Our Father in Heaven

There was a cute little joke about a child who kept referring to God as “Art.” His mother mentioned to the Sunday School teacher that whenever he prayed, he would speak to this “Art.” When the Sunday School teacher asked the child about it, he said, “Well, you told us should pray to our Father, who is Art, in heaven.’” This child’s misunderstanding actually revealed a greater understanding of the personal relationship we should have with God.

Popular culture may sometimes paint a picture of God as “the old man in the clouds,” who is all-powerful, but completely disconnected from the human condition. This can create a very damaging perspective, which is so contrary to what we know about God from the Bible, His Holy Word.

Our God is not and has never been an absentee father! We know that from the very beginning, from the first verse of the first book of the Bible, God has been involved in every aspect of humanity. He created our world, He provided for all of our basic needs, and He desired a very personal relationship with us.

This is where the secular view of a disinterested God gets turned on its head. For those who buy into that way of thinking, it’s so hard to believe or understand why a spiritual being, who has so much power and authority, would even seek to associate with the common man. Yet for Christians—even though it is beyond our understanding to know why God loves us so much, we simply know and appreciate that He does. And the evidence is found throughout the Bible. 

When Christ taught the disciples how to pray, He began by telling them to say, “Our Father, who art in heaven…” (Matthew 6:9). When we approach the Almighty One, we can do it the same way a child nears his or her loving dad. Isn’t it good to know that we have a Father who is always near, who will leave or forsake us?

Happy Father’s Day!

Living Sacrifice

“When did people stop making sacrifices to God?” This question from a student made me pause once during a Sunday School lesson. And I completely understood where my student was coming from. True, I thought, God no longer requires us to slaughter the fattened calf to atone for our sins. But how do I answer this?  Then, the Holy Spirit gave me a revelation…

The easy answer is that God has always required a sacrifice for sin. Under the Law, there were various types of sacrifices that were given depending on the type of sin committed. The most significant was the blood sacrifice of an animal without defect. When Jesus came into the world, He offered Himself as the perfect blood sacrifice for all of mankind. He, who had never committed sin and was therefore without defect, took upon the sins of the world and offered himself as the perfect sacrifice. The blood He shed washed us clean of the penalty of sin. God, who is unchanging, did not change his mind about sacrifice—His requirement of a blood sacrifice for our sins was fulfilled through Jesus.

Again, that’s the easy answer.

Those who are spiritually mature may realize that we, who are no longer bound by the Law, have a different requirement. I believe the apostle Paul said it best when He stated, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1)

We, as Christians, were saved from the penalty of sin and freed from the obligations of the Law. Jesus took us from a point of physical sacrifices (with our hands, actions, and deeds) to that of spiritual sacrifices (with our hearts, minds, and souls).

What are these sacrifices? When we deny our carnal nature and make a conscious decision to instead follow the Word of God. Or when we show love to others by putting our needs last and theirs first. There are many examples that can be given, but in general, when we listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and follow Him without regard for reputation, position, or favor with man, we offer ourselves as a sacrifice to the Lord. As believers, our sacrifice is made daily!

Because of Jesus blood sacrifice is no longer required. Through Jesus self-sacrifice is to be desired.

“It Ain’t Ministry ‘Til It Hurts”

One morning, I had put out some special treats for my Sunday school class. I was about to send my group of teens off to attack the table of goodies, but when I saw my pastor coming into the room, I said, “Pastor first.” He stepped back and said, “Oh, no. Pastor last!” In this day and age where pastors would declare themselves to be kings, I found my pastor’s attitude absolutely refreshing.

I used to attend a church where the leaders of the church had the mantra, “It ain’t ministry ‘til it hurts.” And their work proved it. Personal time, attitudes, and comfort were often put on hold as they addressed the needs of the congregation and promoted the Word of God. These men and women sometimes worked past the point of exhaustion. Ministers, Deacons, Trustees—even Greeters and those who led other ministries—put aside their own needs and feelings to get the work done. Although they recognized that their position in the church was a privilege, hardly any boasted or took it for granted. They knew that along with title came great responsibility. There was even a gentle reminder written on the walls of the pastor’s study, “…To whom much is given, from him much will be required…” from Luke 12:48.

Jesus gave the greatest example of leadership in John 13. During the Last Supper, He got up from the meal and proceeded to wash His disciples’ feet. They objected to Jesus taking such a lowly position, as they looked to Him as their teacher and their leader. But Jesus told them, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:15) Jesus made it clear that leadership and ministry isn’t about lording our position over others, but about serving others with humility.

And Christ’s example doesn’t only apply to those who are recognized as leaders and who have been given titles. Even in the pews, we should adapt an attitude of, “What can I do to serve?” When we surrender our all to His will and His way, we might be amazed by what He can do through us.

There isn’t just one “I” in ministry because it’s not just about you. There are two I’s in ministry because God’s eyes are watching, too.

Oh, Joy!

Once, while teaching the “Under 5” Sunday School class, I found myself having a hard time getting the kids enthusiastic about the lesson. Finally, I pulled out the hand puppets, which brought smiles to most of the faces. Except one. I said to the student, “Don’t you like the puppet show?” The two-year-old shot back, “I don’t want to like it!”

Too often, we fall into the trap of believing that people or things can make us happy. “If I only had this,” we tell ourselves. Or, “If this person would only do that.” People and things can be a lot of fun, but they are not the key to our happiness. Happiness is something that starts from the inside. And we alone are responsible for our own inner joy.

I once heard a pastor explain that the word “happiness” is directly correlated to the word “happenstance.” A happenstance is something that occurs in a fleeting moment. He then pointed out that most often, the Bible uses the word “joy” which suggests something eternal. He encouraged the congregation to stop looking for ways to be happy and to instead find joy.

Joy is something that God wants for His children. And ultimately, we find that very joy in Him. When we turn our lives over to His will, we are blessed with an inner joy that cannot be explained. Even through the tough times. It's like an internal smile that can never be wiped away. When we put our trust in the Lord, we get more than “happy.” We find true joy.

“…The joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

This Is the Day

“Thank God it’s Friday!” is something people say quite often. But how often does one hear, “Thank God it’s Monday!” How many folks jumped out of bed this morning praising Him for yet another Sunday? Yet, isn’t our God the creator and author of all our days?

One of my favorite “go-to” verses is Psalm 118:24, “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” One of my best friends even gave me a mirror with that verse inscribed on it. It’s a gentle reminder that no matter what the day of the week and regardless of the circumstances, we should be thankful for it.

 “This is the day that the Lord has made…” Let us keep in mind that God knows our situations and cares about every one of our needs. He created each day specifically for each and every one of us. And we can trust in Him to see us through each and every day of our lives.

“…We will rejoice and be glad in it.” No matter what the circumstances, we must give God the praise. Even in the midst of a trial or tragedy, acknowledging the awesome power of God and giving Him praise will confuse and confound the enemy. You may be amazed by what happens next.

Truth is, we never know how a day is going to turn out. Due to planned events or expected interactions, we may anticipate what’s coming. Yet, instead of approaching them with fear and trepidation, those are the days in which we should draw even closer to the Lord. Only He knows what is really going to happen—and only He can get us through.

 “Every day is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.” Praise God.

(Happy?) Mother’s Day

Today is the day we celebrate the special women in our lives. We send cards and flowers to our moms. We give our grandmas a call or pay them a visit. We may even take the special ladies in our lives out to dinner. But do all the fanfare and purchased displays of gratitude do the holiday any justice?

According to the Wikipedia, the founder of the Mother’s Day observance in the United States was a woman named Anna Jarvis. She helped establish the holiday as a time that people would set aside to show honor and respect to their mothers. But before her death, she regretted her achievement.

The over-commercialization of the holiday had become overwhelming to her. She resented that the holiday was nothing more than a superficial display of affection. Instead of the heart-warming celebration of love she envisioned, it became a cash cow for many businesses. Even this weekend, you may have found it hard to escape the “Mother’s Day” sales at the mall, restaurant specials, and even discount oil changes!

Does any of this make your mom really happy? Sure, she may appreciate not having to prepare a meal one night in the year. Or she may enjoy the day of lavish attention spent on her. She may even really like card you made—or spent extra time in the pharmacy picking out because it said EXACTLY what you would have written.

But a mother’s true joy comes from her children. Knowing she is raising, or has raised, people who have personally rewarding lives can give her a feeling that a thousand Mother’s Day bouquets can never achieve. And for Christian moms, being escorted to church on Sunday morning is a nice Mother’s Day gesture. But knowing that her children have internalized the spiritual lessons she’s taught and that they have followed Christ the way she has encouraged them—that’s a gift that never fades.

A happy Mother’s Day isn’t a once-a-year event. And I would believe that’s what Ms. Anna Jarvis would want us to remember today. So as we recognize our moms, grandmas, aunties, and other influential women in our lives today, let us truly honor them with how we live our lives each and every day.

May your father and mother be glad;

may she who gave you birth rejoice!

                                                (Proverbs 23:25)

Happy Mother’s Day!

Stoopid Christians

Is there a direct correlation between faith and intelligence? There seems to be an underlying movement to prove that there is. And in some very recent studies, the results are not flattering to those of us who are believers.

Last year, a number of news headlines asked, “Are You Smarter Than an Atheist,” after a landmark study by the Pew Research Center found that atheists were more knowledgeable about world religions than Christians. More recently, articles have begun to appear suggesting that “Being Christian Harms Your Brain” due to a report in the Scientific American suggesting that people who claim to be Born Again Christians were more likely to have brain atrophy (shrinkage).

There certainly appears to be an agenda behind these “findings.” The world loves to portray Christians as narrow-minded, ignorant dolts. By doing so, it belittles the religious beliefs and practices of those who follow Christ. And by proclaiming, “The more intelligent you are, the less likely you are to be religious,” the world writes off Christianity as an archaic form of mind control, reserved for those who are too stupid and unsophisticated to think for themselves.

If you think about it, attacking the intelligence of Christians is a pretty subtile move—because how can we really defend many aspects of faith with facts? For many people, this type of discouragement is enough to force them to “keep their religion to themselves” or shy away from Christianity altogether.

But be encouraged—this type of attack against our faith is not new! In fact, in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he acknowledges, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18) The very nature of our belief is supernatural—above the human experience or understanding.

Our faith is not based on the analysis of a collection of data. It is through the Spirit of God that we became believers. And we understand that in following Christ, we have nothing to prove to the world—our goal is to please the Creator of the universe.

For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength. (1 Corinthians 1:25)

I’d rather be stupid for Jesus than wise in the eyes of a sinful world!

The Opposite of Love

What is the opposite of love? Typically, our immediate answer is “hate.” But perhaps the answer may not be as obvious as it seems.

Love is an active emotion that requires our time and energy. Loving includes caring for someone, doing things for them, thinking of them, and feeling good about having them in our lives. But often, hating someone isn’t necessarily the opposite, but just another extreme.

The common saying is, “There is a thin line between love and hate.” Truth be told, people spend a lot of time and energy on hating each other. If there is someone out there that we hate, way may spend way too much time thinking about that person and how much we can’t stand having them in our lives.  And while we may not do things for them, we may think about what we can do to them.

So then, if not hatred, what is the opposite of love? Perhaps it is indifference.

If loving someone means allowing them to take up valuable real estate in your thoughts and emotions—couldn’t the opposite of that mean an absence of any thinking and feeling at all? Not apathy—the kind of indifference we often show toward strangers on the street. But true indifference to someone in our lives includes rejecting their presence, neglecting their needs, and treating them without care.

Yet, regardless of whether the opposite of love is hatred or callous indifference, neither is pleasing to God. Christ commanded us to “love one another” (John 13:34-35).
I Corinthians 13 gives us the Biblical definition of love, where we see the actions that are required of love.

Let’s love each other as our Father in heaven loves us.

“Bunch of Phonies”

One of the harshest indictments against church-going Christians today is that we’re just a “bunch of phonies.” Non-believers and those who rebel against “organized religion” have gone so far as to say that the church itself is the problem with our society. So let’s keep it real…

With scandal after scandal coming out of Christian churches, it’s no wonder we are looked at with scorn. Sexual abuse at the hands of church leaders has driven away the masses. Church leaders taking child brides, practicing homosexuality, womanizing, and committing other sexually charged offenses have also helped to empty the pews. In addition, church-sponsored demonstrations that seem to be fueled by hate and fear along with physically violent and fatal attacks against those with opposing views and practices leave a negative impression in the minds of many. And even individually, many believers struggle with interpersonal relationships and family problems that may make their Christian walk seem less than genuine.

When we call ourselves Christians, we identify ourselves as followers of Christ. As such, there is a very reasonable expectation that we should then follow His example. Too often, we miss the mark. But how can we, who are sinful, truly imitate the example of He who lived a life without sin?

Jesus made it very easy. In John 13:34, He says simply, “Love one another.”

Our goal as Christians should never be merely the appearance of holiness—that’s phony religion. That was the very thing that Christ found most detestable in the Pharisees and Sadducees during His ministry on earth. As Christians, we need to take on an internal holiness that begins with love for each other. As Jesus went on to say in John 13:35, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples [followers], if you love one another.”

Love is not easy—it requires sacrifice. It may mean giving up some of our own time, resources, strength, and even our emotional defenses in order to let people know how much we truly love and care for them. It also means having the spiritual maturity to refrain from certain things to avoid hurting those around us. And while there are many things in this sinful world that we as Christians can stand against, we must always keep in mind to hate the sin, but love the sinner.

Real Christians Love.

 

Spring Break?

The term spring break brings to mind images of teens going wild, let loose in sunny locales with no parental supervision. What is meant to be time off from the humdrum everyday sameness of schoolwork and responsibility often goes to the extreme of total abandon. But as the weather becomes more pleasant and the daily routine becomes less appealing, sometimes adults catch a case of “spring fever” as well.

For many, the spring season opens up a host of new opportunities. Fishing season begins, it becomes much easier to wash the car in the warmer temperature, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. With the 5-day workweek accounting for most of our time, and Saturday being a day for running errands, some feel that the one day of the week left to really enjoy some of the spring benefits is Sunday.

Yet are we spiritually running amok? Are we “Christians gone wild,” disregarding the parental guidance of our Heavenly Father?

There is no “time off” from serving the Lord—Psalm 100:2 reminds us to “Serve the Lord with gladness.” And for those who are faithful in their service, it’s okay to take a break once in a while—just as Jesus did during his ministry to rest the body and refresh the mind. But let’s not wildly abandon and disregard our Heavenly Father. A spring break doesn’t mean breaking away from His presence.

Enjoy time off from the daily routine—but don’t forget your Daily Bread!

Without a Doubt

We can all be a little skeptical at times. We don’t always trust the news media. We may have our doubts about the government. And who really believes the weatherman anymore? But there are some things that we have to know that we know that we know—without a doubt.

Today, we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. As Christians, our faith is based on the fact that He—the Son of God—died on the cross and rose from the dead. His sacrifice freed us of our sin debt. But from the beginning, there were those who desired to cast doubt on this belief. Matthew 28:11-15 tells us that when the chief priests received word that Jesus was risen, they bribed the guards who were watching His tomb to spread the rumor that Jesus’ body was stolen by His disciples.

One would think that at least Jesus’ disciples, who walked with Him throughout His ministry, would immediately believe and trust that He had risen. After Jesus appeared to some of the disciples after His resurrection, there was one who expressed doubt. Thomas, who had not been with the group when Jesus first appeared, declared that he would only believe when he was able to touch the holes in the Lord’s hands and His side. John 20:27 tells us that Thomas received the opportunity to do just that.

As for the rest of us, Jesus said, “…Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” While we may never see the physical evidence of His resurrection, we can still stand strong in our belief. As Christians, we see and feel His presence every day. We know—without a doubt—that He lives.

Happy Easter!

Red Carpet Treatment

Today, celebrities are accustomed to having fans and assistants fawn over them wherever they go. Actors, actresses, rock stars, and even reality-TV stars just expect the adoration of the masses. And many people oblige them by giving them the accolades, cheers, and glows of approval, even when undeserved. But today marks a day when the people got it right, giving the praise and the honor to the One who deserved it most.

The phrase, “roll out the red carpet” means to lavish special attention on an important person, going so far as to lay out a special covering over the path they would walk. On the first Palm Sunday, back in Jerusalem, the people rolled out the red carpet for Jesus Christ as he triumphantly entered the city. They laid palm fronds on the ground before Him as He rode in on a donkey. And they shouted “Hosanna!” (John 12:13)

But as many of today’s celebrities will tell you, the red carpet treatment doesn’t last here on earth. Soon, the people who shouted “Hosanna!” were the ones to later cry, “Crucify Him!” Jesus—whom the people adored and welcomed in with open arms—soon became subjected to scorn and hatred. He died the death of a criminal.

For today’s celebrities, that would mean the end of the story. But Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, proved victorious even over death. He paid our sin-debt with the sacrifice of His own life, and rose from the dead so that we could have the promise of everlasting life with Him. All we have to do is accept Him.

Jesus, who came to serve, not to be served, has a red carpet rolled out for you. When you accept Him into your life—acknowledging the price that was paid for you those many years ago—you are guaranteed a place with Him eternally. And each day, He will walk with you, lavishing on you the special attention you deserve. Wherever you go and whatever you do, he will never leave you or forsake you—He’ll be your #1 fan.

Must Wash Hands

It’s slightly psychologically reassuring to see the mandatory “Employees Must Wash Hands” sign in fast food restaurants and other eateries. As a customer, it gives me hope that the people handling my food are following this important hygienic rule. After all, it is the law. Similarly, God has certain cleanliness requirements of us. Do we always follow the laws of spiritual hygiene?

When Moses brought the Law to the Israelites, there were very specific rules about cleanliness. Whoever coined the phrase “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” must have been reading the book of Leviticus! Various activities led to uncleanliness, such as touching the carcass of a dead animal, being in the same room as a dead body, having contact with someone who had an infectious skin disease, and even handling material with mildew. Ceremonial washing was introduced so that God’s people could be cleansed and remain holy.

As time went on, this ceremonial washing became a ritual—a mindless cleansing that was done out of habit, rather than an aim for true holiness. But God demands more than that from us. In Mark 7, we find that Jesus was approached by the Pharisees who had observed some of His disciples eating with unclean hands (the disciples had not participated in the ceremonial washing). The Pharisees challenged Jesus on this issue, but He called them out on their hypocrisy, saying, “What comes out of a man is what makes him ‘unclean.’ For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man ‘unclean.’” Jesus let them know that “going through the motions” of holiness was unacceptable. God demands a higher level of accountability.

Imagine if you were in a restaurant and you saw the chef, after using the restroom, simply run his/her hands under the water and shake them off nonchalantly. No soap, no warm water, and no actual rubbing the hands together to rid them of germs; just a half-hearted attempt to follow the rules. You might think twice about eating at that place!

The same goes for our spiritual cleanliness. The world is a dirty place, filthy with sin. We shouldn’t simply go through the motions of seeking a clean heart; we need to honestly go before the Lord daily and ask Him for renewal. True cleanliness begins from within. When we turn to Him and turn away from the temptations of evil, we are pleasing to the Lord.

“The Lord has dealt with me according to my righteousness;
according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me.” (Psalm 18:20)

Manna Mania

WARNING: Too much of a good thing may be hazardous to your health. This public service announcement is brought to you today because there is a disturbing trend going on in our society: Those who are the most blessed seemed to be the most ungrateful!

Unfortunately, this isn’t as recent a development as one would believe. This kind of ingratitude has occurred since the Israelites were led out of Egypt. When God delivered His people out of slavery, He made sure they were well cared for and well fed all the way to the Promised Land. Each morning, He would send down manna, a versatile food substance that provided all the nutrients they needed to remain strong and healthy. And each day, He provided just enough—no more or no less than was needed.

One would think that the wilderness wanderers would be delighted. No having to hunt or forage for food. No need to worry whether there would be enough to last the week. But no—like many of us today, the Israelites were not satisfied with God’s provision. Even in the first days of receiving the manna, some tried to horde it and “leave a little extra” for the next day. But the leftover manna was rotten the next morning! How often are we concerned today that God’s provision is not enough to last us day in and day out? We want assurance that we will have “enough” for the next week or the year after, instead of trusting in His continuous providence.

After a while, the Israelites also started to take the manna for granted. Like many of us, they looked at God’s blessing and said, “Oh really, this again? Ho hum!” When we consider how blessed we are—no matter what our current circumstance at the present moment—we should be overjoyed with even the “little blessings” He provides us with day after day. But how often do we act like God owes them to us?

Probably one of the most troubling responses to our daily manifestation of manna is our attitude of complacency. One of the sternest warnings God gave to the Israelites was for them to not forget who He is. They were instructed to continue to worship and follow Him as they did for 40 years in the wilderness. Today, many of us have become so accustomed to God giving us what we need, we become apathetic about our praise and adoration of Him.

Luke 12:48 says, “…From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” God gives us His best and expects us to show appreciation. When we let our light shine so that others see our work and give God thanks, we show our gratitude for our daily manna.

As the Lord continues to keep the manna coming, let’s be careful to remember to always give Him the praise!

Try Him—You’ll Like Him!

I had a friend whose initial approach to telling others about Christianity was, “It’s better to have Jesus and not need Him, than to need Jesus and not have Him.” Of course, there are a million additional reasons to have Jesus, but for the new believer, sometimes all it takes is an invitation to try Him out.

My pastor recently did a sermon on Psalm 34:8, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.” Our pastor invited the congregation to taste and see the goodness of the Lord. He made an analogy to the snack places that you may pass in the mall. There’s usually someone standing out front with a sample tray, offering a delicious taste of buttery pretzel or sugary cinnamon goodies. God is always willing to provide a sample of His goodness. Sometimes, all it takes is a little taste to get hooked!

Unfortunately, many in the world shy away from taking a taste of what God has to offer. Guilt or shame may be so overwhelming that they feel that there is nothing that can possibly help them. Or maybe the burdens of life are so great that they are too consumed with worries and cares to stop and try Jesus. We should continually encourage one another that all it takes is a taste of what God has to offer to make a tremendous difference in life.

Is there someone in your life who hasn’t tried Jesus? Share your testimony of how the Lord has brought you through and invite them to taste and see how good He is.

When they try Him, they’ll like Him—and once they know Him, they’ll love Him.

For or Against?

In our society, there are many groups that take a hard line “for us” or “against us” approach. A person is either “pro choice” or “right to choose.” One can either “support” same-sex marriage or “oppose” it. People draw their lines in the sand, and whether right or wrong, they will bitterly defend their position to the end. It’s amazing, then, that when it comes to Jesus, there are many—even those who call themselves Christians—who want to straddle the fence.

One of the most appalling things I’ve seen was a 2005 Larry King interview with world-renowned religious leader Joel Osteen, who was flat-out asked the question, “Is Jesus Christ the only way to heaven?” Osteen hemmed and hawed and danced around the answer. His ultimate response? “Let God be the judge of who goes to heaven or hell.” While this is an obvious truth—God will be the judge, it was disappointing to see that a man who pastors tens of thousands of Christians was unwilling to actually say with his own mouth, “Jesus is the way.” If our religious leaders are so wishy-washy, it’s no wonder so many Christians have a hard time standing up for their faith.

It has been said, “If you don’t stand up for something, then you will fall for anything.” Christians are falling by the wayside daily because many churches and “spiritual leaders” are so focused on proclaiming the “prosperity” and “blessings” of God, they are forgetting to teach the basic precepts of the faith.

There is a choice to be made. Before the Israelites entered the Promised Land, their leader, Joshua, took a hardline “for” or “against” stance. He said, “…Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:25) There was no toeing the line or straddling the fence. The people could either be for God or against Him. Fast-forward to the New Testament, and God (who is unchanging) demands the same of us today. We are either for Him or against Him. In fact, in Revelations 3:15-16, God rebukes the church in Laodicea, saying, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” How many Christians today will be counted among the Laodiceans?

A Bible commentary noted here, “Deep down, there is no one more miserable than the lukewarm Christian is. They have too much of the world to be happy in Jesus, but too much of Jesus to be happy in the world.”

Are we “for” Jesus or “against” Him? The Bible makes it clear that it’s either one or the other. Choose for yourself today.

Armed and Ready

When it comes to spiritual warfare, many of us are familiar with Ephesians 6:10-18, which talks about putting on the whole armor of God. Yet if we were to undergo a surprise inspection, would we find that we are missing some essential equipment? A quick weapons check can help ensure we’re prepared on a daily basis.

While Paul does a great job of illustrating the spiritual principles in this passage, it’s easy for us to write them off as a “Sunday School exercise.” (How many, like myself, remember the days of Vacation Bible School where we actually made paper versions of our spiritual armor?) But although illustrative, Paul’s words are very serious. In verse 12, he reminds us that our struggle is not something tangible, such as against flesh and blood, but spiritual in nature.

Belt of truth (v. 14)—Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6). If we gird ourselves with the knowledge of Him, we are able to walk securely in the world.
Breastplate of righteousness (v. 14)—Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Above al else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Covering ourselves with God’s righteousness can protect us from the attacks on the heart that can ultimately destroy us.
Feet fitted with readiness (v. 15)—The “gospel of peace” that Paul speaks of is Jesus’ ministry. We should be ever ready to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and go out to those in need.
Shield of faith (v. 16)—In this day and age, we need the shield of faith more than ever! It seems that Christians are constantly under attack by those who are led by their own ways. It is our faith that helps us “extinguish the flaming arrows” of attacks on our beliefs.
Helmet of salvation (v. 17)—With our heads protected, we can reduce the chances of “spiritual brain injury” and keep our minds rightly focused on Jesus’ saving grace.
Sword of the Spirit (v. 17)—This is the Bible, the Holy Word of God, which has also been described as being even sharper than a “double edged sword.” (Hebrews 4:12). We are to carry it confidently, as it is a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare.

Let us keep in mind that the greatest trick of the enemy is to lure us into a false sense of security. When we let our guard down, we leave ourselves prone to attack. We must make sure we do a daily inspection so that we are fully armed and ready for whatever comes our way!

Homegoing

This week, the funeral services for songstress Whitney Houston were held in Newark, NJ. News outlets such as CNN buzzed with the novel term “homegoing.” For those outside of the Baptist tradition, this might seem like quaint, even exotic nomenclature for a funeral service, but it’s quite appropriate for those who are in the faith.

The Christian perspective on death can be quite different from those who are unbelievers. We don’t think of death as an ending, but a continuation. When our bodies expire, our souls continue onto the next phase—everlasting life with Jesus Christ, our Lord. Therefore, death may not be as grievous a proposition as it is for others.

This hope of life after death allows us to, in many instances, celebrate the passing of a loved one from this life to the next. Once we recover from the shock and sadness of losing someone special from this earthly dwelling, we can begin to rejoice in knowing that person is present with the Lord. The “homegoing” can even be seen as an acknowledgement of a life well lived on earth that culminates in the greatest reward.

A person of faith, who believes in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the savior from the penalty of sin, can truly rest in peace when this life has ended. And so can their family and friends. Whitney Houston’s homegoing service demonstrated the comforting power of the Holy Spirit for those who believe. As 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 says, “Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”

We can pass from this life at any moment. When the time comes, do you know for sure where you’re going? If you have any doubts, it’s time to know about Jesus, and the saving power of His love.

Taking Ownership

It seems that fewer and fewer people are “owners” these days. In some residential areas, there are more apartment renters than homeowners. In the luxury car industry, some have speculated there are more leasers than car owners. It has even been reported recently that the DVD industry is failing because more people are opting streaming services such as Netflix vs. buying DVDs of blockbuster movies. We’re losing ownership. Fast.

There was a time when you purchased something, and that was the end of it. After 5, 10, or even 15 years, you would consider replacing it. And that was usually a very deliberate decision made after weeks of pouring through reviews, making comparisons, and having lengthy conversations with salespeople about product features. Today, the average appliance may be changed every 3 to 5 years. And technology becomes old after just 2 years of use. Even most cell phone carriers offer a “New Every 2” incentive, so that you can have the latest devices every other year.

My parents came from a generation of “1 and done.” That meant, you bought something and you were pretty much done paying for it. Back then, if you purchased a television, you may have put out a lot of money upfront for the best model you could afford. And that was the end of it. Today, after spending hundreds, or even thousands of dollars for a great television, you still have to pay a monthly fee for service (even for local access!). When my parents bought me a toy, that was pretty much it until it fell apart. Today, the toys we purchase our kids come with separate attachments, cartridges, and even monthly service fees that force us to keep making payments over time.

Aren’t you glad that at least there’s one thing that’s paid for that you never have to worry about again? As Christians, we know that the price has been paid for our sin debt. Jesus sacrificed Himself and paid for our souls in full. If we believe this, there’s no monthly fee, no payment plan, no service agreement that will keep us apart from Him. God’s love is a constant, as Psalm 100:5 tells us, “For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”

From now until the end of time, we are His and He is ours. That’s the kind of ownership that matters.

Super Bowl of the Soul

Today is Super Bowl Sunday. I’m not going to take sides or make any armchair quarterback calls today, but I’d like to make a Biblical sports analogy and talk about how to win the Super Bowl of the soul.

In any kind of sports contest, you may notice that athletes have intense focus. They never seem to lose sight of the goal. They are trained to drive toward what’s ahead. They sweat, they push, and they work as hard as they can to reach the end goal. And for those who press forward to the end, they enjoy the sweet taste of victory. Our Christian journey is much like that. We are all striving to reach the end goal—eternal life. In order for us to reach it, we have to make the right moves to get there.

It begins with training. Studying the Word of God and going before the Lord in prayer helps to strengthen our spiritual muscle. We are better able to endure when we are well prepared for the struggle ahead. Just as worldly athletes need a healthy diet to keep themselves in shape, as Christians, we should be careful about what we ingest. Do we allow ourselves to overindulge in spiritual “junk food,” or do we have a steady diet of good counsel, positive conversation, uplifting music, and pure thoughts?

On the field—that is our daily life—we have to keep our focus. Of course there are obstacles to face. Some opponents are easy to maneuver around. But sometimes we come across more fierce competition. We need to be careful not to get sidelined by the sins that may easily beset us. And by no means should we ever let them push us back! There are times we may get caught up and fall flat, but we need to get up and keep going. There may be scars, and there may be bruises, but they serve as a testimony of how God has brought us through even the most difficult plays.

To reach the end goal, we have to stay focused on what’s ahead. In Philippians 3:12-14, Paul says, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Are you running in such a way to get the prize? Are you headed toward the goal line? Press forward, never give up, and keep the faith!

Whatever Happened to Sin?

Some things are too old fashioned to even bother worrying about today. Remember rotary telephones, typewriters, and record players? Those are things of the past, belonging to another era of years ago. However, it seems that among some Christians, the idea of “sin” goes right up there with drive-in theaters—we’ve heard of it, or remember it, but that was something from a long time ago.

Back in the day, “fire and brimstone” preachers would warn their congregations about the consequences of sin. To be a Christian meant being mindful of avoiding sinful practices and being repentant for falling into the snares of sin. Today, many good, church-going people are told about prosperity and the blessings of the Lord. But how often are we being reminded that He hates sin? The word doesn’t even seem to be part of most people’s vocabulary these days. Often, we hear about “right and wrong” but the word “sin” is conspicuously absent.

When people don’t understand the very premise of sin, the idea of Christianity itself can seem trivial or old-fashioned. Perhaps this is why some people think of going to church as something to be done out of “tradition.” Perhaps this is why even within the church there are so many people suffering and struggling with sin. Maybe this is why our society is rapidly moving away from the Christian principles many of us grew up with, and now focuses on “doing what you feel is best for you.”

So then, what is sin? Sin is anything that displeases the Lord. Adam and Eve committed the first sin. After being told explicitly not to eat the fruit of a certain tree, they decided to do so. It was blatant disobedience toward God. And for that sin, they were punished and brought condemnation into the entire world. We, as human beings, are born into sin. Originally, God gave His chosen people a Law to follow which would save them from the penalty of sin, which is death. But the Law was too much for people to live by, and all their sacrifices were for naught. So God had to send His own Son into the world as the perfect and ultimate sacrifice for mankind. Through Jesus Christ’s life, crucifixion and resurrection, we are saved from the penalty of sin. To become a Christian, we need only to believe and confess that this is true.

If we continue to look at sin as a thing of the past and buy into the present-day idea of “just living the best you can,” we lose the promise of an eternal future.

What are your thoughts on sin? Leave a comment here, on Facebook, or Twitter.

After the Fast

During a period of fasting, I turn away from the snacks and goodies that I enjoy so much. No sleeve of chocolate chip cookies for me, no greasy French fries, and certainly no sugary sweet muffins, cookies, or cupcakes. But after the fast has ended, eventually the cookies, cakes, and fries make their way back into my diet. Considering how easy it is to fall back into poor food choices, how much easier is it to fall back into sinful choices each day?

Those who fast understand how spiritually great we can feel during that period of self-denial. Our focus is on God and we are consciously avoiding sinful behaviors. We may even feel a sense of “extra righteousness” when we turn away from carnal things to focus on the holy: “No, no, I will not watch that new episode of Law & Order tonight—I’m going to spend the evening studying the Word.”

Yet fasting is usually for only a predetermined amount of time. After the fast, we return to our regular lifestyle. Some like myself may want to linger in the fasting mode a little longer, to hold on to that spiritual closeness we feel towards the Lord. But eventually, our routine kicks in, and we realize that we’re falling back into our regular lifestyle.

But when we return to our “regular” life we should be careful that we don’t fall into our “regular” sin. Hebrews 12:1 warns of “the sin that so easily entangles.” It is my belief that this type of sin varies between individuals. What easily entangles me may not easily entangle you. But whatever it may be, we should be on the lookout to avoid the snare of any sin that might trip us up.

After the fast, we are usually spiritually squeaky clean. But let us be reminded of the warning in Matthew 12:43- 45. Those sins—or demons, even—from which we have been cleansed, are always lurking for a way to come back and drag us down even more. After the fast, we need to be even more vigilant about avoiding sinful behaviors. We need to make definite decisions to avoid being caught up in our “favorite” sins.

Living a holy life is more than periodic fasting—it’s a series of conscious choices that have everlasting results. Maybe there are some issues you are struggling with right now—sins that you find yourself repeating and regretting time and again. It’s time to have a conversation with Jesus and ask Him for help in overcoming these problem areas of your life.

Offer Him repentance, and He’ll give you abundance!

It's Not Just for You

There are times when God shows us extraordinary favor. In situations where we should have been counted out, might have been overlooked, or otherwise could have found ourselves left behind, God has shown His glory and pulled us through. But perhaps we should look at favor as more than a testimony and consider the responsibility.

Last week in Sunday School, we discussed the topic of favor. We looked at the life of Joseph and how the Lord covered him throughout his life. Joseph was thrown into a pit by his own brothers, sold into slavery in a foreign land, and then received a position of honor in servitude. He was later thrown in jail for a crime he didn’t commit, only to be freed and given the second most powerful position in the land. Each time it looked like all was lost—in situations where others certainly perished or had given up—Joseph rose to the top because of divine favor.

But Joseph understood that this favor was for a purpose. Joseph forgave his brothers for what they had done, telling them, “But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God.” (Gen. 45:7-8) Joseph understood that the favor he was shown was not just for a glorious testimony or for personal gain—it was ordained so that he may be used as a vessel for God’s purpose.

The Word tells us, “…From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” (Luke 12:48) When God shows us favor, He blesses us with the power to bless others. Favor comes with a responsibility and with it, we are equipped to do the work ahead.

May God show you singular favor in your life so that you may be a blessing to the multitudes!

Fools and Babies

I’ve often heard people say, “God protects fools and babies.” Well, I’m no baby and I thank God for His hand of protection! What I love about Him is that He realizes that we can all be a little foolish every now and then.

The phrase about fools and babies is most often applied in situations where the person is in some kind of physical danger. Like the person who sits in a car with the engine running in an enclosed garage—and lives to tell about it. But for me, it’s most apropos in situations where I’m on the verge of a spiritual catastrophe.

In my life, I’ve found that usually, when I’m about to enter a sinful situation, God provides an escape hatch. For example, once when I was a teenager, I wanted to go to a party that was happening a few blocks away. My mom was working the night shift and I was forbidden to leave the house because I had to take care of my little sister. I got a call from one of my friends who urged me to go to the party. Man, I really wanted to go! And I would be back before my mother came home from work—she would never know! Most importantly (in my teenage mind) I didn’t want to punk out on my friend. But just as I was about to say, “Yes,” defying my mother’s direct orders—my friend acknowledged, “Oh, but you have to watch your sister, right?” That was my “Get Out of Sin Free” card!

As I’ve become older, I have learned to look for the way out of sin in obvious situations. But then there are the situations that are created in my own mind. The ones where I make up my mind about something and that’s just what it is! Well, let’s start with Proverb 12:15, which says, “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.” The danger in “making ones mind up” is that there is little room to receive correction. That’s when the Lord snatches me by the neck and shows me the error of my thinking, head-on.

When I’ve made up my foolish mind, without fail, I’ll come across a Scripture that might as well have my name emblazoned in the text. For example, some years ago, I was mad at my neighbor and I had some information for her that she had requested prior to our disagreement. When I realized that I had the info for her, I decided in my own mind that because I was mad at her, I would wait until the following week to get it to her. That very day, during my Scripture reading I came across Proverbs 3:27-28, “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow’—when you now have it with you.” I’ll never forget how ironic and frightening it was to see those words before me in the Bible. Needless to say, I acted on that swiftly!

This is why it’s important to pray daily and read your Bible regularly. You never know when God will reveal something to you or you’ll come across a Scripture that has your name and situation written all over it. Also, attend a Bible study group—you may be surprised to find that the next session was prepared just for you!

We can all be a little foolish at times—but let’s all thank God for His great hand of protection!

A New Attitude

Happy New Year! Over the next week or so, advertisers will place a lot of emphasis on the word “new.” Gyms will encourage you to discover a “new you.” Clothing retailers will ask you to try a “new look.” There may even be a health food company out there promoting “new-trition”!

Prayerfully, as we enter 2012, we’ll also take the opportunity this season to adopt a new attitude toward our Christian walk. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” When we became saved, we died to our old way of life. Part of the benefit of our salvation is to enjoy walking in the newness of life.

Since you have been saved, how has your life changed? What new habits and attitudes have you adopted? Whether you were saved yesterday or 40 years ago, you should be able to answer this question. And if you’re having difficulty coming up with an answer, maybe it’s time to turn to the Lord in prayer. Ask Him how you can live life in Him to the fullest with new thoughts and actions that mirror those of Christ Jesus.

Maybe you need a new approach to your prayer life or your Bible reading. Ask for God’s help and guidance and trust Him to lead you. And make a deliberate effort to stick with this new way of doing things. You may be amazed by the blessings that await you!

We look forward to all that the Lord will do in our lives in 2012. May God bless you and yours in abundance.