What’s a Pagan to Do at Christmas?

Celebrations of the birth of Christ create a challenge for those who embrace non-Christian, pagan, beliefs.   This is not a new challenge at all.  Soon after the historical birth of Christ, pagans were some of the first to wrestle through how to respond to this supernatural baby.  The accounts from The Gospel of Matthew make clear pagan astrologers who had no connection to the Jewish heritage of Christ were drawn to Him.  Actually these “Magi” who were experts in magic and astrology were blatant violators of the Jewish law.  Yet even these sincere pagans were drawn to the supernatural nature of Christ’s birth.  They brought gifts, showed Him respect, and investigated who He might be. 

So how’s a pagan to respond today?  In our modern antagonistic society, many who embrace non-Christian beliefs are encouraged to throw “the Baby” out with the bath water.  May I suggest instead pagans today should take the same trek the early pagan Magi ventured on showing him respect and investigating this supernatural birth which lead to a supernatural life, death, and yes, a supernatural resurrection.

The Exposure of Our Immodesty

Once upon a time modesty was a virtue.  When a gentleman heroically risked his own life to save his comrades, the "modest" response was "I was just doing my job."  When a woman was blessed with exceptional beauty, she would not flaunt her gifts, but would dress "modestly".  

On Sunday our President exposed his immodesty by proclaiming his "genius" in a tweet.  Now boasting and outrageous claims abound in the the sports arena...immodesty is expected.  But gentleman are cautious to exalt their virtues conscious of the frailty and danger of ego.  A wise man once warned,

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;

someone else, and not your own lips.  

Proverbs 27:2

On the same day at the golden globes, many women, who were attempting to stand up against sexual harassment, dressed to expose their "gifts" for all to see.  Such is the expectation of our immodest society.  The same wise man made this picturesque observation about such women.  

Like a gold ring in a pig's snout

is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.  

Proverbs 11:22

Oh for the day when modesty was a virtue in politics, in entertainment... in our world.  When modesty is cast aside, so go many other virtues which sustain a respectful society, virtues like selflessness, kindness, sacrifice, and love.  In their place, vices including boasting, arrogance, harassment (verbal and sexual), and abuse take their place.  I hope we've had enough of these. 

A Total Eclipse of the Son

Today, millions will step outside to view an unusual phenomenon, the total eclipse of the sun...or at least a partial if you're not in the "path of totality."  Why would people take time from work and play to view something we take for granted-the sun?  Because an eclipse of the sun is so rare.

On the other hand, how rare is an eclipse of the Son?  Many "objects" can come between Jesus and us.  And because of the frequency of these occurrences, most of us don't stop to take notice when we can't see the Son.

Jesus declared He is the Light of the world, and those who follow Him will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12).  And this light brings freedom to our lives!  Speaking of the Son, Isaiah prophecies the Light of the world will come...

to open eyes that are blind,

to free captives from prison

and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.  (Isaiah 42:7)

I want nothing between me and the One who give light for my path, life for my soul, and freedom from my bondage to darkness!

So what may block my view of the Son?  Here are three obstacles to consider:

• Money 
• In Matthew 6:21-24 the Son himself warns of the blinding effect of money.
• Matt 6:21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!  24"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money. 

• Religion
• Jesus had some harsh words for the Pharisees who were so blinded by their religiosity they could not recognize the Son of God.  In Matthew 23 Jesus repeatedly condemns these religious leaders as "blind guides", "hypocrites", and "blind fools."  Their outward religion kept them from dealing with the heart issues the Son was shining His light upon.


•  A Lukewarm Life
• Although the Son loves His people, lives that are neither hot nor cold make Him sick and result in blindness to this reality on our part. 
• Revelation 3:15-18 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 

Although looking at the sun blinds us and makes our journey in this world difficult, looking at the Son opens our eyes and brings us great joy and freedom on our journey.

•  Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Join me and take some time from work and play to view Someone we should not take for granted, the Son who shines light, joy, and freedom into our lives.

Surfing and Suffering

I almost drowned once.  It was a beautiful afternoon for playing on the beach.  The water was warm and inviting.  But I got in over my head, and, before I knew it, panic set in.  The same waters which produced exhilaration generated exhaustion...just to survive.  I'm thankful God brought me through the waters, literally.

Oswald Chambers explains,  "The surf that distresses the ordinary swimmer produces in the surf-rider the super-joy of going clean through it.  Apply that to our own circumstances, these very things-tribulation, distress, persecution, produce in us the super-joy; they are not things to fight.  We are more than conquerors through Him in all these things, not in spite of them, but in the midst of them."

I'm reminded of what God says to his children in Isaiah 43:1-2

But now, this is what the Lord says — 

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have summoned you by name; you are mine. 

2 When you pass through the waters,

I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,

they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

you will not be burned;

the flames will not set you ablaze.

Do we approach the turbulent waters of life like a surfer or survivor?  The difference may determine the extent of our joy.  Surfs-up!

The Pain and Paradox of God's Preservation

Life is filled with paradox.  A paradox is a statement of truth which appears contradictory, yet is true.

God is a paradox to us.  His thoughts are not our thoughts.  His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).  We should not be surprised if we find ourselves scratching our heads sometimes.  Most Christians would feel more comfortable with "God in a box".  We like a God who is simple to understand and predictable.  The God of scripture is neither, but He is dependable and faithful and good.

The Christian life is a life of paradox as well.  Jesus said the first must be last, and to live we must die.  And surprisingly to grow up we must become like children.  The Christian life is not for the simpleton!

Paradox often leads to great pain.  Those we love the most, often cause the greatest hurt.  When our daughter was only a couple years old, she was a attacked by a masked man who shoved a needle in her arm while another masked man shoved a tube down her throat.  These men were part of a well known gang called doctors, and they were inflicting pain to save her life from an infection which was swelling her throat shut.  You could say she was rescued by a "para-docs."  This paradoxical intervention saved her life while causing great confusion and pain for our young daughter.  As we handed her off to these strangers, we could see the confusion in her eyes.  "Why are you abandoning me?" she appeared to say.   "Don't you love me?" her eyes cried out.

At times God has to do the same with us.  I've heard it said, God allows what He hates to accomplish what He loves.  God takes us through trials and pain and sorrow which make no sense to us and seem to contradict His love for us.  "Why are you abandoning me to cancer?" we cry.  "Don't you love us enough to protect us from losing those we love?" we sob.

Jesus lived this painful paradox Himself.  Hebrews 2:10 reminded us the Perfect One was perfected through suffering.  Christ cried out to the Father, "Why have you abandoned me?" (Matthew 27:46).  And yet, God, the rescuer, delivered Him.

We live paradox and sometimes it hurts. As I read Psalm  66 I find myself confused.  On the one hand the psalmist says in verse 9

[God] has preserved our lives

and kept our feet from slipping. 

I like this description because it sound like the sheltered life of a nice easy walk through a green well groomed meadow.  But he immediately continues with a paradox...

10 For you, O God, tested us;

you refined us like silver. 

11 You brought us into prison

and laid burdens on our backs. 

12 You let men ride over our heads;

we went through fire and water,

That does not sound like preservation to me!  That sounds like God abandoning His people.  The problem here is with my definition of preservation in the Christian life.  For me preservation is synonymous with painless.  I don't see letting "men ride over our heads" as a means of preservation.  And yet I think of the "preservation process" which fruit "preserves" must go through.  Often high heat, mixing and mangling are used to preserve something sweat. 

The paradox of pain and preservation is magnified by my expectations and my human preferences.  Yes God does some really bizarre things like letting men ride over our heads figuratively or literally. No pithy, sugary explanation can remove the pain.   Life hurts, however God promises to preserve us in and through the hurts, not to preserve us from hurts.  That's a paradox because it seems so contradictory. 

Psalm 66 continues with another surprise....

...but you brought us to a place of abundance. 

Why didn't God just skip directly to this part?  Why not go straight to abundance?  That's the path I have laid out and the path I expect.  Paradoxically the path to His abundant plan often requires the abandonment of my plan.  And I don't abandon my plan without a painful path.  That's the paradox.  My prayer, "Lord lead me to abundance, but on the easy path," is not happening in this world.  This sin-stained world is filled with pain, the very tool our Master uses to remake us and mold us.  And God's definition of abundance may contradict ours...a paradox again...

Luke 12:15 Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." 

My Prayer

Lord protect me and provide for me and use the pain of this world to redefine the abundant life for me.  Open my eyes to see your blessings when they come...even as men ride over my head.  Make me a "preserve" which is sweet... even if it takes mangling and mixing me under high heat to do so....I think.  Oh the paradox!

God Gave You Spurs, Now Use Them!

I'm not much for boots or riding, but that doesn't exempt me from using my spurs.    Spurs "motivate" to action.  Usually a cowboy straps on his spurs before mounting his steed, to help direct and motivate his trusted companion to move forward.

In Hebrews 10:24, 25 we are all fitted with spurs and encouraged to use them regularly.  This is the imagery that comes to my mind as I read...

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 

When I think of spurs I think of the old westerns where real cowboys strolled into town to the unmistakable tune of their clanging spurs.  I wonder what people hear when they see me coming?  If I am using the gifts God has given me well, they should hear the "clink, clink" of my "spurs" and smile.  I have a couple friends who spur me on ,and I love to see them strolling my way!  I know I will be better off for having spent time with them.

Now, normally we don't think of spurs as comfortable, but they are necessary to motivate movement.  The author of Hebrews calls us cowboys to use our spurs to encourage toward love and good deeds.  On a rare occasion we need to cause a little discomfort to motivate, but always with true love.  Without love spurs become weapons.  But speaking with kindness and care helps others move forward and overcome the spiritual sluggishness which settles into all our hearts.  

Heb 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. 

Today someone is struggling and needs to feel your spur of love.  The sin of faithlessness or ingratitude may be settling upon their heart, and they need a trusted companion to come alongside and spur them on to trust God more.  You may be that cowboy!  As the Holy Spirit prompts your heart to make a phone call or drop in on someone or send a text, He may be spurring you on to be an unimaginable encouragement or even to save a life.  You've got spurs, now use them!  

Fighting Despair

  "The idea that this world is a playground instead of a battleground has now been accepted in practice by the vast majority of Christians."  A.W. Tozer

We are in a battle, and one of our greatest fights is against despair in this sin stained world.  Sickness, sadness, sorrow, and circumstances surround us and attack us with despair.  Yet, we are not alone in the fight.

Even the Apostle Paul struggled at times to practice what he preached.  On the one hand he said, "Rejoice always!" (Philippians 4:4),   But other times he despaired even of life (2 Corinthians 1:8).  When we read about all the pain and problems Paul battled in this world (2 Corinthians 11:23-29) we understand his fight to overcome despair was very intense.  For many of us the battle fields are different, but the war is no less intense. Is there a weapon which can help us win this battle?  I wish there were a nuclear bomb to obliterate despair, but there isn't.  Thankfully God has given us weaponry to use for the hand to hand combat with despair-scales and scopes.  Let me explain.

In 2 Corinthians 4 Paul describes himself as "perplexed but not in despair."  

8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 

Like Paul, I am perplexed and at times feel on the verge of despair.  Yet, I should not be surprised about my own perplexities.  I live in a sin stained world.  I am on a pilgrimage, not a vacation in this world.  I am in a battle and have an enemy whose greatest tool is despair.  AND God's way's are not my ways, they are higher than mine (Isaiah 55:8,9).  No wonder I am perplexed about life!  Right now I am without a full time ministry position after 21 years of fairly successful ministry by some accounts.  I've been seeking the Lord and His provision for an opportunity to serve for over a year.  And yet, nothing...which leaves me perplexed and drives me to despair.

A couple weeks ago while studying 2 Corinthians 4, I was writing down the word "despair" when the line "When Satan tempts me to despair..." came on in a song from the other room.  No coincidence in my mind.  I am tempted to despair, but thankfully God has provided two  weapons to keep me from going over the edge if I choose to use them.

First, Paul used a different set of scales than everyone else, and so must we if we are to win the battle.  His scales for weighing life were counterbalanced by eternity.  He did not compare his burdens with comfort or a pain free life.  No, he placed eternity on his scales. No burden in life could outweigh a burden-free eternity.  So he fought on.

His scales of time were different as well.  For Paul to be able to call his years of intense suffering "momentary," Paul obviously used a different calendar than most of us who only live in the moment.  What is even a lifetime of suffering in comparison to an eternity of peace and joy?  We are like children scraping our knees who can't see beyond the pain of the moment and cry like our lives are ending.  OUR lives are eternal; so what we are going through now is truly momentary, yes painful and very real, but momentary.

Second, Paul used a different set of scopes as well.  The Greek word for "fixing our eyes" is the word from which we get "scope."  Paul focused his eyes on the unseen world.  Like a doctor who uses a microscope to see the unseen world of cells and bacteria, Paul used an eternal scope to look beyond his pain to see the unseen world of God and eternity.  He did not deny reality, but saw the greater reality which most of us can't see because our scopes are focused on the here and now.  Looking at life through a scope which is out of focus leaves life blurry.  But the right scope correctly focused reveals a whole new world which enables us along with Paul to fight the enemy of despair with clear vision.

Some practical tools to keep life in focus.  1. Listen to music which focuses our minds on eternity and God's working in our lives here on earth.  2. Memorize scriptures which help us look beyond our circumstances (Phlippians 4:4-9, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Psalm 37:1-9, 1 Peter 1:3-7).  3. Hang around friends who help us keep an eternal focus.  4.  Participate in God focused worship services which will refocus our hearts after spending a week living in this sin stained world.  5.Read books by or about those who have fought the battles and have won.  (e.g. Max Lucado, You'll Get Through This)  Here is a video link by the group Shane and Shane and John Piper which will encourage you as well..(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyUPz6_TciY&sns=fb).

Which scales are you using to weigh the circumstances of your life and to determine the duration of your trial?   Are you using the right set of scopes, and are they focused on eternity?  Don't get me wrong. I'm ready for the battle of  my ministry search to be over, but not until eternity becomes more weighty to me and my eyes are refocused from the seen world to the incredible unseen world.  The battle with despair can be won if we use the weapons God has provided.  Fight on!

Attachments area

Preview YouTube video "Though You Slay Me" (featuring John Piper)

"Though You Slay Me" (featuring John Piper)

God's Spring Fashions-Show Stopping!

I've never been one to be fashionable.  Unlike my fashionable friends Tim and Tom, I'm usually a bit behind the fashions or ahead of the fashions as they come back around.  My wife at times reminds me of my corduroy mistake in the 80's.  Fashion is in the eye of the beholder.  And God's eyes see differently than man's eyes.  Now if we want to be fashionable in the eyes of our admiring crowd of friends, pick up a GQ or the latest fashion mag.  But if we want to be fashionable in God's eyes, our Creator, the Design Master Himself, we pick up 1 Peter 5:5 where the true Fashion Guru prescribes our Spring fashion...

All of you, clothe yourselves with humility...

Warning!  This Spring fashion is a bit tight fitting over our button-busting pride.  You won't find these fashions on the runways, but in the slumways.  The buzz will be about the absence of glitter and glam.  And this year chic will turn the other cheek.  God wants us to be show stopping...or stop showing (off) may be the better way to put it.

Our ensemble includes two parts.  Peter describes the first piece of clothing...

Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.  

This is a rare find even in the Christian retail stores and churches of today.  We Christians take pride in our spirituality, maturity, wisdom, superior political position, moral tradition, or of all things humility.  

So how do we become fashion savvy?  The best way to fit into the Spring fashion of humility is by serving others.  In Philippians 3, Paul reminds us of our Super Model, Christ, who you may remember wore the servants towel as his banquet attire and dressed down to look like us as He lived among us. 

Rarely are those dressed in humility toward others critical of other's attire.  When we find ourselves becoming critical and judging others, we can be assured our Pharisaical fashion is out of fashion with God.  In my years serving Christ's Bride, the Church, I've discovered many of the greatest spiritual fashion critics rarely take time to ask how they can serve.  Check your fashion sense here...what is your attitude toward those around you today?

I find the second piece of the Peter's ensemble found in verse 6 to be only slightly easier to put on.  

 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand...

When I recognize the greatness of my Creator and Sovereign Designer, I find it easier to bow down in humility.   Yet this it is not automatic.  The Israelites of the Old Testament saw God's Mighty Hand first hand, but instead of humbling themselves, they became more demanding.  Expressing my thanksgiving toward my Sovereign Designer and his mighty hand in my life is a practical way I humble myself.  

It's always better to humble ourselves than for God to have to humble us.  And we have plenty of help in keeping us humble.  Living in a sin-stained world where we experience pain-physical and emotional is humbling.  Living with sin-stained people who hurt us, use us, and abuse us is also humbling.  But on a positive note, where are some areas where you have seen God's mighty hand in your life? Humbling, isn't it. 

So we find the two piece ensemble of humility with people and humility with God in vogue on Heaven's golden runway.

Lest you think Peter is the only fashion critic encouraging the attire of humility this Spring, the apostle Paul praises the same ensemble for our wardrobe. 

Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Our greatest fashion critic, Christ himself, praised the attire of humility when he set the world a buzz with a radical fashion statement... 

Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

So what are you wearing this Spring?  As you look back over the past week, what did you put on?  Were you in fashion or out according to our Designer?  Better yet, what will you wear this coming week?  Whether the weather says Winter or Spring, the same outfit works according to God-humility is beautiful!

The Winter Wilderness is Almost Over!

I'm thankful the winter wilderness is almost over both outside and inside.  This hit me today as I celebrate my 49th birthday and begin my 50th year. The celebration is only a few hours old and I have already been deeply encouraged by the well wishes from friends and family, but most of all from the Lord.

First, I woke up early this morning to read from Leviticus...not the most inspiring book of the Bible if you've ever read it before.  But this morning of all mornings I turned to Leviticus 25:8ff where I discovered that the 49th-50th  year is the best year of all!  God called it the year of Jubilee, a year of freedom, rest, and joy!  And God ordained the year of Jubilee for the Jews because He loves His children.  This inspired me to look to my 49th birthday as the beginning of my year of Jubilee, freedom, rest, and JOY.

I was inspired again as I listened to the song "Jubilee," by one of my favorite musicians/Bible teachers, Michael Card, which led me to  another song with deep meaning.  Recently I've been experiencing a winter wilderness experience of sorts.  Most of us can identify with those times of wandering and wondering what God is doing.  For most of us those times are filled with loneliness, silence of God,  and long hard walking often in the dark.  The song, "In the Wilderness", by Michael Card reminds us there is value in the wilderness.  In his introduction he summarizes,

Every significant event in the history of salvation happens  in the wilderness.  In its own way it is a more blessed place than the Promised Land.... And today, God leads us to the wilderness as well so that we might learn how much we need Him.

In the wilderness 

He calls his sons and daughters 

To the wilderness

But he gives grace sufficient

To survive any test

And that's the painful purpose 

of the Wilderness

In the wilderness we wander 

In the wilderness we weep

In the wasteland of our wanting

Where the darkness seems so deep

We search for the beginning

For an exodus to home

And find that those who follow Him

Must often walk alone

In the wilderness we're wondering 

For a way to understand

In the wilderness there's not a way

For the Way's become a man

And the man's become the Exodus

the way to holy ground

but wandering in the wilderness

Is the best way to be found.

Groaning and growing

Amidst the desert days

The windy winter wilderness

Can blow the self away

Just what I needed to hear!

Finally, I received a call of hope.  I've wanted to reconnect with a man I've respected highly for years, but thought our paths would never cross again.  But this morning I found out that he only lives a couple hours away and would be available for a get together.

With tears of joy in my eyes, I'm thankful the winter wilderness is almost over and for the way my year of Jubilee has begun!

Dangers of Grace:"Self-righteousness Against the Self-righteous"

There is nothing new under the sun.  The wisest man ever told us that in the book of Ecclesiastes centuries ago.  And it's true today.


Years ago while pursuing my college education I saw a trend among my peers: becoming self-righteous about their superiority over the self-righteous.  They had experienced a level of grace which the previous generation had not yet attained.  As a result they boasted about it, flaunted it, and in some cases abused the grace they were just then discovering.

Nothing is new under the sun.  According to the grandson of Billy Graham, Tullian Tchividjian, the arrogance of grace is a danger for this new generation as well.  In his book, Surprised by Grace,  he warns of one of the danger of grace:

"Many younger evangelicals today are reacting to their parents' conservative, bottoned-down, rule-keeping flavor of 'older brother religion' with a type of liberal, untucked, rule-breaking flavor of 'younger brother irreligion.'  It screams out, 'That's right! I know I don't have it all together, and you think you do; I know I'm not good, and you think you are.  And that makes me better than you!  See the irony?  We become self-righteous against the self-righteous." (p. 146, italics the authors)

He goes on to explain his own struggle with grace.

"Personally, I tend to resonate less with the rule keepers and more with the rule breakers-with those who have such a tough time staying on the narrow road.  We're the kind who really love the gospel and God's grace because we feel our need so strongly; we know how desperate we are .  But it's easy for us to feel a sense of superiority over all those upright-looking church people, whom we assume just don't really get the gospel."

I can identify with Tullian, how about you?  Give some extra grace today.  Hopefully someone will give more than a handful to you as well.

Is God Our Head Gamemaker?

While watching Catching Fire this past weekend with my family, I was amazed at the intricacies of how the Gamemakers manipulated circumstances toward their end.  I wonder, is God merely the masterful Gamemaker of my life?

For the few who are not familiar with the Hunger Games phenom, author Suzanne Collins creates a post-apocalyptic North America that consists of a wealthy Capitol region surrounded by 12 poorer districts. Early in its history and during the quelling of a rebellion against the Capitol, an annual televised event known as the Hunger Games was created in punishment, and as a reminder of the power and grace of the Capitol. Each district must yield one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 through a lottery system to participate in the games. "Tributes" from each district are chosen during the annual Reaping and are forced to fight to the death, leaving only one survivor to claim victory.

The games are masterfully and technologically developed in a real-life arena by a group of Game Makers, Plutarch Heavensbee being the Head Gamemaker in the latest movie, Catching Fire.  The gamemakers manipulate circumstances and participants toward their gamesmanship end of the glory of the Capital.

I wonder, does  "Heavensbee" have any hidden reference to Heaven's sovereignty in the book?

As believers in the God of the universe, most followers of Christ acknowledge He is in control of our real-life arena and is working, skeptics would say manipulating, circumstances for His ultimate glory.  So is God nothing more than the Head Gamemaker?

As I was reading God's instructions for the game of life, the Bible, I encountered one of many key element that sets Him apart from the Gamemaker of the Hunger Games.  God works all things together for His glory, but also FOR OUR GOOD!  This compassion of God sets his sovereignty apart.

1 Peter 5:6 reminds us of His sovereignty and our submission...
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand...

Alone these words would sound as ominous as participating in life-sucking Hunger Games.

But God adds this life-giving caveat...

that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 

There it is.  Along with many other characteristics, what sets God apart from Heavensbee is His care.

I am thankful God is orchestrating the circumstances of my life together both for His glory as my Creator, Sustainer, and Savior, but also for my good as His child.  HE CARES FOR ME!  This grace-filled truth amazes this undeserving, rebellious poor, weak man.

Do you think God is the Head Gamemaker?  How do you respond to His sovereignty?  Do you recognize His care in the game of your life?

How Strange?!

None of us like being thought of as "strange."  Growing up one of my greatest fears was to have my friends think I was "weird."  I grew out of that phase, but have never fully outgrown the desire to be considered "normal" rather than "strange."

As Christians though, we are in many ways strangely normal.  Some of us are stranger than others; and God is not necessarily pleased with His children acting "weird."   As we read in 1 Peter 2:12 our lives should be so "good" no one can say anything against us.  But in reading through 1 Peter this morning in my old NIV I discovered Christians are strange strangers who shouldn't think life in this strange world is strange! 

Let's try that again with some verses from 1 Peter.  Christians are strange (4:4 "They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap a  abuse on you.) strangers (1:1 To God's elect, strangers in the world; 1:17 Live your lives as strangers here...; 2:11 I urge you as aliens and strangers in the world to abstain from sinful desires which war against your soul.)  who shouldn't think life in this strange world is strange (4:12 do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering as though something strange were happening to you.)!

Christian, don't forget who you are.  You are strange, and be proud of it!

Cross Eyed-My Eyes Need Fixed!

I have been blessed with pretty good eyes...although I can't see far very well, and can't see close anymore.  Other than that I have pretty good eyes.  They are blue, and my wife tells me that makes up for all their deficiencies.

As I read Psalm 141 this morning I realized my eyes with all their problems do need to be fixed, but not by a doctor.  In this song David tells of facing days filled with problem people and hard circumstances.  Well, much like you and I may face.  He asks God to guard his tongue and heart (v. 3,4).  Oh how I need to hear that.  But then in verse eight he tells me what makes the difference...it's his eyes.

"But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign Lord;"

In this sin-stained world filled with trials and troubles and even good distractions, my eyes wander...and I forget that God is Sovereign and in still on the throne!  To endure, I need to fix my eyes on my God who loves me and is working all things together for good.  How do I know?  I fix my eyes on the cross where my Savior died for me.  He wouldn't do that without love and a purpose in mind.  I need to become cross-eyed to fix my eyes. Ironic, isn't it.

Heb 12:2-3
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 

Reminds me of King Jehoshaphat in the Old Testament who, while fighting the battle God put before him, came to a point where he didn't know what to do...not good for a leader.  But his response to God was

2 Chron 20:12
We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." 

Let me encourage you to get your eyes fixed today by becoming cross-eyed.

Something to consider: The Greek word for "fix" in Hebrews 12 means to turn your eyes from looking at other things to look at one thing.  That is hard for me-I'm distractable.  I wonder, what is distracting you today?

To Whine or To Wine

Oswald Chambers has a way of helping me buck up in the circumstances of life. A recent read...
"God can never make us into wine if we object to the fingers He chooses to use to crush us. If we are ever going to be made into wine, we will have to be crushed-you cannot drink grapes." May I become smooth and vigorous with a fine bouquet. 

My tendency is to whine rather than to allow God to change me to wine, consumable by a thirsty world desperate for the hope of the gospel.  Only the gospel of God's grace changes me from a whiner to wine.  God may crush us, but with a redeeming purpose in mind.  May it be so.

Which will you become today?

5 Truths to Know to Enjoy This Messy Life

Life happens!  Sometimes life is great, during which times I don't think as much-I just sit back and enjoy. But sometimes life is a mess which causes me to be anxious, to wonder..and to enjoy.  Recently I've had a lot to wonder about-changes in family, job, housing, weather, etc. But as I was reading Psalm 100 I saw the connection between what I know and joy.  (We find a similar connection in Philippians 4)

Psalm 100:2,3
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

1. Know God is God and I am not. (The Lord is God).   He is sovereign, in control, omnipotent and omniscient.  Do I really know who God is and do I believe what I believe?
2. Know God created me. (It is he who made us).  Do I live in a dependent Creature-Creator relationship as A.W. Tozer use to say?
3. Know God owns me. (We are his).  Am I in charge of my time, career, resources, health, or is He?
4. Know God gives me my identity.  (We are his people).  I am a child of the God of the universe.  Where do I find my identity-in who I am or what I do?
5. Know God cares for me.  (The sheep of his pasture)  Sheep are dumb and so am I.  I need a shepherd to direct me, feed me, forgive me, restore me..and care for me.

The bottom line from all this knowing is I can trust God!  God's teaching me to trust Him more during this messy season.  God is also helping me to know Him more.  What a joy!

Is your life a bit messy right now and what is God teaching you?

Audio Messages

The Hound of Heaven-Luke 15:1-7

Sifted-Luke 22:24-38

The Hardest Prayer Ever Prayed-Luke 22:39-46

What Are We Doing Here?-Acts 2:42-47

John the Baptist-Dramatic Sermon-(Video)

The Prayer of Paul's Heart and Mine-Philippians 1 (Video)

View from the Empty Nest

View from the Empty Nest

The time has finally arrived.  All our children have been kicked out of the nest and appear to be finding their wings.  I am ready at any moment to swoop down and save them if need be, although the swoop to Texas may take a bit.  As I look into God's Word I find 4 tests of whether I have truly prepared my eaglets to fly into the real world.  From Psalm 78

1. Do they know God's Word? I mean know it as a part of their everyday life.  Does it pop up in conversation? (v. 1-6)

2. Have I told my children about the greatness of our God?  Have we experienced God moments together? (v. 4)

3. Have my children put their trust in God for everyday life? (v.7)

4. Has God become so much a part of their lives they do not forget who He is and what He has done and is doing for them resulting in lives following Him? (v. 7)

I am grateful my children's wings seem fixed straight at this time, and I pray they will continue to fly strong through the storms of life.  I recently journaled what I have often thought over the years.

I pray this journey Gale and I are on would be a faith strengthener for our children.  I pray when we all look back we will see Your hand, our children will trust in You, and in turn will tell their children.

From the empty nest I keep one eye on my children and the other on the Lord trusting Him.

Stop Crying and Start Partying!

Stop Crying and Start Partying!

It was gloomy this morning here in Berrien Springs-lots of clouds hanging over our heads!  But I love Joy!  Joy is essential to get us through life. Nehemiah told God's people who had been sorrowful because of their sin to stop crying and start partying, for "the joy of the Lord is your strength!" (Nehemiah 8:10)  Let me be clear.  Repenting needs to be part of our lifestyle.  But rejoicing follows closely on the heels of repentance.  Could it be we lack joy, because we lack repentance?

This morning as I read Psalm 97 I was challenged to think about what I'm doing to cultivate joy.  Psalm 97:11 read,  "Light is sown for the righteous and joy for the upright in heart."  This passage reminds me God is the one who plants joy in my heart, but I must make sure to cultivate and fertilize that joy.

What cultivates joy in my heart?  Here are some suggestions which help me:

Gratitude (Philippians 4:4-6)
Gazing into the face of God (Psalm 4:6,7)
Surrendering to the Spirit of God (Galatians 5:22)
Trusting God with my trials (Romans 15:13)
Praying and seeing God's hand at work (Philippians 4:4-6; John 16:24)
Following God's path (John 15:9-11)
An eternal perspective (James 1:2, Hebrews 12:2)
Friends (Philippians 4:1 and many more verses)
Family (Proverbs 15:20)

Are you cultivating the joy God has placed in your heart today or are you cultivating gloom?  The weather here is gloomy so I need to intentionally cultivate joy!

What else cultivates joy in your heart?

In Over My Head

Have you ever felt like you were in over your head?  Circumstances, relationships, jobs, health all pile up until you find yourself going under. Years ago I was encouraged to remember, anything over my head is still under His feet.  I need to be reminded of this from time to time.

When I was a youth pastor I lead a group of teens out to a sandbar on Lake Michigan for some frisbee throwing.  I don't swim well.  On the way out, the calm water was up to my chest.  A couple hours later on the way back in the water was up to my mouth.  The larger waves were pushing me, and I quickly discovered I was soon going to be over my head.  Thankfully a 6' 5" tall young man by the name of Brady was only a few feet away.  He came over, got me up out of the water enough to swim the rest of the way to safe waters.  I was thankful for someone who was higher than I.

Early his morning I read Psalm 61:2, "Lead me to the rock that is higher than I."  I am thankful for a Rock I can cling to and for a Father's hand who will pull me up (Ps. 17:7).  Later during my jog I heard a song of encouragement, "Help Is on the Way" by Michael W. Smith.  

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vH_CeU-JNW0&noredirect=1  

Listen in if you are feeling in over your head! 

Honest to God!

The secret is out!  One of my favorite authors is John Ortberg.  He makes me think, and he makes me laugh.  For instance, last night I'm minding my own business reading his book, When the Game is Over it All Goes Back in the Box.  Suddenly, without warning John blows away my understanding of American history and blows up my understanding of myself all in one story. "The most famous story about lying in American history is the story of George Washington cutting down a cherry tree.  His father asked him who did it.  George is supposed to have said, 'I cannot tell a lie; it was me.' That was in a biography written by Parson Weems in the nineteenth century - he made the story up.  The most famous story about not lying in America was a lie."  Now that's funny serious!

I can't hide secrets from God, but I can lie to Him.  Yesterday in a conversation with a struggling friend I encouraged him to read the Psalms.  I find great honesty with God in these Old Testament songs written by real men of faith.   "Is God listening?  Has He abandoned me?  Why do bad things happen to the faithful?  Against you have I sinned."  The Psalmists are just being honest with God.  Reading Psalm 60 this morning helped me appreciate the honesty of another saint and his journey through this sin-stained world.  

Have you been honest with our Father today?   Really.  Have you taken time to cry out and confess?  Don't let George Washington have one up on us, even if it was a lie.  

I'm curious - what do you find hardest to be honest with God about?  Sin, doubt, or feelings about people?