Thursday, December 21, 2006

Be a Cheerleader

Be A Cheerleader

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29 – KJV).

Forty thousand fans were on hand in the Oakland stadium when Rickey Henderson tied Lou Brock’s career stolen base record. According to USA Today Lou, who had left baseball in 1979, had followed Henderson’s career and was excited about his success. Realizing that Rickey would set a new record, Brock said, “I’ll be there. Do you think I’m going to miss it now? Rickey did in 12 years what took me 19. He’s amazing.”

Paul continues to call the Ephesians to unity, and he continues to address the subject of speech. What if we in the church had the speech habits of Lou Brock? Here was a man who’d built a career on stealing bases and hustling on the ball field. You’d think he would want to hold on to that record. Instead Mr. Brock was rooting for Mr. Henderson to break the record. What if our speech showed the same thing in our work for the Lord? We should root for one another to succeed, even when it means that someone is doing something better than we could do.

Let’s break the verse above into three parts to see how it may help us to root for one another.

(1) “Let no corrupt communication come out of your mouth…” Another way to say that would be to say “If you don’t have anything good to say, then don’t say anything!” There are all kinds of corrupt communication. There are comments of jealousy, anger, pride, contempt…the list could go on all day. 

The big things are easy to control…I’d be willing to say no one reading this devotion is likely to haul off and cuss someone out, but I’d be as likely to say that we all struggle with being a “smarty pants” to someone in our congregation, at our work or in our homes. Just stop it.

(2) “…but that which is good to the use of edifying…” To edify means to instruct or improve spiritually. That’s it! This qualification needs to be the basis of our conversation. The next time you have a conversation with someone that you usually find it difficult to talk with, think on this portion. 

Concentrate on improving them spiritually. It will surely govern what we say. After all, if we are sincerely trying to speak things that will improve someone spiritually it will also improve us and certainly our minds will not be on tearing them down verbally.

(3) “…that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Don’t let Godly conversation be limited to those who DESERVE it. “Minister grace” by saying edifying things to those that DO NOT deserve it. Then, we will be ministering grace to whoever we are speaking to.

Let’s be like Lou Brock…let’s be cheerleaders. It can be difficult, but it is worthwhile and will build unity. Have you got your verbal pom-poms ready?

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Bible Study: Essential to Spiritual Effectiveness

Bible Study: Essential to Spiritual Effectiveness

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17 - New American Standard Bible - emphasis mine).

When I was in the army we were trained again and again and again in proper use of our equipment, fighting techniques, and the general duties of "soldiering". It never hit me as to how important all of that was until our nation went to war against Iraq in 1991. I knew there was a distinct possibility that I may be called into the fray. I remember thinking, This is it. Can I hold my own? I began to think about and review all that I had learned. Knowing I could be in serious danger in a matter of days I regretted having taken some of my training in a less than serious manner.

What about our spiritual training? If your spiritual life depended on you knowing the book of Deuteronomy, could you survive? Jesus did. When He was tempted in the wilderness He defeated Satan by properly trusting and applying Scripture...every verse He used was from Deuteronomy. Honestly, I don't think I would have been able to make it.

The apostle Paul tells Timothy that "All Scripture is...profitable". The word "all" has rich meaning; it indicates every part and the whole. I believe that! I believe EVERY word of the Bible. I even believe in the punctuation and the spaces between the words! That brings this question to mind though; What is it profitable for?

Paul lists four things, the first of which is that Scripture is profitable for "teaching" (doctrine). That means that Scripture is profitable in the structure of how you think. This is important! If we are not thinking correctly, we won't live correctly. What we believe and think determines how we behave and function. To know the word, and know it properly, is crucial to having effective, God-honoring lives.

The second thing that Paul says Scripture is profitable for is "reproof" (rebuke). This means that Scripture will tell us when we are off target, or, another way of saying this, when we are out of bounds. One writer said the word is like an umpire that yell "Out!" or "Safe!" or "Foul!". The Scripture identifies what is sin; what God wants for our lives; gives us standards for living.

The third word of profit Paul uses is "correction". Not only does God's word tell us what is out of bounds, it also tells us how to get back in. The word finds the junk that we've hidden in our mental and emotional closet and demands that we clean it up! Not only that, Scripture tells us exactly what it will take to get our mess straight.


The fourth is actually a phrase Paul uses; "training in righteousness". Not only does Scripture tell us what is wrong and how to fix it, it also tells us the right way to live. Scripture gets our heads straightened out, points out our sins, corrects our problems, and, having done all of that, gives us positive guidelines for life.

What's the goal? Good question...

The Holy Spirit, through Paul, gives us that answer; He says the goal is to make us "adequate, equipped for every good work". Scripture makes us like soldiers armed and ready for the battle of life and the rest of eternity.

Here is the committment God has led me to make...I WILL WORK TO BE READY! Unlike my military adventures I do NOT want to look back one day and KNOW that I am NOT prepared for imminent danger.

What can you do? TRAIN! Take Scripture seriously; realize its importance and recognize that we CANNOT be effective for ourselves or for the Lord while we are living life out of bounds. One last thing...instead of getting shipped off to Iraq I was shipped to South Korea where I served in relative peace. In life there is no reprise; our adversary, the devil, is liking a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). That means no let up...get armed, be ready, live effective.

Monday, December 18, 2006

Bible Study: We Must be Open to Change

Bible Study: We Must be Open to Change

"For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren" (Romans 8:29 - New American Standard Bible - emphasis mine).

Another army story...I can't help it; I see too many examples!

I grew up like any flat-land-hillbilly-type of kid; I liked to hunt and fish. As a little country boy it must be some kind of prerequisite to like to shoot things. I filled the bill! I went from a sling-shot to a BB gun to a bow and arrow to a shotgun to a rifle (it was hard to get artillery in the country...that's why I didn't advance further). By the time I was fourteen I could shoot anything at most any reasonable distance. In the army training with several weapons is necessary; the M16 rifle, in particular, was the weapon that every soldier was required to become proficient in using. We learned quickly that firing an M16 was different than firing most other kinds of rifles. The guys who had never shot a rifle seemed to gain the skill the fastest. The soldiers that had learned to shoot before joining the army learned a bit slower. Those that refused to change their technique learned the slowest; some of these men had been great "shooters" back home, but many were closed off to change.

The verse above applies to a believer's future glory in Christ, but there is something there that is very helpful concerning Bible study. We see from this verse that God desires to conform us into the image of His Son. The word "conformed" means to be fashioned into the likeness of. Simply put, our Father wants us to be like His Son! I think that is good!

To be conformed means that we must change. That's the helpful part of this verse. God wants to change us. As we come to His word we must not only KNOW that His goal is to change us, BUT we must be open to that as well. Are you open to change? If you are the Bible will never intimidate you! If you are not every time you read it you will be upset. Many who are not open to change try to change what the Bible means and says to fit what they already believe, do, or how they want to live.

As a very young Christian I approached the Bible the same way I approached learning to throw a curve ball. I had a baseball coach that did not believe that young men should learn to throw "breaking pitches" until they had mastered the "fastball", could exercise control, and had grown a very strong arm. I wanted to learn to throw that curve ball with every thing in me. I had asked an older friend of my father's several times to teach me, because, even at his very advanced age, that man could throw a great curve. He finally relented. I was so excited that I nearly burst as we walked into our yard for my first lesson. I went into that lesson knowing four things: (1) I couldn't throw a curve; (2) he could; (3) I wanted to know; (4) he was willing to teach. I hung on that man's every word. In less than fifteen minutes I was throwing a mean curve!

What's that got to do with Bible study? Let me put it like this; I approached the Bible knowing four things: (1) I was not living to God's fullest intention for my life; (2) He knows how to fix that and can empower it; (3) I wanted to know what He had to say about the subject; (4) He was willing to teach me. Learning a curve and learning how to live in a way to please God required that I was open to learn and willing to change.

In the first illustration I wanted us to see the difficulty that comes when we are not open to change. Many times we think we've got things figured out. The Bible continually challenges me to see that I am not a finished product; that I don't have every thing figured out. The second illustration was meant to picture the proper attitude to learning and changing. The first illustration says, "I've got to learn something different!" The second illustration says, "This is how I'll approach it."

God wants me to be like His Son...and that's a good thing. Scripture tells me what that change looks like and how to get there. When I study the Bible I want to be open to change. I know I need it and I know it will be good for me. I know God's plan for me and I am ready for it. How about you?

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Bible Study: That We Might KNOW

Bible Study: That We Might KNOW

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.” (Luke 1:1-4 - New American Standard Bible - emphasis mine).

I have had a bunch of knee surgeries. Frankly, I am sick of them! I always like reading the doctor's report concerning the surgery details. I know what he has told me. I know what I feel. I want the facts! It would probably seem dry to most people if they read exactly what happened when my knee was "cut on", AND exactly how it was done. I don't find it dry or uninteresting because it's happened to ME.

When I read the Bible I think like that too. I know about what others have told me. I know what I feel. I want the facts!

These first four verses of Dr. Luke’s Gospel account are simply his greeting and purpose of writing this work. Luke writes to his noble friend Theophilus. Luke writes of things that his head knows and his heart is sure of, saying that these are things “most surely believed” among himself and his cohorts. He wants Theophilus to know the “certainty of those things” that concern the faith. Obviously Theophilus knows something of the faith, but Luke wants Theo to be sure of the solid foundation in which he stands.

There are some things that stand out here. Number one, Luke is so convinced, so moved, and so transformed by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ that he can find no way to hold it in. I am sure that Luke had seen his fair share of Judaic and pagan religions that left people unfilled, unchanged, and unhealed. He knew of the power of Christ’s blood and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. He wanted others to know too! Do you?

Number two, Luke was so convinced that he was willing to make a “declaration” of these things. He was willing to make a statement; to stake something of himself upon who Christ is. He was willing to put his reputation on the line, to claim Christ publicly, to take the time to help others understand and hear. Are you?

Number three, Luke was convinced that faith in Christ was THE WAY. It was not open for discussion. His friends had told Luke, but the Holy Spirit had assured him. It was not a mere movement of knowledge, but a transformation of a life. It had moved past religion and become breath! To Luke it was more than something to do; it was who he had become. Luke faith was not one of words but it was living. Is yours?

Number four, Luke’s faith was worth working for. NO, NO, NO…he was not trying to earn it! Luke simply lived a life in response to God. He did not witness about God because it was his duty, but because he could not keep it to himself. His faith might have been personal, but it was surely NOT private. He told others. He took to the streets (read Acts). He picked his pen up and wrote. Whatever the means, Luke shared! Do you?

Surely Luke had head knowledge but, more importantly, he had heart belief. He just had to tell about Jesus! It was not a knowledge movement to him but a life mission. It was not a mission trip but an eternal message. His favorite song, were Luke alive today, might sound like a collection of old hymns: “What a wonderful change has been wrought since Jesus came into my heart, so I surrender all because He is worthy of worship. Where He leads I will follow and tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.” Do you just gotta tell that old, old story? Has it meant anything to you? Does it still?

Do you know what has happened in you? Bible study is an awesome way to unfold all that God has done, to know what it means to you and for you, and to sharpen your ability to tell others.

Saturday, December 16, 2006

Bible Study: Essential to Growth

Bible Study: Essential to Spiritual Maturity


"Concerning Him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oraclesof God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil" (Hebrews 5:11-14 - New American Standard Bible - emphasis mine).


I was with this certain kid in Army basic training who was a goof-up and a goof-off. He just didn't seem like he wanted to advance. I was ordered to "buddy up" with him and help him along. This young man had spent several weeks in a weight loss unit before he was allowed to come into our unit. I don't know what they did there, but it must have been easier than what we went through! It seemed to me that this young man wanted to stay in basic training forever, because he didn't put forth much effort. That was until something happened. About half-way into our training a young man joined our unit that had been "recycled". This meant that he had flunked out of another basic training unit. As a matter of fact, we were his third group. He'd been in basic training for four months. In case you don't know...that's not good! When the young fellow that I'd been assigned to help realized that one could be "recycled" he tightened up! He didn't want to stay in boot camp forever!


I find four kinds of people who stay in the same place in their spiritual maturity. The first kind is the person who plays church. You've seen the type. They don't know the Lord and don't want to; they just go to church because it's the thing to do. The second type is the one who "THINKS" they are saved because they grew up in church, walked an aisle and were baptized. They've never really committed themselves to full trust in Christ nor repented of their sins. The third type is that one who is too lazy to grow or too occupied with things of this world...or whatever...to grow. The fourth kind is the one who wants to grow and just needs someone to help them along. I KNOW God can give grace to all of these situations and this devotion is perfect for the fourth variety.


The above Scripture says there is "much to say" but people are "dull of hearing." Put in lay terms, that means many people are slow to learn. Call me an optimist, but I think there are a LOT of believers out there that want to learn; they just need a little help getting started. This verse does that! It shows some keys that will help one on the road to spiritual maturity! (Call me a pessimist, but I think some Christians have adopted the slogan of "Ignorance is Bliss" and simply avoid Bible study.) If you want to open the lock of Bible understanding pay special attention to the next few thoughts.


Before we move on, let me say that the writer of Hebrews was directing these thoughts to people who had been believers for quite some "time". They should have been in college level Bible study and were still in preschool. The writer gives some very simple helps that, if heeded, will fast forward them into the University of Bible.


There are three key words to understand in this passage that will really get a person moving; they are "practice", "trained", and "discern".


The first word has as its root word the Greek word meaning "habit". The key to growing in spiritual maturity is making a habit out of looking into God's word. Like any thing you want to become proficient in doing, practice makes perfect! I believe there are many who want to understand and simply become frustrated. Here's a challenge; set aside fifteen minutes a day and simply read a short passage several times. I suggest something like John 1:1-14. PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!


The second word, "trained", comes from a Greek word meaning to "practice naked". Now, wait a second, don't strip off your clothes to read the Bible! That's just silly! It's a picturesque word that described how Greek athletes trained for the games. (They didn't have a bit of shame!) They had no hindrances to their exercises. To become "trained" in the word we must strip ourselves of things that hinder us as we approach the word. No TV. No radio. No whatever. We must exercise without anything that would prevent us from getting into shape. Think about it like this; a person would be foolish to jog with a piano on their back. Find a quiet place and exercise your mind in the word! That may mean that you need to set aside those fifteen minutes (fifteen minutes is the starter kit for spiritual health) FIRST THING IN THE MORNING. I have one friend who began their discipline by studying in the bathroom. They said, "It was the only quiet place where people would leave me alone!"


What will we benefit from this "practice" and "training"? We will gain the ability to "discern". This means we will be able to use "judicial estimation" in telling what is right and wrong (good and evil). THAT is the key! When we train in the word we will find the heart and will of God; as we DO what we learn we will easily be able to tell what is good and what is not.


The mark of spiritual maturity is not how much you understand, but how much you use. Dr. Howard Hendricks said, "In the spiritual realm, the opposite of ignorance is not knowledge but obedience." It's not how many verses we can recite but how much we can employ; put into action.


None of us wants to remain in Bible preschool. None of us wants to stay in spiritual boot camp our whole lives. We've GOT to become a little disciplined. We've GOT to practice, train, and USE what God has given us. That does not require us to be geniuses; it requires us to be serious and faithful.

Friday, December 15, 2006

Bible Study: Essential to Growth

Bible Study: Essential to Growth

"Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation" (1 Peter 2:2 - New American Standard Bible).

I know I've said it before, but it is so applicable here; Johnny Smith enlightened me about babies when my wife and I were expecting our first. He said, "When babies are first born all they know how to do is suck and cry; you have to teach them every thing else." Boy howdy was Johnny right! Katie would wake up crying like a mad child; Care would get her bottle warmed and the very moment the nipple was put into her mouth she was happy, soothed, and satisfied. She was getting what she needed and what she craved. As a new parent, often I would walk her, try to play with her by cooing or making funny faces, or change her diaper...nothing doing...she was hungry! She was empty and her only way to let us know was to scream.

I think this, and stilled quietness, is one of the key elements the average Christian is missing in life. Our lives are screaming! No amount walking the floors (read: activity), cooing (read: entertainment), or diaper changes (read: unloading problems) will help when what we need is to be fed.

I can honestly say that those quiet moments of feeding my infant child were the times our intimate connection was built upon. Likewise, it is my personal opinion that the times we are being fed by God are the times we build that intimacy with Him; it is from that intimacy that a prayer life naturally flows. It is from that prayer life that understanding His heart occurs. It is from understanding His heart that I am driven to serve Him. I could go on and on, but I hope you get the picture.

Let's unfold this verse...

The first thing to notice is ATTITUDE. A newborn baby will literally grab a bottle of milk and suck the bottom out of it! Dr. Hendricks says, "The baby has to have milk to sustain its life physically; you have to have the Scriptures to sustain your life spiritually." Like a baby is soothed by a nourishing bottle, the believer is soothed by the filling of God's word and His Spirit. Peter must have seen a baby feed; he grabbed a perfect expression in to describe the right attitude toward the word. Our attitude toward to the word should be to grab it and suck it down!

The second thing to notice is APPETITE for the word. We should "long" for it. We should crave it! Some people feel like the word is crushed spinach...just plain nasty! Others think it's like plain oatmeal...nourishing, but not that interesting to eat. I want to love to feed on the word like it's honey...like Winnie the Pooh breaking a fast! (Reference: Psalm 19:10) Our appetite for the word should be insatiable!

The third thing to notice is the AIM of the Bible. What is it? According to 1 Peter 2:2 it is "that by it you may grow". It's not for us to only know stuff. We cannot grow without knowing, but we CAN know without growing. The Bible was not given to us to so that we could use it like an encyclopedia; it was given to us to help us conform to Christ's image.

We need a good attitude toward the Bible. We need a healthy appetite for it. With those two things we WILL grow by it!What can you do? You can begin by increasing your Bible study time by five minutes a day and work from there. Purchase a good teaching method book (such as Living by the Book) so that you can start to study in the right way. Slow down, stop the rushed, screaming life, and get fed! Stop doing all the things that don't satisfy the basic need and get to the main thing...eat at the buffet of God's word. Begin a better diet today! Add a few minutes to your plan and chart your growth!

Friday, December 08, 2006

"This Fight Ain't Got Any Rear!"

"This Fight Ain’t Got Any Rear!"

"And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from Him for a season" (Luke 4:13 – King James Version).

I love studying history; the War of Northern Aggression and World War II are my favorite subjects. Historian Shelby Foote tells of a soldier who was wounded at the battle of Shiloh during the American Civil War and was ordered to go to the rear. The fighting was fierce and within minutes he returned to his commanding officer. "Captain, give me a gun!" he shouted. "This fight ain’t got any rear!"

Once Satan finally realized that he had no ground to stand on in trying to tempt Christ he left Jesus alone. It is key to note that it was only for a season. That is to say that Satan stopped trying to tempt Jesus for the time being.

We are in a fight that does not have a rear! There may be moments of relief, but there is no permanent let up. The apostle Paul commented on the forces arrayed against Christians in this manner: "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:12 – KJV). As our battle is against supernatural forces I imagine that quite often their schemes run short, but I do not think their energies wane.

Today’s word is plain and short: be watchful and be ready. We already know Satan will come against us with deception and will try to appeal to every one of our facilities. What we need to realize is that he is pretty much relentless too. He picks his moments too. Like a lion, Satan watches for the prey to become weak (1 Peter 5:8). He will come against us when we are most near to God, but his predatory nature means he tries to catch us when we are under strain or distracted more than any other time.

Again, today’s word is simple, straight and to the point. Don’t get cocky if you have victory over some temptation, because the battle may be over but the war wages on. That Civil War soldier summed up the way we should view battling temptation: "Captain, give me a gun! This fight ain’t got any rear!" Our prayer may echo that: "Lord, arm me with the sword of the Spirit; the war is never ending!"

Twisted

Twisted

"And he brought Him to Jerusalem, and set Him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto Him, ‘If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down from hence: For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over Thee, to keep Thee: And in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone.’ And Jesus answering said unto him, ‘It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God’" (Luke 4:9-12 – King James Version).

When my wife an I were baby Christians we were having a conversation on how much we were to put into serving God. Somewhere along my wife’s childhood someone taught her about serving and giving in a goofed up way. Some preacher or teacher told her that giving to God meant giving a tenth of all she had; a tenth of her talents, a tenth of her material resources and a tenth of her time. PHOOEY! She said that they even used Scripture to support that whacked out thinking. The only Scripture I could find that would lead someone to think that would be Genesis 28:22 which states, "And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that Thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto Thee" (KJV). Now be sure of this my friends, that verse was not talking about a tenth of each part of our lives, but was talking about a tenth of Jacob’s material resources. To think we could only give God a tenth of our time would be crazy! For the record, my wife got straightened out on that whole mess.

Friend, let me tell you something, and hear me clearly, we cannot afford to twist Scripture. The temptation is to look at God’s Word and make it say what we already believe or what we want to hear. When we approach Scripture we cannot change it, we must let it show us how we are to change. In doing that we will encounter Scripture that we don’t like; it will fly in the face of things we enjoy doing or in attitudes or character traits that we have had for years.

Even Satan used Scripture in trying to tempt Jesus. In the above passage Satan MISQUOTES Psalm 91:11-12 in this way: "He shall give his angels charge over Thee, to keep Thee: And in their hands they shall bear Thee up, lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone." It’s original, and right, rendering reads thusly: "For He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone" (KJV). The difference is that Satan left off "to keep thee in all thy ways". That’s the difference in words, but the big difference is in intent. The original is an assurance of God’s protection for those who trust. Satan uses the Scripture to tempt Jesus to dare God, which is the opposite of trusting.

That’s the same kind of mess that Satan did in the garden when he tempted Adam and Eve. It’s deceptive and tricky and just the kind of thing that Satan does to throw God’s people off of track. Of course, Jesus did not fall for it; He knew Scripture and how to apply it properly.

The only way we will be able to mimic Christ on this account is if we know Scripture too. We must be in the Word constantly; searching it out and finding what it really means. I always read and study the Scripture my pastor preaches on each Sunday. Sure, I trust my pastor and I trust what he says, but I want to check it out for myself. I would imagine that rather than being agitated that I check behind him, my pastor would commend me.

We cannot afford to be fooled when it comes to God’s word, nor can we afford to fool ourselves. We cannot twist God’s word to suit what we want or how we already feel. We must have our minds renewed and be transformed daily by being challenged by truths from God’s word. Satan wants us to get off track and one of his most subtle tools is deception through the Word of God. Be careful, be watchful and be studious.

The Bible Jesus Read

The Bible Jesus Read

"And there was delivered unto Him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written, ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.’ And He closed the book, and He gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on Him. And He began to say unto them, ‘This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears’" (Luke 4:17-21 – King James Version).

I was sitting on an airplane, headed home from a mission trip. The man beside me asked, "What's that you are reading?" "The Bible," was my simple reply as I began to pray that God would open this man's heart that I may witness to him. "Yeah...I know that, but what book are you reading?" "Oh," I said realizing that the fellow was not completely oblivious to the fact that I was reading the Holy Bible; "I'm reading The Gospel According to Luke." "So, you're a Christian?" was his next question. "Yes, sir," I said, "And you?" "No," the man said bluntly, "by no means. I am Jewish." We began to talk and he asked me a lot of questions, mostly about why I believed that Jesus was the Messiah. Finally he said, "You do know that the whole New Testament is a lie, don't you?" A little taken aback by that statement, I said, "No, I believe it to be just as true as the Old Testament. I believe that the Old Testament spoke of the coming Messiah and the New Testament affirms that it happened." The conversation ended there for a little while. Later in the flight I asked, "Can I read you something?" "Sure," he said, "go ahead." I read Isaiah 52:13-53 without telling him where I was reading from. I asked, "What do you think that was about?" He said, "It was your Easter story...or at least part of it." I said, "No sir, that was from the prophet Isaiah." Incredulously surprised, the man said, "May I see that?" After a frantic conversation the man prayed to receive Christ.

The Bible that Jesus read from and taught from was what we now call the Old Testament. The day that He stood in the synagogue in His hometown, that was the book He read from; specifically Isaiah. It was also the Bible that the apostles preached from; the Scripture they used to point toward the resurrected Lord.

How much attention do you give to the Old Testament? I know this much; a good understanding of Old Testament Scriptures helps understanding the New Testament a lot easier. Our Lord Jesus certainly thought attending to the Old Testament was important. He said, "Don't misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to fulfill them. I assure you, until the heaven and earth disappear, even the smallest detail of God's law will remain until its purpose is achieved. So if you break the smallest commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God's laws and teaches them will be great in the Kingdom of Heaven" (Matthew 5:17-19 – NLT).

Today's devotion is a simple reminder not ignore the teachings of the Old Testament. Do you want to understand the purposes, character, and plans of God in a clearer light? Even as you read the New Testament I recommend using a good study Bible or a Bible with cross references in it; take time to go back and read the passages that reference Old Testament Scripture. Each day spend time in both the Old and New Testaments. It will improve your walk and witness. It will help you understand the New Testament better and will further show you how God has dealt with mankind. Give it a whirl!

P.S. -- Thank you Lord for leading some wise saints to order the Scripture by chapter and verse. I know the Bible Jesus read (and memorized) did not have that advantage.

Pigs Without Reservation

Pigs Without Reservation

And He looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And He said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all: For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had. -- Luke 21:1-4; King James Version

You've all heard the story, but it bears repeating. Two farm animals, a chicken and a pig, noticed a very hungry child. The pig said, "Isn't that pitiful? That poor child is starving!"

To wit, the chicken replied, "Yes, someone should help that child!"

"What do you suppose we do, Mr. Chicken?" asked the pig.

"I think," offered the chicken, "that we should provide breakfast for the starving waif."

"That, my dear Mr. Chicken," said the pig excitedly, "is an entirely splendid idea!"

"I'm glad you agree, Mr. Pig," said the chicken, "for I will be all too glad to provide the eggs if you will supply the ham!"

Isn't that the way of things all too often? We recognize a need or a chance to give, but lay the sacrifice out as the burden for SOMEONE else.

It indeed would be easy for the chicken to give eggs, but an utter sacrifice for the pig to give ham.

Too many people give out of abundance, rather than out of sacrifice. I'm like that too. I'm not talking about money only; attention, gifting, time...the list could go on for days.

There are two attitudes reflected in today's passage. The first attitude shown is the attitude that gives only what is not needed. Sure, the rich people dropped in lots of money, but they did not give out of their needed portion, just their excess. The second attitude is illustrated by the poor widow. What she done should not illustrate a certain amount, but a certain spiritual posture; she offered complete and unreserved sacrifice to God. She was as a pig giving ham. She wasn't worried about "what would come of her", because she had trusted all of herself to God. Her actions rebuke all who would have a worldly, selfish spirit.

The life (and stuff) given to God is not robbed of happiness. Rather, such a life has found happiness as a treasure hidden in a field and has sold all that they might buy the field. The treasure is a life with God! Happiness in the temporal can never be manufactured or purchased anyway. It is of God to have temporal security and happiness. You can lay your last dollar against such an investment. More so, such a life lived here will insure crowns of victory in the hereafter.

Think of the soldiers we all so dearly admire; we know that to serve our country is to lay down one's life. If we so revere them on this earthly plain, shouldn't our understanding of ourselves be the same in eternal matters?

This poor widow woman was approved by our Lord because of her "heartitude" (yes, I just made up a new word). The rich folks wanted PEOPLE to approve them. The widow woman wanted God's approval. Those folks had a "metitude" (another one!). The widow woman had a God-bent "heartitude". She had grateful love of God and it showed through her life.

We all should be pigs without reservation. We all should have such grateful love of God that trusts Him in such away that we can give to our own peril.

How's your heartitude today?

Thursday, December 07, 2006

What Is IT?

What Is IT?

So when the children of Israel saw it, they said to one another, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, "This is the bread which the Lord has given you to eat"
-- Exodus 16:15; NKJV

Isn't it aggravating to be in a rush, and get slowed down by an unhurried driver? I was on my way to a Christian school one day to speak at morning assembly, when I came upon one of those unhurried types. Unhappy, feeling rushed and impatient do not begin to describe the way I felt. I was raising a ruckus inside my head; "God, you know I'm trying my best, so why do I get behind this slow-poke?" God didn't give me an answer right then, and that frustrated me even more. The answer came at an intersection further down the road. As we approached the four way intersection, a car ran the light. It was if God spoke to me and said, "If you had been in front of the slow-poke, what would have happened? Trust Me."

I may have been smashed into if I had been driving the speed that I wanted to drive. Once I reached my destination, I had to take a moment and reverence God for His blessing me with safety through a slow driver.

Many times we do not see our blessings because we are not looking for them. Other times, our blessings are right in our face and we don’t recognize them. The latter of the two is the situation we find in our Scripture for today.

God told the Israelites that He would "rain bread" (Exodus 16:4) from heaven down on them. When God did what He said He would do the people said, "What is it?" They didn't recognize the blessing that God said He would send! Moses quickly told the people that it was the bread that God had promised.

Two things: (1) when you are wondering why or what, be careful to look for the blessing that may come out of the situation and (2) be thankful for faithful folks who point out blessings to you. While I was complaining about being slowed down on the road, I should have been busy thanking God for whatever it was He was slowing me down for. If someone had been in the car with me, and had told me to look for the good in the situation I probably would have laughed at them or complained more. How would you have reacted?

Friends, it's all about trusting in God. Believe, know, and trust in the fact that He knows exactly where you are and will cause "everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them" (Romans 8:28; NLT). Looking for His Sovereign will in EVERY situation will revolutionize your thinking and make every moment a time of worship. Don't miss a blessing. More importantly, don't have one right in front of you and find yourself saying, "What is it?"

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Everyone Needs a Blocker

Everyone Needs a Blocker

So it was, when the people set out from their camp to cross over the Jordan, with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people -- Joshua 3:14 – New King James Version

We used to play quite a bit of back yard football while I was in high school. There was this fellow that I enjoyed stiff competition with and we rarely were on the same team. One afternoon, we were on the same team. He was a good running back and I was a good full back. The full back blocks a lot for the running back. This fellow would not run behind my blocks because he wanted to prove that he could run the football better than me. He got hammered again and again. The next time we called a running play, it was to go to the right. I knew he would run left, so I went left too. I made a block for him and he ran for a big gain. He was hopping mad! He screamed at me that he didn't need anyone to block for him. It was so ridiculous that a guy on the other team said, "C'mon man, everyone needs a blocker."

Every group needs leaders. Every group needs followers. Every leader needs to be a follower. Confused yet? The mantle of leadership had been passed on to Joshua. Joshua was, then, the leader of the people, or was he?

The best leaders are the best followers. Joshua led the people by following GOD. He was simply passing down orders, just like Moses before him. The priests in today's Scripture were doing what God had told Joshua to tell them to do (Joshua 3:6). The quality that made Joshua a good leader was that he was a good follower of God. The result was "the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until all the people had crossed completely over the Jordan" (Joshua 3:17; NKJV). Good following is obedience to leadership. On this day, Israel reaped the benefit of good leaders being good followers.

Back to today's story…the coach calls the plays (in back yard football, the quarterback is the coach), and them team is to execute. What we do most of the time as people is spend too much time arguing with the coach and wanting to prove we can do it on our own. If that fellow in our back yard game would have been happy to follow my blocking a few things would have happened: (1) I would have taken the brunt of the punishment, (2) he would have gained more yards, and (3) the team would have been better.

Put this principle in your pocket and use it in serving the Lord in your congregation. Your pastor, Sunday School teachers, deacons, etc., are your leaders. Follow them. They are following the Lord. God has called the play. Don't waste time arguing or complaining that you can do it better. Just follow their blocks. Work as a team. Gain positive yards in the work of the Lord. Every one needs a blocker. Follow your blocker and be a blocker when you are called to. Good leaders are good followers.

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

What We Should Know About OUR Jesus! #6

What We Should Know About OUR Jesus!

Judge

For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth Him all things that Himself doeth: and He will shew Him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom He will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent Him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth my word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in Himself; so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself; And hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. I can of Mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and My judgment is just; because I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me. -- John 5:20-30; King James Version (emphasis mine)

I was dancing around my bedroom once, moving my lips to a great song by the great country band, Alabama. My friend had just gotten a video camera (this was in the days before everyone had one). Apparently he had pulled the sneak routine and planted himself, along with his camera, and filmed me dancing around in my "not-ready-to-be-seen-in-public" outfit. He came into the house and said, "What were you singing?" "What do you mean?" came my quick-questioning-wanting-to-be-innocent reply. He pulled the camera from behind him and erupted into laughter. "WHAT HAVE YOU GOT!?!?" I shouted. "You," he continued to laugh, "in your drawers, dancing around like an idiot!" With my straightest face, and quickest wit, I said, "But you don't have the song!" "I don't need the song," he said as he ground in his words, "because I've got the tape, your dance, and your underwear!"

What's this illustration have to do with "Judge" might be a question in your mind? A lot of things really. It was evidence which people could view and make a decision about. I could be judged by what was seen. Some would judge I was nuts. Some would say I had talent. Some would say I need professional help. SOME near-blind soul may have thought I was cute. (All would say I needed more sun!)

Here, today, we have a potentially scary devotion...

Jesus has had all judgement appointed to Him. The Father did that (go argue with HIM if you don't like it!). Jesus will serve as Judge in many capacities, but the one most frightening to me is the fact that He will judge our works. He will look at the evidence of our lives and that will serve as proof about how we believed about Him and how (if) we loved Him. If you don't believe me, take a look at these passages of Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:9-15, 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:9-10, Romans 14:7-12. If we need further proof, read Matthew 7:16-23. That's just plain old sobering.

Unlike the poor, unfortunate souls who had to endure the video that was taken of me--those folks NEVER had the full story--Jesus KNOWS it all! We can't fool Him! He not only views the outer evidence, He knows the inner motivations. What's that mean? It means that we can't just do good stuff and hope that will get us through. It must be outer works that flow from inner works. Our good stuff must come from the Spirit at work within us to be acceptable in the Judge's sight.

Today's passage comes from a part of John's Gospel where Jesus was talking about His equality with the Father. That should be clear. Still, the aspect of Jesus as Judge is very important.

At the final judgement every person's life will be laid bare by the Judge too (Revelation 20:11-15). Not only will Christ judge the Christian's fruit, He will make the final judgement, deciding who will be cast into hell for eternity. He, above all, should know those who have trusted themselves to Him.

It is true that Jesus loved us so much that He gave His life for us. It is true that He pleads our case. It is true that He makes peace between God and man. IT IS ALSO TRUE that He is Judge. We need to realize every element of the character and offices of our Lord.

He is Judge. Dad made Him that. He will look upon the evidence of our lives and Judge. Here, in closing, is a very sobering question that I heard posed once: "If you were on trial, would there be enough evidence to convict you of being a Christian?" The Judge will know.

Monday, December 04, 2006

What We Should Know About OUR Jesus! #5

What We Should Know About OUR Jesus!

Justification

And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. If, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous.
-- Romans 5:16-19; English Standard Version

My wife is a public school teacher. She accrues time off a little at the time. She gets a certain number of hours vacation per days she works. Recently one of her coworkers needed surgery. This particular coworker used all of her own vacation and sick leave. A note was posted on the behalf of the of the recovering coworker asking for people to consider transferring some of their leave time over this one who had recently experienced surgery. I know my wife plans on "donating" some of her time off and I am sure others will too.

Now, the recovering coworker SHOULD have a debt to her employer, because she has used more days than she had for herself. Instead, her coworkers will impute (transfer) their days off to justify (make right) her deficiency. Not only will that lady's debt (missed days) not be counted against her, but days she didn't earn will be given to her.

We've talked about Jesus as Mediator and Advocate; we'll now see Him as our Justification. All three of those are what we might call forensic language; better known as courtroom talk. Here's the deal as plain as I can fork over the cards... justification, in our case, means the Judge declares us "not guilty" when we trust Christ as Savior and, at the same time, declares Christ "guilty" in our place. His righteousness is imputed to us and our sin was imputed to Him. Simply put, we get what He deserves and He got what we deserved.

Jesus serves as the Justification for our penalty. It's not that our penalty was set aside, but was forgiven (or satisfied) in Christ.

Have you ever heard the phrase "take a walk in someone else's shoes"? I'm sure you have. In the most lay of terms, that's what Jesus did. He took a walk in our shoes and sent us off walking in His.

In Paul's letter to the Romans he clearly indicates that sin was introduced to the human race through Adam and was clearly satisfied in Jesus. By one sin came in; by One the debt was paid.

I really think this whole thing--justification--is quite amazing. To think, by His own voluntary action, Jesus put Himself in my place...WOW! I really can't get over that. Not only could we have never paid the debt ourselves, but we also would have never been able to produce any kind of righteousness that would impress God. So, Jesus becomes sin for us and imputes His righteousness to us at the same time.

I love You, JESUS!!!!

As we seek out these things we should know about Christ it is much like getting to know Him better. I feel that the better we know Him, and the more we understand what He did for us and who He is to us, the better we will all trust, obey and love Him. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being MY Justification. Only You could do it. Only You would do it. What an awesome God You are!

Friday, December 01, 2006

What We Should Know About OUR Jesus! #4

What We Should Know About OUR Jesus!

Redeemer

And they sung a New Song, saying, Thou art Worthy to take the Book, and to open the seals thereof: for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation -- Revelation 5:9; King James Version

I had a friend that fell on hard times and felt forced to pawn a certain ring that had been in their family for quite a while. Another friend went to the pawn shop and purchased the note on the ring. When that second friend took the ring back to the first you couldn't imagine the joy and love that was in the room.

That's the first thought of redemption in the Bible; the thought of buying property back (ref. Leviticus 25:26). That's what redeem means; to buy back.

Where redemption comes to play for us is in Christ Jesus. He purchased us back from sin, death and hell. He purchased us from the burden of the keeping the law. The Bible alludes to mankind being under the curse of the law and needing someone to pay ransom for our release (Galatians 3:13).

Please read the words to this beautiful old hymn; it's called Blessed Redeemer:

Up Calvary’s mountain, one dreadful morn,
Walked Christ my Savior, weary and worn;
Facing for sinners death on the cross,
That He might save them from endless loss.

“Father forgive them!” thus did He pray,
E’en while His lifeblood flowed fast away;
Praying for sinners while in such woe
No one but Jesus ever loved so.

O how I love Him, Savior and Friend,
How can my praises ever find end!
Through years unnumbered on Heaven’s shore,
My tongue shall praise Him forevermore.

Blessed Redeemer! Precious Redeemer!
Seems now I see Him on Calvary’s tree;
Wounded and bleeding, for sinners pleading,
Blind and unheeding—dying for me!

(Avis M. Christ­ian­sen, 1920)

That will always be one of my favorite songs.

Isn't it a blessed thought to know that we had a debt that we could never pay, but Jesus stepped up and said, "I can pay it. Not only can I pay it, but I will pay it! What's the price? Blood, huh? Okay, I'll give some. Some is not enough? This is a large debt then? Fine. Whatever the price, I'll pay. You want it all? Fine. I'll still pay!" (That's exactly what Ephesians 1:7 and 1 Peter 1:18 tell us; that Jesus ransomed us, paid our debt, and bought us back with HIS OWN precious blood.)

That's why, in today's verse, we see that Jesus is worthy to open the book. He was slain, not for His sin, but for ours. He is worthy because He did what no other COULD do; there was no other that could offer that price (not just the blood, but the UNBLEMISHED blood). There was no other that WOULD pay that price. It was Jesus alone that understood the situation of man and the heart of God. He alone was able and willing to buy us back.

Thanks be unto God for Jesus our Redeemer!