More Like a Love Affair

Went to His Place Church in Burlington, Washington today with our daughter. Jason Gray did a concert and it was absolutely wonderful. Right up there with Michael Card and Rich Mullins in depth and the ability to express the deep heartfelt things of God. I enjoyed it so much because even though the church early service was packed Jason seemed to talk heart to heart. The Holy Spirit was so tangible. Jason wrote More Like Falling in Love from this G. K.Chesterton quote, "Our Christianity should look less like a theory and more like a love affair." I can only say, "Amen, may it be so Lord." I've included the video of the song with the lyrics. If you don't know the words please listen and read along as Jason sings.

The Source of Our Confidence

I have been reading in the book of Acts. It never fails to encourage me. It always stirs up faith in my risen Savior. Jesus’ disciples had gone from the depths of despair, after Jesus’ crucifixion and burial, to the heights of joy. He had appeared to them through “many infallible proofs.” Acts 1:3 They had waited obediently, according to His instructions, for the filling of the Spirit to become His witnesses. Now they were living it out on the streets of Jerusalem and it was getting them in trouble.

Peter and John had in Jesus’ name healed a man lame from birth. It caused quite a stir and the religious leaders were fearful. They thought they had put an end to the Jesus problem. Now they were trying to intimidate and quiet His followers. All the big guns were called in and they were put on trial. Every eye was on Peter and John. Read chapter four of Acts. It is wonderful to see the wisdom that was given them. I love verse 13 “Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John, and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were marveling, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.” I think education and training are wonderful, but nothing can compare to walking with Jesus.

Nothing would please me more than for people to know that any confidence I have comes from walking with Jesus. Every day we wake up we should hear afresh, “Choose this day whom you will serve.” Oh, I know that issue was settled in my life a long time ago. However, if I’m not intentional, I will allow the pressures or lures of life intrude and hamper my time with Him. We have to make it a priority to get alone to talk to Him and allow His word to talk to us. Do you want to grow in confidence in your faith? Be very intentional. It won't just happen. Spend time with Jesus. What is done in secret will be reflected openly.

MY PRAYER: Lord, I want to walk in humble confidence. It is a marvel to me that You call us Your friends. Thank you for drawing and calling me to spend time with You.

Unfading Beauty

I have a friend who lived in a assisted living facility. She has a chronic physical problem that makes it necessary. The apartment is beautiful, comfortable, and convenient. It's a delight to the eye to walk in there with all her possession tastefully displayed. That's not the reason I go to see her, just one of benefits. She is sweet and kind and ever ready to share what God is doing in her life and to hear what He is doing in mine.

Many months ago her health took a turn for the worse and her doctor insisted that she had to have long term around the clock care. Now I visit her in a nursing home. She has a bed in a corner of a room. It is however, next to a window so that she can see the grass and the sky. She has a basket on her bed with her Bible and other things she needs. She has a little plastic three drawer file to hold what won't fit in the basket and that's pretty much it. Someone did put some Easter type decals on the windows to brighten the atmosphere. It's rather austere and depressing, but that's not the reason I go there. She is sweet and kind and ever ready to share what God is doing in her life and to hear what He is doing in mine.

All her earthly possessions are stored away in her sister's house. Yet her most glorious possession is still shining through, "the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God." 1 Peter 3:4 She has never uttered a word of complaint in my hearing. She is polite and grateful to the staff. I marvel at the grace received and displayed.

I found something written by Max Lucado that I put in her Easter card. I don't think she realizes why I chose it, but I am going to tell her it reminded me of her.

By Max Lucado
“Surely this was a righteous man.” Luke 23:47, NIV

All the Roman centurion did was see Jesus suffer. He never heard him preach or saw him heal or followed him through the crowds. He never witnessed him still the wind; he only witnessed the way he died. But that was all it took to cause this weather-worn soldier to take a giant step in faith. “Surely this was a righteous man . . .”

Anybody can preach a sermon on a mount surrounded by daisies. But only one with a gut full of faith can live a sermon on a mountain of pain.

My friend is reflecting beautifully the One who went before her and left her an example to follow. We are told by Paul in Philippians 2:14-15 to do all things without grumbling and disputing and in conducting ourselves in that way we will appear as lights in the darkness. She is shining and it convicts and encourages me to remember that I have a treasure inside of me. All else can be stripped away except the unfading beauty of His Spirit within.

MY PRAYER: Lord, thank you for leaving us an example. Thank you that your grace is sufficient and that your presence is more than enough. Thank you for putting people in our path that encourage us by their examples as they follow you. In Jesus wonderful name, amen.

Abounding and Abundant

But Thou, O Lord, art a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth. Psalm 86:15 NASV
But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Psalm 86:15 NIV

My next door neighbor and I went to the same church. We both sang in the choir and had formed a good friendship. She had surgery on her neck and was going to be immobilized for several weeks. The choir got together and supplied some meals for Judy and her husband. I cooked a couple of meals and took it to them. It was summer time and my garden was doing well so I took Judy fresh tomatoes and a vegetable casserole. In my mind I had done my part.

A few days later during my quiet time I was using a list of the names of God as a prayer and meditation guide. One of the names that I was meditating on was Abounding and Abundant. I was thinking on all the ways the Lord had been those things to me. Then in my heart I asked the question, “Since I am to be like you, how would those qualities look in my life?” I was going through my day when suddenly the Lord answered my early morning question. In my spirit I sensed Him saying, “I would feed Judy until she is well.” I took a deep breath as I let His response sink in. At that time I was taking care of my mother-in-law who was a complete invalid. I said, “Lord, if you want me to do this I want to do it with joy and not just a sense of obligation.” I told my husband what I felt the Lord was asking me to do and if he was willing to purchase the extra groceries and to help. He got on board with it and for the next couple of weeks I cooked for both our families Monday through Friday. On the weekends her daughter would come and take over.

I had such joy and gladness as I planned and cooked our meals. My husband would load up their portion and take it down when her husband got home from work. They were blessed and so were we.

What did I learn? We can exchange a sense of Christian duty for a vibrant experience of His abounding and abundant love flowing through us. Jesus asked us to go the second mile, to be a cheerful giver, to be as generous as He is. He also said that it was more blessed to give than to receive and we certainly experienced that. Glimpses into His heart may cost us something but it is so worth it.

MY PRAYER: Lord, I don’t want to walk in duty and missed the delight of your abounding and abundant nature flowing through my life. I ask you to reveal yourself to and through me. In Jesus’ name amen.

MY CONFESSION: A slave is not greater than his master. You humbled yourself and came as a servant. You promised that if I know these things I will be blessed if I do them. By Your grace, I will. I stand on Your Word! John 13:16-17

Encourage One Another!

Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing. But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. 1 Thessalonians 5:11-13a

Is there anything that can cut deeper than ingratitude? I think as mothers and fathers, as good employees, caregivers, or faithful church members we have all felt its sting at some point. Experiencing ingratitude can cause us to look back with regret that we didn’t show more gratitude to those people who blessed us with acts of kindness or service.

I knew a young woman who wrote birthday and anniversary cards to an enormous amount of people. She felt led to do it and was very faithful. I was one of many who received a card twice a year from her, year after year. Little did any of us know that would be her legacy. She died in her early 30's from an undiagnosed brain tumor. I have never seen as many people at a funeral visitation as I saw at hers. The line went on and on and many waited almost an hour to pay their respect. As people stood in line they talked about the cards she had sent to them and how much it meant. I wondered if she knew.

A couple of years ago I was facilitating a Bible study and I mentioned her example of faithfulness and the impact it had. I was leading a morning and evening class and in both classes women spoke up and said they had developed the same ministry in their church. Both had tears in their eyes, both expressed that they were ready to quit because they didn't think it mattered to those who were receiving them. Both of those dear women felt encouraged to continue.

Rich Mullins said something that shook me to the core in his music video A Pursuit of a Legacy. At first I balked at what he said until I realized the real point he was making. His statement as best as I can remember it was this, “Some people are bothered that Catholics make so much of Mary. I am bothered that we make so little of each other.” All I can say is, “Ouch!” I want to be a person who is grateful. First and foremost to a God who redeemed me with the blood of His Son, has forgiven me every trespass, and has lavished His grace on me. I don’t ever want to get over the magnitude of what He has done or take Him for granted. I believe keeping that gratitude in the forefront everyday will splash over on those who need to know that I appreciate and notice their acts of kindness. Yes, our motivation isn’t to get a pat on the head, but it can certainly brighten and encourage the heart of a weary traveler.

Look around in your life, church, home or work place and tell those who serve in big and small ways that you notice and appreciate what they do. Make it your goal to encourage someone today. You never know when God might use you to be the wind beneath their weary wings.

MY PRAYER: Lord, open my eyes to see and appreciate those that serve in big and small ways. Help me to be a grateful person. Everyday you load me down with benefits too many to number. Thank you.

MY CONFESSION: Today I will encourage and build others up. I will esteem others and tell them so. I stand on your Word!

Clinging or Captive?

'For as the waistband clings to the waist of a man, so I made the whole household of Israel and the whole household of Judah cling to Me,' declares the LORD, 'that they might be for Me a people, for renown, for praise, and for glory; but they did not listen.' Jeremiah 13:11

But if you will not listen to it, my soul will sob in secret for such pride; And my eyes will bitterly weep And flow down with tears, Because the flock of the LORD has been taken captive. Jeremiah 13:17

Like loving mentors, prophets in the Old Testament were sent to speak to Israel over and over to turn them away from their bad choices to the way of life and blessing. Their goal was to relentlessly call the people back to total dependence on their God. The outcome would be a people intimately acquainted with and dependent on their God. They would then fulfill their purpose and be for Him a people for renown, praise, and glory. Sad, sad words follow….but they did not listen.

In verse 17 Jeremiah brokenly tells what motivated such a lapse. It was their own pride that led them away captive. He took no pleasure in their captivity. He sobbed in secret that something so unnecessary and avoidable should befall God’s people. As I recently asked my husband, “Who wants a ministry of I told you so?”

What is the lesson in such a heartbreaking scenario from God’s ancient people for us? Jesus clearly tells us that “apart from Him we can do nothing.” John 15:5 Yet how many days have I hurried off into my day not seeking His plans for my day and His power to walk in the Spirit? What begins as a few days of drift can carry us far away to places we never wanted to be.

This past year someone asked me to mentor them. We met, we talked, and I listened, prayed, and encouraged. Then I saw her making some really unwise choices. When I realized that I had to love her enough to confront I was met with a haughty, “I listen to God and He will lead me.” I asked her to please consider that my concerns might be a part of His leading. Her pride in her own ability to make the right choice caused her to shut out not only me, but others who were also concerned. She is being led away captive and daily I pray for God’s mercy over her. It is so unnecessary and so sad.

Hebrews 13:17 Tells us to “Obey your leaders, and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.” This seems all but lost among God’s people today. We must get back to walking humbly before God and each other. You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. 1 Peter 5:5

Let’s allow God to search our hearts. Are we walking dependently with Him and open to the counsel of those around us? Do not allow unchecked pride to lead you away into captivity.

MY PRAYER: Lord, root out by Your precious Spirit any notion that I can make it on my own. Help me to cling to you and clothe myself in humility toward my brothers and sisters.

MY CONFESSION: I will clothe myself with humility toward You and others. You give grace to the humble. I stand on Your Word!

My Brother, Worker, and Soldier

But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need. Philippians 2:25

In one sentence Paul whets my appetite to know this man Epaphroditus. More than that, I have to ask myself are the stellar qualities he lists true of me? Would I be willing to risk life and limb to help someone in prison for the sake of the gospel? Would I be willing to go wherever God called me? It is always wise to count the cost. One thing I have found to be true. Our enemy, the world and our own flesh will be quick to point out what it will cost us to obey. However, they will not tell us about the cost of disobedience.

The church at Philippi sent Epaphroditus as their trustworthy representative. It was an 800 mile journey. No small task in the age they lived. He took Paul their contributions and messages of love and encouragement putting his own life in peril. Paul is so appreciative of this man.

· He’s my brother. We are members of the same family of God.

· He’s my fellow worker. (I went to a conference of a woman teacher who has a worldwide ministry. I introduced her to the women I had brought with me who I led in her studies. She held my eyes and said, “Thank you fellow worker.” It was a very special moment for me to realize she genuinely was grateful and considered me a partner.)

· He’s my fellow soldier. There is special bond between those who have been in the trenches together. Our war is not against flesh and blood but the battle is every bit as real. Helping to move forward the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ involves warfare. Contending for souls involves warfare. When you move out in ministry and service don’t be surprised when you experience resistance. Put on your armor (Eph. 6:13ff) and use the weapons of your warfare. (2Cor. 10:4-5)

I am convicted and inspired as I read of his service. Paul says in Philippians 2:29 “Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem.” Why? There aren’t many like him. Also, it is human nature to take the faithful for granted. Most people, who are serving Christ for the right reason, do so with very little fanfare. They don’t have to be constantly thanked and affirmed but, they are human and can grow weary in well-doing.

Epaphroditus’ name only appears in the book of Philippians. When he faithfully carried that letter back to his church could he have imagined that as long as the world endures his life will be used as an example? If he had refused the mission and its challenges, what a loss of reward.

I want to be like Epaphroditus. I am not there yet, but I want to be. Do you? In many places the kingdom of God is languishing because there are not enough brothers and sisters who are also workers and soldiers. Let this example cause us to count the cost and go where the Holy Spirit sends us.

MY PRAYER: Lord, help me to follow you wherever you lead. I want to be a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Help me not to just count the cost, but to see what a privilege it is to serve you. May all who come behind us find us faithful. In Jesus name, amen.

MY CONFESSION: God will equip me in every good thing to do His will, working in me that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Hebrews 13:21

The Power of Faithfulness

"His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful slave; you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.' Matthew 25:23 NASB

Have you ever heard of a man named John Egglen? I never had until today and I was so blessed to read his story that I wanted to share it with you. He lived in Colchester, England and was a deacon at his church. One Sunday morning he got up to find it had snowed. It was going to be hard to get to church; but John went. He thought about not going; but he went because he was a deacon and knew he should try his best to go. He walked 6 miles to the Methodist church that he attended. Apparently lots of members decided to stay home that day as there were only 12 members and one visitor present. The preacher was completely snowed in and did not make it. Being the only deacon present, it fell to John to bring the message. He had never in his life preached a sermon. The sermon was less than 10 minutes long and he wasn't sure he made any point at all. However, with uncharacteristic boldness, John felt that he needed to speak directly to the visitor, a boy. John said, "Lad, look to Jesus, Look! Look! Look! The boy heard John and apparently he did look to Jesus. That young teenager was Charles Haddon Spurgeon. Four years after his conversion he began to preach. He is known as the Prince of Preachers. He became the man God used to bring revival to England.

John Egglen was faithful to fulfill his obligations and faithful to step out and step up when the opportunity arose. Faithfulness may sound like a dull and plodding word, but it is the word that Jesus chose to commend the righteous servants in his parable in Matthew 25. I love it when I work with people and find that they are faithful and that I can count on them to do what they said they would do and be where they say they will be.

Could John have ever dreamed that his faithfulness would one day bring such a rich harvest? Do you suppose as he plodded through that snow that the enemy tried to discourage him? Maybe it was his own flesh that battled him. I know that is source of most of my battles with faithfulness.

Oh let us not be weary in well doing because in due season we will reap if we don't faint and keep being faithful.

MY PRAYER: Lord, help us to wait on you and renew our strength to keep on keeping on. Help us to mount up with wings like eagles so that we can run and not be weary and we can walk and not faint. We want to hear your "well done good and faithful servant." Thank you for leaving us John's example. Help us to be an example to others. In Your precious name, amen.

MY CONFESSION: I am called, chosen and faithful. I stand on Your Word! Revelation 17:14

Encourage One Another!

Therefore encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing. But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. 1 Thessalonians 5:11-13a

Is there anything that can cut deeper than ingratitude? I think as mothers and fathers, as good employees, caregivers, or faithful church members we have all felt its sting at some point. Experiencing ingratitude can cause us to look back with regret that we didn’t show more gratitude to those people who blessed us with acts of kindness or service.

I knew a young woman who wrote birthday and anniversary cards to an enormous amount of people. She felt led to do it and was very faithful. I was one of many who received a card twice a year from her, year after year. Little did any of us know that would be her legacy. She died in her early 30's from an undiagnosed brain tumor. I have never seen as many people at a funeral visitation as I saw at hers. The line went on and on and many waited almost an hour to pay their respect. As people stood in line they talked about the cards she had sent to them and how much it meant. I wondered if she knew.

A couple of years ago I was facilitating a Bible study and I mentioned her example of faithfulness and the impact it had. I was leading a morning and evening class and in both classes women spoke up and said they had developed the same ministry in their church. Both had tears in their eyes, both expressed that they were ready to quit because they didn't think it mattered to those who were receiving them. Both of those dear women felt encouraged to continue.

Rich Mullins said something that shook me to the core in his music video A Pursuit of a Legacy. At first I balked at what he said until I realized the real point he was making. His statement as best as I can remember it was this, “Some people are bothered that Catholics make so much of Mary. I am bothered that we make so little of each other.” All I can say is, “Ouch!” I want to be a person who is grateful. First and foremost to a God who redeemed me with the blood of His Son, has forgiven me every trespass, and has lavished His grace on me. I don’t ever want to get over the magnitude of what He has done or take Him for granted. I believe keeping that gratitude in the forefront everyday will splash over on those who need to know that I appreciate and notice their acts of kindness. Yes, our motivation isn’t to get a pat on the head, but it can certainly brighten and encourage the heart of a weary traveler.

Look around in your life, church, home or work place and tell those who serve in big and small ways that you notice and appreciate what they do. Make it your goal to encourage someone today. You never know when God might use you to be the wind beneath their weary wings.

MY PRAYER: Lord, open my eyes to see and appreciate those that serve in big and small ways. Help me to be a grateful person. Everyday you load me down with benefits too many to number. Thank you.

MY CONFESSION: Today I will encourage and build others up. I will esteem others and tell them so. I stand on your Word!

THE QUESTION

Rell and I are in the North West visiting our daughter and her family. Someone sent me this in an email. It was very thought provoking and I've decided to share it here.

THE QUESTION that CHANGED MY LIFE-by David Ryser.

A number of years ago, I had the privilege of teaching at a school of ministry. My students were hungry for God, and I was constantly searching for ways to challenge them to fall more in love with Jesus and to become voices for revival in the Church.

I came across a quote attributed most often to Rev. Sam Pascoe. It is a short version of the history of Christianity, and it goes like this: Christianity started in Palestine as a fellowship; it moved to Greece and became a philosophy; it moved to Italy and became an institution; it moved to Europe and became a culture; it came to America and became an enterprise. Some of the students were only 18 or 19 years old--barely out of diapers--and I wanted them to understand and appreciate the import of the last line, so I clarified it by adding, "An enterprise. That's a business."

After a few moments Martha, the youngest student in the class, raised her hand. I could not imagine what her question might be. I thought the little vignette was self-explanatory, and that I had performed it brilliantly. Nevertheless, I acknowledged Martha's raised hand, "Yes, Martha." She asked such a simple question, "A business? But isn't it supposed to be a body?" I could not envision where this line of questioning was going, and the only response I could think of was, "Yes." She continued, "But when a body becomes a business, isn't that a prostitute?"The room went dead silent. For several seconds no one moved or spoke. We were stunned, afraid to make a sound because the presence of God had flooded into the room, and we knew we were on holy ground. All I could think in those sacred moments was, "Wow, I wish I'd thought of that." I didn't dare express that thought aloud. God had taken over the class.Martha's question changed my life. For six months, I thought about her question at least once every day.

"When a body becomes a business, isn't that a prostitute?" There is only one answer to her question. The answer is "Yes." The American Church, tragically, is heavily populated by people who do not love God. How can we love Him? We don't even know Him; and I mean really know Him.... I stand by my statement that most American Christians do not know God--much less love Him.

The root of this condition originates in how we came to God. Most of us came to Him because of what we were told He would do for us. We were promised that He would bless us in life and take us to heaven after death. We married Him for His money, and we don't care if He lives or dies as long as we can get His stuff. We have made the Kingdom of God into a business, merchandising His anointing. This should not be.

We are commanded to love God, and are called to be the Bride of Christ--that's pretty intimate stuff. We are supposed to be His lovers. How can we love someone we don't even know? And even if we do know someone, is that a guarantee that we truly love them? Are we lovers or prostitutes?

I was pondering Martha's question again one day, and considered the question, "What's the difference between a lover and a prostitute?" I realized that both do many of the same things, but a lover does what she does because she loves. A prostitute pretends to love, but only as long as you pay. Then I asked the question, "What would happen if God stopped paying me?"For the next several months, I allowed God to search me to uncover my motives for loving and serving Him. Was I really a true lover of God? What would happen if He stopped blessing me? What if He never did another thing for me? Would I still love Him? Please understand, I believe in the promises and blessings of God. The issue here is not whether God blesses His children; the issue is the condition of my heart. Why do I serve Him? Are His blessings in my life the gifts of a loving Father, or are they a wage that I have earned or a bribe/payment to love Him? Do I love God without any conditions?

It took several months to work through these questions. Even now I wonder if my desire to love God is always matched by my attitude and behavior. I still catch myself being disappointed with God and angry that He has not met some perceived need in my life. I suspect this is something which is never fully resolved, but I want more than anything else to be a true lover of God.So what is it going to be? Which are we, lover or prostitute? There are no prostitutes in heaven, or in the Kingdom of God for that matter, but there are plenty of former prostitutes in both places. Take it from a recovering prostitute when I say there is no substitute or unconditional, intimate relationship with God. And I mean there is no palatable substitute available to us (take another look at Matthew 7:21-23 sometime). We must choose.-Dr. David Ryser.

The Courage of Our Heroes

"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 NASB

"War is an ugly thing but not the ugliest of things; the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feelings which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. A man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." —John Stuart Mill


Today is Memorial Day. I just heard the testimony of Col. Leo Thorsness. He was an Air force pilot shot down over North Vietnam. He was held captive in the Hanoi Hilton for 6 years. For 18 days he was tortured non-stop before being held in solitary confinement and intermittent torture for 3 years. Then he was put in a group cell with 42 other American POWs. They tried to hold a church service by gathering together and reciting the Lord’s Prayer. They had just started when the guards came in and violently broke it up. The next week their highest ranking officer asked the men if they were committed to having a church service. He asked each one individually if they were committed. (Each one knew what it was to be tortured so they were aware of what was possibly in store for them.) Man by man they made the commitment. Their commanding officer said that when they hauled him away then the next ranking officer was to take his place leading the prayer until none of them were left if necessary.

The next Sunday they gathered with the commanding officer leading them in prayer. They barely got our “Our Father,” when the guards broke in and violently snatched him away. Immediately the next ranking officer took up the prayer with “who art in heaven,” and he was beaten and dragged away. In all the confusion the 3rd officer took his place “hallowed be Thy name.” By this time the prisoners were shouting the prayer over the violence and commands of the guards. When they laid hands on the 5th ranking officer suddenly out of the chaos came a deep stillness as the guards realized the men wouldn't quit. From that Sunday forward those men held their church service without interference. That privilege came with a cost they were willing to pay.

I have to ask myself am I made of such stuff? Peter thought he was but his flesh failed him. Through the love, example and power of His Lord he did become the man he thought he already was.

I get a glimpse of why the Apostle Paul asks us to, “Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 2:3 I believe the church of Jesus Christ is in desperate need of good soldiers. I was made free spiritually by the exertions of the Lord Jesus Christ who laid down His life for me. I have been kept physically free by the exertions of the American servicemen and women who have laid down their lives. I am profoundly grateful for both. Their example inspires and humbles me to stand and if necessary die for what I believe in.

MY PRAYER: Father, thank you for sending your Son to set us free. Thank you for the men and women who have laid down their lives for our liberty. Help us to follow their example and help us to thank them at every opportunity.

MY CONFESSION: For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.
2 Timothy 2:10

I Gave You an Example

"You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. "If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. "For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. "Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master; neither is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. "If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.” John 13:13-17 NAS

We were building a new home because we were going to need more space to care for my husband’s parents. His father had been an invalid for 25 years and my mother-in-law could no longer take care of him because she was increasingly fragile herself. Before we started building she had fallen and hurt herself, so I traveled the nine hours there to help. Taking care of my father-in-law was a daunting task. Because of partial paralysis and poor circulation he would get me up several times a night to rub his feet and then many times during the day. I knew that God had clearly put it on my heart to take care of them, but as I got back home and the reality drew nearer I began to think about being a slave to his feet. Slowly dread and depression began to stalk me. It was nearing Christmas and our work on the house was in full swing. I took a lunch break and turned on the radio to listen to Moody hoping for some Christmas cheer. Erwin Lutzer came on with a word that they played several times during the Christmas season but this was the first time I had heard it. (Of course this isn’t word for word but the best I can remember) this is what I heard Erwin Lutzer say:

THE WORLD IS A BETTER PLACE BECAUSE….

MARTIN LUTHER DIDN’T SAY,” I DON’T DO DOORS.”

MARY DIDN’T SAY,” I DON’T DO VIRGIN BIRTHS.”

JESUS DIDN’T SAY, “I DON’T DO MANGERS OR CROSSES.”

AND MARY OF BETHANY DIDN’T SAY, “I DON’T DO FEET.”

ANGELS MUST WONDER AT THE HUMILITY OF GOD AND THE PRIDE OF MEN.

I sat there in stunned silence knowing that the Lord had spoken. I was going to follow His example and “do feet.” For the next year and a half until my father-in-law died I did his feet. With a doctor’s advice, we set a better schedule so his feet stayed healthy and so did we. We cared for my dear mother-in-law for seven years. It got wearying at times and I didn’t always do it perfectly, but His presence was never stronger in my life. We knew what He wanted us to do and we were blessed by doing it. If you know that God is calling you to follow His example in a specific but difficult task, don't hesitate. His grace will be sufficient and His presence sweet.

MY PRAYER: Lord, you gave us an example. Though you were God you humbled yourself and took on the form of a servant. It is not in my nature to think or act like a servant. Help me to cultivate a servant’s heart.

MY CONFESSION: Lord, I choose to follow your example. I know these things and I will be blessed as I do them. I stand on your word!

How to Make Spiritual Progress by A.W. Tozer

I found this article by A.W. Tozer online. God used this man early on in my Christian life through his excellent books The Pursuit of God and The Knowledge of the Holy. He was a deep theological thinker who had no formal seminary training. It is said that his writings and his sermons flowed out of his prayer life.

In this article he urges us on not to be complacent and that is a theme that God has been reinforcing in heart. Read it prayerfully and let the full import of what he is saying sink in. He was a man full of grace. As his biographer stated, "He had the ability to make his listeners face themselves in the light of what God was saying to them."

MY PRAYER: Lord, give us ears to hear and hearts to obey what your Spirit is saying to our hearts, In the Name above all names, amen.

How to Make Spiritual Progress

THE COMPLACENCY of CHRISTIANS is the scandal of Christianity.
Time is short, and eternity is long. The end of all things is at hand. Man has proved himself morally unfit to manage the world in which he has been placed by the kindness of the Almighty. He has jockeyed himself to the edge of the crater and cannot go back, and in terrible fear he is holding his breath against the awful moment when he will be plunged into the inferno.

In the meantime, a company of people exist on the earth who claim to have the answer to all life's major questions. They claim to have found the way back to God, release from their sins, life everlasting and a sure guarantee of heaven in the world to come.

These are the Christians. They declare that Jesus Christ is very God of very God, made flesh to dwell among us. They insist that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. They testify that He is to them Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification and Redemption, and they steadfastly assert that He will be to them the Resurrection and the Life for eternity to come.

These Christians know, and when pressed will admit, that their finite hearts have explored but a pitifully small part of the infinite riches that are theirs in Christ Jesus. They read the lives of the great saints whose fervent desire after God carried them far up the mountain toward spiritual perfection; and for a brief moment they may yearn to be like these fiery souls whose light and fragrance still linger in the world where they once lived and labored. But the longing soon passes. The world is too much with them and the claims of their earthly lives are too insistent; so they settle back to live their ordinary lives, and accept the customary as normal. After a while they manage to achieve some kind of inner content and that is the last we hear of them.

This contentment with inadequate and imperfect progress in the life of holiness is, I repeat, a scandal in the Church of the Firstborn. The whole weight of Scripture is against such a thing. The Holy Spirit constantly seeks to arouse the complacent. "Let us go on" is the word of the Spirit. The Apostle Paul embodies this in his noble testimony as found in his Philippian epistle: "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ . . . that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection . . . but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

If we accept this as the sincere expression of a normal Christian I do not see how we can justify our own indifference toward spiritual things. But should someone feel a desire to make definite progress in the life of Christ, what can he do to get on with it? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Strive to get beyond mere pensive longing. Set your face like a flint and begin to put your life in order. Every man is as holy as he really wants to be. But the want must be all-compelling.
Tie up the loose ends of your life. Begin to tithe; institute family prayer; pay up your debts as far as possible and make some kind of frank arrangement with every creditor you cannot pay immediately; make restitution as far as you can; set aside time to pray and search the Scriptures; surrender wholly to the will of God. You will be surprised and delighted with the results.

2. Put away every un-Christian habit from you. If other Christians practice it without compunction, God may be calling you to come nearer to Him than these other Christians care to come. Remember the words, "Others may, you cannot." Do not condemn or criticize, but seek a better way. God will honor you.

3. Get Christ Himself in the focus of your heart and keep Him there continually. Only in Christ will you find complete fulfillment. In Him you may be united to the Godhead in conscious, vital awareness. Remember that all of God is accessible to you through Christ. Cultivate His knowledge above everything else on earth.

4. Throw your heart open to the Holy Spirit and invite Him to fill you. He will do it. Let no one interpret the Scriptures for you in such a way as to rule out the Father's gift of the Spirit. Every man is as full of the Spirit as he wants to be. Make your heart a vacuum and the Spirit will rush in to fill it.
Nowhere in the Scriptures nor in Christian biography was anyone ever filled with the Spirit who did not know that he had been, and nowhere was anyone filled who did not know when. And no one was ever filled gradually.

5. Be hard on yourself and easy on others. Carry your own cross but never lay one on the back of another. Begin to practice the presence of God. Cultivate the fellowship of the Triune God by prayer, humility, obedience and self-abnegation.

Let any Christian do these things and he will make rapid spiritual progress. There is every reason why we should all go forward in our Christian lives and no reason why we should not. Let us go on.

No More Yawning!

And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers; and there arose another generation after them who did not know the LORD, nor yet the work which He had done for Israel. Judges 2:10 NASB

I am currently going through a two year reading plan of the Bible and enjoying the more leisurely pace that allows me to slow down and meditate. I am in the book of Judges and what a book it is. Its revelations about man are disturbing, but what the book reveals about our covenant keeping God is astonishing.

I’m sure you have heard this, but it fits so well, “God doesn’t have grandchildren. He only has sons and daughters.” Every generation must have their own encounter with God and should experience His works on their behalf. Otherwise it is just secondhand information and not firsthand experience. Sometimes I will want to tell my grown children something from the past and they’ll look at me and say, “We’ve heard that a 100 times.” It wasn’t that this generation didn’t know about God or know about his acts; they didn’t know him for themselves. Many have been raised in Christian homes and have a lot of head knowledge, but the heart is not engaged.

I want to quote Gary Inrig in his wonderful commentary on Judges, Hearts of Iron Feet of Clay. “I don’t know why, but a yawn is one of Satan’s most effective weapons, and the thing that really troubles me about second-generation syndrome is the effect it has on new believers. I am convinced that one of the greatest stumbling blocks young Christians must confront is not the opposition of the world, but the apathy of so-called established Christians.” Pg.27 Do I hear an amen or an oh me? I said both. Erich Fromm once said that “Hate is not the opposite of love; apathy is.”

Gary Inrig doesn’t just leave us convicted; he gives three causes for the second generation’s failure.

1. They were satisfied with the status quo.
2. They took God’s blessings for granted and didn’t acknowledge Him.
3. They neglected God’s word.

Of course Inrig elaborates on each point, but I obviously can’t include all his commentary. I do think it would be beneficial to pray through each point and ask God to reveal if any are true of us and for the grace and empowering of His Spirit to rectify it in our lives.

I chose the video very carefully to remind us of just how great He really is so that we won’t be satisfied with the way things are and so that we won’t take Him or His blessings for granted. It is full of examples from His word that dare us to believe Him for great things. No more yawning.

MY PRAYER: Lord, fan any embers of my desire for you that are burning low. I do want a pure and holy passion for you and for your glory and your fame. Lord, I don’t want anyone to yawn when they look at my life. I want them to sit up and take notice that Your presence has made a difference. In the name above all names, amen.

MY CONFESSION: I am a letter of Christ written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts. 2 Corinthians 3b I will not be apathetic, take you for granted, or neglect your Word.

Follow Me and I will Make You...

By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Heb 11:15-16 And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country that is a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:8-10 NASB

I attended a conference led by Henry Blackaby in which he made a comment that equipped me to face the most painful and ultimately most beneficial time in my life. He said, “You cannot stay where you are and go with God.” Within a few years the entire landscape of my life shifted dramatically. No aspect of my life was untouched by change. As you read the Scriptures it is abundantly clear how accurate Blackaby’s statement was. Abraham said yes to God even though he had no idea where he was headed. God told Abraham that He would “make him a father of many nations.” Gen. 17:5 Jesus called His disciples to lay down their plans and dreams. He didn’t give them a road map; He kept them close by saying “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” The journey began when they chose to walk by faith in a relationship with the One who is the Way and not by sight. Abraham had to leave his country and all that was familiar. The disciples had to lay down the lesser (fishing nets) for the greater (fishers of men).

His priority in our lives is our character and not a call that we may perceive or hope He has for us. The forming of our character and the strengthening of our faith can be a painful process filled with wonderful victories but also many trials and disappointments. We do have an enemy who wants to dis-appoint us. He wants us to question, doubt, and stray off course. Both Abraham and the disciples were tempted to go back. During a time of famine Abraham went to Egypt and after the crucifixion Peter went back to fishing. When hard times come we are tempted to go back to the familiar or doubt that He ever really called us.

How do we stay on the path that He has for us? It says very clearly that, “If they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country that is a heavenly one.” Paul adds to our instruction in Romans 8:5 “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” Ask the Holy Spirit to help you keep your thoughts and desires aligned with His. This world is passing away. His plans for us inside and out are good. Don’t go back to the place or things He called you from. Follow Him. He is totally trustworthy.

MY PRAYER: Lord, you have called us to join you on this journey. Help us to not look back. Help us to set our minds on what your Spirit desires. You are the Way, the Truth and the Life. You are my exceeding great reward and I will follow by your grace. In the Name above all names, amen.

MY CONFESSION: I am following the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. I am walking by faith and you are not ashamed to be called my God. My mind is set on following You and My desires are aligned with Yours. You are conforming me to the image of Your Son. I stand on your Word!

Full of Grace and Truth

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 NASV

I have mentioned that we are currently doing James MacDonald's Bible study Lord, Change My Attitude. In this week's lesson he mentions that Jesus was full of grace and truth. He observed that most of us fall into two different camps. We are either truth people who tell it like it is and don't extend grace to those around us. Or we may tend to be grace people who don't speak the truth to those who need to hear it. We should ask the Lord to help us be more like Him full of grace and truth.

As I have prayed and meditated on this I thought about a wonderful movie I bought a few months ago. It is The Gospel of John and it is a word for word version taken from John's gospel. The actor who plays Jesus is Henry Ian Cusick and, in my opinion, I've never seen anyone do a better job of portraying Jesus. I was absolutely captivated by the movie and the portrayal. It captures the grace and truth that flowed from Him.

About two months ago I gave an extra copy I had of the movie to a friend who has to stay home a lot because of a physical condition. I knew that she would love it as much as I do. I talked to her tonight and she told me she has watched it several times and is having a friend over for a pizza and a movie night because she wants her to see it.

If you've never seen this movie, try to get a copy and watch it. I ordered mine off the internet. I haven't checked Wal-Mart (after all I do live in a small town) but there are many online options. I think I paid around $14.00 for the two disc set. I don't think you will ever regret it. You will hear the entire gospel of John and it is beautiful in every way.

MY PRAYER: No one else in history is like you. You are beautiful beyond our comprehension. You are really too marvelous for words. Thank you for being full of grace and truth. We love you Lord.

Peace Through Practice

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 NASV (Paul’s letter was written from prison.)

I am taking James MacDonald’s Bible study Lord, Change My Attitude. In week two he made this statement about our emotions. “Emotions make a great caboose but a terrible engine.” I had to learn that gem by experience. God was faithful to deliver me from the bondage of living in my emotion laden soul.

I was saved in my late 20’s and within two years had my first child followed twenty-one months later by the birth of my second child. To say that I was hormonal would be an understatement. I know that my Father was sympathetic, but He also knew the enemy was having a field day with me. One day I would wake up and all would be right with the world. The next day I would FEEL that I was failing in my walk, my motherhood, at being a wife, _________ fill in the blank. I would FEEL such condemnation. The first thing the Lord showed me was Romans 8:1-2 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. God does not condemn us, He convicts us. He will be specific in his dealings, loving in his manner, and empowering by his Spirit. General FEELINGS of unworthiness and failure should not be tolerated.

Then the Lord put in my hands a quote by Martin Luther. It ministered so profoundly that I had a friend calligraphy the statement and frame it. That was 30 years ago and it is still on display at my house.

Feelings come and feelings go,
And feelings are deceiving.
My assurance is the Word of God,
Naught else is worth believing.

The great theologian who started the Reformation had to remind himself of this. We would do well to allow the Lord to engrave it on our hearts. We must make our emotions bow to the truth of His word. If you allow your emotions to be the engine you will find your track is a roller coaster. Up one day and down the next. The enemy loves to play with emotions in moments of weakness. Jesus left us an example when he was tempted in the wilderness. The weapon He used to defeat His enemy was the Word of God. “It is written”…..Replace whispered lies with spoken truth.

Our thoughts affect our emotions. It isn’t a sin for a bird to light on your head, but to let it stay and build a nest is. A negative, lying, or sinful thought that comes to my mind isn’t a sin, but is to be brought into alignment and obedience to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 It only becomes sin if I let it “build a nest.” I entertain the thought, let it stay, and become at home in my heart and mind. How do we identify wrong thinking? Philippians 4:8-9 tells us what to think on and delivers an amazing promise with a condition. I would suggest that if you ever memorize Scripture that you memorize this one. It will help you identify healthy thinking. Then Paul says, “Practice these things,” that means habitually, present tense, continuous action, “and the God of peace will be with you.” The enemy or your flesh will tell you it is too hard to bring your thoughts into alignment with the Word. The opposite is true. Nothing is more draining or defeating than negative, unbiblical thinking. If you invite the Holy Spirit to help you overcome, He will.

MY PRAYER: Lord, I ask your Holy Spirit to help me take every thought captive. I no longer want to stand on the shifting sands of my emotions, but stand on the bedrock of your truth.

MY CONFESSION: The things I have learned and received I will practice. The God of peace will be with me. I stand on Your Word.

Examine and Hold Fast

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil. 1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. Acts 17:11 Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

We are so blessed to have a wealth of resources available to us as Christians. I love to go on certain websites and hear sermons and teachings by gifted men and women of God that challenge, strengthen, and encourage me in my walk with God. I also have a few people on Christian TV that I love to take a break from my daily activities and watch their programs. There are an enormous number of options and with them come some pitfalls. There is a certain segment that seems to be growing in influence that delights in telling fanciful stories and experiences of a bizarre nature. One thing I have noticed is they often will say or imply that people who are legalistic or have a religious spirit probably won’t believe them or receive what they are saying. They try to squelch discernment by making you feel guilty if you are doubtful. They want you to believe if it is odd then it must be God. I certainly don’t find that attitude in the apostle’s teachings. Over and over again in Scripture they admonish us to examine, test, and prove the things we are being taught to see if indeed they are true. The word of God is our plumb line to see what is crooked and what lines up perfectly with His revealed word. Truth tellers aren’t threatened by examination and careful thought. Luke called the Bereans noble in character because of their eagerness to listen and examine the Scriptures to see if Paul’s teachings lined up with the O.T.

If your Spirit is troubled or doubtful about something you have heard or been taught don’t quench that response. You don’t have to make a snap or forced decision to gullibly swallow everything you are fed. Take the time to pray and search it out. God won’t think you are weak and doubting; He thinks you’re noble.

MY PRAYER: Lord, thank you for the wonderful teachers that have helped me to grow in my understanding of You. You have warned us Lord that there would be those who would seek to lead us astray from the simplicity of the gospel. Help me to verify that what I am taught or even what I think lines up with your written word. Help me to hold fast to that which is good.

MY CONFESSION: I will not be gullible enough to believe every spirit. I will exhibit noble character by testing and proving all things to see if they are true to Your word.