky and the ground under the storm for signs of circulation or little houses being sucked off to Oz. Driving past a herd of cattle, we jokingly quoted from Twister, saying "Cow!" and hoped none of them would take flight in front of our car.

We thought we had reached the storm (or it had reached us) with it almost on top of us as we started to feel hail hitting the car. We asked each other, "Should we pull over into Sonic or into that car wash?" But we decided to keep on driving (as fast as legally possible) toward home.

After a couple of minutes the hail stopped and the storm was behind us. The sky lightened in front of us and the rain lessened the closer we got to home. When we pulled into Munday at about 7:45 p.m., the rain had stopped and it was still light outside. However, behind us it was as dark as midnight except for the ocassional lightning flashes. We had missed the storm--by only 10 minutes according to the news which reported circulation and tornadic activity in the very cloud structure we were chasing or which was chasing us. But we were safe at home.

Okay, you may think we're just plain crazy for endangering ourselves or bad parents for endangering our boys while driving through a storm. But we had no idea really how bad the storm was until we got home. Because of where we live and the age of our car (I guess), we couldn't pick up any radio stations to tell us the amount of potential danger the storm presented. It looked bad, but not where we were on the road. So we kept driving toward home. And by the time the storm started to get bad, we drove out of it. Thankfully, the storm was never bad over our car.

We all will face storms on our horizons. Some may seem to suck the life out of you or blow you down and some may just make you wet. Some may make you have to seek higher ground or go running to the cellar. Some storms you can drive through, while others cause you to get stuck in traffic as the storm approaches from behind. The storms will come, some with plenty of warning and some very suddenly.

Just like meteorological storms will come, sometimes spiritual storms also pop up on the horizon. What are these storms and how should we face them? First, some storms we face may come suddenly and without warning. Sometimes these storms come to test our faith and display God's power. In Matthew 8:23-27, Jesus and His disciples were in a boat when a sudden storm came upon them. The disciples panicked but Jesus just slept. How did Jesus sleep through the storm? Soundly, because He could control the storm. We need to trust God to help us through the storms because only He can calm them and us.

Second, we face some storms because we ignore the warnings. The destructive power of the some of the storms of our lives could have been avoided if we would have just steered clear of the storm when we had the chance. In Acts 27, the apostle Paul was a passenger on a boat headed to Rome in late Fall--the wrong time of the year to sail--when he warned them they would face disaster if they traveled further. They ignored him and, sure enough, they were hit by a "northeaster," they ran aground on an island, and the boat was broken to pieces in the process. By God's grace, no lives were lost. But Paul said in verse 21, "You should have taken my advice ... then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss." How often does God warn us about impending danger due to sin and disobedience and we find ourselves in a storm we could have avoided? Prayerfully in those situations we only face minor or temporary damage and not lose our lives in the storm. By God's grace we can still be rescued.

Finally, sometimes we face storms as the innocent victims of someone else's storm. This scary storm is the fault of someone else's sin. We didn't cause these storms, yet we still face the terrifying forces of the storm. We need God to protect us during the storm while He deals with the guilty party. While running from God, Jonah put his shipmates at risk of being destroyed by a storm which God was using to get his attention (Jonah 1). Once the sailors were finally convinced by Jonah to throw him overboard and after he was off the boat and in the water, the storm was calmed. The men in the boat showed reverance for God and made "vows" to Him, and then God dealt with Jonah. Even then, the whale or giant fish wasn't a punishment for Jonah but a rescue submarine sent by God. And Jonah praised God for rescuing him from the storm his sin caused.

Only God can rescue us from our storms, whether they are caused by us or someone else, or whether they happen for some other "God-only-knows" reason. When storms seem to be chasing you, I hope you remember these two verses:

Psalms 55:8 (CEV) "... quickly find shelter from howling winds and raging storms."

Isaiah 25:4 (NIV) "You [God] have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm ..."

May God bless you and protect you on your journey.

A Sojourner By Faith

2006-05-03T17:08:00.000-05:00

I have been wanting to start a blog for a while but life has been very busy. So here we go.

The Bible refers to Abraham as a "sojourner" in Hebrews 11:9 (KJV), meaning he lived like a foreigner in temporary housing even though he was in the promised land. Why not settle down? It was because Abraham believed by faith that even though the promised land to which God had led him was great and all, God had designed and built a better place for him (v. 10), a heavenly country (v. 16).

I have been in search of my place in this world for years only to find I will never be satisfied with any place this side of heaven. So I just need to live and serve by faith wherever God leads me.

I read this great explanation of a "sojourner" on a website for The Journey Church of Anchorage, Alaska where Toby and Ellen Stevens serve. I have never met them but I like this description.

"As people travel through life, they often find themselves seeking for fellow travelers along the way; people of like minds and common goals. Sometimes the search is quiet; sometimes active ... nonetheless they look. They look for people with similar passions and desires. In the midst of an upside-down world, they search for fulfillment, for peace, and for purpose in life as they strive to find their place in God. And along the journey, they search for fellow sojourners." http://www.thejourneyanchorage.org/GetConnected/Sojourners.html

So why read my blog? Well, I like to say, "We're all in this together!" and therefore, I thought it would be cool to dialog with others about what we are learning on our journeys. I want to share what I'm learning and observing and I want to hear what you are experiencing. My hope is that in some way I can help and encourage you along life's journey.

Do I have all the answers? No. But even though I have learned some of the answers by faith, I am still learning. Let's learn and journey together.