The Follower

The Follower

And He said to them all, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” -- Luke 9:23; King James Version

Recently my family purchased a digital camera. The disc that would allow the camera and the computer to communicate and cooperate was not included in the package. There was an internet address that I assessed to download the needed software. Before I was allowed to download the program I needed I was REQUIRED to join this company’s product owner member group. The requirements for joining were simple, but they were still required. There was an open invitation to LOOK at anything on the site, but to take advantage of any part of it required membership. Beside many of the areas allotted for information were red asterisks. Every where there was an asterisk the information requested was NOT OPTIONAL. For example, I did not WANT to give them my email address, but it was a requirement. What it boiled down to was whether I wanted what they had to offer bad enough to abide by their requirements.

That’s what this verse is about to me. There are three proverbial red asterisks in this verse that mark the REQUIREMENTS for being a follower of Jesus Christ. The choices are simple; if we want to be identified with Jesus, we must follow His requirements. They are as follows.

The first requirement is that one must “deny himself”. Quite simply one must say an emphatic “NO!” to one’s old self. There can be no fence riding! This in an all or nothing venture. There can be no reliance on whatever one may be by their own nature. For example, one cannot depend on their own goodness; case in point being the popular saying “Well, I’ve never killed anyone.” Part of denying self is casting off every attempt to reach up to God through self produced or imagined goodness (religion) and simply trust in His grace by faith for salvation. It means taking off the old self and being clothed with Christ. It means counting every thing we once thought our gain as loss for Christ (See Philippians 3:7-11).

Secondly, it is required that one “take up his cross daily”. This means that the one who will “come after” Jesus must see themselves as a condemned man who is carrying his own cross to the place of execution. This is voluntary, yet it is necessary to follow Jesus. It means that one who will follow Christ should expect, and willingly receive, pain, shame, and persecution that comes with loyalty to Christ. It is the continual dying to self and living to Christ and WHATEVER that may cost. The word “daily” is clearly indicative that Jesus expected this to be a continually renewed commitment.

Third and lastly, to follow Christ one must “follow” Him. This means that HE dictates the path! This means that one must trust Christ’s means and methods. The follower must go where the Master goes as He goes and that following is to be in complete obedience. It does not mean it is for a set time; rather, this is to follow and keep following. It is not an on again off again venture, but a continual putting of our spiritual feet in His prints. We are to be hard on His heels, not diverting from the path nor seeking to command the method and direction of the trip.

Any persons that do not meet Jesus’ stated requirements are spectators and are NOT followers. Like getting software for my camera from the company’s online source, there is the simple matter of whether we are willing to follow Jesus’ requirements to take advantage of what He offers. How about you friend? Are you a spectator or a follower of Christ?

I love this cartoon!

This cartoon tells a great truth. Look at it carefully and you will find it's chocked with stuff. I eagerly await comments!

Volunteers Needed

We need volunteers for Tuesday, October 31st at The Warehouse. Please call the office or email me (twbowes@charter.net) if you can volunteer that day.

Our usual volunteer team for that day has a ministry event at their church.

Mourn Until He Moves

Mourn Until He Moves

In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was before him, I took up the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had not been sad in his presence. And the king said to me, "Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart." Then I was very much afraid. -- Nehemiah 2:1-2; English Standard Version

I have, in past times, let some really silly things bother me. My wife could, but better not, tell you stories of the times that I've been totally despondent after losing a softball game. Isn't that ridiculous? We've driven home and I have sat on the steps, and no one dare speak to me. Isn't it ridiculous to get worked up over so much over things like that?

There have been other times that I have heard or experienced some really sad situations and forgot about it in a few minutes. I remember a young man that I spoke with at the youth center one time that I knew did not know the Lord. I shared with him, sure, I did that, but I walked away from that experience and did not give the young man another thought until I read in the local paper that he had died in an auto accident. It occurred to me, in that moment, that I COULD have prayed more for that young man; I could have pursued that a little more.

Here's a little something else I've learned from Nehemiah...don't give up till God moves. We find Nehemiah, MONTHS later, still grieving about the state of Jerusalem and the people there. Nehemiah was waiting, prayerfully for God to move.

Now, wait...before you think I am telling you to go about life like someone stole your cookies every day, all day...that's not what I am saying. What I am saying is that we should NOT give up praying for things and people so quickly. We should indeed be more committed.

I read a story once about a famous rock star (I don't remember his name) whose parents went to their church's altar to pray for him (and asked the church to do the same) EVERY SUNDAY FOR 25 YEARS! That man got saved! His parents didn't give up. His parents' church didn't give up. Those folks mourned for the soul of that man until God moved. All of a sudden, Nehemiah's few months seems small!

Time is not really the point. I'm talking about an attitude; the attitude that doesn't give up; the attitude that continues to ask and expect God to do something.

AGAIN, do not hear me saying that we should walk around wearing black and pouting all the time. I'm just trying to get us all to think a little more about our prayer lives and how we petition God and wait for Him. I've been known to give up too soon. I don't want to be that way!

Take abortion for example, I think it is a hateful sin. It breaks my heart. It has been 33 years since the Roe v. Wade case paved the way for abortion to become "legal" in the US. I am more committed than ever to pray EVERY DAY that God do SOMETHING to end this! I'm not giving up! Another example; I have many lost loved ones with whom I've shared the Gospel MANY times...I'm NOT giving up! I have a vision to reach the lost of my area; I'm NOT giving up! I'm going to keep praying, keep fasting, and keep working. I am not giving up!

God has used Nehemiah to reignite me! I WILL be most concerned about the most important things and I WILL keep pleading with the Lord...I WILL NOT QUIT until He moves!

You all know that God has placed me in the Baptist thread of Christian life. I've often joked that when you ask a Baptist to do something and they respond with "Let me pray about it" that what they really mean is "NO!" It's funny, and has often been true. Here's what I want to mean when I say "Let me pray about it"...I want to mean "Yes, I WILL pray about that and I won't stop until God moves in that situation."

Whatever is appropriate, I am more sure than ever that I will pray, I will mourn, I will do whatever needs to be done until He moves, even if the ONLY thing God moves is me. How about you?

This Can't be the End of the Story!

This Can't be the End of the Story!

They are Your servants and Your people, whom You have redeemed by Your great power and by Your strong hand. -- Nehemiah 1:10; English Standard Version

Have you ever seen a movie or read a book and thought, "This can't be the end of the story!" I know you have. It's frustrating. It makes me most angry when I've paid $7.00+ to see a movie in a theater and it ends with a stinky ending. That's why I always take note of who wrote a book or those responsible for the production of a movie. If I find them consistently doing that, I'll stop patronizing their work. After all, it just ticks me off when the ending isn't satisfying!

Nehemiah would have known how I felt. Instead of letting things frustrate him, Nehemiah turned the uncertain ending into a prayer request.

Here, in today's verse, is something God is using to teach me how to pray for my Christian brothers and sister in a more meaningful way.

Nehemiah takes a very simple thought and issues a powerful prayer dart. Nehemiah reminds God that the people--Israel--are the same people that God had saved out of Egypt. Let me, if you will, put this thought into terms that we can understand in today's language: "Lord, certainly You would not have gone through so much trouble to save these people out of Egypt, keep them through the Wilderness wondering, give them great victories in Canaan, and call them aside to be Your special people only to watch them wither and fade away!"

There is great logic and great passion in this. It would seem, from Nehemiah's standpoint, that Israel was fading into the sunset of their days. But--and here's a big "but"--Nehemiah knew God enough to know that THIS could NOT be the end of the story! He knew God had something else in mind!

God had stirred Pharaoh's hardened heart and Nehemiah knew that God would stir the heart of Cyrus too.

What has this taught me about prayer? When I learn of a Brother or Sister in ANY kind of trouble or despair I begin to pray for them KNOWING that God has done too much to save them to leave them in despair forever.

For example, I have a friend that is going through some personal struggles right now; here's how I've been praying for my friend: "Lord, You have done great things to save this man's soul. You have stretched forth Your arm of salvation. You have preserved this man through many trials. You plan to make my friend into the image of Your Son, Jesus Christ. I know that the trouble he is going through is not the end of the story. Please bless my friend and glorify Yourself through him."

In my talking with God of His great and precious promises I remind myself that, though circumstances seem difficult, God has further plans to finish the work He started in my friend. That's comforting. It's also plainly recognizing that God's story never ends with despair. It always ends with His glory!

Jesus told His disciples that He would never leave nor forsake them. I need to remember that for myself and for those I pray for. I also know that whatever good work God begins in someone He will be faithful to complete it.

As you pray for those in the Family of Faith, remember, as Nehemiah did, that God will always finish what He starts. He is faithful. Pray for the Family knowing that God is at work for His glory. Whenever the ending seems unsatisfying know that just when we think it's all over that's the very moment that God really gets to work! Don't believe me? Remember the Cross! When hell's fire was about to consume mankind God defeated death! Need further proof? When the stone sealed the tomb and all of Jesus' followers thought all was undone, God rolled it away and the tomb was found EMPTY! Why? Because not even death can end God's story! He's got plans EVEN BEYOND the grave!
Doom? No. Despair? Nope. Even in the hardest of trials, if we belong to the Lord, these things WON'T be the end of the story!

Willing to do the Big Stuff

Willing to do the Big Stuff

And I said, "O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments, let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open, to hear the prayer of Your servant that I now pray before You day and night for the people of Israel Your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against You. Even I and my father's house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against You and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that You commanded Your servant Moses. Remember the word that You commanded Your servant Moses, saying, 'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, but if you return to Me and keep My commandments and do them, though your dispersed be under the farthest skies, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make My name dwell there.' They are Your servants and Your people, whom You have redeemed by Your great power and by Your strong hand. O Lord, let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant, and to the prayer of Your servants who delight to fear Your name, and give success to Your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man." Now I was cupbearer to the king. -- Nehemiah 1:5-11; English Standard Version (emphasis mine)

I like people who think big. Have you ever thought about the person that came up with the first plan to build a bridge across a river or a canyon? Every body, to that point, had always traveled around things, but then some person says, "I'm going OVER it!" All their friends said, "You are a nut! It's impossible!" Some way, some how, it was accomplished.

I'd have to imagine, and there is NO proof, that this person's first bridge was a log or a rock thrown across a creek. Perhaps it's the idea of I CAN DO SOMETHING that begins the thought, "If I can do that, I can do more!" I don't know, but I think about it a lot.

I'm a big idea guy. I like big ideas. I chase after them. Do you?

When I was a little baby Christian God used Nehemiah to teach me how to REALIZE big dreams. Before I just thought them. Now, I do them! Here's what I learned.

The first thing I learned was actually the last thing in the passage above; Nehemiah says, I was cupbearer to the king. What's the big deal with that? In context, Nehemiah is simply saying that he had opportunity to be in the presence of the king and may have opportunity to speak to him. It's an honest admission from Nehemiah that he is nothing particularly special, but he's around special people and he is asking God to let him tap into other people's influence. It's Nehemiah saying, "Help me have opportunity and to have the wisdom and Your favor to take advantage of those opportunities." It's as if Nehemiah was saying he couldn't do it, but if God would use him then he would be willing. So, that's the first thing I learned; God, I am willing to be used, even if I am only a country boy from Podunk, NC.

The second, and MOST important, thing I learned was that Nehemiah KNEW it all depended on God. Take a slow read back through that passage and do your best to notice how many time Nehemiah evoked God's name, His history with Israel, His power, and His plans. Nehemiah was calling, pleading, begging God to become involved again. The restoration of Jerusalem and the people would be a gargantuan task. Nehemiah KNEW he would need God. That's key to doing anything big, or anything big that is actually worthwhile. We need God to actually do it; we simply have to be willing to be used and let Him have His way.

The third thing that smacked me upside my head was the reason Nehemiah wanted to do something big; it's motive that I'm talking about. His motive was selfless. Nehemiah says, "Give me success that YOUR name may dwell in Jerusalem again" (my paraphrase of parts of verses 11 and 9). That's brave, but that's right. It's all about God. Doing IMPORTANT big stuff isn't about us. The moment it becomes about us it is immediately a failure.

The fourth, and final, thing I noticed was Nehemiah quoting of Moses' words in his prayer. In that quotation Nehemiah was recognizing that Israel had broken the charge to keep My commandments and do them. Here is a big thing to do big stuff; OBEY GOD! Know AND live His commands.

So, yes, I like big ideas. I'm after them too. I've learned a lot from Nehemiah, and today's examples are the tip of the iceberg. Recap: (1) be willing, no matter how small I am; (2) let God do it through me and trust God to do it; (3) the big thing has to be about HIS glory; (4) obey Him. That's good stuff.

For His glory. That's it.

Lord, give ME success for YOUR glory. I AM willing to tackle the big stuff. Help me depend on You. Help me be obedient. I am not afraid; You are with me. Thanks.

You're Right. I'm Wrong. I'm Sorry

You're Right. I'm Wrong. I'm Sorry.

And I said, "O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father's house have sinned. We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, 'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your dispersed be under the farthest skies, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.' They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man." Now I was cupbearer to the king. -- Nehemiah 1:5-11; English Standard Version (emphasis mine)

I love my dad. I think he's funny, even when he's not trying to be funny. Here's an illustration: Dad gave me bad directions while we were traveling through Richmond, VA once. He never would admit he was wrong, even though the other two people in the car with us clearly saw he was wrong and so did I. We bantered back and forth a little (actually, nearly two hours). Finally, I said, "Daddy, you've got 'Fonzieitis'." He said, "What in the world are you talking about?" I reminded him of the character from Happy Days, Arthur Fonzarelli, who could never say "I'm wrong" or "I'm sorry". The words would always get jumbled up in his mouth and refuse to come out.

We all had a good laugh at my father. He never said he was wrong. He continued to say I had been wrong. So, irregardless of what he would even START to say I would immediately retort with "You're right. I'm wrong. I'm sorry."

Nehemiah gives us another great example in how to respond to something. His response isn't all that funny though. His is too convicting to be funny.

When Nehemiah heard of the plight of the people he did not begin to rant and rave and stomp around like a fool. He began to confess. He confessed the sins of his people.

Then we can see something very interesting in Nehemiah's response. Nehemiah confesses HIS own sin! Amazing! Nehemiah did not play the denial game or the blame game; he saw his part in Israel's disobedience and confessed it.

Today's passage is chocked full golden nuggets of learning, but this one really jumps out at me. I think of the plight of the church in America; I think of the plight of our nation; I think of the plight of our world at large. After much thought, I come to the following conclusion:

Lord, You are right. Lord, I am wrong. Lord, I am sorry. Please heal our churches. Please heal our nation. Please heal our world. Thank You for listening.

Let's Give Them Something to Think About

Let's Give Them Something to Think About

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. -- Philippians 4:8; King James Version

There is a song by Bonnie Raitt called "Let's Give Them Something To Talk About". It is basically a love song. Ms. Raitt contends, in the song, that their actions would give people something to talk about, so she wanted actions that would cause people to understand she was in love. The hook of the song went like this: "Let's give em something talk about; a little mystery to figure out. Let's give em something to talk about; how about love?"

Last week we talked about how to handle troubling situations and being curious about the right kind of stuff. Today is an extension of that.

I've said it a million times...what's in the well comes up in the bucket. The wells of our lives are our minds and our hearts. If we ever hope to consistently handle situations properly or consistently think about the right stuff we have got to have the right kind of stuff in the well. That takes transformation. Now, I am assuming that I am speaking to the "choir". I am assuming that I am speaking to an audience of the redeemed.

One of the first devotions I ever sent out on email dealt with being a wasp or crow type of Christian. A wasp, from the time it is "birthed" from the nest, never grows. A crow, on the other hand, grows until the day it dies. The problem with many Christians is that they are like a wasp. They just don't grow! (I also did a whole series on "Growing in Grace"; let me know if you would like to see it.)

How is any of this related? Glad you asked.

If we ever hope to grow; if we ever hope to handle situations properly; if we ever hope to care about the right stuff, we MUST have our minds set right! Again, I am assuming that I am talking to a Christian audience that already belongs to the Lord. What we need to do is to PRAYERFULLY discipline our minds to CONSISTENTLY think about the right stuff. Where does the "right stuff" come from?

Another good question! A lot of good stuff comes from every day life, but so does a lot of bad stuff and also things that are often relegated to "gray areas". So, where we need to start is in the Bible. It is there we discover the nature of God, His will for mankind, and His idea of what things are worth our attention.

In Paul's letter to the Philippian believers he urged them to follow his teaching and example (Philippians 4:9). Paul was definitely a man who sought to please God and he certainly was a man who knew the Word of God inside out.

God changed Paul's motives and desires, but one thing stuck, namely Paul's desire to know the Word. The difference was that Paul had been interpreting the Word based on Jewish traditions and teaching rather than on understanding through the Holy Spirit. That all changed when Paul encountered the Living Savior on the road to Damascus. Paul began to understand things in a whole new way. His response to the Spirit's working was to train himself and to discipline himself.

If we ever hope to have minds and hearts that are tuned into God we have to have minds that are tuned to His holy Word.

Bonnie Raitt wanted people to know she was in love with whoever she was singing that song about. We want people to know that we are in love with God. What better way than to seek to know and emulate the thoughts of God? The added benefit to showing forth the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness and into light are that AS our minds and hearts are changed so will our behavior and demeanor. Furthermore, as we find out what's important to God HOPEFULLY the same things will become important to us. (By the way, if the things of God never become important to someone that is a good indication that they do not belong to Him!)

What's the ultimate point to all of this? Another good question; glad you asked. The point is as long as we keep doing every thing like we've always done them, we can fully expect to get the same results. As long as we think and live in the flesh we will only have actions and thoughts of the flesh.

Join me. Let's discipline our minds! Let's think on good things! In the process our actions will change (because belief ALWAYS affects behavior) and others will see radically different people where the same old us used to be. To the point, they'll see Jesus. Let's give them something to think about...how about Jesus?

Curious About the Right Stuff

Curious About the Right Stuff

The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the capital, that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. And they said to me, "The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire." As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. -- Nehemiah 1:1-4: English Standard Version; emphasis mine

Have you noticed the JUNK on the news these days? I watch very little "television news", because most of it is about stuff that does not and will not make a hill of beans in life. The most disturbing (and this will sound weird) stuff on the news is that people actually think following the lives of celebrities is NEWS. HA! Then, as if the TV isn't enough, I walk through the checkout line of the local grocery store only to be buffeted by magazines that are based around following the lives of celebrities. HA! It's junk! Then, as if all of that isn't enough, I work with teenagers who not only follow the lives of celebrities, but seem to try to emulate them. It's nerve racking!

My wife says I am no good at small talk. I try. But, the line is drawn when it comes to caring what Brittany Spears or any one else is doing on or off the stage or screen. I don't care how many times who's been married to who and whether they fell in love with one another while shooting a movie. I don't care if they love horses and hang gliding. I don't care if the rock star drives a Hummer or lives in a house with seven bathrooms.

Do you know why? (Because, I am a jerk.) No...well sort of...seriously, I don't care because it's all meaningless at the end of the day.

What I want to know about is the deep water stuff of life. There are too many people walking around me that I want to know to become star struck by people who live in a dream world of facades.

That's another thing I like about Nehemiah; another thing that inspires me. Some of his Jewish brethren come to see him and he asked them an important question. He doesn't ask them about the theater in Jerusalem. He asked them about the people of God and the city of God. He was curious about important things.

Honestly (and this part of my attempt at being real) I hate most small talk. Sure, it's fun, but does whether or not Booger McDoodle wins American Idol really matter? Do the happenings of a few nuts who eat bugs on Fear Factor really matter? Does whether or not what's-her-name's baby on General Hospital belong to Lucky or Jason have any REAL bearing on life? Will Detroit or St. Louis or New York winning the World Series slow down the AIDS epidemic in Africa? Will Rachel Ray cook any meals for the starving children of North Korea? Can the folks at Trick My Truck fix up a ride for the president of Iraq that will stop their civil war? Will Steven Spielberg's next movie stop the slaughter of children in the Sudan? Will Tommy Hillfiger's next line of clothing be given to poor children in Mexico? Will Puff Daddy's next record cause people to turn from sin and into the marvelous light of Christ Jesus? (If it does let me know and I'll become a fan.)
Do you think it will though?

Yeah, I doubt it too.

I know, I know...we all need to relax. We all need to unwind. We all need to recreate. Yes, I know. I agree too.

I'm just saying...

You know what I'm saying...

I'm challenging all of us to consider for ourselves how much we actually care about stuff that REALLY MATTERS. I honestly think if we care more about important things we would feel more fulfilled. In caring about the MOST IMPORTANT THINGS FIRST AND MOST we would put life into proper perspective more. In doing that we might culture within ourselves the right response to the right stuff; namely, we would fast and pray more.

I know...I'm a religious nut. I know. I'm not where I want to be either though. I still get mad when the Dallas Cowboys lose. Does THAT really matter? Nope.

I want to care about the most important stuff more. How about you?

"Tim, is celibacy the same as abstinence?"

Did you see the question above? While I was at The Warehouse tonight a student stopped me, as I was walking by, and asked me that question. It led to a spontaneous time of wonderful Bible teaching about what both words mean from God's perspective.

I am so thankful to have the opportunity to work with teens. The world is so confusing and they are finding little guidance any where.

I was saddened that ONLY ONE young lady (of seven teens) had learned the importance of abstinence from HER OWN PARENTS. However, that's not the point of this thought.

There seems to be a desire, at least a verbally expressed desire, of every church to reach people for the Lord. The only way we are going to do that is to "get amongst them." It reminded me of a story...there was a young man that came into a local country store while I was there. An older man asked him had he found a job yet. The young man said, "I've been trying." The older man asked him had he been to the Employment [Commission]. The younger man said something like, "Every time I go by there are too many people inside." The older man said, "I reckon you ought to get amongst them!"

I think we pass by a lot of lost people on a regular basis and our first instinct is to find some reason to NOT share with them. You never know how the situation may arise to share the truth or to share your story with them. You ain't going to find out unless you "get amongst them."

Right Response to Difficult Times

Right Response to Difficult Times

The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the capital, that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. And they said to me, "The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire." As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. -- Nehemiah 1:1-4: English Standard Version; emphasis mine

This is a true story. It will almost sound funny, but it's not at all that. It's really an admission of exactly how backwards I can be.

A few years ago a person came to me, obviously deeply troubled. They informed me of some horrible news; a young girl that we both cared about was found to have been sexually abused by someone very close to her. I was enraged! My first thought was to search out the house for my shotgun. After all, I thought, isn't that justice?

Before I go any further, let me say there IS a place for rigteous anger. There IS a place for the strong to defend the weak. There IS a time when it is appropriate for physical action to be employed. Don't believe me? Let someone, in a moment of rash behavior, attempt to hurt one's child. Would that not be a moment when decisive action would be required?

In this case, when the wrong had already occurred and nothing could REVERSE it, my response was utterly wrong. My anger was justified, but my actions only spoke of immaturity.

Nehemiah gives a good lesson in the godly response to a difficult situation. Nehemiah heard the horrible news about the condition of Jerusalem; it was in ruins. Nehemiah heard that the remnant of people in Judah were "in great trouble and shame". Nehemiah's response to that very difficult news was to fast and pray.

How often do we do that? As for me, not enough. I think our first response is to react with whatever emotion the news causes in us, using action that is CUSTOMARY or ACCEPTABLE to our social "norm".

When we fast and pray we are laying ourselves bare before the Lord and seeking His direction and solution.

Friends, we live in perilous times. We live in times that find us constantly hearing about troubling things -- school shootings, thousands of abortions every day, world hunger of phenomenal proportions -- none of this mentions the personal problems we ALL have. The best, and most appropriate response, would be fasting and prayer. After all, and here's a zinger, refer to Jesus' words in Matthew 6:2,5, and 16 -- there you will find Jesus saying "WHEN you give...WHEN you pray...WHEN you fast" (my translation; emphasis mine). It's as if these disciplines are EXPECTED of Christians. So, fasting and prayer SHOULD be our natural response to much of life.

Let me pull the Christian leaders to the side for a moment --- does the news you hear from your congregants immediately evoke prayer and fasting in you? I'll be honest if you will -- it doesn't always get that response from me. We SHOULD LEAD the way in these things! We often offer advice and try to solve things for people when what is MOST NEEDED is prayer and fasting.

I don't want anyone to read this and think, "Man, I ought to be more spiritual!" I am simply presenting Nehemiah's response and saying we should recognize a good example and DESIRE to emulate it. I don't want any of you (or myself) to grit our teeth and grudgingly pursue spiritual things. Perhaps we all need to admit our weakness and beg God to help us in this area. I do WANT to respond to things in the BEST and most HELPFUL way I can.

I leave this subject with a prayer...

Father, I often react in the flesh. I often try to solve things. Lord, help me surrender to You more. Help me bare my soul to You. Lord, give me a desire to practice spiritual disciplines and help me to allow You to do Your perfect work in my inner man so that my outer man may show forth Your Spirit at work in me. Honestly Father, I want to solve things. I recognize that actions of the flesh produce results of the flesh. I do not want what I can do, but prefer what You can do. I have faith; give me more. You alone are God. Help me. Help me do only that that would manifest Your presence in every situation. Amen.

They Call Me The Fireman

They Call Me The Fireman

save others by snatching them out of the fire - Jude, verse 23a; English Standard Bible

I have always respected firemen (and fireWOMEN, but I'm not about to start being politically correct! When I say "firemen", know I mean all of them!) I think you've got to be pretty insane to be a fireman. They go to a fiery building, or maybe a chemical spill that is ablaze, and they get right into it. If people are in danger, firemen just jump right in. They will risk their own lives to save someone else's. Not only that, when they pull a person out of a fire a fireman will administer first aid to the victim. I could go on and on, but if you don't respect firemen, you just don't know anything about them at all.

In our post-9/11 culture I think we have all have new found respect and appreciation for firemen, with good reason of course. We've seen the many images of acts of bravery and mercy from firemen who attended that horrible mess in New York City.

That's what I want to be when I grow up. Sadly though, when it comes to buildings, I'll leave that to brave men in fast, red trucks. They have the hearts of bears and nerves of steel. You do your thing guys! I love you for it!

No, left up to me, I'd let a lot of buildings burn. (Now, my brother, David, on the other hand...he's a brave fireman...go Big Brother!!!!)

People, on the other hand, are a different story. I am determined to set up ministry so close to the gates of hell that I will have to wipe the brimstone-fed smoke off my glasses every so often.

I have the PRIVILEGE of working with all kinds of folks. Some of my favorite are those who are on the brink of falling irreversibly into the fire. Sure, they walk around in non-burning houses and sleep in non-smoldering beds, but it's the fires of hell that some of these folks are in danger of experiencing.

I want to be used of God to rescue them. I don't mind the danger or trouble. People are worth the risk.

Still, it is not these reprobates of ill repute that are in the most danger. Most "rough folks" would be the first to tell you they are a sinner. It's those religious folks who think their good works and false doctrines are as eternal asbestos, able to save them from the flame. These are in danger of the fire the most, for they can't feel the heat as sharply. When they do feel the heat, they often think it's the hot wind of people talking to them. Yes, these doctrinally mistaken, are in just as much trouble as the most debauched of sinners.

I'll love, befriend and try to win them all. I'll set up shop at the very point where the hinges of hell's proverbial gates deafen me as they squeak open to receive those deceived and unrepentant people.

I'm not afraid of the flames. People are too important. They are made in the very image of God. He loves them. He desires us to throw out seeds everywhere, even where the flames may scorch them.

When it comes to spiritual fires, I would love it if people called me The Fireman. That's what I want to be. People are important enough to save.

How about you dear friend...would you join the ranks? Would you be a Fireman too? Would you risk to save? Would you fight to snatch people from the fire? Would you bind up their wounds once they've been whisked away from the flame's edge? Would you?

Get to it.

What to do with Dissenters

What to do with Dissenters

And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh. -- Jude, verses 22-23; English Standard Version

Since God has called me into ministry as a vocation I have been often amazed at the stupidity of people. Yes, I said stupidity. Let me restate that...heartless stupidity.

I have heard every argument on the face of the planet about the various "hot topics" of theological debate. I know where I stand, and am doubtful I will move. I stand IN God's word, doing my best to understand and obey. I am imperfect (I know that surprises some of you). I've got some growing to do as well. There are some things I may change my mind about, like whether the Scripture gives us room to have female deacons. I AM open to debate and learning here, although I am pretty convinced they have a different ROLE (not worth) than male deacons. There are, however, some things I will never change my mind about, such as my views on Scripture and the means of salvation. Concrete. No, steel. No, bound in heaven. Won't change. That's the point!

I believe the Bible...every word of it and even the spaces between the words. End of story.

I believe that Christ Jesus is THE ONLY way to be reconciled to God. End of story.

There are a few other examples, but you get the point.

I have heard these, and many other things, argued by sides (sometimes more than two) who each thought they were equally right. IN VERY FEW CASES have I seen these things argued with love and mercy as their back drop.

It seems to me that people just want to be right. It seems to me that people want to be right no matter what. It seems to me that people want to be right no matter what they have to do or say and no matter how they do or say it.

Just because people are polite, it does not make them loving. If you soak a bullet in sugar it can still kill. If you wrap a knife in silk it just slides in more smoothly. To me, hateful words in soft tones are worse than those with grit.

Jude tells us what to do. He does not tell us to back off of our beliefs. He does not tell us NOT to confront people. He does NOT tell us to walk away. He does NOT tell us to give up, give in or give over. He tells us to "have" and "show" mercy. Hear that? Mercy. People need to be shown and told the right way, but WITH MERCY, not with malice or arrogance.

Now, let's look at what Brother Paul said to Brother Titus. Paul said "empty talkers and deceivers" need to be "silenced" (Titus 1:10-11; ESV). Paul said to "rebuke them sharply" (Titus 1:13; ESV). Did Paul want them imprisoned or put away or executed? Nope. He wanted them CONVERTED if they were lost or set soundly in the faith if they were deceived Christians (Titus 1:13).

Jude says to have mercy. Paul (to Titus) says a Christian "must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it" (Titus 1:7b-9; ESV).

Have mercy. Show mercy. Be a lover of good. Be upright. Hold firm. Give instruction in sound doctrine (teaching). Rebuke those that contradict it. Do it. Do it the right way with the right mind, heart and motivation...to win them.

Back off. Nope. As they say in the South...act ugly? Nope. Be a jerk? Nope. DEMAND your way? Nope. (After all, were we to demand our rights, we'd all get hell! --Don't believe me? Read Romans 6:23)

Love. Convince. Show and have mercy. Do things God's way. That's what we do with dissenters.

A "Christian argument" should be so filled with love that both parties walk away weeping because they've done their best to be with God. We don't hate people. As a matter of fact, we can hate sin and deception, but we should do our best to love the sinner and the deceived.

That's what we do with dissenters.

Being Real and Wanting the Best

Being Real and Wanting the Best

May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. -- Jude, verse 2; English Standard Version

I'm learning, but I'm way behind. I've learned things like "LOL" which means "Laughing out loud"; "AAMOF" means "As a matter of fact"; "IMO" means "in my opinion". Apparently, there are thousands of these types of phrases. I don't even know what they are called, but I think they are called "chat shorthand". These language expressions are part of the many new ways we have of communicating. It's makes typing easier, but I wonder if we are really saying anything that matters any more?

That's just one part of my curiosity. We have so many ways to say whatever we want to say and take so few opportunities to say anything at all. You know what I mean; we don't REALLY talk. We don't really listen to what others are saying beyond the words, nor do we find many people that open up and let their real selves be known.

My pastor has talked about this often. I've heard him theorize that it's at its worst with "church people". He says that we mostly employ "church chat". By that he means that we intentionally talk about surface stuff without talking about things of real consequence or importance.

I agree.

Secondly, and I'm not trying to sound "down in the mouth" here, we have bought into a very self pleasing culture. Every thing around us is shouting "It's all about YOU!" We know it's not and the few times we say as much the world says "Make it about YOU!" Hockey. That's what that is.

Still, we often approach life like it's about us. We don't wish the best for others, not because we are all jerks and don't care, but because we are often so busy trying to "take care of number one".

That's why, at least in my estimation, biblical salutations always stand out to me. Take Jude's for example; we don't really know if it was written to Christians in general or to Jewish Christians. I really don't care; God gave it to me and you by His divine hand through the New Testament canon. I like the way Jude chooses to talk to me, or I should say the way God chose to use Jude to speak to me.

Think about the way Jude started his letter -- MMPALBMTY -- in case you didn't get it, he said "May mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you."

Just that little greeting is chocked full of powerful good wishes. Of these words Albert Barnes* said, "This is not quite the form of salutation used by the other apostles, but it is one equally expressive of an earnest desire for their welfare. These things are mentioned as the choicest blessings which could be conferred on them: “mercy” - in the pardon of all their sins and acceptance with God; “peace” - with God, with their fellow-men, in their own consciences, and in the prospect of death; and “love” - to God, to the brethren, to all the world. What blessings are there which these do not include?" Yep, Al old boy, I'd say that's quite expressive!

There is not a lot of big time ideas in today's devotion. I am simply sharing something that hit me tonight as I was reading Jude. I want to REALLY communicate with people. I talk about others, but I can be as closed off as anyone else I know. Also, I want to wish the best for others more. I'm asking God to help me with these two things today.

Even you all; I want the best for you. I want to open up more with you too. So, with every bit of sincerity I can muster, this is what I want for you today...MMPALBMTY
And I'll be praying it happens too!





*Albert Barnes (1798-1870)
Albert Barnes was a Presbyterian minister who produced a number of valuable commentaries on the Bible. He wrote Old Testament commentaries on Job, Psalms, Isaiah, and Daniel, and a complete set on the New Testament. These works have been extremely popular in both Europe and the U.S., selling into the millions of copies, though his Old Testament productions are generally considered to be superior to the New Testament works—which were written mostly for Sunday school teachers. Educated at Princeton seminary, Barnes was a dedicated student. He arose early in the morning and studied by lamplight—which sustained practice almost cost him his eyesight. For forty years he maintained an association with the First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia.

Everyone Has an Eternity

Everyone Has an Eternity
And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. -- Luke 16:22-23; King James Version

I was just a little fellow, but I understood what it meant to have a broken heart. I wanted to play football with the older boys, but knew if I went to the field they wouldn't let me play. One of my brother's friends, a jerk if there ever was one, talked me into riding the bicycles down with them anyway. He said, "You'll get to play. C'mon...everyone gets to play." I went. They didn't let me play. With a totally broken heart, yet a defiant voice, I said, "Why didn't I get to play?" My brother's friend said, "You did get to play...you played the bench!"

I think about that story a lot when I think about lost people. I bet you think that's strange.

I was lied to by that boy. I was told I would be able to play. That boy thought he was funny. He thought it was funny to tell me I was playing "the bench". I didn't think it was funny at all.

You see, dear friends, it breaks my heart to think that some people are going to hell. Every single person has an eternity. Those that submit to God in Christ Jesus have an eternity in the presence of God. Every one that does not has an eternity of hell to face.

It breaks my heart to think there are millions who think, for whatever reason, that they are going to heaven when they have not accepted Christ as Lord. They are plodding through life, like children riding bikes to a game they can't play, thinking if they are good enough - work hard enough - do whatever enough - they'll be let in the game. Some just think that because they are a person they'll be let in. Some don't know; they are ignorant that the game is even afoot. Some don't care at all.

Whatever the reason, it breaks my heart. I'm serious. I really don't know how to express how much it breaks my heart. Satan is a vicious liar who wants us all to think that we're in the game and also that none of us are. What a cruel joke he's trying to play!

Lazarus has an eternity. The rich man has one too. Every one has an eternity.

This much is sure, and I've heard it said before, we can't will people into heaven and we can't save them ourselves; but, we can make them trip over us on their way to hell. We can refuse to not be heard. We can love, even when it's not returned. We can be laughed at and ridiculed. We can give. We can pray. We can refuse to give up.

Some one MAY listen. Some one may be quickened, brought from death into life. Some one may have their eternity changed. After all, every one DOES have an eternity. What do you think of when you read those words?

Every one has an eternity. For some I rejoice over that fact. For others I am completely broken.

I am sure that hell will be much worse than that feeling I had that day that boy tricked me. I am also sure that if hell were ONLY that cruel then it would be more than I'd wish on anyone.

Think of those you love. How many have an eternity that frightens you? Risk. Tell them. Love them beyond that which they deserve. That's the way God loved us. That's the way He loves them.

Not a lost person comes into my path that I don't think about that day when I was lied to and had my heart broken. I think God uses that to well up compassion and nerve in me. Also, I always think of the FACT that every one has an eternity. I cannot live without trying my best to see them know my God.

Tell me, what do you think about when you think of people going to hell? I hope it breaks your heart too.

Funnels and Stuff I Don't Understand

Funnels and Stuff I Don't Understand

Just as it is written, "JACOB I LOVED, BUT ESAU I HATED." -- Romans 9:13; King James Version (emphasis mine)

I don't claim to be the smartest guy that ever lived. I want that said from the outset.

I'm going to handle something today that is one of the most controversial things ANY Bible teacher could undertake to do. I am willing to handle feedback of any sort. My prayer is that this will be humbly received as I insure you it is humbly offered.

Have you ever used a funnel? I have. They are very useful tools. I used funnels made of metal, plastic, glass, and paper. I have used "store-bought" and "home-made" funnels of every description. I've used funnels to put gas, oil, water and other fluids into every kind of machine, from a locomotive all the way down to a weed eater. I've even used funnels while helping my mom "can" vegetables from our garden.

Have you ever thought about the purpose of a funnel? It takes volume and channels it into a small opening. It allows the user to pour a lot of whatever into whatever they are pouring it into without making a mess. What it basically boils down to is that a funnel can be used to direct something to a certain point where it is supposed to go.

Have you ever noticed that a funnel isn't used where it doesn't matter if you make a mess? Have you ever noticed that a funnel is usually not needed when it doesn't make a difference what is going into wherever it's going into?

Today's verse has baffled a lot of people over the years. It has generated debates and opinions for centuries. Read commentaries for yourself. I have. This verse has more big words tied to it than an overachieving Scrabble player. I want to bring some understanding to this today, but I'm NOT going to tap into all the technical jargon. I'm NOT going to get into debates about predestination, double-predestination, supralapsarianism, infralapsarianism, election or reprobation. I am willing to talk about those things. Invite me to your church and break out the check book (that's a joke...don't be so uptight!). Have me over to your house; cook burgers (that's not a joke!). Those subjects are too broad and deep for this forum. I'm not avoiding them. I am, however, using a funnel of sorts.

Instead of arguing over all of this stuff; instead of getting very confused; instead of reading that verse and thinking of God as some kind of "cosmic meanie"; instead of any of that, I want to proffer a LITTLE suggestion that I think will be helpful in our understanding it and growing from it.

Read the whole chapter (or the whole book of Romans). It is impossible to say that this passage isn't dealing with election; that doctrine of God choosing people for His purposes. Still, election is not my point. Think about the whole chapter and the whole book. IT IS MY OPINION that Paul wanted to use the church in Rome as a jumping off point to carry the gospel into Spain and the regions beyond. IT IS MY OPINION that Paul wanted the Christians in Rome, of JEWISH HERITAGE, to understand that (1) being a Jew by ancestry did not make you a Christian and (2) that Gentiles could come to faith in God too. Overall, I THINK Paul wanted those in Rome to buy into (1) the gospel in the right way and (2) to TRULY understand that God was calling Gentiles into salvation and into the spiritual nation of the covenant people. That being said, they had to get on the same page so that they COULD work together in Paul's mission to proclaim the gospel.

I think today's verse plays into this by showing that God CHOSE Israel (Jacob) to be part of the people of promise (the covenant nation of Israel). Abraham bore Ishmael and Isaac; Isaac was the funnel. Isaac bore Esau and Jacob; Jacob was the funnel. The twelve tribes were formed from Jacob's sons. The Messiah came, not from Ishmael's or Esau's line, but from Abraham's through Jacob. Sound confusing? All I am trying to say is that God funneled His plan down through Jacob.

That was God's choice. He chose to funnel the Messiah's family line down through Jacob. There's a LOT of stuff here in Romans 9, but that's what I want to key on today.

At the end of the day, I don't care whether a person's lineage came through Abraham or Jacob or Einstein or Billy Graham...what matters is "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH JESUS?"

I could explain the Greek word "hate" (transliterated "miseho") as "love less". I could do that, but I'm not. The point is that God chose to do what He did through Jacob. The point is that God shows mercy to whoever He wants to show mercy to...Jews, Edomites, Gentiles...but all of that mercy centers around one's response to God's work of salvation through His Son, THE Messiah of the world.

I, for one, am not going to get caught up in things I don't understand when I have a difficult enough time LIVING OUT the things I do understand! I'm not going to lose my focus on my WONDERFULLY LOVING heavenly Father because I don't understand everything. After all, we are trying to take the utterly divine, unlimited thoughts of a holy God and restrain them the confines of our limited understanding and language.

My mama cooked a supper for my brother's birthday. I got to eat it too, even though it wasn't for ME. I am not mad that it wasn't for me. I am glad I got to eat. I didn't even analyze it. Honestly, I didn't care if my brother showed up or not...I was going to get my grub on! That's my mama! That woman can cook!

Did God forget about Esau? Did God send Esau to hell before Esau was born? First, who are we to question God? Second, Esau could have eaten from Jacob's plate. The promise of the Messiah was to ALL, to WHOSOEVER, to any who will CONFESS and BELIEVE that Christ is the answer for man's sin.

Did God HATE Esau? Read Romans for yourself and you tell me. Did Esau, in his life, have opportunity to sup from the Lord's table? You tell me. Did God funnel His plan through Jacob's family? Yep. Is Jacob your daddy? I bet not. Have you made Christ yours? I hope so.

Bad Spiritual Vision, Seeing Eye Friends & Investments

Bad Spiritual Vision, Seeing Eye Friends & Investments

The person who lacks these things is blind and shortsighted, and has forgotten the cleansing from his past sins. -- 2 Peter 1:9; Holman Christian Standard Bible

A few illustrations for you today...

I always have wondered why a certain restaurant has a sign that reads "Picture Menu Available Inside." I have often wondered how that particular sign would help a person that couldn't read! I think I finally figured out how it's helpful; it's so a person that can read can empower a person who cannot read to order a meal for themselves without revealing their illiteracy. It's for the literate to help the illiterate.

Have you ever had an eye examination? Isn't it strange how we can look at backwards letters of different sizes to determine the level of our vision deficiency or excellency? I have always wondered how such a system began. It works though. Dr. Steve Garrett gives me a test like that and then looks at my eyes through a weird machine and the next thing you know I've got a pair of glasses that give me better than 20/20 vision. Amazing.

I love to read investment projections. My wife and I put a little away in a retirement plan each week and once or twice a year we get a projection report that tells us the amount the experts estimate those savings will become. Sometimes I find it hard to believe that such small deposits now will become so fruitful later on.

Now, let's bring all of that together!

Peter talks about lacking some things. Let's read what he warned against lacking: For His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. By these He has given us very great and precious promises, so that through them you may share in the divine nature, escaping the corruption that is in the world because of evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with goodness, goodness with knowledge, knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness, godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they will keep you from being useless or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:3-8; HCSB).

To put it as bluntly as I possibly can, the professing Christian who does not have the virtues mentioned above is unseeing and unable to determine their true spiritual condition. Read it again; it's a good spiritual eye test! To the spiritually inclined eye that thinks these things make a strange list to determine God-sight health they must trust the method of the Physician.

There are some who profess a faith, but have none of these virtues.

Such a one cannot see the gain of these deposits in the realm of heavenly investment.

Those that know and love Jesus have these virtues and see very clearly. They know the value of these things and have determined their worth is eternal. They have an eye that sees the value of virtue right now and have a clear projection as to their worth in the future. Such a one as this not only reads the signs, but has the dignity to BE the picture menu for heavenly food that an spiritually illiterate world can dine from. Such a one can make an illiterate soul admit their spiritual state of illiteracy and desire to read the menu for themselves!

How is your spiritual vision? Do you see virtue as eyeglasses for heavenly things and investments in your heavenly portfolio? Are you leading the illiterate to "read" the Lord?

Don't ever be satisfied with blurred spiritual vision. Don't become satisfied with talking about heaven...SEE IT in your life today! Don't think of heaven as the someday-pie-in-the-sky-reward-for-doing-the-best-you-can reward. Heavenly things are attainable now...IF our vision is right!

Take it from a guy who knows the value of a good pair of glasses, there is NOTHING like clear vision! What did the eye test reveal for you today?

Olam Elohim

Olam Elohim

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. -- Isaiah 40:28-31; English Standard Version

Have you ever bought something that was labeled "Lifetime Guarantee" or something similar? Being the self-perceived comedian that I am I always wonder who's lifetime is it? I found out one time. I purchased a tool that was supposedly guaranteed for life. It broke. Now mind you, I'm still alive. Being the logical creature that I am I figured that if I am alive and the tool is dead they must have meant MY lifetime. I thought I could return this tool for a new one. As it turned out, the company died before the tool did. I guess two deaths outnumber my one life. I didn't get a new tool. I guess the lifetime they were talking about meant the lifetime of the company. Who'd have thought that I'd outlive industry? More than that, who'd have thought I'd outlive anything labeled a "lifetime"? I guess that's subjective, huh?

I have learned over the years that, when it comes to tools, you get what you pay for. I hate cheap tools.

Today we meet God as Olam Elohim; Everlasting God. Isaiah could have easily preached to today's society. God led Isaiah to rebuke Israel for putting their trust in idols, or non-God gods. We don't often find ourselves bowing down to statues these days, but we've got idols surely enough.

The strange thing is that most of what we spend or time on is perishable goods that is advertised a lot better than it proves to be. God is everlasting. He does not diminish. He does not change. Nothing can take away from Him and nothing can add to Him.

What THING could make the weary regain their strength? What THING can sustain itself?

Before ANYTHING was, God was. When all else is gone, God will be. He is Everlasting God!

We all get fooled by advertising. We all get the wool pulled over our eyes from time to time. Let's not be fooled about God. He's not a wooden statue that will swell with water and turn to ashes with fire. He is no stone that will chip away and turn to dust. He is no golden statue that can be melted and reformed. He withstands all things without losing anything of Himself. He will not disappear under a sandstorm or be lost on the bottom of any ocean. He is Olam Elohim! He is Everlasting God!

John Gill said, "[He} is from everlasting to everlasting, unchangeably the same; whose name alone is Jehovah, the self-existent and all comprehending Being, the Maker and Former of all things; who has not only created the earth, and the foundations of it...[He rules] the habitable part of the world, that is most known and dwelt in, [and] even the extremities of the earth; and therefore knows and will take care of his own people, let them be where they will: and though the work of creation, and of upholding creatures in their beings, and of governing the world, and providing for all in it, and of taking care of his church and people in particular, requires so much power, as well as wisdom, yet he never sinks under it, nor is weary of it..." That's my God! (I just thought that was so beautiful, I had to let Dr. Gill say it for me!)

Baubles...that's what the world offers us. Stuff that makes no difference. Even stuff with warranties does us little good unless it's stuff that will go to the Beyond. Our God is the Everlasting God. He is Olam Elohim. To give our attention and affection to any other thing before Him is a sin and a shame.

I think I'll wait upon Him? You?

Finding God’s Will As A Family

God does not want to play guessing games with His people. He wants us to securely know His will for us as individuals and as families. He does not hide answers in deep caves. God does not require some kind of magical formula to discover what He wants for our families. He wants our families to KNOW and to DO His will. The theme of our time together tonight is “Families who sincerely seek God’s will CAN find it.”

I really do believe the answer is simple. We simply need to stop, look, and listen.

I. First…Stop at the Scriptures.
Psalm 119:130 - NKJVThe entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

We need to study God’s Word as individuals and as families. Greater understanding of God’s Word will lead to greater understanding of God’s character and will. The better we get to know God, the easier it will be to recognize Him in our lives.

Martin Luther said “I study my Bible like I gather apples. First, I shake the whole tree that the ripest may fall. Then I shake each limb, and when I have shaken each limb, I shake each branch and every twig. Then I look under every leaf. I search the Bible as a whole like shaking the whole tree. Then I shake every limb--study book after book. Then I shake every branch, giving attention to the chapters. Then I shake every twig, or a careful study of the paragraphs and sentences and words and their meanings.”

Psalm 119:105 - NKJV
Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

A young man told me recently that the Holy Spirit led him equally as much as the Bible. I asked him how he knew it was the Holy Spirit. He said he could not answer that question. Later in that day, I asked my wife how she recognized the Holy Spirit’s leading, versus a feeling or hunch. She said she could recognize the Holy Spirit’s leading by understanding His character through the Word. For instance, one may say “I feel like the Holy Spirit is telling my family not to join a fellowship of believers.” Jesus told us that where two or more gather, He’d be there.

II. Second…Look around and within.
Philippians 2:12-13Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

This passage highlights three specifics.
(A) There is a willingness to obey.
Honestly, look with in yourself and analyze your willingness to obey God.
Then, look within your family and analyze if your family is marked by a
willingness to obey God. Men, as God created us to lead our families,
many times our obedience as an example for our families.
(B) Secondly, there is a need to “work out” or give ourselves to doing our
part with a sensitive spirit, or with “fear and trembling”.
(C) Thirdly, there is the promise that God will “work in you” to perform His
plans.

Busyness if often our worst enemy. Listen to this story from Chuck Swindoll. “Charles Swindoll once found himself with too many commitments in too few days. He got nervous and tense about it. "I was snapping at my wife and our children, choking down my food at mealtimes, and feeling irritated at those unexpected interruptions through the day," he recalled in his book Stress Fractures. "Before long, things around our home started reflecting the patter of my hurry-up style. It was becoming unbearable."I distinctly remember after supper one evening, the words of our younger daughter, Colleen. She wanted to tell me something important that had happened to her at school that day. She began hurriedly, 'Daddy, I wanna tell you somethin' and I'll tell you really fast.' "Suddenly realizing her frustration, I answered, 'Honey, you can tell me -- and you don't have to tell me really fast. Say it slowly." "I'll never forget her answer: 'Then listen slowly.'”

Many times, we allow our children to get too busy. I believe a good piece of advice, yet tough to hear is this: ONLY ALLOW YOUR CHILD TO HAVE ONE EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY AT A TIME.

As your family remains alert to God’s working, paying close attention to doors He opens and closes, God will direct you into His will. Remember, closed doors are just as much God’s leading as open ones. The believer who wants to do God’s will must be sensitive and cooperative, not forcing their way into areas that God closes off. God uses circumstances and expects us to interpret them with a sensitive, alert conscience.

III. Lastly…Listen to the counsel of qualified people.
Proverbs 20:5 - Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.

Moses’ father-in-law (Jethro) gave Moses good counsel in Exodus 18 when he advised Moses to balance his work load. In the book of Titus (2:3-5), older women are told to instruct and encourage younger women.

There is much to learn from aged and wise counsel. I used to go fishing with a man I called Uncle John. He seemed ancient when I was young. One day, one of my friends asked me, “Why do you want to go fishing with that old man?” I thought for a bit, and answered, “When you and me go fishing we end up throwing rocks. When Uncle John and me go fishing, we catch fish!”

I have a friend named Andy Solomon. Long before I had a child of my own, I watched Andy be a dad. He was taking me to fatherhood school. Well, really it was more than that. He was taking me to “daddy” school. Any man can father a child, it takes a real man to be a daddy. I saw Andy soothe his children when they were in pain and right them when they were wrong. I saw him correct one child with one breath and calm another of his children the next instant. It was a beautiful thing! There is no way I can repay Andy for letting God use him to teach me about being a dad. One thing that was always noticeable…there was genuine love and affection in every case, whether they were being rebuked or pacified.

It is a good thing to have the counsel of others who are mature in the faith.

Colossians 3:16 - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
Romans 15:14 - Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.


God’s makes His will known: (1) through His Word as we stop and study it as a family, (2) through circumstances…as we look within and sense what He is saying, and (3) through the counsel of others as we bring them into our family circle.

Wedding thoughts

I officiated in a wedding tonight. What was so interesting about it was the couple's desire to understand and adhere to biblical ideas of marriage. It was pleasantly the most interesting service that I have officiated thus far in my ministerial career.

I wish more young people (or people in general--these two happened to be young) would enter into the covenant relationship of marriage with the reverence and sincerity as these two young people. They really sought to honor and please God.

I'm only thirty-five, so when I say "these days" I am not reminiscing about the 1950's or some bygone era that can never be recaptured again. THESE DAYS people treat marriage like a car; if they get tired of it, just trade it in for a new one. HOCKEY!!!! That's what you call that! Marriage is meant to last until death does a couple part.

Here's the funny thing, and it really extends beyond a single subject, such as marriage; a sure sign that a person or a society is moving away from caring what God thinks of things is that __________ becomes "whatever" instead of the thing God desires or designed it to be. Insert whatever you want into the blank. One of my favorite subjects is the idea of what it means to be a man these days; or to extend that, what it means to be an adult.

We think adult means...

Someone tell me. If anyone does find this, let me know. I think the Scripture is clear, but we are a long ways from being biblically "adult".

At any rate, I digress.I had a great time at the wedding. Happy 4 hour anniversary to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Michael Luhn, also know as Joe Luhn and Mandy Bouldin Luhn. I pray you guys have an awesome honeymoon and KNOW you are headed toward a wonderful life together in the mystical union of marriage.