Saturday, December 29, 2018

Be Prepared


So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

-- Matthew 24:44

On December 22, 2018, a tsunami (“tidal wave”) struck Indonesia. Casualties included more than 400 people killed and about 1,500 injured.

It was nearly 14 years earlier that a similar natural disaster struck the region. December 26, 2004, began innocently enough, with families enjoying the morning on tropical Asian beaches. Suddenly, a magnitude 9.3 earthquake, as powerful as 23,000 Hiroshima-style atomic bombs, struck near the island of Sumatra. The resulting tsunami rose to the height of an 8-story building and struck 11 nations along the Indian Ocean. More than 200,000 people died.

Seismic equipment had detected and recorded the massive earthquake. However,
for both the 2004 and 2018 events, Indonesia had no working tidal gauges to spot a tsunami. But warning signs were there. And most of the victims either didn’t recognize them, heed them or have time to react. They were completely unprepared.

Disasters, whether natural or man-made, happen every day. They’re often unpredictable. And there’s no guarantee for saving ourselves, our family or property — even if we do recognize the warning signs. There are, however, signals for a much greater world-changing event that could happen at any moment. What’s more, we can begin our preparations right now.

God has promised us that one day, a Savior (Jesus) will return to right all the wrongs of this world, save and reward those who believe in Him, and send all others to an eternity of torment. No one knows the exact time or day that Christ will appear. But many of the related Bible prophesies have already been fulfilled, such as the re-birth of the State of Israel. There’s nothing to stop His Second Coming.

This means that Jesus could return in 5 minutes or in 500 years. But either way, we must be prepared. That’s because we don’t know when our time on Earth will cease. Check the headlines and you’re bound to find stories about people killed through accidents, from crime or by sudden illness (like a stroke or heart attack). Like the victims of the tragic 2018 and 2004 tsunamis, they had no idea that their time was up.

Here’s the obvious question: Are you prepared to meet your Maker? Your answer has eternal consequences. “So you also must be ready,” Jesus warns us, “because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

Our God is a God of justice. And since we’ve all failed to live up to His high standards, we all deserve the death penalty that Jesus endured for us on the cross. If you’re not sure whether you’ll spend eternity with God or without Him, the Apostle Paul offers this guidance:

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

The signs are all around us … and disaster is on the way. But don’t panic. Instead, be prepared.

Saturday, December 22, 2018

Rejoice!


With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

-- Isaiah 12:3

There’s not much to feel happy about these days — at least according to the news media. But the truth is that billions around the world would do just about anything to trade places with us. That’s because even the poorest of the poor in the United States are considered rich (at least statistically) when compared with much of humanity.

Of course, poverty and wealth are relative terms. And they don’t respectively go hand-in-hand with misery and happiness. Money and possessions can be blessings, but having a big bank account is no guarantee of contentment. The 2018 Gallup Global Emotions poll seems to confirm this biblical truth. It revealed that Paraguay — a relatively poor nation — has a population with some of the most positive emotions in the world. And the peoples of other impoverished lands such as Ecuador, Guatemala and Uzbekistan follow close behind on the happy list. Meanwhile, Singapore — a nation with one of the highest per capita gross domestic products (GDP) — didn’t make the survey’s Top 10. Even the residents of El Salvador and Indonesia were more upbeat!

Regardless of what the marketers say, money and possessions
can’t buy joy and happiness. In fact, the Bible reveals that for many people, wealth can be a stumbling block to spiritual health. Rather than a reaction to something external, like a new car or a diamond ring, real joy is an internal source of gladness and thanksgiving that helps us see the true picture though the most difficult of circumstances. As Christ-followers, our relationship with Jesus grants us access to our Creator, a loving Father who hears our prayers and looks for ways to bless us. So no matter how bad things get in our lives, we already know that our ultimate story will end on a very positive note.

The life of the apostle Paul is a rich illustration of this important principle:  

“Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea,” he wrote in 2 Corinthians. “I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers.”

That doesn’t sound like a fun-filled existence. Yet Paul wrote that he was joyful.

With so much negativity in the world today, what’s the secret for achieving a joy-filled, Christ-centered life? The Bible tells us to blend thanksgiving for our blessings and authentic, regular prayer with discernment — the ongoing, intentional functions of living, thinking and acting positively. Christ-followers must habitually look for the good and dwell on the positive.

When we have lives that are filled with joy, even the most unpleasant of circumstances can’t bring us down. Paul spent years in prison chained to his guards while under the constant threat of death. But he always prayed thankfully. And instead of feeling sorry for himself, he used his plight to change the lives of fellow prisoners and jailers alike — all while writing much of what we today know as the New Testament.

The human experience is often difficult, and many people feel that they have little to smile about. But Paul’s advice to weary Christ-followers remains both simple and profound:

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

Saturday, December 15, 2018

The Gift of Love


Give him a generous farewell gift from your flock, your threshing floor, and your winepress. Share with him some of the bounty with which the Lord your God has blessed you.

-- Deuteronomy 15:14


Christmas is just around the corner, but we shouldn't despair if we're still looking for that perfect gift for that someone special. After all, there are plenty of options, and a quick trip to Amazon.com will confirm it. But with money particularly tight these days for so many people, every purchase has to count. We need gifts that will make an impression. We need value. It comes down to getting bang-for-the-buck.

There's nothing wrong with trying to stretch a dollar. But maybe a gift's real
value has much more to do with the meaning and person behind it than its Low Everyday Walmart price.

That's certainly the case if we're to believe the Bible. So what does it say about the characteristics of a good gift? And more to the point, what does Scripture tell us about being a good gift-giver? We can find the answers through its vivid portrayals of Jesus related to the issues of living, relationships and love.

It's from Christ's example that we learn to give with an attitude of generosity: one that exceeds what we expect to receive. Our gifts should also affirm the value of the recipient. But most importantly, our gifts -- whatever they may be -- should be given out of love.

The Bible doesn't say that an Apple iPhone is a better gift than a bicycle or a sweater. But the same principles apply. And what we also learn is that when it comes to gift-giving, it really IS the thought that counts. (Your grandmother was right!)

Christmas is straight ahead ... and time is running out. But before we head to the mall, log onto Amazon.com or tune into the Home Shopping Network, let's follow the examples of Jesus, who was and is the ultimate gift-giver. His greatest present was the salvation he bought for us through his death on the cross. It was an incredibly valuable gift that we can never repay. It was also given out of love. And it's free and available to anyone who's willing to open the package. 


Saturday, December 8, 2018

Making a Difference


But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds,
and I will show you my faith by what I do.

-- James 2:18

Do Christ-followers make a difference in the world? And would life really be any different had Jesus never been born?

These are fundamental questions that our skeptical society raises about Christianity. And they're nothing new. In fact, disbelievers and doubters have been around since Jesus' death and resurrection. Nevertheless, they're questions that deserve honest answers.

And the answers are all around us. Several years ago, D. James Kennedy and
Jerry Newcomb responded by writing the book, What If Jesus Had Never Been Born? Foremost it contends that no Jesus means no Church. This is the same Church that helped stop slavery, cannibalism and the killing of children -- all permissible practices in their respective cultures. Modern hospitals trace their origin to the church. And it's also likely that mankind would be less educated in a Christ-less world. For example, all but one of America's first 123 colleges were Christian institutions. Harvard was even founded on this statement:

"Let every student be plainly instructed, and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies is, to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternal life, John 17:3."

If Jesus had never been born, there would also be no Church to promote the biblical principles of free enterprise, private property rights and the work ethic. It's because the United States was largely founded by Christ-followers that The Declaration of Independence cites self-evident truths and unalienable rights from the Creator. Our nation also recognizes the rule of law rather than the authority of man -- a concept traced back to the Old Testament and the Ten Commandments. Even the words embossed on the Liberty Bell comes from the Bible: "Proclaim Liberty throughout the land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof..."

The truth is that Chris-followers and the Church HAVE made a big difference over the last 2,000 years. Today, Christ-followers continue to change the world in ways both small and large, such as by delivering meals to shut-ins and constructing housing for the homeless. Samaritan's Purse, the Christian relief organization headed by Franklin Graham, distributes Christmas packages internationally as an expression of Christ's love for the world's children. This organization also helps thousands of refugees cope with man-made and natural disasters, such as the 2004 tsunami that devastated Indonesia and other nations, as well as the deadly wildfires that swept through California in November 2018.

Their accomplishments are undeniable. But what Christ-followers must never forget is the Power behind the difference they make:

"I am the vine; you are the branches," declares Jesus. "If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."


Saturday, December 1, 2018

Walking in Our Shoes


This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

-- Luke 2:12


If you have a teenager, he or she has no doubt reminded you that you just don't understand.

As a humble parent, you’re told that you're hopelessly out of touch when it comes to clothes, school, social media and a hundred other things. But of course, you know a lot more than they can imagine. You were once a teenager. And you probably said many of the very same things to your own parents.

So, maybe you really do understand after all. At least a little bit.

Do you ever wonder if God understands the many problems you face each day?
The familiar Christmas story in Luke's gospel holds the answer. It's there that we read about Jesus entering the world in the poorest of circumstances, with a manger -- an animal's filthy feeding trough -- as his first bed.

But was that necessary? As a king's son, Jesus could have lived in marble palaces while enjoying only the finer things in life. And God could have commanded the people to worship and obey him.

But it wouldn't have been the same. As our loving Father, God gives us free will. And he won’t force us to accept his gift of forgiveness and salvation. He knew from the beginning that men and women are without hope because of the ways they live and treat others. That's why he came to earth in the form of a man to live out the perfect life in our place. But not just any man: He lived among us through Jesus Christ.

Fully God and yet fully human, he walked in our shoes.

Throughout Jesus' brief ministry, the religious elite despised him and cursed him. And soon our Savior would die in a most painful and humiliating way -- nailed to a cross between common criminals.

His mission was finished. It was by coming to earth that God experienced mankind's struggles and suffered for all of us. And through his resurrection, he also won victory over death.

This plan of salvation certainly wasn't logical -- at least from a human perspective. But it was the only way that our Creator could truly understand.

Saturday, November 24, 2018

Easy Button


Then I looked things over and told the leaders, the officials, and the rest of the people, "Don't be afraid of your enemies! The Lord is great and fearsome. So think of him and fight for your relatives and children, your wives and homes!"

-- Nehemiah 4:14


If you’ve worked in a corporate environment or held a job in just about any organization, you surely know the drill.

That high-profile project from your company’s vice president has taken you days, weeks or maybe even months to complete. Thousands of dollars are on the line and you’ve lost track of your overtime hours. You’ve done a great job holding it all together — and you can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. But then … CHAOS!

Out of nowhere comes a last-minute “concern” from a co-worker or supervisor,
or a “new vision” from a client. Your tight schedule is now in total disarray, and there’s no way that you can meet your deadline. Can’t anything in business (or life in general) ever be easy?

Maybe you need one of those Easy Buttons that they sell at Staples. Just put it on your desk and hit it anytime your workday starts going crazy. And like magic, all your problems disappear.

But reality doesn’t work that way. And as Christ-followers, we’re particularly susceptible to the obstacles and detours of life when we say yes to God and work to do his will in the world. Note first that these pitfalls can take several disheartening forms. It might be criticism or ridicule of your efforts from an enemy, co-worker or even a family member. And in extreme cases, the situation could even turn malicious, violent or fatal.

The saying “no good deed goes unpunished” applies here. That’s why we shouldn’t be surprised when we take heat for trying to help others see the light. In fact, we should beware if our faith-journeys are too smooth and trouble-free. It could mean that the devil doesn’t consider us a threat to his plans. And it’s then that we can become our own worst enemy.

“How terrible when everyone says only good things about you,” warns Jesus, “because their ancestors said the same things about the false prophets.”

What should we do when doing God’s will gets a bit too rough? The first thing is to know your opposition and acknowledge its existence. Running away, ignoring the situation or pretending it doesn’t exist won’t make it disappear. Then pray for God’s help and guidance — and pray for your enemy. Finally, don’t be afraid to stand up for what you’re doing. If it’s something that comes from God, saying yes to him and fighting for what’s right is worth the trouble and effort.

That’s a tall order. But remember, we’re not in the fight alone, and God has the last word. Moreover, since Jesus has already paid the price on the cross for the world’s sins, the fight is already won. Victory is ours when we say yes to our Savior.

Saturday, November 17, 2018

Wise Men (and Women) Still Seek Him


But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

-- Matthew 6:23


When we seek something — or someone — we need to know what — or whom — we’re looking for. For example, Christ-followers on their life-long spiritual journey look toward Jesus as their Lord and Savior. And every day, they should seek to know him better and do God’s will with purpose and vision.

If you’re a Christian, it's no revelation that this odyssey can be rough at times. But let’s consider the original Christ-followers 2,000 years ago, who traveled countless miles through deserts and rugged terrain -- just to meet Jesus in person.

They were called the Magi, but you might know them from the Christmas
story as the Wise Men or Three Kings. It’s thought that they were astrologers from Babylon (ancient Iraq), who were familiar with the Old Testament prophesies about the Jew’s long-awaited messiah.

The time came when they spotted a special star in the nighttime sky. It was a sign that was both breathtaking and unmistakable. And the Magi would soon follow it at all costs to gaze upon and worship the King of Kings.

The second chapter of Matthew’s gospel reveals that the Wise Men lived up to their name. And if we look closer we’ll see that their successful journey highlights some important principles that we can embrace today. We learn first that following God can be dangerous and demanding. Our winding spiritual pathway is full of hairpin turns and steep hills rather than long, smooth stretches of highway. And to reach their destination, the Magi chose the road-less-taken rather than the direct route. But how often throughout our day do we choose the easy way out rather than doing the difficult — but right — thing?

The Magi’s long journey also reassures us that as Christ-followers, we will find Jesus if we search for him diligently. The Three Kings may well have been familiar with Jeremiah 29:13, which reads:

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 

So let’s follow the Wise Men’s example. They recognized their Savior's star from far away, and then stayed on the path until they reached their destination.

Saturday, November 10, 2018

Words to the Wise


If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

-- James 1:5


What’s the best advice that your father ever gave you?

That’s the question Real Simple once posed to its readers. Here are a few of the savvy responses that the magazine received:

  • If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it.
  • Never try to solve problems at night. They always seem worse than they do in the morning.
  • You don’t have to answer the phone just because it rings.
  • Life is better when you have a good time … and bring someone along for the ride.
Heeding good advice — whether it’s from a parent, a friend or even a
total stranger — can save us from considerable pain, heartache or much worse. So it’s good to know that the Bible is full of sage counsel from wise, God-centered people who traveled the proverbial road of life centuries before our time. And their words to us today are not only insightful, relevant and trustworthy, they’re inspired by our Creator.

It’s the wise Christ-follower who spends time in prayer and studies God’s word. That’s because it’s when we take his messages to heart that we begin a transformation into the men and women he wants us to be. And eventually, we mature enough in our faith that he shows us glimpses of his reality. Like an inquisitive child who’s finally learned a lesson or two the hard way, it’s then that we begin to see through new eyes.

Unfortunately, our learning curve is broad. But our Father fully understood this limitation even before he created the world. So to help us understand, he had to fully reveal himself by putting a mortal face on the divine. He lived out the human experience in the form of Jesus Christ — even if his people didn’t recognize him at the time.

“Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time?” Jesus once asked his inquisitive disciple. “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?”

Jesus’ comments were a simple answer to humanity’s ultimate question. If we want to know the who-what-where and why of God, we first need to know Christ — the One he’s already sent to us. Because the more we know and experience the Son, the more we’ll know and experience the Father.

That’s wise advice that we should both accept and live out. After all, he’s our Father, too. And he knows us best.

Saturday, November 3, 2018

In God We Trust


I rescued you from the hand of the Egyptians. And I delivered you from the hand of all your oppressors; I drove them out before you and gave you their land.

-- Judges 6:9


What’s the official motto of the United States?

The answer is as close as your wallet, your car’s ashtray and perhaps your sofa cushions. For more than 150 years American coins have featured the inscription In God We Trust, and these familiar words also appear on our currency. According to the U.S. Treasury’s website, a Pennsylvania minister back in 1861 recommended to Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase that American coins “recognize Almighty God in some form.” Chase agreed and instructed the director of the Philadelphia Mint to prepare an appropriate motto.

“No nation can be strong except in the strength of God, or safe except in His defense,” wrote Chase. “The trust of our people in God should be declared on our national coins.”

In God We Trust made its first appearance on the two-cent coin in 1864.
So isn’t it ironic that Godless money cites such an important reminder about the real source of our security? But if we’re honest with ourselves, maybe the motto should read In GOLD We Trust. After all — when life get tough — it’s only natural to rely on our money, riches and possessions rather than the One who makes it possible to earn a living. But reliance on job security and the stock market is never wise, particularly in these days of political, social and economic unrest.

It’s an unsettling fact: Our bank accounts and 401ks are no defense against life’s hard realities. Illnesses strike, relationships fail — and that which seemed solid turns to dust in our hands. What we desperately need is something — or Someone — who’s utterly dependable, unchangeable and trustworthy.

Jesus paints a vivid picture of this universal quest through his story about a foolish man who built a house on shifting sands. When a violent storm struck, the rains came and the winds blew with fury. It’s no surprise that the flimsy structure collapsed with a crash. But a wise man, in comparison, built his house on a foundation of solid rock. So when the storm clouds of life boiled on the horizon, that house withstood even the heaviest downpours.

This leads us to the obvious question: Are we trusting our money to save us when life happens? If so, let’s switch our confidence to God: The One who knew everything about us before we were even born.

“Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust,” we read in Psalms, “who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.”

In God We Trust is more than a motto printed on the dollar bill. It’s an eternal truth that we can take to the bank.



Saturday, October 27, 2018

Words to the Wise


When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice.

-- 1 Kings 3:28

With the 2018 baseball season culminating in a World Series showdown between the Red Sox and Dodgers, it’s a good time to remember one of the game’s longtime stars and colorful characters of yesteryear.

Who can forget Yogi Berra? The New York Yankees catcher, outfielder and manager was a 15-time All-Star and a three-time American League Most Valuable Player. What's more, he caught a perfect game in the 1956 World Series. Berra also attained the sport's greatest honor through his 1972 induction into the Hall of Fame. But the St. Louis native was also well known for his Yogi-isms -- unique words of wisdom about everyday life that left his listeners scratching their collective heads.

"If you come to a fork in the road, take it," Berra once said. Then there was
this bit of sage counsel: "You should always go to other people's funerals; otherwise, they won't come to yours." And who could argue when he opined, "You can observe a lot by watching."

Although Yogi Berra's words were no doubt brilliant, Israel's King Solomon probably beat the Hall of Famer when it came to wisdom and discernment. In fact, Solomon asked God for wisdom -- rather than riches or fame -- after he assumed the throne following the death of his father, King David. God honored Solomon's wise request with wisdom beyond human understanding. And great riches and fame soon followed.

Solomon was an effective ruler when he lived by God's standards, and he used his wisdom to administer justice throughout Israel. But despite this, Solomon tended to strike out in his personal life and make poor decisions when he took his eyes off the ball. It's through his years of learning-it-the-hard-way that Solomon penned Ecclesiastes, an Old Testament book that summarizes many of the wise king's observations about life.

His first observation was that this is our one and only life. And it's only through God that we can find true happiness in it. Likewise, life is short. Therefore, we need to make the most of the opportunities God gives us each day.

Although our lives are brief, they are more like cross-country marathons than straight-away sprints. Jesus centuries later reinforced Solomon's observation: "For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction," Christ warned his followers, "and many enter through it."  The takeaway is that we must enter the Kingdom of God via life's winding roads and narrow gate. The hard way is the only way.

Finally, Solomon wrote that everyone's hour will come when they leave this brief lifetime and pass into the next chapter of existence. And since none of us knows exactly when that will be, we all must be ready; for both when we'll die and for where we'll spend eternity.

How do we prepare when life is so full of unknowns? 

The first step on the road to spiritual success is to accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior -- the One who is ready, willing and waiting to wipe away all the failures of our past and give us new life and a fresh start.

If you think it's too late in life to start over, you still have time as long as you're still breathing. Yogi Berra's wise words sum it all up: "It ain't over 'til it's over."


Saturday, October 20, 2018

Elephants and Angels


Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.

-- Psalm 103:20

There's an old story about three blindfolded men who were asked to touch and identify an undisclosed object. And that object happened to be live African elephant ... but no one told them!

The first man touched the elephant's muscular trunk. The second man grasped
the elephant's boney tale. And the third man -- moving his hands across the beast's rugged hide -- marveled at its rough exterior. Needless to say, their impressions about the mysterious object were way off the mark. A 10,000-pound elephant was right in front of them. But they failed to see the big picture.

Many people these days also miss the big picture when it comes to spiritual matters. And that's even true for some long-time Christ-followers. So to correct this common vision problem, God has throughout history communicated his message through prophets, the Bible, the Holy Spirit and of course his Son, Jesus.

God also uses angels to spread the word. These are his special messengers who can appear to you and me, remain invisible or communicate to us through dreams. The Bible even advises us to be hospitable at all times because we might be entertaining angels without even knowing it. (That would be quite a get-together!)

But God's messages through angels are much more than the stuff of cocktail party conversation. His are words that change history. And it's in Matthew's gospel that we read about angels telling an obscure girl named Mary that she would soon give birth to the Savior of mankind. Angels also confirmed to Joseph (Mary's fiancé) that the Holy Spirit was the source of her pregnancy. Likewise, angels announced the Good News of Jesus' birth to shepherds, who had seen a brilliant guiding star as it hovered over a lowly manger in Bethlehem.

It's through these revelations and confirmations that God has been healing spiritual blindness -- and not just 2,000 years ago in a tiny village somewhere in the Middle East. Even as 2019 approaches, his big picture message continues to appear and unfold to the entire world. And like the proverbial elephant in the living room, it's a reality that's right before our eyes. But first we must be willing to see it.

Saturday, October 13, 2018

The Devil Is In the Details


The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good.

-- Psalm 53:1

Have you settled things with God?

No matter who you are — young or old, male or female — that's the question we face. Because one day, we're all going to leave this world, meet our Maker and answer to Him for the lives we led. We'll either die in faith or die in sin. But for Christ-followers, having faith in Jesus means there's nothing to fear. The apostle Paul explained it this way:

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering."

That's great news. But how great will it be for those who don't die in faith? Believe
it or not, that's not an issue that concerns many people these days. A June 2016 Gallup Poll reveals that only 64% of American adults believe in hell while 71% have the same degree of certainty about heaven. And as for the devil, only 61% believe in him while 12% aren’t sure. Meanwhile, more than 25% think the so-called ruler of demons is nothing but a myth.

Why such low numbers? According to Kurt Selles, director of the Global Center at Samford University's Beeson Divinity School, the real issue is a reluctance to portray Jesus Christ as the exclusive way to God. In two recent workshops held at the Beeson Pastors School, Selles asked the attendees if they had ever preached a sermon about hell.

"Nobody had," he reported.

Jesus, on the other hand, was not deterred by political correctness or the fear of offending others. "I am the way and the truth and the life," Christ told the people in John 14:6. "No one comes to the Father except through me."

The Gospels tell us that many people DID accept this bold message, but most did not — particularly the religious leaders and supposed experts of God's Law. Centuries later, few things have changed. There's no shortage of "educated" people today who claim that Jesus' message is both judgmental and intolerant. And besides — they're quick to add — everyone knows there are many ways to God.

At least that part is true: Every path eventually DOES lead to God. But the devil is in the details since all of them except one also lead to his judgment and eternal condemnation.

"Enter through the narrow gate," Jesus warns us. "For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

Traveling that narrow path involves putting our faith in Jesus alone. And no matter what the world says about that today, it's one thing that God settled long ago.


Saturday, October 6, 2018

Sound Barrier


Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God;
all things are possible with God."

-- Mark 10: 27

It was the final frontier of fixed-wing aviation: the sound barrier.

Only a few decades since the Wright brothers had made their historic heavier-than-air flights from the sand dunes of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, aviation had evolved from flimsy fabric-and-wood biplanes to sleek -- and deadly -- jet-propelled fighters. The fastest aircraft of World War II would eventually reach speeds exceeding 500 mph. But then the laws of aerodynamics stepped in. There was some invisible force that prevented airplanes from exceeding 761 mph -- the speed called Mach 1 (the speed of sound through air). This force could tear the wings off an aircraft, which led some to believe it was an unbreakable natural law.

Chuck Yeager saw it differently. On October 14, 1947, the veteran test pilot
and World War II ace broke the sound barrier in a tiny rocket-propelled aircraft about five seconds after its launch from the belly of a B-29 bomber. Then, only five years later, he set another fixed wing speed record by reaching 1,650 mph; more than twice the speed of sound. A once seemingly insurmountable barrier was breached through technology, skill and a good measure of bravery.

As Christ-followers, we face our own barriers as we try to live out each day by God's standards. But instead of exceeding Mach 1, we often crash and burn by following our natural tendencies to do what's wrong ("sin"). Rather than following Jesus' example of loving our neighbors, helping the disadvantaged and honoring God, we're often tempted to go back to the old "Me First" lifestyle. It's a real struggle: the selfish stuff we know we shouldn't do versus the ultimately world-changing things we can and should do. And as with any struggle, we eventually get tired. That's when we fail to cross that invisible barrier.

That's also when we need energy to get us over the top. Something like a shot of espresso or a can or two of Red Bull. But something much more powerful, lasting and dependable.

In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul wrote that he considered this exhausting struggle to be internal warfare pitting Good against Evil. Through his own energy and efforts, he knew he would certainly lose the battle. But Paul had a dynamic weapon that assured his ultimate victory. And it's something that's available to you and me right now.

He's called the Holy Spirit: that personal Force that all Christ-followers receive when they ask Jesus to be their Lord and Savior. The Holy Spirit is God's power residing in every Believer. It's what enables us to do or say the things we never could before, overcome seemingly insurmountable odds and generally do the impossible. In fact, the Bible says it's the same power that raised Jesus from the dead after his crucifixion.

If you're a Christ-follower, ask the Holy Spirit to take you to the next level. Be alert to his teachings and leadings. And understand that they could come from just about anywhere. It might be a Bible passage that reveals itself to you with new meaning. Or maybe it's a Spiritual truth emerging from a discussion in your Gel Group. The Holy Spirit can also speak through a conversation you have with a friend or stranger, or even out of an odd circumstance in the workplace. You just never know.

Wherever and whenever he appears, the key is to keep your eyes, ears and heart open. Then trust God to help you cross the barrier.

Saturday, September 29, 2018

God’s Greatest Law


Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.

-- Psalm 17:7


When asked by one of the Pharisees -- a strict religious sect of centuries ago -- to name the greatest of God’s laws, Jesus astounded his audience by the simplicity and clarity of his response:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment,” he said. “And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

In just a few brief sentences, Jesus summarized the core message of the
entire Old Testament: God’s love, translated into beneficial motivations and actions through our faith in Christ, is an unstoppable, world-changing force.

This is a difficult concept for many people because they equate “love” with weddings, chocolates and Valentine’s Day. But Jesus wasn’t talking about that fleeting, awkward emotion. Instead, he’s calling his followers to walk in step with him by putting their love into sincere, tangible action. And this can come in a wide variety of forms — everything from helping an elderly neighbor pick up their groceries to revealing God’s light to strangers through a prison ministry. It could also translate into changing a coworker’s life by showing him or her how Jesus has changed your own. The possibilities and potential are endless.

How does God demonstrate his love to us?

Let’s start with The Prodigal Son, the famous Bible story about a loving father who welcomed back his wayward -- and totally undeserving -- child with open arms. Or what about Jesus’ parable of the shepherd, who searched tirelessly for a single missing sheep? When he finally found it, he returned it triumphantly to the rest of the flock. Christ also told his disciples about a man who sold all his possessions to buy a field. But it wasn’t just any plot of land. Instead, it was real estate that held buried treasure. The cost to buy the field was staggering, but the man did whatever it took to gain the precious prize.

Indeed, God shows his love by going to extraordinary lengths to bring us into his family. John 3:16, perhaps the most well-known passage of Scripture, tells us that God loves the world so much that he gave his only son (Jesus) so that those who believe in him will have eternal life. God willingly let Jesus suffer and die to pay for all our wrongdoings — past, present and future. We rightfully deserve death because of how we’ve lived our lives and broken his laws. But God’s love offers us joy and happiness if we’re only willing to accept it. By living on Earth among everyday people and then dying for our sins, Jesus, who was literally God-in-the-flesh, has already paid the high price we owe.

The limits of vocabulary prevent us from fully describing the meaning and implications of how God loves and cherishes his creation. We can only skim the surface of this vast and deep ocean. But maybe it’s really not so difficult. After all, it takes only three simple words from the book of 1 John to sum up: God is Love. And it’s when we live out our faith by putting his love into action that we can make a world of difference.

Saturday, September 22, 2018

Fear Factor


Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."

-- Mark 10:27


Natural disasters. Political infighting. Government corruption.

It seems like most headlines these days involve some painful issue involving politics, weather or the economy. There's escalating rhetoric about war in the Middle East and trade tariffs with China. And then there’s the cleanup from Hurricane Florence, which recently brought death and destruction to the East Coast. It’s one thing after another.

On the bright side, the nation’s economy and stock market are booming,
and employment levels are the best they’ve been in years. But is it any wonder that some people still fear what tomorrow will bring? After all, the future isn’t getting any brighter. (At least, that’s what the media keeps repeating 24/7 on cable TV and the Internet.)

Of course, bad news isn't anything new in America, and not everyone listens to the gloom-and-doomers. And it’s a good thing that they don’t. For example, consider Kellogg's Rice Crispies, Hyundai automobiles, Kraft Miracle Whip and the Apple iPod. They're all extremely successful products that were introduced during economic downturns. How different would life be today if these companies had listened to the naysayers, followed conventional wisdom and decided against taking a risk in the marketplace?

Few would have blamed them had they played it safe. After all, fear and uncertainty come naturally when times get rough. God can seem far away. And we can feel discouraged and abandoned because we don't feel his presence. What's more, it doesn't help when the devil continues to talk us out of taking that first step of courage. But the truth is that God knows the plans he has for us. And he also sees us for what we can become and not for who we are now.

Whatever we fear, the important thing to remember is that we don't face it alone. In fact, it's when we're in God's presence that we're the most protected. It's all a matter of coming to our Father in prayer, listening for his response and guidance, and obeying accordingly in faith.

Do all the negative headlines have you fearing for the future? God is the inventor of time. So when it comes to the future — as well as the past and the present — he’s already there for us.

Saturday, September 15, 2018

Walking the Tightrope


When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.”

-- Matthew 8:10

If you were around in the 1970s, you probably remember Evel Knievel — the daredevil made famous by his attempts to jump a motorcycle over the Snake River Canyon in Idaho and the Grand Fountains at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. (It’s perhaps no surprise that he broke 37 bones during his lifetime!) This past July, professional motorsports competitor and stuntman Travis Pastrana broke three of Knievel’s distance records by first jumping 143 feet over 52 automobiles, then 192 feet over 16 buses and finally 149 feet over the Caesars Palace Fountain. And it was all televised live for an audience of millions.

More than 150 years before Pastrana’s exploits, Charles Blondin was the
nation’s headline-grabbing risk-taker. In 1859, he made a name for himself by being the first person to walk a tightrope over Niagara Falls. Even more impressive was that he accomplished this feat in different ways: on stilts, in a sack and even in the dark. One day, Blondin walked the tightrope over the falls blindfolded while pushing a wheelbarrow. The audience that had gathered along the riverbank roared their approval of the death-defying spectacle.

“Do you believe that I can carry a person across in this wheelbarrow?” he asked the excited crowd.

“Yes, yes!” they replied. “You are the greatest tightrope walker in the world. You can do anything!”

“OK,” said the daredevil. “Get in the wheelbarrow.”

Blondin’s admirers claimed that they believed in him. But when he asked them to leave the comfort and safety of dry land and put their faith in action, no one came forward. Likewise, Christ-followers can fail to step out of their comfort zone for other kinds of faith-walks. When we face tough situations at home or at work, do we compromise -- or do we trust that God’s way is ultimately the right way -- regardless of the cost? For example, your boss might want you to exaggerate the company's sales figures so your department will impress the CEO. And your spouse might even tell you to fudge your family’s tax returns to claim a bigger refund. After all, who would ever know the difference?

When the spotlight is on us, we must expect opposition. And that’s when we need to ask God for the power to trust him and resist the temptation to compromise on what’s right.

Doing things God’s way can be costly — and particularly uncomfortable — when everyone is watching. But these situations can also be opportunities to demonstrate that our faith as Christ-followers is much more than mere words at a Sunday morning worship service. It’s this kind of faith-in-action that honors God. And when we seek to honor God, He will seek to honor us.

Saturday, September 8, 2018

Friends in High Places


 “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me
welcomes the one who sent me.”
 
-- Matthew 10:40

The saying goes that it’s not what you know, but rather WHO you know that makes all the difference. And that’s certainly true when you’re facing a difficult situation — like when you need a plumber to fix a broken pipe on a holiday weekend or a pair of front row tickets to that sold-out concert. Life is much easier when you know someone who knows someone who can get things done.

Christ-followers enjoy a similar advantage because of Who we know.
After all, ours is a faith that embraces relationship over religion. Specifically, there’s the ultimate parent/child relationship between us and God. It’s a bond that’s made possible through Jesus’ death on the cross -- a punishment we all rightly deserve for our lifetimes stained by personal failures and shortcomings (also known as “sin”). But since we’re connected with the right person (Jesus), he’s already paid the price to save us from a certain death and eternal punishment in hell. What's more, Christ has us covered so well that we’re literally heirs to his Father’s kingdom.
  
While that’s the primary relationship we enjoy as Christ-followers, God also wants us to establish relationships with others so they can begin their own faith-journeys. That means introducing them to Jesus, sharing his story and relating how his death on the cross means a whole new life here on earth — and later in eternity. And when these soon-to-be believers arrive at those inevitable rough patches in life, they’ll always know The One to call.

How do we get the ball rolling?

One of the best ways is to begin praying for people by name. They might be our family members, co-workers, neighbors, political leaders, the unsaved — and particularly our enemies. After that, don’t be surprised if God creates the circumstances where we become the answer to someone else’s prayer. 

Jesus set our example when he dispatched some of his followers to spread the Good News (the Gospel) throughout the community:

“Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel,” he told them. “As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”

Here, Jesus instructed his disciples to be the answer to someone’s fervent prayers -- and all while using their connection with him to do the seemingly impossible.

Do you have friends in high places? The right connections make all the difference.