Year of Jubilee

"Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you; each one of you is to return to his family property and each to his own clan."
Leviticus 25:10

I have been thinking about the new year. I believe in the significance of years. Each one is unique. Each year is a new opportunity for us to grow in our relationship with God. Each year is a new year of blessing from heaven. Each new year brings hope that something greater than ever before will take place. God has special plans in mind for us in the upcoming year.
    The year of jubilee was set in the Levitical law. Once every fifty years, the people were to celebrate. The very first word in the scripture above is very important. It says that the people must consecrate the year. This means it was to be set apart. There would be a solemn dedication of that year for the purposes of God. They were not to plant crops or reap the fields. This was a year completely set apart for the purposes of God among his people. Had the people not taken the time to consecrate the year, it would not have happened. In fact, there were forty nine years of preparation for the great event. It was special, it was ordained by God himself. It was a year in which blessings were to flow to the people.
    It was a year of liberty. This promise of liberty was contingent on something the people must do. They were to proclaim liberty. You see, they weren't only to expect liberty to come, they were to speak it before it happened! God was always faithful to those who participated in the year of jubilee.
    The year of jubilee was a time for families. The people were to return to their families and clans. This included not only their immediate families, but the larger extended family as well. They all gathered at the original homesteads and celebrated the year of jubilee together. What an amazing blessing from God.
    Allow me to pronounce a blessing over you today: May this new year be your year of jubilee. May your receive all the blessings that God has ordained for you and your family. May it be a year that is so significant, it will be the most memorable of your life. May the joy of God's salvation return to you. May you grow closer to Jesus than ever before. May the liberty of God flow into your life. may the spiritual shackles that hold you be broken by the power of the Holy Spirit. May you be set free to worship God with all your being. May this year be your year of jubilee, an unparalleled celebration of the goodness of God.
    Let us rejoice and be glad, declaring that this is the year of jubilee!

This Grace of Giving

"But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving."
2 Corinthians 8:7

The Christmas season is known as a season of giving. We give gifts to family and friends during this time when we celebrate the greatest gift of all, the birth of Jesus. Most find it easy to give during this season. It has been so ingrained in us that we will give generously without giving thought. A giving lifestyle, however, requires us to give at all times, not just during Christmas. We are encouraged to "Excel in this grace of giving."
     We are all aware of the difficult economic times we are facing. More people are unemployed than ever before. Even more significant is the fact that more people are under employed than ever. This means they are earning less money than ever before. This points us to a great need. We should be giving as much as possible. There are people who are in tremendous financial need. There are millions who do not have the basic necessities to live healthy, normal lives. No longer are these people in only distant third-world nations, they may be our neighbors, our friends, our families, or the person sitting next to us in church.
    The New Testament teaches us to give out of our plenty to help those who are in need. There are some who can give large amounts of money, there are those who can only give a small amount. But the majority of us can give. Remember, Jesus praised the widow who gave two small coins. He said that she had given more than those who brought great sums of money. You see, it is not the amount that is important, it is the heart that gives it. Many of us attend churches that depend on the gifts of the people to sustain ministry. It is vitally important that we participate in the blessing of giving. But it is also important for us to pay attention to the world around us. If the Holy Spirit moves you to help those in foreign nations, do it with all your heart. If you are moved to help a person you know, do it with joy of heart.
    During a great time of financial need in my own life, a man approached me at church. He handed me an envelope with some money in it. He explained that the Lord had prompted his family to give to us. This continued over the course of several months. Every Sunday, he would hand me an envelope with cash inside. It wasn't a large amount of money, but the blessing to my family and to theirs far exceeded the amount.. This is the grace of giving. Both the giver and the recipient are blessed.
    I encourage you to excel in the grace of giving. It doesn't matter how much you give. What does matter is your heart. You may give money, you may give time, you may serve others as God empowers you. However you give, do it with a heart of love. When we give, it is prompted by our love for God. When we give to a hurting person, we are giving to Jesus. When we help someone in need, we are doing it as unto God himself. A giving lifestyle expects nothing in return. The reward is an eternal, heavenly one. Giving releases God's blessing. He uses us to extend his grace to others, then he blesses us. In this way, the joy and provision never run out. This is the grace of giving and we are called to be excellent givers.

Good to be Salty

"Everyone will be salted with fire."
Mark 9:49

I find this to be one of the strangest phrases in the Bible. If you aren't careful, you may overlook it when reading. In context, the scripture above was spoken by Jesus as he taught about the importance of salt. He said that salt is good if it salty, but if it loses its flavor, it is of no value to anyone. He encourages us to be 'salty' people. We are to bring flavor to a bland world. It is important for us to be the spiritual seasoning in a fleshly world. The process of becoming this flavor for the world, however, may be a difficult one.
    I wouldn't equate salt to fire. It would never occur to me to do so. Salt is found in many places in nature. Of course the oceans and some lakes are comprised of salt water. There are vast underground reserves of natural salt. But the journey from its natural state to our table requires a refining process. This process is primarily accomplished by applying heat to dissolve the liquid, leaving the salt. In other words, it takes fire to make salt.
    All of us are going through a process. In the big picture, God is refining us just as salt is refined for our use. Of course there are shortcuts to get salt. If one is in the right mine shaft, it could be chiseled from the walls. The result may well be a chunk of salt, but it has little value in salting our food to taste. In the same way, the refining process in our lives cannot be circumvented. It requires heat. If we are to truly become this savor to the world, we must walk through fire. It isn't easy, it hurts, and the pain is often deep. But God knows that the other side of the refining process produces people who are seasoned with salt. The flavor that God produces in us will be used to change others. We are called by God to be full of spiritual flavor.
    If you are in a season of refining, understand that God is in complete control. What seems out of control to us is in the hand of God. He holds us through the fire. Remember the story of the three Hebrew children; Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo. They went through a fire, but were held in the hand of God. The Son of Man came to walk in that fire with them. He is still doing that today. When you find yourself in a fire kindled by God, know that he is right there with you. He walks with you even when it seems desperately lonely. Take courage. The refining process is producing salt. Never forget: It is good to be salty!

The Thoughts of God

"How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!"
Psalm 139:17

We have thousands of thoughts in a single day. Our minds are so active that they never stop thinking. Even when we are unaware, our subconscious is thinking. At night, our minds are filled with dreams. Although we need to rest, our minds never stop. The minds of men are actively in thought from the time we are conceived to the time we die. What an incredible thing God has created in us. Yet our minds are nothing compared to the mind of God. His thoughts are so vast that we cannot comprehend..
    The prophet Jeremiah spoke of the thoughts of God. As God spoke through him, he said, "'I know the thoughts I think toward you,'declares the Lord." (Jeremiah 29:11a). Although the thoughts of God are so infinite that we cannot comprehend them, he makes sure that we know that he is thinking about us. His attention is fully on us, not just collectively, but personally. He is thinking specifically about each one of us all the time. This is why David would say, "How vast is the sum of them." Imagine how powerful it is that God is thinking of us all the time.
    God's thoughts are even more powerful when they begin to be our thoughts as well. Since the Holy Spirit lives in us, we have the potential to think the very thoughts of God. He is gracious enough to speak God's thoughts into our minds. When we receive them and acknowledge them, we have experienced a closeness to God that is unparalleled. We have literally looked into the mind of God and experienced his thoughts. How amazing is God's love for us that he would share his own thoughts with us. We are sometimes too fearful to share our thoughts with other people. We think the y are not profound enough, too fleshly. But God freely shares his with us. His thoughts are holy. They give direction and reveal his will. When we understand that process, begin to hear them and share them with others, there is a powerful dynamic that takes place. People who might never hear God's thoughts, hear them through us! We have an amazing opportunity to spread the thoughts of God to people who are not listening. Now that is a wonderful call.
    If you are not listening, make a point to start. God is sharing his own thoughts with you. They are so precious, so powerful, that we must pay attention. Take the opportunity to share those thoughts with others. God is sharing his very being with us. Shouldn't we share his thoughts with those who are not listening? In the same way that his thoughts change our lives, they will change others. Once they are exposed to the thoughts of God, they will turn to him. They will want to hear more of his thoughts through their own relationships with him. His thoughts will touch their minds, too. We are so blessed by God that he doesn't even withhold his own thoughts from us. Listen for his thoughts. Your life will change, and so will others.

No Other Name

"For to us a child is born,  to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever." 
Isaiah 9:6&7

Isaiah the prophet told of the coming of Christ many years before it happened. This is one of the most powerful and poetic pictures of the plan of God written in his Word. There are amazing insights into God found here. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are all mentioned with descriptive beauty.
    Our heavenly Father is the Everlasting Father, the Mighty God. To us, he is the most wonderful Father we could ever have. He will never leave us. He does and will provide for us in every situation. His love for us knows no bounds. His mercies are new every morning. His presence in our lives is sweeter than any earthly thing. He is revealed in greater measure through the birth of Christ. He became more to his people than just the Mighty God, the one who instilled so much fear that his people dared not speak his name. He became our Father, revealed by his loving kindness to us in sending his only son.
    Jesus is our Prince of Peace. Where there was once turmoil and battles in our lives, there is now indescribable peace because of him. Where there are wars and rumors of wars, they must bow to the name of Jesus, for he is the Prince of Peace. The enemy of our souls who once exerted his power and authority, has been hurled down by the power of the cross. In the place of slavery to evil, came indescribable peace. The little baby in the manger became a man, fully God, who would take away the sins of the world, and provide perfect peace for all who would follow him.
    The Holy Spirit is our Wonderful Counselor. There is never a moment when he is not with us. Not an instant goes by that he is not watching over us and leading us in the way we should go. When we are weak, he is strong. When we are poor, he provides wealth. When we don't know what to do, he knows the way and guides us in the truth. Where there is need, he gathers us to provide. Wherever the Holy Spirit is, there is freedom. Sincehe has taken up his residence within us, we are people who are completely free. He convicts us of our sin and leads us toward holiness. He reveals the Father and the Son to us in ways we could never see otherwise. He is quite literally, "God with us."
    Why does the prophecy speak all of these names? Why are they all given to the coming Christ? Because Jesus was the embodiment of the whole Godhead. In him was the Father. He said, "If you have seen me, you have seen the Father." Within him dwelt the Holy Spirit. He was the first human to receive him, and he descended as a dove, the symbol of peace. There are no words to describe the gift God gave us. When Jesus came, everything changed; history, the future, the earth, the heavens, and all mankind. There is no other name that can compare to his. There is no other name under heaven by which men may be saved. All the names the prophet spoke were fulfilled in his coming. Praise him! Praise him! Praise him! He is the Christ of Christmas!

My Eyes Have Seen

"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."
Luke 2:29-32

These words were spoken by a man named Simeon. He is only mentioned once in the Bible. It was eight days after Jesus had been born. As is the Jewish tradition, Joseph and Mary named him and took him to the temple in Jerusalem to be circumcised. Simeon lived in the city and the Holy Spirit moved him to go to the temple. Unlike the Pharisees, Simeon was a devout, God fearing man. The Bible says that the Spirit of the Lord was upon him. He had waited his entire life to see the One who would bring salvation to Israel. In his last days, he did.
    Jesus literally is all things to all men. There is no one on earth that has not been affected by him. Do you know that virtually every religion that has historical writings speaks of Jesus? You see, even those who have rejected him, know in their hearts that he is the Christ. He came to save all mankind. It does not matter if we are Jews or gentile, he is our savior. We cherish him in our hearts as the One who has saved us, we should also cherish him because he is the One who has saved the entire world. Simeon praised God saying: You have prepared (him) in the sight of all people." Jesus is the source of everything good and holy in our world. He is truly the Light and Glory of all the earth.
    The most incredible part of the story of Jesus is this: You and I have seen him! He is not just a historical figure, we have experienced his presence. We know he lives because we have seen his glory. Like Simeon, our eyes have beheld the salvation of the world. He made himself known to us personally. This is cause for thanksgiving. What we may consider the most simple, the most foundational part of our Christian life, is the most important reason to give thanks. Our salvation is only the beginning of our walk with him, yet is by far the most profound. David said, "Restore to me the joy of your salvation." (Psalm 51:12). This is a word you should hear right now. There is no other joy that can compare to the joy of our salvation experience. How important it is for us to return to that place often.
    If you have not given conscious thought lately, to the day you received Christ in your life, this is the time to reflect. This is the time to return to that joy, that childlike wonder we had when we first knew him. I believe this is the reason for Christmas. It focuses on a baby, a child that saved the world. We became as children when we received him and this time of year reminds us to never lose the joy we have. We have seen Jesus! He is the light and the glory of our lives...and the whole world.

Treasures

"But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart."
Luke 2:19

There were many things that had happened in Mary's life in a short period of time. Betrothed to Joseph, she was found to be pregnant. Pressure had been exerted on Joseph to divorce her quietly. But there had already been angelic visitations. Mary had been told that the Holy Spirit would come on her and she would become pregnant. An angel confirmed that message to Joseph. Mary had visited Elizabeth who was pregnant with John the Baptist. There were extraordinary things that had happened. They had made their way to Bethlehem, Jesus had been born and the shepherds had already come to worship him. These were exciting days. There was a buzz around the small town. A world changing event had taken place.
    With all the excitement around her, Mary chose to treasure all these things in her heart. Each of us have experienced incredible things that God has done for us. He has saved us, granted us eternal life, and filled us with his Holy Spirit. We have been blessed in our earthly lives as well. We have houses, food to eat, clothes to wear. We have families who love us and help care for our needs. Wonderful things have been done by God. We need to treasure these things. It is more than simply remembering. It is remembering with thankfulness. None of us would treat a treasure as a common household item. We would care for it, put it in a glass case, dust it often, and admire its beauty. This is exactly how we should treat the treasures that God has given us. They may not be things that we can touch and hold, but they are treasures with eternal blessings attached. Mary understood this and the treasures she had experienced were tucked safely in her heart.
    Mary pondered the things that had taken place. To me, this means that she looked at the treasures from all sides. She took them off the spiritual shelf in her heart and marveled at their beauty. She thought often of the angelic visit. She remembered the face of the angel, the majestic voice with which he spoke. She remembered with fondness the visit to Elizabeth's house when John the Baptist leaped within his mother's womb because of the presence of the unborn King of kings. She thoughtfully watched as the shepherds paid homage to the Christ child. These things were wonders to her. She stored them and fondly pondered the blessings...over and over again.
    As we near Christmas, we do not have to look far to see the many blessings we have received from our God. Let's do as Mary did. Let's take them as treasures and care for them because they are priceless. Let's make a point to take out the treasures of our hearts and ponder them. They are like a multifaceted diamond. Every angle we choose to look at has a different meaning, all part of the beauty of the treasures of God. Treasure up the things of God and ponder them regularly.

The Solid Rock

"Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be."
Great is Thy Faithfulness 
Lyrics: Thomas Chisholm  1923

One of the most beloved hymns of the church is an anthem to the faithfulness of God. We talk about God's faithfulness all the time. We quote scriptures that echo his faithfulness through many generations spanning thousands of years. There is something incredibly profound about God's faithfulness. It is found nowhere else. There is no one who can match it. He is our Rock, he is always faithful.
    Many years ago, I heard the Lord speak to me about starfish. It came when I was a young man. I had gone to the ocean and while there, I found a starfish in a tide pool. Not knowing that it was illegal to take them, I pried the creature off of its perch and put it in the trunk of my car. When I got home, I lifted up the trunk to look for my catch. I searched the trunk, but could not find it. Suddenly I looked up and there, stuck to the trunk lid, was the starfish. It was startling, but revealing. It had never occurred to me that a starfish could move. They seemed like creatures that were always stuck in exactly the same place. Yet this one had moved across the trunk and attached itself to the lid.
    From this experience, the Lord spoke to me about his faithfulness. You see, God's faithfulness is a rock in our lives. He never changes, he never moves. God is always a solid Rock. We can always count on his faithfulness. Starfish attach themselves to rocks. No matter how violent the ocean becomes, they are safe because they are attached to that rock. Even though the starfish is capable of moving and separating himself from its solid rock, it doesn't. There is a life lesson for us here. God's faithfulness is the rock that we must attach ourselves to. When the waves of life become violent, we will find safety in the faithfulness of God. If we move away from our Rock, we run the risk of being overtaken by the storms we face. Only within the safety of the Rock are we kept from danger.
    God's faithfulness is great. He will never change his position. He does not change his mind about us. He never stops loving us. Nothing we can do will ever change him. Time itself cannot change our Rock of faithfulness. We must make a decision to stay connected to that Rock. We live within a covenant relationship with God. He remains true in the covenant. Do we? Even if we are unfaithful to him, he remains faithful to us. He will love, extend grace, show mercy, and shower forgiveness on us. There is only one thing that is absolutely sure in our lives; God's faithfulness. He is our Rock. We must cleave to him. Let's learn a lesson from the Starfish.

Come and Worship

"After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.'" 
Matthew 2:1&2

I love the Christmas season, and I love the story of the birth of Jesus. I have my own pictures of the story that play in my mind. One of my favorite parts is the visit of the Magi. The star they followed has become one of the emblems of the season. Some place a lighted star on top of the Christmas tree, others adorn their houses with the star. It is a wonderful reminder of the story of Jesus' birth.
    The star, of course, is a symbol of the guiding light of God. It reminds us of the Psalm that tells us that God's Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our paths. I realize that sometimes it is difficult to see the guiding light of God. It seems many times that we are stumbling along in our lifelong walk with him. But just as the Magi had faith to believe that the star was leading them, we must have faith to know that God is leading us all the time, even when we don't see it clearly. Undoubtedly the Magi had to travel some unknown territory along their journey. I'm sure that some of the terrain was rugged and mountainous. They had to travel a great distance to see the Christ child. But they never lost sight of the star, their hearts were fixed on the goal. They were going to see Jesus. Let's never lose sight of Jesus. Let's follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit as he leads us to Christ.
    There is an important lesson for us as we consider the visit of the Magi. They said, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." These three men were not Jews. They had not been taught the traditions and stories of the Israelite nation. Undoubtedly they knew about the prophecies of the coming of the Christ, for they were learned men. But what impresses me about these wise men is this: They came to worship Jesus. At this point Jesus was a child of two years or younger. He had not preached a word, told one parable, healed one sick person, cast out one demon, or performed one miracle. He had done nothing for the Magi, yet they came to worship him. They came, simply because he was God.
    We are all called to be worshipers of God just as the Magi were. It is good to thank God for the things he has done. It is good to worship him for his miracles and saving grace. But we need to learn to worship God simply because he is God, not always for the things he has done. God is jealous for one thing, worship. He wants us to praise him, worship him, and love him purely because he is our God. For us, there is an amazing freedom that accompanies worship. It frees us from the need to always ask for something. Sometimes our time with him should just be for the purpose of adoration. The Bible reminds us that God is worthy of our praise. Even if he never did one thing for us, he would still be worthy. It is vitally important that we are not only followers of Christ, but worshipers of God.
    This Christmas season, choose to worship God in the spirit of the Magi. Recognize God's incredible leading in your life and thank him for it. But don't forget to worship him simply because he is God and he is worthy!

Bringing Refreshing

"Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints."
Philemon 7

There are several verses in the New Testament that speak of 'refreshing.' In every case, it refers to the gathering of people. Someone was always refreshing others by visiting them. I think that now, 2000 years later, this applies to us as well. There is no substitute to being with people with like faith and like minds. There is encouragement that comes just because we are together.
    There are two dynamics that I see in this scripture. First, It is important that we continue to meet together. The book of Hebrews tells us to not forsake meeting together. In our language, the writer was speaking about church. Nothing can replace the larger gatherings of the saints. It is vitally important. All of us should be plugged into a church. If you are not, you are missing a great blessing. All ministry that is sustained and valuable flows from the local church. It was this way in the early church and it is still functioning today. There is a strength that envelopes us when we know that we have a connection with a group of believers. Perhaps this is why the apostle Paul calls the church, the body of Christ. We are knit together in a way that transcends the physical. It is a connection that we cannot understand or explain with worldly knowledge. It is spiritually discerned, and all of us should experience it.
    Secondly, the responsibility of refreshing lies squarely on us. Paul praised Philemon for refreshing the saints. This means that his presence, his demeanor, his Godly character, and his actions were a blessing to all those he touched. This was not only in large gatherings, but in face to face encounters with other believers. Whether he knew the person or not, he brought refreshing that was birthed in the Spirit within him. What a wonderful thought it is that we can be like Philemon. We can actually refresh other Christians just by seeing and visiting them.
    Instead of being the person with the 'sour grapes' attitude, what if we went out with the attitude of refreshing? If we determined that we would encourage and refresh others through our encounters, what blessing that would bring? Sometimes we don't even have to speak to bring the refreshing. A hug, a handshake, a touch on the shoulder can often mean more than all the words we can speak. Let's thoughtfully consider being like Philemon. Let's make a point to refresh the saints. You may never know the eternal blessing you bring to a person, but they will and God will remember. Sometimes the smallest of gestures are much greater than any powerful ministry in the eyes of God. Carry the refreshing Spirit of the Lord!

Time to Confess

"I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father's house, have committed against you. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the wickedness of their fathers."
Nehemiah 1:6b & 9:2b

I have written about our need to deal with generational sin before. But I am compelled to talk about it again today. Nehemiah was called to rebuild the city of Jerusalem. The people had all been exiled and the city was in ruins. He asked the king, whom he was the cupbearer for, if he would be allowed to go accomplish the task of rebuilding the city. Not only did the king agree, but he gave him resources to accomplish the work. Before Nehemiah started the project, before he even left for Jerusalem, he prayed and confessed his own sin, the sins of his fathers and the sins of the nation of Israel. He knew that this was absolutely necessary before he could accomplish the mission with the blessing of God.
    I have not made a practice of confessing the sins of our nation, but I am beginning to feel the responsibility to do so. I am blessed to live in America, but along with that comes an involvement with the sins we have committed. I believe it is time we confess the sins of the nations we live within. Our fathers have participated in these sins as well. I know that you and I do not know the specific sins our nations have committed, but we still can bring those sins before God. Nehemiah did this, even though he could not name all the sins. So there is a great need for us to confess the sins of our nation, our fathers, and ourselves.
    Nehemiah was a leader. He organized the rebuilding effort so completely that the peoples who lived in the land were amazed. The opposition did not believe it could be done with such efficiency, yet it was. But Nehemiah's leadership started well before any building began. He confessed sins before the project started. This was critical because it set an example for the people to follow. I believe Nehemiah taught the people this principle. Then all the people confessed the sins of the nation, their fathers and themselves. This happened after the walls had been rebuilt. They had leadership, they understood the principle, and they acted accordingly.
    We must learn the principle of confessing before God. We should confess the sins of our nation, the sins of our families before us, and especially our own sins. I am a grandfather, and I am determined to not allow my sins to influence the lives of my children or my grandchildren. I see some of me in my adult kids. Some things are good, others are remnants of my own character flaws or sins. I am overwhelmed with my responsibility to model righteousness and holiness before my family, yet sometimes I fail. This points to my great need to continually lay my sin before God. Only he can truly change me. Only he can forgive me completely. Only he can stop generational sin from reaching into my children, grandchildren, and generations ahead.
    Let us commit ourselves to confess sin before God. He is a God of grace and mercy. He will hear and forgive. Join me in a new commitment to be honest enough with God to confess sin. There is no shame in this, only the promise of blessing to future generations. This truly is the time to confess.

Family Affair

"When the Lord began to speak through Hosea, the Lord said to him, 'Go, take to yourself an adulterous wife and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is guilty of the vilest adultery in departing from the Lord.' So he married Gomer, daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son."
Hosea 1:2&3

I know this doesn't look like the most uplifting scripture, but there is a point to be made here. Hosea was a prophet of God. The Lord spoke his words to the nation of Israel through him. In those days, this was the only way God's voice was heard. There were no written words. They did not have a Bible. So God used prophets to present his words to the nations. In Hosea's case, he spoke to God's people, the Israelites.
    It was costly to be a prophet of God in those days. God told Hosea to intentionally marry a harlot. He was then to have children with her. God told him what to name each child. They were not uplifting names either. He called his three children: 'I Will Punish,' 'Not Loved,' and 'Not My People.' These are literally the translations of the names God told Hosea to give his children. You see, God used Hosea and his family to literally exemplify the nation of Israel. They had been an adulterous people, they had chased after other gods and they had done it for generations. But now, God was speaking. He made known his plan through the words of the prophet, but he also provided a visual picture to the Israelites. Hosea and his family were live examples of the nation.
    My point is this: When God calls people, it requires a full commitment that will involve the entire family. God is intentional when he places families together. Your husband or wife did not come to you by mistake or happenstance. They were given by God to partner with you in the life mission that he has ordained. Your children are to learn from you and your experiences. They will carry the mantle of your life into the next generations.
    Families are important to God. He created the institution. Whatever God is doing in your life, he is also doing in the life of your family. You are in the Christian experience together. Each family member must have their own relationship with God, but there will be a commonality in the passion and vision God has given you. Thank God that we don't have to live as Hosea did. But each of us have been called by God. He has something for all to do. Take your family along for the adventure. Your calling will live far longer than you do. The legacy you place within your children will carry to generation after generation. The call of God truly is a family affair.

Ready for Battle

"Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?"
1 Corinthians 14:8

In the context of the above scripture, the apostle Paul is talking about spiritual gifts in the church. This verse appears in the middle of a teaching about the use of the gift of tongues. Paul is making the point that it is much more valuable to speak intelligible words in a group than many words in an unknown language. In this way the hearers are edified. But I would like to use this scripture as a challenge. The truth of this one statement can certainly be applied in other areas of our lives. We should learn to be people who sound clear trumpet calls.
    Three years ago, I lost my job and career. It happened on a Tuesday morning. I went to work, and an hour later left with no job and no idea what I would do next. I happened to be teaching a class at church. It was scheduled for Wednesday evening, just one day after my job loss. I was hurting and in no mood to teach. But I heard the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit challenge me with this same scripture. I knew what he meant. I needed to go to that class, tell the people exactly what had happened, and ask them to pray for me with all the faith they had. That night, some of the sweetest, most comforting words from God were spoken over me. Those words remain ingrained in my memory. They have been a source of strength and guidance through these last few troublesome years. All this happened because I chose to sound a clear call.
    Why, when we are hurting, do we sometimes choose to remain solitary? Why do we keep our pain to ourselves? Do we think this is noble or strong? It is in these times that it is important to gather trusted brothers and sisters around us to help us get through. We are part of a family. It is the family of God. We are part of a great army. It is the army of the Almighty One. When a fellow soldier gets knocked down, another soldier (or soldiers) picks him up. This is the picture we should see as we meditate on this scripture. If a soldier is wounded, he will cry out for help. Those around him are alerted and come to his aid. On the battlefield, wounded soldiers will often cry, "Medic!" Others know that he is hurt and needs assistance. In the same way, we should alert others when we have been wounded. Only then will they know the situation and come to our aid. Sometimes our own prayers are weak. When we are struggling, we may not be able to pray with much faith. But others can. But how will they know if we do not tell them?
    I am thankful that I do not walk the narrow road alone. I have my precious wife, my tremendous family, and many loyal, faithful friends to pick me up when I fall. They do this as I am faithful to be transparent enough to tell them that I'm struggling. When I share with them, they rally to my side. Effective, fervent prayers go up on my behalf, and God hears and answers.
    When you have fallen, sound a clear call. Swallow your pride and ask your fellow soldiers to come to your aid. "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." (James 5:16). This is why you sound the call. When you have no strength of your own, others will lend their strength in powerful, effective prayers. Think about it. If you are in trouble, call out to God and sound a clear trumpet call to gather your fellow soldiers. This is the expression of our unity in the faith. Others will ready themselves to take up the battle for you. We wait for you to blow the trumpet. We are eager to help. We have faith when you do not. Call us and we will run to give you aid. .
  

Forgiveness

"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ forgave you."
Ephesians 4:32

Forgiveness is one of the most selfless acts a person can do. Jesus gave himself as a sacrifice, forgiving all our sins. We forget that we actually hurt Jesus because of our sin. I believe there came a moment on the cross when Jesus literally bore all sin. I think it was at that moment when Jesus said, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). All the sins of the world caused our Father to look away for a moment, even from his precious Son. He cannot look on sin, even if it meant forsaking his own for a time. But this was all God's plan. Jesus knew it, even though it was painful. But the reward was great. All sin was forgiven. The Bible says that "Love covers over a multitude of sin." The Father's love for his Son and us could not be interrupted. Jesus was resurrected and now sits at the right hand of the Father. What incredible forgiveness is ours!
    There are times when we can do no more than ask God to forgive us. There is no excuse for our sin and we cannot appeal based on our own righteousness. Sometimes our sin gets in the way of a pure relationship with God. We must throw ourselves on his mercy. There are a few one or two word prayers that are incredibly powerful. One of those is: "Forgive me!" When a heart cries out from a great need, God hears.
    We can be sure that God will forgive us. In fact, it has already been accomplished at the cross. This doesn't mean that we don't have to ask, we do. Although Jesus already died for our sin, if it goes unconfessed and unresolved, there will be a separation from God. We must apply his forgiveness to our sin. This is the reason for our prayers. There should never be a question in our minds as to whether he will forgive us. There is no sin that he will not cover, no sin big enough that his love is not bigger. Do not labor under the lie that you cannot be forgiven or that you are too deep in sin. God knows you and he will forgive. Ask him.
    We ought to forgive each other as well. In our own flesh, this is difficult. We harbor ill will, anger, and hurt toward those who have offended us. But the forgiveness of Christ has empowered us to forgive others. We must, not only because it is the right thing to do, but because of our love for God. He set the example. If he would forgive us for our lifetime of sin, how could we not forgive others who have offended or hurt us? We've talked about God's grace, now let's talk about ours. We must extend the same love and grace to others that we have received from God. Our love for them will also cover over the sin. We must lay the flesh aside. We must get beyond the hurt and anger. We must forgive as Christ forgave us. True forgiveness is powerful. It has brought you and me eternal life. It will breathe life into broken relationships. It will change lives.

The Alabaster Jar

"A woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. 'I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.'"
Matthew 26:6&13


The woman gave Jesus what she had. It happened to be perfume. It is interesting that she didn't just give him the jar of perfume, she poured it on him. This would seem like a waste. In fact, the disciples rebuked the woman, saying that the perfume could have been sold for a great deal of money. Yet Jesus blessed her. He said that the story would be told around the world, not because of the perfume, or the jar, or the pouring out of the contents, but in memory of her.
    Undoubtedly, the perfume and the alabaster jar were important to the woman. It may have been the only thing of value she had to bring to Jesus. Jesus blessed her and made sure that she would always be remembered. When we understand that God looks on the hearts of people, not external appearances of actions, we begin to see why this story is so important. The woman loved Jesus. What she did came from a heart that was set on Jesus her Savior. This is what made her actions so important and memorable.
    It is time for a heart check. I have to ask myself, Do I give my best to God? Am I willing to offer what I consider the most valuable things I have to him? This is something that has been on my mind a lot lately. As I grow in my relationship with him, and advance in years, I realize that this is most important. Everything I am and have came to me through him. None of the things I have, even my life itself, are my own. The woman brought an offering to Jesus. It happened to be a very expensive one. Yet this offering was no greater to him than than the two small coins the widow gave. It is not the size of the offering, it is the size of the heart that gives it. This is not just about money or things. It is about me. I must walk through the house that is my life and find areas that have not been presented to Jesus. Then I must give my offering to him.
    I encourage you to present your offering to God. No matter how small, it is valuable to him. All that he really desires is a relationship with us. This intimacy is much deeper than we have ever experienced. It requires a level of willingness on our parts that we may never have approached. Maybe the offering is money. Maybe it is property or belongings. But my guess is; the offering most of us need to bring has something to do with our lives. We call ourselves disciples of Jesus, yet there are parts of us that we have yet to offer. Now is the time to reflect and take action. What is your alabaster jar?

Sufficient Grace

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!
Grace Greater than All Our Sin
Julia H. Johnston,   Published 1911
Public Domain

One thing that we need to continually be reminded of is God's grace. We literally owe our lives to him. It is through his grace that we have been given eternal life. The separation that we once experienced has been bridged by the grace of God manifested through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. This is the foundation of our Christian faith. God's love and grace work hand in hand to fulfill his ultimate plan of redemption. Grace touches every area of our lives. I feel the need to remind myself and others of this indescribable gift.
    God's grace is more than just the forgiveness of sin. Of course, this is vitally important. Without grace, we would not have right-standing with God. His grace paves the way for us to live in his presence and experience the blessings he has for us. But today, I am reminding myself that God's grace is available to help me through the difficulties I encounter. In many ways, my life has been difficult over the past few years, and it has been God's grace that has carried me through . In times when I could not cope, his grace was there. In times when my heart was so downcast that I could not pray, his grace was with me. When I felt that I could not go on, his grace lit the way. God's grace is not only for the life after this one, it is for now.
    If I could speak for God today, I would say this: "My grace is sufficient for you. I understand the pain you are suffering and the doubts you have. But through every circumstance you have encountered, my grace has covered you. There will be a day when you will not suffer anymore. In my kingdom, there is no suffering, there is no pain, there is no more sin, and all the opposition has been eliminated. For now, I only ask you to do one thing; trust me. My grace will endure. And let me remind you again, it is sufficient for you in every situation. It is because I love you so much that I extend my grace to help you. Remember, I do not wish that anyone should be lost. My grace has lifted you from the trap that once ensnared you. Now, in your time of suffering, know that my grace is sufficient. In your times of plenty, remember it is my grace that has provided. And for those you love and pray for, my grace covers them as well."
    This is God's heart for us today. His grace is more than enough.

Two Faces of Integrity

"Then the LORD said to Satan, 'Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason.'"
Job 2:3

Few have endured the hardships that Job did. God literally allowed Satan to take away everything from him: His wealth, his family, his health, his honor among men, and his status in the community. Job was among an elite group of Bible characters who were said to have impeccable integrity. God saw it in him and he allowed Satan to test him to the fullest extent. There is much for us to learn about integrity and the value God places on it. .
    When I read the Word about people who were full of integrity, there are always other traits that go along with it. Integrity cannot and will not stand on its own. It must be founded in something deeper. Job was a man who feared God first. His integrity was coupled with his respect and love for his Father. At that time, God said that there was no one else on earth like Job. this was not because he was a man of integrity. There were surely others who possessed it. But he was the only one who was upright and blameless in the sight of God. God knew him. He trusted him because he knew the heart within him.
    The worldly version of integrity means nothing to God. There are many business people, world leaders, and other people of note, who are esteemed because of their integrity. But integrity, by itself is self-righteousness. If not accompanied by a growing relationship with God, there is no eternal value. No one has ever been given eternal life based on the good things he did, or the honesty he possessed. True integrity is manifested through a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. It is his grace that saves us, not our own integrity or righteousness.
    Christians are to be people who are full of integrity. Others should see this kind of character in our lives. When it is genuine and sincere, founded on our love for God, others will see and desire to know the God who is behind it. Integrity is far more than just being honest. It is living a life that pleases God. Integrity flows out of our desire to be like Jesus. The Pharisees of Jesus' time had integrity. Many of the leaders claimed to be blameless. But it was a self-righteous attitude from an empty heart. Let us never be like them. Let our integrity come from a heart that honors God and desires above all else, to be like Jesus. This is true integrity. This is the fear of the Lord.

Follow the Leader

"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."
1 Corinthians 11:1

Paul was a mentor. There were many New Testament figures who were discipled by him. Timothy, Apollos, Aquila and Priscilla, and others. Many young people were raised up into ministry through the leadership of Paul. He not only taught them, but he helped them through difficult times and counseled them in the ways of God. Paul truly followed the mandate of Christ to go into all the world and make disciples.
    All of us need to be mentored. No matter where we are in our Christian walk, there is always someone who has gone before us and learned the lessons we have yet to learn. There are elders in the faith who can instruct us with wisdom that is only obtained through the seasoning of years. These people may not be elderly, but most certainly are more mature in the faith than we are. It is important that we not only honor them, but that we follow the example they have set for us.
    Mentors are not just pastors. When I was seven years old, I attended vacation Bible school for two weeks after school dismissed. One of my teachers was Mrs. Rice. To me, she seemed like a grandma. But I still remember the lessons she taught. Years later, Mrs. Rice attended the wedding celebration as I was married to my wonderful wife, Cathy. When the reception line was formed, Mrs. Rice was one of the first to greet us. She hugged me and whispered in my ear, "I have been praying for you since you were in my Bible school class." She has since gone to be with the Lord, but I have never forgotten her or the day she hugged me. I still cry when I think of her.Often, mentors are not highly regarded leaders. They are simple, humble, and established followers of Christ, like Mrs. Rice.
   Find someone to follow. Look for those who can demonstrate Christ to you. Seek out those who have traveled the narrow road. Pay attention to those who are your spiritual heroes. If you have influence in another person's life, take it seriously. If you teach young children in a Sunday School class or care for toddlers in the nursery, understand that the kingdom belongs to such as these. You may be the example they will remember, their picture of Jesus in the flesh. There is no greater joy than to be one who exemplifies Christ. There are few greater relationships than the ones formed with precious, mentoring saints. Find them and learn from them as they learn from Christ.

Prayer of the Servant

"Now, our God, hear the prayers and petition of your servant. For your sake, O Lord, look with favor on your desolate sanctuary. 
Daniel 9:17

If there is one thing that has been pressing me lately, it is my need to pray. Daniel understood the power of prayer. In this passage, he is crying out to God to restore Jerusalem. Even though he had been exiled and lived the majority of his life in Babylon, he knew that his people longed to return to their homeland. It meant more to them than any wealth or good fortune they may have been given in the foreign land. Jerusalem was their roots, their gift from God. And one servant, Daniel, cried out to God for restoration.
    There are many ways to pray. Sometimes we are praying in the power of the Holy Spirit, other times we are simply crying out for help. Sometimes the needs in our own lives are so seemingly huge that we cannot muster up the faith or courage to pray as we ought. It is not so much the kinds of prayers we pray that impresses God, it is simply the heart from which we pray. He understands the struggles we contend with and he knows our hearts. There is no hiding from God. It is not so important how we pray, it is important that we do pray.
    When times are good, we ought to be thankful and pray all the more. It is in those times when we have great faith, hope and confidence in our God who has provided richly for us. When hard times befall us, we should pray simply to cry for help. It is not an imposition to God. He wants to help us. He wants to give us the desires of our hearts and he wants to see us through the difficult times. Whether it is in plenty or in want, our need to pray is constant. I have found that when I pray outside of my own circumstance, there is a blessing that follows. Prayer is selfless. I know God answers our prayers and cares for our needs whether we ask correctly or not. He is not concerned about the words, he is concerned about our hearts. He wants us to pray because he wants to have the connection. He doesn't want to be our God from afar, he wants to be right here with us. It is not his position that changes, it is ours. We make the choice to be draw close or stay at a distance,.
    There is so much to pray about, so many to pray for. The needs are great. There are those who are sick, those who are in great financial need, those who are grieving, those who are hurting. There are many going through such horrendous circumstances that we cannot imagine the pain they are suffering. There are people around the world in need of Jesus. The servant's prayer is not always for himself. He humbles himself before God and asks him for things that he knows can be provided. He prays for his friends, his brothers and sisters, his nation, and his world. Could we take up the cause? Could we pray simply because we want to be with our Father? Could we pray the prayers of a servant of God? It is not only our responsibility, it is our pleasure. A servant is humble and in great need of his Master's care. We are sons and daughters, yes. But sometimes we need to take the mantle of the servant....and pray.

Which Son?

"What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.' 'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go. Which of the two did what his father wanted?"
Matthew 21:28-31

Jesus was a master storyteller. He used parables when he spoke to the people. This was not only to capture their attention, but to get them to consider what was being said. In this case, he was speaking to the Pharisees. These were the religious leaders of the day. They had attempted on many occasions to trap Jesus in the words he spoke, but they could not do it. So Jesus told them the parable of the two sons. The question he asked the Pharisees is still a valid one for us. "Which of the two did what his father wanted." And the obvious next question is: Which son are you?
    Jesus went on to rebuke the Pharisees. They answered the question Jesus asked by saying that the first son, the one who changed his mind and went to the vineyard, was the one who did what his father wanted. To this response, Jesus said that the tax collectors and prostitutes, some of the most despised people, would enter the kingdom of heaven before the Pharisees would. You see, they were the second son, the one who said he would go, but did not. The major difference between the two types of sons is this: One type is the sinners, the other is the religious.
    God can deal with sinners. All of us were once named among those. Of course, God rescued us from that life and literally gave us sainthood. We passed from death to life. There has never been a sinner who was beyond the redemptive work of Christ. He died once, for all. But the religious are another story. They are so convinced of their own righteousness, that they dismiss their need for a Savior. Like the Pharisees, they may not enter the kingdom of heaven. How much religious spirit still lives in us? How much of our lives is built on self righteousness, religious piety, and lifeless ceremonies? It is those areas that we must lay before God and receive the same salvation he gave us at the beginning of our Christian walks.
    Salvation is an ongoing experience. Until the day you die, you are being saved. So I ask you: Which son are you? Are you willing to enter the will of the Father for your life, or have you told him you would, and then walked away? I can tell you this with firm conviction: The religious will be the last to enter the kingdom of heaven, if they do at all. Religion is a poor substitute for relationship with God. If there is any of it left in your life, give it to God and allow him to take it. Repent and walk in the freedom of being a saint, set free from sin. With all my heart, I want to be the first son. Even though I was late in coming, I am going to do my Father's will. What do you say?

Changing Seasons

"Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'I am Pharaoh, but without your word no one will lift a hand or foot in Egypt.' Pharaoh gave Joseph the name Zaphenath-Paneah and gave him Asenath daughter of Potipera, priest of On, to be his wife. And Joseph went throughout the land of Egypt."
Genesis 41:44&45

The story of Joseph is one of the most often repeated chronicles of the Old Testament. The scripture I quoted above tells us about when Joseph was elevated to the highest position in Egypt, other than the Pharaoh himself. We all know that Joseph prospered and governed the land of Egypt well. He was responsible for collecting and providing grain to all the people in the land. In this way, they endured a seven-year drought. These were good times in Joseph's life. He had a wife, family, wealth, and high position. Even his own father, mother and brothers were restored to him.
    For all the great things that Joseph did, we sometimes forget that there were difficult seasons in his life. His brothers betrayed him and threw him in a well to die. A caravan from Egypt found him and sold him into slavery in Egypt. He was falsely accused by Potipher, the owner of the house that he worked in. He was thrown in a dungeon and spent many years there. It was not an easy rise to fame for Joseph. Along with the time of blessing came times of suffering.
    I believe we need to understand that there will be happy times, years of abundance, and seasons of good health for us. This is God's plan for our lives. But we must know that there will be difficult times as well. The greatest men in the Bible suffered hardships. Some were so sick that they almost died, others were persecuted by their own families. Some saw their wives and families killed. Job suffered physically, financially, and relationally. The good times are bound to come; in fact, they are promised to us. But I find no Biblical ground to suggest that we will not have times of suffering. God uses these times to build us. He prepares us for the greatness that he has in store. He helps us change our characters through difficulties. He uses times of pain and suffering to discipline us. His motive is not to harm us or watch us burn like an ant under a magnifying glass. He does it because he loves us. He has a plan and his will is paramount.
    Let me encourage you today. If you are in a season of suffering, it will come to an end. A new season of blessing and abundance is just around the corner for you. Some call these the seasons of life, but I think they are the seasons God allows. You can trust him, no matter what season you are in. Your hope should always be in him. You must know that the season will pass and a time of abundance and harvest will come. If you look to the four seasons we see in nature, you know that there are times for things to die and struggle. But there are times of new life that is so beautiful it is without equal. The same is true with you. If it is a time of abundance, give thanks to God with all your heart. If it is a time of trial, give thanks as well, for you know that you are being built to be a holy temple of God. Do not lose faith. These are just changing seasons.

Son of David!

"As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, 'Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!' The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, 'Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!' Jesus stopped and called them. 'What do you want me to do for you?' he asked. 'Lord,' they answered, 'we want our sight.' Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him."
Matthew 20:29-34

Jesus always had compassion for those in need. This story is no exception. When everyone else was telling the two blind men to be quiet, Jesus was paying attention. They did not go unnoticed. Jesus had said earlier that even one sparrow that falls to the ground is noticed by God. Now, he was showing everyone in the crowd the compassion God had for two blind men who certainly were the least in the eyes of all the people.
    There are so many things for us to learn from this story. Perhaps the most important is the persistence of the two blind men. When all those around them were saying, "shut up," they were set on getting the attention of the one who could heal them. Often, those around us will say, "Just accept what you have." But if God has put in your heart a desire and a passion to call out to him, do it! And when the world tells you to be quiet, shout all the louder! Our God is a God of compassion. He is a healing, forgiving, delivering, and redemptive God. We should accept nothing that stands against who he is. We can always know that God is paying attention to us. In the midst of doubters, we need to believe in the one who can save us.
    I have a picture in my mind about the exchange that took place between Jesus and the two blind men. I can see Jesus turning to look at them. He spoke with compassion in his voice, "What do you want me to do for you?" And with what little strength the two men had left, they cried, "Lord, we want our sight." Isn't it a little strange that Jesus would ask them what they wanted of him? It was obvious that they were blind. They were placed in the ditch on the side of the road so they would not be in the way. They were undoubtedly, beggars. This would have been the only way for them to survive. I think Jesus asked the question because it was important for the men to say it out loud. When they did, it removed all doubt. It was what they wanted more than anything else. When God asks us what we want from him, we must be as honest as the blind men. It may be obvious, or it may be something that we have never had the courage to ask. But God wants us to speak it out, confess it, and believe that he will do it for us.
    When the men declared what they wanted, it was done for them...immediately. God wants to respond to us. He wants us to cry out with the same tenacity as the blind men. He wants us to shout, in spite of what the crowd says. He wants us to believe for our healing. Like the blind men, all of us have handicaps that keep us from entering into the life that we desire with God. When we declare it, there is a power and authority that quiets the crowd. Don't be afraid. Don't give into the wishes of the crowd that wants to thwart your declaration. Cry out, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" You can be assured that he will hear you, that you have his full attention, and that his compassion is more than enough to meet your needs. Take a lesson from the two blind men, and receive your healing!

The Temple Foundation

"All the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy."
Ezra 3:11b&12
The scripture above is taken from the book of Ezra. After the city of Jerusalem and the temple that Solomon built, had been destroyed, Ezra returned along with many others to rebuild it. Of course, the former temple was an amazing piece of architecture. It was elaborate and ornate. But the people had been carried off into exile for seventy years. The Persian king, Cyrus issued a decree allowing the Jews to return to their homeland. There they found the ruins of the city and the temple they cherished. So the rebuilding began. This passage of scripture details a moment when the foundation of the new temple had just been laid.
    I'm sure there were great expectations about the new temple. Most of the people had never seen the old one, so their ideas and expectations would have certainly differed from the elders who had seen the previous structure. So there was a mixed response to the new thing that was being done. While this is a story about a man-made building from long ago, there are certainly parallels to our lives today.
    I have seen the church of today change dramatically in my lifetime. Some of it for good, some of it for less than good, in my perspective. But the reality is this; the church is changing. It is not like it used to be, nor will it ever be again. There have been revivals in the church for generations. They came and went. They were wonderful times of growth and change in the church. Now, we live in the new days of the church. God is watching as the church, his bride, prepares herself for his return. Some approve of this new church, others disapprove, longing for the old ways. Some fundamental churches have moved from longstanding ceremonies and rituals, into more contemporary kinds of worship. Some Pentecostal and Charismatic churches have moved away from highly expressive worship to more conservative ways, while others have further embraced emotional, expressive acts of worship. No matter how old you are, or what you have seen in the past, these are new days in the life of the church. We are changing. Whether you shout for joy as some of the Israelites did, or weep for the old days as some did, the reality remains the same: These are new days.
    What really matters is this: We must all keep Jesus as the main thing in our lives. If churches do this, we cannot allow disagreement to come between us. No matter the style of worship, the emotion, or the sound level, if Christ is being preached in truth, all is well. The apostle Paul knew that there were those who preached Jesus who were not part of the Jerusalem church and had not been sent from the elders there. His conclusion was simple: If Christ was being preached, he rejoiced in that. So should we. Like-minded people hang out with each other. That's okay. We should not call them evil or cults or wrongdoers. If Jesus is the center of their church, our blessings should be sent as well. We may like the way things were, or we may long for new things, but either way, a shout of praise should be lifted up. We are all builders of the new temple of God, his church, his bride. Let's prepare for the wedding feast.

Expansion

"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?"
Psalm 8:3&4

While on my four day Thanksgiving weekend, I happened to watch a few science documentaries about the universe. After years of misunderstanding and not having the scientific instruments to measure, scientists now all agree about one thing: The universe is expanding. Since we cannot fathom the concept of infinity, it is difficult for us to grasp what this really means. To us, after all, the universe is already infinite. How can infinity expand? But the reality is there. All that we see is expanding, and this is the work of our God.
    Not only is the universe expanding, so is everything within God's kingdom. Have you considered the possibility that even God's word is expanding? The words that are written in the Bible are set. For many years, none have been added or taken away. But the things that are written there have been placed in hearts like yours and mine. When we receive those words, the Holy Spirit takes them and gives them life within us. As each person undergoes this process, the words of God expand. They are given wonderful and diverse definition as each of us applies them to our own lives and spheres of influence. His Word is alive and growing.
    When we consider the universe, it is impossible for us to imagine the complexities that exist there. We are overwhelmed with the unknown majesty of the heavens. Yet this is only one of the creations of God that is expanding. His kingdom that includes you and me is also expanding. More and more people are coming to know Jesus and thus his his kingdom advances. Matthew 11:12 says this: "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it." God's kingdom is advancing and the forceful will take hold. It is a violent process and we must develop the strength to battle for the kingdom and receive it with all the power that lies within it.
    In the midst of all this expansion, God's focus remains on us. God is mindful of us. He never loses that focus. All of creation was built for us. The stars twinkle, the plants live, die, and come to life again, the oceans hold vast and diverse life, all for our pleasure. Everything God has made was created with us in mind. For the first time, people are understanding that the universe is growing. We must now understand that God's kingdom is also growing, and at the heart of that kingdom is the King, Jesus himself. Will we embrace it or reject it? Will we take it by force or or sit back and take it for granted? Consider how his kingdom is expanding. Realize that you have an integral part in the process. And then, go after it with all your strength. Experience the expansion.

Our Delight

"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart."
Psalm 37:4

Sometimes the simplest of statements bear the strongest message. This is one of those statements. It is a message that David lived for the entirety of his life. King David had one of the sweetest and most unique relationships with God that has ever been described. His life was an open book. It has been chronicled in detail in the pages of the Old Testament. Of David, God said: "I have found David, son of Jesse a man after my own heart." (Acts 13:22). He was an incredible man and his success was built on one thing: He delighted himself in the Lord.
    So much of the time, we ask God to give us the desires of our hearts. We do this without giving thought to the fact that we must first delight ourselves in him. When we delight in God, we begin to align with his will. As we spend time with him, we begin to understand his will better. Our lives mesh with his will as we understand his personality, his heart, and his presence. These things can only be found as we spend time with him daily. It is in these times of intimacy that we find delight in him. We must realize that our delight is not found in anything else. We may enjoy other things, but these can never take the place of the closeness we have with God. In him alone is our delight.
    Everyone has desires. All of us have things in our hearts that we long for. When we delight in him, we lose the mentality that God is a great vending machine. He does not exist to give us all that we want. In fact, we exist to live in him, through him, and for him. Once we begin to delight in him, we will change our perspective. We will begin to desire what he desires. And then he will give us the desires of our hearts because they match his.
    I encourage you to take time to be with God. When you do this, you will find your delight in him. I am convinced that King David learned to delight in God when he was just a boy. As he sat on the hillsides watching over his father's sheep, he experienced God. He saw nature, he saw the universe, and he rested in the presence of God. This became his joy and much later, he would pen the words of Psalm 37. So like David, let us all delight ourselves in God. Then he will give us all that we desire.

Honesty

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me."
Psalm 51:10-12

King David uttered these words after he had committed adultery with Bathsheba. Nathan the prophet had confronted him and David responded with these powerful words. What I love the most about David was his honesty with God. He didn't attempt to cover anything. He did not try to soften the impact of what he had done. He didn't mince his words. He was perfectly honest. He understood that he had created a wall between himself and God. He knew that this was the greatest defeat. Only one thing would do; remove the wall that sin had built. And he did it...with honesty.
    I believe that one of the greatest things God requires of us is honesty. We generally are not very honest people. When others ask us how we are doing, we say that we are fine or good. In reality, we may be suffering. We may feel separated from God. We may be thinking that our prayers count for nothing and God is afar off. But still we hide and stand behind a facade of lies. This may work with people, but it never works with God. He already knows exactly how we feel, where we are, and what we need. Surely it must be time to stop the act and just be honest with God.
    David was so distressed that he felt he would lose the Spirit of God that had always been with him. His joy was gone and he didn't feel the presence of the Lord he was used to experiencing. Something was wrong. He had been confronted in his sin, and now his desire was to simply be honest with God and see what would happen. And God showed up. He heard David, forgave his sin and restored him. He literally did create a new spirit within David. His heart was made clean by the only one who could wash it white as snow. David was hurting and he told God his troubles with honesty.
    If you are hurting, tell God. If you are involved in a sin that is separating you from him, tell him. If you are in need of a new heart, ask him for one. If you need new joy, ask him to give it to you in greater measure than ever before. These things are honest. Uttering these words will bring a smile to God's face, not because he exults in your pain, but because he loves you so much. Your honesty is a blessing to him. It is an offering given from a broken heart. He will hear, he will respond, and he will set you free. He will create a new heart in you and give you joy beyond anything you could imagine. And he will fill you with his Holy Spirit to greater measure than ever before. All this happens, simply by being honest before God. What a release. What a relief. What new life is created from a simple act of honesty.

Giving Thanks

"Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people."
Matthew 15:36

I shared with you last week about the feeding of the five thousand. The scripture today is taken from the story of the feeding of the four thousand. Both events were similar. But what I want us to notice today is what Jesus did before the multiplying of the food took place. There would be no miracle if he did not do this one thing each time.
    When the five thousand were fed, Jesus looked up to heaven and gave thanks. When the four thousand were fed, he gave thanks before he broke the bread and fish. Later, when Jesus served the 'last supper' to the disciples, he gave thanks before he broke the bread. Do you see the connection here? Jesus understood that it was vitally important to thank God before he did anything. He didn't ask anything, he simply gave thanks to God. We don't know what he said and it probably has little importance to the story. I have already talked about the principle of exponential multiplication, now we must understand that God desires for us to be thankful.. What if your children never thanked you for anything you gave them? While we desire to give good things to our children, we also appreciate receiving a simple 'thank you.' In fact, we teach our children that it is polite to thank those who give gifts.
    The reason we pray before meals is because we have the example of Jesus doing it. I don't know exactly why it is important to God that we give thanks. But there is a dynamic that is produced when we do it. When Jesus did it, there was a divine multiplication of food. When we do it, it opens up the heavens for blessing. I believe Jesus probably thanked the Father for what was going to happen. He prayed as if it had already been done, because he knew that heaven would be opened and what he thanked God for, was done. Jesus taught us to be thankful.
    It is the time of year when we think more about being thankful. People who don't often give thanks, will at this time. But we need to learn to be thankful people at all times. Not only is God blessed by our thankfulness, but heaven is opened up to us when we do it. There is a spiritual principle that sets the blessings of God in motion when we are thankful. If we need a miracle, we should thank God for it as if it is already done. If we need a multiplication of food or finances, we should thank God for it as if we already have it. This is the kind of thankfulness that Jesus exemplified. And when he gave thanks, the thousands were fed and satisfied. We will be satisfied as well because heaven pours out the richest of fare.

Calming the Storm

"And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, 'Truly you are the Son of God.'"
Matthew 14:32&33

After Jesus had fed the five thousand, the disciples got in a boat and headed across the lake. Meanwhile, Jesus stayed on the shore so he could pray. A squall arose which buffeted the boat. The disciples were fearful. We must remember that many of these men were fisherman. They fished in this sea regularly and knew storms like this had the potential to capsize the boat and bring death to those on board. But Jesus saw what was happening and walked on the water to meet them in the middle of the lake. When the disciples saw him, they were fearful, thinking he was a ghost. But Jesus assured them by identifying himself. Peter made his attempt to walk on the water, but failed due to his lack of faith. Then Jesus climbed into the boat....
    When Jesus got into the boat, the wind subsided and the storm ceased. This prompted the disciples to declare that Jesus truly was God's Son. I wonder why it took an event like this to move the disciples to this declaration. They had seen many miracles. Many were healed and many demons had been cast out. They had heard him teach with authority that could only have come from God. So why did it come to this before they could declare it? I think sometimes it takes a storm in our personal lives, for us to come to the great revelation of Jesus. We can see how he heals others and performs miracles in other people's lives, but if we have not gone through a storm of our own, we may not fully understand the supernatural authority of Jesus. Sometimes, we must insert ourselves into the story of the disciples facing the storm. Then we can experience the power, authority, love, and protection of God in our own lives.
    If you are facing a storm today, allow Jesus to get into the boat with you. Like the disciples, you may be experiencing fear because of the circumstance you are facing. But Jesus is able to calm the storm and deliver you from the danger you see. Sometimes this danger is perceived but not real. Other times, it is a real danger that threatens your life, or family, or livelihood. Whatever the case, let Jesus get into the boat with you. You see, he wants to be there. All of us must understand that God has power over the storms of life. He has authority in every area of life. It may be a time of peace and Jesus is there. It may be a time of struggle, and Jesus is there. It may be a massive storm, and Jesus is still there.
    I hope that you have allowed God to be in every part of your life. But if you have not personally experienced the miracles that are possible for you, I encourage you to invite him into your boat. If you don't know him, get to know him. If you do know him, and you are going through a difficult time in your life, allow him to come and calm the storm. It is a matter of faith. You must understand that God has authority over any difficulty. He can redeem any situation. No matter how deeply you find yourself buried, he can dig you out. It's amazing to see God work and perform miracles. It is even more amazing when he does it in your own life. Don't try to steer your own boat against a spiritual wind that may destroy you. Invite him to come on board and calm the storm!

Exponential Multiplication

"'We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,' they answered. 'Bring them here to me,' he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. 
Matthew 14:17-21

The story of the feeding of the five thousand is one of the most beloved stories in the Bible. From the time we were children, we have had this story told to us. Children learn that God cares for us and can meet our needs. But this story goes well beyond that. This is a story of multiplication. It is a graphic reminder that our God knows no limits. He is not limited by the supply we see or even by the laws of nature. The same benefits the five thousand men enjoyed that day are available to us today. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
    The background of the story is important to understand. Jesus had just been given the news that his friend and predecessor, John the Baptist had been beheaded by the king. He had gone to a remote place to be alone and pray. However, people saw him and soon the large crowd had gathered. Jesus responded to them by healing all those who were brought to him and then feeding them. Afterward, he still went to a solitary place to pray. To me, this speaks of the selflessness of God. We always come first. Even though Jesus was undoubtedly troubled by the events, he chose to minister to the people first. I love this about our God. He always takes time to take care of us.
    With only five loaves and two fish, Jesus fed thousands. Sometimes we may feel this way. Our strength may be gone, the cupboards may be bare, or the bank account empty. But the same God who fed the five thousand takes care of us. The kind of math that God uses is not addition, it is multiplication. He does things big. Imagine how big the multiplication was. There were only two small fish and five small loaves. Jesus didn't divide it among the people, he multiplied it beyond what they needed. There was more than enough. This is how God deals with us. The problem is that we struggle to believe it and therefore receive it. God's will is to bless us richly in every way. He is most concerned about our spirits because this is the eternal part. But he is also concerned with our souls and our physical beings. He wants to care for us in incredible ways. Our part is to simply believe, obey what he tells us and receive what he has. Even the five thousand had to obey Jesus' command to sit down on the grass. If some left, not believing they would be fed, they missed the blessing. Let's not miss God's blessings.
    Whatever you need today, look to God. He will provide. When you look to him, believe for the principle of exponential multiplication. This is how God intends to bless us. His blessings are immeasurably beyond what we can imagine. Be prepared to receive in every area of your life; spirit, soul, and flesh. If you are in financial need, believe for the incredible. If you are in emotional distress, believe for a peace that you cannot understand. Whatever the need, God will provide and he will multiply the blessing...exponentially.

A Sinking Ship

"'Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.' He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. The rest were to get there on planks or on pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land in safety."
Acts 27:34,44&45

These scriptures are taken from the story of the apostle Paul being shipwrecked. There were hundreds of men on board the ship. The storm was so great that the ship was literally torn apart as it became lodged on a sand bar near the island of Malta. God had shown Paul that not one man would be harmed if they did as he told them. So Paul instructed them to eat some food to gain strength for the swim to shore. He told them to stay with the ship as long as possible and then get to shore. In this way, every man was saved and the promise of the Lord was fulfilled.
    We face shipwrecks as well. It may not be a physical ship, but circumstances sometimes feel like we are going down. I think some of the things Paul shared with the men on his ship apply to us as well. It is important to take care of ourselves when we face difficulties. The men on Paul's ship hadn't eaten for fourteen days because they were so fearful of the circumstance. Often, we neglect our physical needs because we worry about the situation we find ourselves in. It may sound simple, but we are spiritual as well as physical beings. We must care for both.
    The most important part of the story is this: We will be saved. Even if it looks like the most horrific situation we have ever faced, we will be victorious in the end. Let me encourage with that truth today. It is so difficult to see beyond the circumstances we find ourselves in. We cannot see it from God's point of view. But everything that God does in our lives is for our good. He is not bent on destroying us. Just as Paul was promised that no one would be harmed, so I can assure you that none of us will be harmed in our shipwrecks. Our God loves us and is intimately involved in the circumstance. Don't give in to fear, worry or failure. The shipwreck is only a transition to a new place. We will arrive there safely.
    Whatever your shipwreck looks like, do not fear. God has a purpose that far outweighs any earthly thing. It may not be easy, but be assured of the result. God will be glorified and you will be changed for his purpose in your life. The men on Paul's ship had to work to get to shore and they spent some time on the island before they could move on. But they were saved. Their lives continued without harm. So will yours. The swim may not be easy and the island may be lonely for a time, but it is a place of safety where you will be covered by God's hand. Take heart! A new adventure awaits. There is so much more to your life than one shipwreck!

Sins of the Fathers

"Do not hold against us the sins of the fathers; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need."
Psalm 79:8

There are so many ways to apply this scripture that it is difficult to know where to begin. We hear the phrase, "sins of the fathers," all the time. Hollywood has exploited this theme in several movies. Even those who know nothing about the Bible know this phrase. What makes this such an important theme, and how do we apply it to our lives?
    First, let's apply it to our nations. Throughout the history of the United States and many other nations, there have been grievous errors and atrocities that have been perpetrated. Our fathers were not always righteous in the things they did. Nations are forced to contend with sins that have followed them throughout the course of history. Some of these go back to ancient times, others only a few hundred years.But I know this about God. He is a Redeemer. We do not have to live under the curse of the sins of our nations' fathers. This takes a unified people who are willing to seek God. The reason many nations still labor under these curses is because they have failed to repent and seek God. If we are to move on in the grace and mercy of God, we must confess and repent of the sins of our forefathers.
    We can also apply this to our own families. Some live under the curse of addictions such as alcoholism, drug abuse or sexual immorality. Some have fathers who were thieves or murderers. How does one defeat the things that have been passed down through the generations? The answer is still the same. We must repent for our fathers. They may have never done it themselves, so we must. We must renounce those sins and ask God to remove the influence from our lives. In other words, we must say, "It stops here and now!" We must be the generation that takes a stand so these things are not passed on to our children. Nehemiah, the Old Testament rebuilder of Jerusalem confessed the sins of his fathers before he even began the project. Before we go on from here, let's put an end to the sins that have been passed down through the generations.
    Whatever sin you are affected by, you do not have to live with it. The Bible tells us that curses may continue to the third of fourth generation, but God's blessings flow to a thousand generations. This is where we live, in the blessings of God, not in the curse of sin. It has been paid for already by Christ on the cross. Let's take a stand for ourselves, our children and our children's children. The curse of sin is broken in our lives.

The Fourth Man

"He said, 'Look!' I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.'"
Daniel 3:25

There are few of us who haven't heard the story of the three Hebrew children, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, in the fiery furnace. The king had decreed that since they would not bow to the image he had created, they were to be put to death. He ordered the furnace to be heated to well beyond its capacity. It was so hot that when the soldiers approached it to throw the three in, they were killed by the flames. Of course, we know the end of the story. The three men survived. They not only survived, but they were not hurt at all. In fact, when they were brought out of the furnace, they had no smell of smoke on them. It is an incredible story. It has been told for countless generations.
    When the king looked into the furnace, he saw four men. Obviously, he had only cast three men into the fire, so where did the fourth come from? He said that he looked like "A son of the gods." Some translations record it this way, "A son of man." It is obvious that whoever the man was, he was not of this world. He was sent by God to protect the men from harm. Some believe the man was an angel, and some believe it was Jesus himself who came to the aid of the men. No matter who it was, the men were miraculously saved. In the same way, we are protected by God himself.
    Sometimes the fire we face is not a physical one. We often face the fire of circumstances. Struggles in relationships, finances or health. The same help that was given to the three Hebrew children is available to us. No matter what the fire is, we have the help of God himself to help us through. We should take comfort in the fact that we are never alone when we face fires of any kind. God promises that he will never leave or forsake us. We may never have to face the fires of a furnace, but we will face fiery times in our lives. There will be a decision that must be made when these times come. Will we cry out to God or try to endure on our own? We are never alone. But if we choose to leave God out of the circumstance, we will indeed face the fire in our own strength. If the three men had not called out to God, they would have surely burned in the furnace. But God was their rescue. He is ours as well.
    Take this encouragement today. If you are facing a fire right now, cry out to God. If you have already done that, then be assured that God is helping. Many times we do not understand that plan of God. Our idea of how the fire should be quenched may be different than his. This does not change the fact that he is with us. He is intimately involved in our lives, our circumstances, and even our fires. When in the fire, trust in God. He will deliver you. When God delivers, you will come out of the fire without even the smell of smoke! His deliverance is sure, his redemption is complete!

Yes and Amen

"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ. And so through him the 'Amen' is spoken by us to the glory of God."
2 Corinthians 1:20

Today I am thinking about the promises of God. He has spoken many promises in his Word. These apply to all of us. He has also given promises to each one of us. I don't know what your promises are, but I'm sure there are things that you know in your heart God is going to do for you. You feel it and you know it. But over the course of time, we sometimes lose faith. It seems like it will never happen. The promise came so long ago, but the fulfillment is yet to come. So we give up and think it may never happen.
    But the word of encouragement to us to day is this: Every promise God has made, both in his Word and to us personally, has been confirmed by Jesus himself. He has already agreed with the Father, and his answer is 'Yes.' If God has made a promise to you that you know will change your life, the answer that Jesus speaks to you is 'Yes.' It will be done exactly as the Father has ordained. There is no disagreement within the trinity. There is full agreement and thus it will be completed.
    There remains one element in receiving the promises of God. We must add our 'Amen' to it. If we disagree with God, we are making the decision to not accept what he has for us. Where there is disagreement, there is a lack. And our God is not a God of lack. He does not lie, he cannot lie. He never fails to follow through. He always finishes what he begins. We need to simply add our 'Amen' to his promises.
    We must believe God's Word completely. Every promise that is contained in the pages is ours. God made the promise, Jesus says, 'Yes' and the Holy Spirit confirms it in our hearts. Then we make the choice to believe it or reject it. I say let's believe. If God has given you promises that you have yet to see, add your 'Amen.' Tell God that you do believe his promise and you agree with it. When we do this, we will not lose heart. We are actively participating in the fulfillment of a promise. There must be agreement in heaven and on earth. Let's believe his promises and agree with them. Then along with Jesus, we will say, "Yes and Amen!"