Oh How I Love Thee! (#3)

God looks upon us -- “How do I love you? Let me help you count the ways.”

In so many marvelous ways Jesus’ walk on earth presented a living illustration of God’s love. When we think of Jesus’ great expression of love we most often think of His death on the cross as the sacrifice for our sins. Yet John pointed to another act of Jesus which revealed His great love.

We read…
“Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, HE LOVED THEM TO THE END.” (John 13:1 ESV)

The New International Version reads, “HE NOW SHOWED THEM THE FULL EXTENT OF HIS LOVE.”

Did John then go on to describe Jesus’ death on our behalf? No! Did John record Jesus empowering the disciples to be able to do all things? No! Did Jesus heal them of every infirmity they may have had? No! Read on to see how Jesus showed His great and practical love.

“(3) Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, (4) rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. (5) Then he poured water into a basin and BEGAN TO WASH THE DISCIPLES’ FEET and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” (John 13:3-5 ESV)

Foot washing? That was the means of showing His great love? Some translations bring out the idea Jesus loved them to the end or loved them into completion. The idea seems to be that Jesus showed His love to the disciples in every encounter He had with them. The greatest love is not always revealed in what we might consider the greatest and most monumental events, but is displayed in its genuineness through meeting the every day needs. When love is the basis of a relationship it is love which compels every action regardless of how big or small it may seem. God’s love was illustrated through Jesus’ willingness to serve and meet needs on any level. God’s love is what prompts Him to serve our every need. Through serving to meet our needs God has displayed the full extent of His great love.

Have a great day knowing the FULL EXTENT of God’s love!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 07/15/1999 (Edited some with passages changed to ESV)]

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Oh How I Love Thee! (#2)

God looks upon us -- “How do I love you? Let me help you count the ways.” We noted yesterday, God loved us enough to send His one and only Son into the world and He became a living illustration of God’s great love.

As Jesus was heading toward Jerusalem a rich young man ran up to him and asked what he needed to do in order to inherit eternal life (Mark 10:17). Jesus pointed him to the commandments which the young man stated he had kept since he was a boy.

Then we read:
“And Jesus, looking at him, LOVED HIM, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’” (Mark 10:21 ESV)

In spite of the fact this young man did not have all of his life in proper perspective (read on and you will see) Jesus loved him. Jesus also loved this young man enough to help him see what he was allowing to stand in his way and hold him back from whole heartedly following Jesus. What is it Jesus would have said to me? What is it Jesus would have said to you? God loves us enough to reveal His will so we may see where we are and where He desires to bring us in our spiritual walk. Let us remain open to what He reveals through His Word so we may change what needs to be changed and grow in those things which reflect the image He desires us to possess.

Have a great day accepting God’s LOVING DIRECTION!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 07/14/1999 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

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Oh How I Love Thee! (#1)

There is the old familiar poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning which states:
“How Do I Love Thee? Let me count the ways.”

The poem goes on to enumerate the ways. Those words are probably repeated more than any other part of the poem. In fact, those are the only words I can remember.

Over the next few days meditate with me on how much God loves us and how He has displayed that wondrous love. Then we will consider the impact this love should have on our lives.

God looks upon us -- “How do I love you? Let me help you count the ways.”
“(16) For GOD SO LOVED the world, that HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (17) For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:16-17 ESV)

Jesus came and became a living illustration of God’s great love for us. Is there any room to question the validity of that love? Oh, how He loves us!

Have a great day focused on God’s LOVING WAYS!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 07/13/1999 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

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Looking For It!

“In Chinese, there are two ways to write the word ‘crisis’. One way is with a character meaning ‘danger’, the other with a character meaning ‘opportunity’. It all depends on the writer’s perspective.” [original source unknown]

How true this also is for us when looking at crisis in our lives or the lives of others. We look at the evils in the world around us and at times may feel like giving up! Or we can look at the world and see the OPPORTUNITY TO SHINE AND DIRECT toward the right things. It has been said that an optimist MAKES OPPORTUNITIES out of his calamities while a pessimist makes calamities out of his opportunities. We need to realize how much depends upon the way we choose to view things.

There are definitely many ways in which we can reach out to the world and benefit it in the Name of Jesus. In fact, it is because of the crisis in this world that we need to be reaching out. Paul’s life exemplified such a perspective. (note Philippians 1:12-14)

Writing to the church at Ephesus, Paul exhorted…
“(15) Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, (16) MAKING THE BEST USE OF THE TIME, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV)

The New Living translation reads…
“(16) MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY for doing good in these evil days.” (NLT © 1997, Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House)

The reason to make the most of OUR OPPORTUNITIES is because of the conditions today. We do not know how long the world has left to respond to God’s message of saving grace. Let us share the message of hope the world is so much in need of hearing as the OPPORTUNITIES present themselves. Besides helping to bring God’s redemptive work into the lives of others, by being involved in good service we ourselves are also less likely to get drawn into the evils of the world. May the world see in each of us the beauty of Christian service as we help turn focuses away from despair to the hope in Christ!

Have a great day RECOGNIZING OPPORTUNITY IN CRISIS!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 09/22/1998 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

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Playing Games?

Our grandsons love playing tag. When they visit our area, there is a park that has a big rock that they call base, and as long as they are on it or touching it they are considered SAFE. There have been other times we have used a circled area as base, or a tree stump, or some other designated spot where no tagging is aloud. As our grandchildren step off base and challenge whomever is “it”, they excitedly run back to the designated “safe zone” and either exclaim, “I’m on base! I’m on base!” or “I’m safe! I’m safe!”

Even I enjoy this game with our grandsons and they enjoy it with their “PAPA” (as they call me). It is a good way to use up some of their energy and we end up laughing a lot together as we play. However, it is sad that such is the picture of the way some approach their spiritual life. They live life “off base” from what God desires and then believe they can simply step within what is considered to be a “safe area” (a church building, fellowship with Christians, time doing a little Bible reading, etc.) and feel things are just fine.

During the time of Jeremiah such seems to have been the game. We read…

“(3) Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: AMEND YOUR WAYS AND YOUR DEEDS, and I will let you dwell in this place. (4) Do not trust in these deceptive words: ‘THIS IS THE TEMPLE OF THE LORD, THE TEMPLE OF THE LORD, THE TEMPLE OF THE LORD.’” (Jeremiah 7:3-4 ESV)

“I’M SAFE! I’M SAFE!” “I’m in the temple!” Can we hear the game being played? Have we observed it? Have we been guilty of playing it? The warning here is that such were deceptive words! They were not SAFE!

Dropping down a few verses we read…

“(8) Behold, you trust in deceptive words to no avail. (9) Will you steal, murder, commit adultery, swear falsely, make offerings to Baal, and go after other gods that you have not known, (10) and THEN COME and STAND BEFORE ME IN THIS HOUSE, which is called by my name, and say, ‘WE ARE DELIVERED!’ -- only to go on doing all these abominations?” (Jeremiah 7:8-10 ESV)

To play this game is to be self-deceived! It is a sign of the thinking being completely “off base” and religion has merely become a game rather than the essence of life. When we step out the door of our assembly with one another and then live like the world or read our Bibles and fail to live those principles in our life, we may fool others, but God knows what’s really going on. It is when we continue to genuinely seek God’s Will and strive to live in accordance with it, that we can be TRULY SAFE even as we go about our daily activities. May our living in the sphere of God not be something we play at, but rather be that which we take seriously as the true foundation and essence of all our life’s activity.

Have a great day KEEPING LIFE ON BASE WITH GOD!
Carl

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Twice Blessed!

Our life can be blessed by different means and as the result of various actions. There are times we receive a blessing at the hand of others while at other times we may be the one extending the blessing. However, is it not possible to still feel personally blessed even when we are the one doing the SHARING? Someone has said, “Charity is twice blessed -- it bless him who gives and him that receives.” [source: “1600 Squibs And Quips”, compiled by E. C. McKenzie]

As Paul was speaking to the Ephesian elders before going to Jerusalem, he urged…
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE.’” (Acts 20:35 ESV)

In our Lord’s “sermon on the mount”, Jesus both cautioned and encouraged…
“(1) Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. (2) Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. (3) But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, (4) so that your giving may be in secret. And YOUR FATHER WHO SEES IN SECRET WILL REWARD YOU.” (Matthew 6:1-4 ESV)

Certainly people who receive what they need feel blessed by the generous hands willing TO SHARE. If we have ever been on the receiving end we know the blessing and have most likely thanked God for those who came to our aid. However, why is it more blessed to give? Is it not so because we acknowledge being in a position of thankfulness for having been blessed with something TO SPARE and thus TO SHARE, though it is true some have even given out of their “extreme poverty” (2 Corinthians 8:2-4) and thus sacrificially? The giver is also blessed because -- according to Jesus -- the Father has His own reward for such service.

In the process of SHARING, thanks is offered to God by the recipient and by the giver and both experience a blessing. May we be party to multiplying the blessing as we SHARE God’s blessings with others.

Have a great day KNOWING SHARED BLESSINGS EQUAL SHARED THANKSGIVING!
Carl

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Special Delivery!

I go through mail on a regular basis from three sources. We receive mail at our home, at a post office box, and I also go through the mail that comes to the church office. Some of that mail is eagerly opened, other mail is opened and set aside (i.e. bills to be taken care of later), while still other mail is discarded (or shredded) without even being opened (i.e. bulk mailings of no personal interest).

When we look at an envelope, there are usually two specific bits of information taken into consideration. Though the beautiful stamp and the postmark date may be viewed, it is the return address and main address that tend to bear the most significance, at least to the recipient. Perhaps the first thing done is to note the main address to be certain it has arrived for the right person. After all, it is a federal crime to open other people’s mail. Then the return address is viewed to determine the identity of the sender. Sometimes that return address tells the recipient whether or not the envelope is worth opening.

In Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth, he stated…
“(1) Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you? (2) You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. (3) And YOU SHOW THAT YOU ARE A LETTER FROM CHRIST DELIVERED BY US, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” (2 Corinthians 3:1-3 ESV)

The MESSAGE OF CHRIST Paul delivered to those at Corinth was special and it changed their lives. Having been written on their hearts, their life was a testimony to the difference that message made. Though Paul was the messenger, Christ was the AUTHOR of the salvation they had received through the acceptance of what Paul had taught; a teaching of which Paul aimed to continually keep Christ at the center. (1 Corinthians 2:2; 15:3-4) Therefore, their being A LETTER FROM CHRIST was to be exhibited in their daily lives.

Are we living as a letter worth opening and reading? Perhaps we claim to be “enveloped” by Jesus and “stamped” (or sealed) by God’s Spirit (Ephesians 1:13; 4:30); claiming His Name is on our life with the hope others will be interested in taking a look. However, are we living a life that can truly be acknowledged as a MESSAGE FROM CHRIST? Has He truly become the AUTHOR of our life and faith? (Acts 3:15; Hebrews 12:2) Is it His message that has been written on our heart and is now being translated into living?

Some may see the return address as Jesus and that the message of our life is being addressed to them, but then decide it is not worth opening and reading. However, there are those who will be interested when they clearly see the truth and genuineness of CHRIST’S MESSAGE being lived out in our life. Rather than being viewed merely as bulk, let us live in a way that the letter of our life may be accepted as a personal message by those whom we address in His Name. There is no delivery more special than the Good News associated with Jesus.

Have a great day BEING A FIRST CLASS MESSENGER FOR CHRIST!
Carl

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Beautiful!

It has been said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It is true that people can see what they want to see and therefore some see beauty where others might see ugliness and ugliness where others see beauty. However do we see what we ought to see and appreciate it for what it is? Are there things of beauty we just never tire of beholding no matter how many times we have seen them before? I observed a beautiful sunrise this morning and continued to watch as the sun’s glow began to glisten more and more across the water. I don’t know how many sunrises I have observed during my lifetime, but each one is beheld as a thing of beauty. Then there are the sunsets, the rainbows, the majestic mountain peaks, etc. Perhaps the beauty of these rightfully continues to capture our attention because they are not the works of man, but the WORKS OF GOD. They are all aspects of His beautiful creation; marvels of His mind, wonders of His wisdom, and proclaimers of His powerful hand.

Reading in Jeremiah yesterday morning, God was mentioned as…
“(6) THERE IS NONE LIKE YOU, O LORD; you are great, and your name is great in might. (7) Who would not fear you, O King of the nations? For this is your due; for among all the wise ones of the nations and in all their kingdoms there is none like you.” (Jeremiah 10:6-7 ESV)

This was followed by a description of the stupidity and foolishness of those who followed idols that were crafted and dress by the hands of men. (Jeremiah 10:8-9)

Then, again of God we read…
“(10) But THE LORD IS THE TRUE GOD; he is the LIVING GOD and the EVERLASTING KING. At his wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure his indignation. (11) Thus shall you say to them: ‘The gods who did not make the heavens and the earth shall perish from the earth and from under the heavens.’ (12) IT IS HE WHO MADE THE EARTH BY HIS POWER, who ESTABLISHED THE WORLD BY HIS WISDOM, and BY HIS UNDERSTANDING STRETCHED OUT THE HEAVENS.” (Jeremiah 10:10-12 ESV)

Yes, and all HIS WORKMANSHIP is beautiful. Should that also not include us?

In Isaiah we read…
“(8) But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; WE ARE ALL THE WORK OF YOUR HAND.” (Isaiah 64:8 ESV)

Does God not have the right to be angry when we try to shape ourselves and put our life to use for purposes other than that for which HE MADE US? (note Ephesians 2:10) We admire the beauty of God’s creation and rightfully so! However, we must continually bear in mind that we too are the WORK OF HIS HANDS. Are we allowing His beautiful workmanship to continue in our life? May that beauty also become that which others would never tire of observing.

Have a great day LIVING A BEAUTIFUL LIFE TO OUR CREATOR’S GLORY!
Carl

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Popping Praise Puffs!

Receiving the praise of others is not always easy. Perhaps we don’t like too much attention drawn to ourselves. Maybe we consider others more worthy of the praise. There may also be the fear that accepting praise could cause us to get puffed up in our own estimation of self. However, such recognition can encourage us that the works in which we are involved are perceived as being WORTHY OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT because they are significant to the lives of others. As God’s people we have something to offer in life. A few years ago I was interviewed on our local public access television station because of my role on a county advisory board. Following the program, the interviewer told me privately that he had asked for me to be one of the people interviewed because he wanted others to see that Christians have something to offer the community. The challenge is to maintain a sense of humility in the midst of it all.

We ought to be willing to praise and honor others for their accomplishments when such is due. (note Romans 13:7) To do so encourages them to press on in them. As we involve ourselves in GOOD WORKS it shouldn’t surprise us to sometimes be on the receiving end of such praise. However, how can we keep our perspective in balance? How can we allow the praise we receive to encourage us while at the same time refrain from getting puffed up by it? Someone has said, “When you receive praise of men, return it to God, the blesser of the action.”

Jesus said it this way:
“(14) You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. (15) Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. (16) In the same way, let your light SHINE before others, so THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS AND GIVE GLORY TO YOUR FATHER who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 ESV)

Our Christianity is to be made visible in some way as we go about our daily lives. Being people willing to be involved in GOOD WORKS is how we should be perceived. However, the ultimate desire should be for the God Whom we serve to receive the glory and honor and praise. We can pop the propensity to being puffed up by praise by POINTING TO GOD Who has redeemed us and transformed our lives to be involved in the works He prepared in advance for us to walk in. (Ephesians 2:10) If the shining of God’s goodness and kindness is not seen in our daily life, how will others ever believe what we say about Him? May we live and speak in such a way that others will begin to see how it is truly ALL ABOUT the GOD Who loves us and holds the key to the hope of eternity.

Have a great day LIVING SO OTHERS WILL THANK GOD WE’RE HERE!
Carl

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But Where Are You?

Have you ever shown up for an appointment only to find that the person with whom you were to meet was not there? Perhaps you called them on the phone and when they answered you said something like, “I’M HERE! WHERE ARE YOU?” Such situations arise due to busy lives that can cause one to completely forget an appointment. People can also get so caught up in something else that a scheduled appointment slips past before they realize it. Then there are times when one simply gets held up along the way, causing them to be late. However there are also times when others just don’t have enough consideration to follow through on what was formerly agreed. When that is the case, are we left with a sense that we or what was to be done are just not that important to them? I would say that God has more right to feel this way when He has been slighted and forgotten than any of us. Would you agree?

A few days ago we noted a comparison between Isaiah 6:8 and Isaiah 65:1. Discussing that comparison with one of the teens (Kaci Flock) in our congregation yesterday morning, she suggested the encouragement in the sense of a mathematic equation: “Here am I” + “Here am I” = “Here are we”! When that “we” includes God we have begun to get the most important relationship and the equipping for life on the right track. Discussing this equation and the Isaiah text with my wife yesterday afternoon is what developed the further thought for today.

Consider again verse one of that sixty-fifth chapter along with the next verse. These words of God given through His prophet Isaiah read…

“(1) I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for me; I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me. I said, ‘HERE AM I, HERE AM I,’ to a nation that was not called by my name. (2) I SPREAD OUT MY HANDS ALL THE DAY TO A REBELLIOUS PEOPLE, WHO WALK IN A WAY THAT IS NOT GOOD, FOLLOWING THEIR OWN DEVICES;” (Isaiah 65:1-2 ESV)

The people of Judah -- who should have known God better than anyone -- were choosing to go about doing their own thing. They were not walking in the way of God. They were not following Him. They were not meeting God where God was to be met. There they were, living in the place where God had placed His Name, and yet HIS PRESENCE was not being acknowledged. How many times could God have said to His people, “I’M HERE! WHERE ARE YOU?” Writing to the church in Rome, Paul noted this text with regard to his own Jewish brethren. (Romans 10:20-21)

The refusal to MEET GOD WHERE HE IS continues to play itself out in the world today. Even some who say they want to meet Him only want to do so on their own terms (or turf) rather than His. “I’M HERE! WHERE ARE YOU?” How many times could God have asked that of us? Is He asking it now? May we acknowledge God’s outspread hands and allow them to envelope every aspect of our life. We can’t be lost when we live life WHERE HE IS! Acknowledging life being lived IN HIS PRESENCE now will help keep our focus fixed so as to not miss that final appointment we will have with relation to our eternity with Him. Where we are now does have a relation to where we will be then.

Have a great day KEEPING LIFE’S APPOINTMENTS WITH GOD!
Carl

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Serious Business!

There was a little boy who once accompanied his mother to the worship assembly. The sermon he heard that day was about the death of Christ. He listened intently and as the preacher began to describe the actual crucifixion the boy began to weep and was soon sobbing out loud. His mother, who was apparently embarrassed by her son’s sobs, turned to him and whispered, “Don’t take it so seriously.” [Adapted from Jack Exum’s “The Art Of Illustrating”]

This should be given serious consideration in the church today. What a light view many display in their lives toward the greatest gift ever given on our behalf. As Christians we gather each first day of the week to partake of the memorial bread that represents Christ’s body that hung on the cross and the fruit of the vine which represents the blood Christ shed for our sins. By our neglect to gather to partake of this memorial do we not show that it isn’t important to us? The early church gave us the example of meeting on the first day of the week to break bread (Acts 20:7). How many of these are there? -- ONE EVERY WEEK!

Our hearts should be touched deeply by the love of God and His only begotten Son. Our focus on the Lord’s supper should be taken seriously and not passed over lightly. We should not just go through the motions as a matter of habit, nor rush through as simply a small part of our worship together. We should meditate on the love of God, the power within the blood of Christ, and the grace it brings to the lives of each of us. Our heart should weep that God had to send His Son to die as a Sacrificial Lamb and suffer a humiliating death, not for Himself, but because of the sins of the world. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and anyone who says he has not sinned makes God a liar and the truth is not in that person (1 John 1:8-10). Christ’s blood was shed for each of us. He suffered and bled and died for you and me. What effect does that have on our lives? What does our life show in response to such love? I’m not trying to say we should mope around with long faces all the time, but we do need to remember “why” God sent His Son and be convicted by that individually. Let us not pass over our sins lightly, but be humble and realize we are sinners and let God exalt us (James 4:10). We are sinners saved by the grace of God.

Paul stated…
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23 ESV)

We must be sorrowful and repent of our sins and realize daily, we are the reason Christ died.

BUT -- we can also shed tears of JOY because of the great love of both the Father and the Son. Hallelujah -- Christ died to save sinners! What a love! What other response can I help but give than to show my love for Him and the brethren than by joining together each Lord’s Day to partake of this great memorial and strive daily to live as close to God’s Will as I can, remembering with every step I take that God loves me and sent His Son to call me to repentance!

The memorial of Christ is something to be viewed seriously, but should also be viewed as a celebration of the love of Christ in His sacrifice for us and the power of His glorious resurrection and the great hope we have in Him. Because of Him we can experience great joy and peace.

Is there any way we could take it “too seriously”? Let us be serious about Christianity and our response to God’s love. After all -- SALVATION IS SERIOUS BUSINESS!

Have a great day TAKING GOD SERIOUSLY!
Carl
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[This focus was originally sent 09/20/1998 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

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"But I Am Only...!"

When we have been called upon to do certain things, how often have we responded, “But I am only…!” and those words were followed by whatever we felt disqualified or made us unsuitable for the task? Do we have limitations? Yes! Could we use more experience? Probably, but experience comes from doing!

Note Jeremiah’s initial response when God called him to be His spokesman.
“(4) Now the word of the Lord came to me, saying, (5) ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.’ (6) Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, FOR I AM ONLY A YOUTH.’” (Jeremiah 1:4-6 ESV)

How young was Jeremiah? I don’t know. However, it doesn’t seem to matter how old or young individuals are, the same sort of response is too often given. Jeremiah was told, “Do not say, ‘I am only a youth’”. (Jeremiah 1:7) When we read in the Scriptures something that someone is told not to say, we would do well to take that to heart ourselves. God made it clear to Jeremiah that He had plans for him even before he was born. Jeremiah was also encouraged that God be with him as went out and spoke whatever God commanded him. (Jeremiah 1:7-8)

“I’m too young!” “I’m too old!” “I’m just not that gifted!” And on the list goes. You are not too young to be used by God. We don’t get too old to be of some kind of service either. Youth are not the church of tomorrow, but are a part of it today and we are all to be involved together in the work of the Lord. When it comes to being a worker for the Lord, there is enough for all of us to become involved. Regardless of age, being a member of the Body of Christ (the church) we are to find our part whether it be speaking God’s message, serving, teaching, exhorting or encouraging, contributing generously (of either money or time or both), leading by position or example, being merciful, etc. (note Romans 12:7-8)

The key in all of this is to simply be willing to go, do and say whatever the Lord has asked of us. Perhaps if we begin thinking in terms of “only being” A CHRISTIAN and a SERVANT OF GOD, then we will be more easily compelled to involve ourselves in the works that characterize those designations. Such will remind us of our relationship to God and Whose interests we are to be serving. God has not given us life for nothing. Regardless of age let us search out and accept the part He desires us to fulfill.

Have a great day ACCEPTING THE CALL OF THE ONE WHO KNOWS US BEST!
Carl

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"I'm Here!"

“I’m here!” “So am I!” Well, then let’s get started!”

Have you ever had such a conversation? Was your presence and the presence of another enough to get started with what needed to be done? When we hear the expression “Here I am”, does it seem to imply a willingness to be acknowledged and perhaps even be put to work? Are we encouraged when we hear it? How often are we willing to step forth into that willingness ourselves?

Such an expression has struck me to be quite interesting near the beginning and the end of the book of Isaiah because of the ones speaking in both cases. Isaiah was called to be a prophet of God. He was keenly aware of his own failings and the sinfulness of the people among whom he lived. (Isaiah 6:5) Still, God chose Isaiah to be His messenger. How did Isaiah respond?

We read…
“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘HERE AM I! SEND ME.’” (Isaiah 6:8 ESV)

How pleased God must be with such readiness. Accepting the call, Isaiah’s “HERE AM I” was a willingness to report for duty. God needed a messenger and Isaiah was willing to say, (to put it in our own phrasing) “I’m here! Send me!”

In the second to the last chapter of Isaiah we read a similar statement, but attributed to another. We read…

“I was ready to be sought by those who did not ask for me; I was ready to be found by those who did not seek me. I said, ‘HERE AM I, HERE AM I,’ to a nation that was not called by my name.” (Isaiah 65:1 ESV)

This was God speaking. He had a readiness to say to a people “HERE AM I, HERE AM I!” How sad that the next verse describes a people who were not ready to say, “Here am I” and follow God. Are we? Are we responding to God’s “HERE AM I” with our own “HERE AM I”?

We live in the presence of God. He encourages us that He is fully aware of what is going on in our life. He is also eager to use us as messengers of the truth! We are not in this work alone. Imagine our “HERE AM I” being met by God’s “HERE AM I”; a drawing together into a wonderful union and grand work on behalf of the souls of mankind.

God exists and His “HERE AM I” is an open invitation for all to acknowledge Him and respond appropriately. As God reaches out to us, let us reach back toward Him with a willingness to report as being present for the duties of the day to His glory and praise.

Have a great day PRESENT AND ACCOUNTED FOR IN GOD’S SERVICE!
Carl

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Well, Well, Well!

Sometimes when an individual is heard saying, “Well, well, well!” the response is, “That’s a pretty deep subject for a shallow mind.” With jesting aside, how healthy is our mind?

The body can become sick and be in need of medical help. Those who become sick in the head are urged to seek the help of a psychiatrist. There are also those who are sick in spirit and need to recognize the help only God can provide for the sin-sick soul. However, God is the Creator of body, mind, and spirit, and living with a proper focus on Him can impact the whole life -- even the physical as noted by the psalmist regarding effects associated with the guilt of sin. (note Psalm 31:10 and 32:3-5)

In Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus, we read the following exhortation.

“(5) Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with A SINCERE HEART [Gk. “kardias”, “heart”], as you would Christ, (6) not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as servants of Christ, DOING THE WILL OF GOD FROM THE HEART [Gk. “psuche”, “soul”], (7) rendering service WITH A GOOD WILL [Gk. “eunoias”] as to the Lord and not to man, (8) knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.” (Ephesians 6:5-8 ESV)

“Service with a good will.” The attitude in service here was not merely for the slave, but as verse eight indicated, “whether he is a slave or free.” There is application for all of us as we consider what is behind the service we offer in life. Though translations of this passage vary, in the Greek we have the words “heart” (Gk. “kardias”), “soul” (Gk. “psuche”), and literally “WELL MIND” (Gk., “eunoias”). The expression “good will” is from the Greek “eunoia”, a compound of “eu” meaning “well” and “nous” which is “the mind” and therefore literally refers to the “WELL MIND”. Service offered from a sincere heart as being done to the Lord rather than merely done for others is a sign of a WELL MIND. It is the servant attitude rooted deep within the heart, soul, and mind. With such a WELL MIND we will not mind serving the needs of others as we do so to the glory of the Lord.

When it comes to service we may have the muscle and the resources, but do we possess the heart, the soul, and the WELL MIND for it? Let us grow in such healthiness that the “good will” of mind will promote the will to do good as the opportunities arise.

Have a great day MAINTAINING A HEALTHY MIND FOR SERVICE!
Carl

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Intrigue And Trust!

Last Saturday was pretty foggy in our area as I headed out for my morning walk. One of the intriguing encounters of the day was the sight of literally hundreds of beautifully woven spider webs on bushes and in trees. Each web design was covered with droplets of moisture because of the fog and made the webs appear to be stringing white pearl beads along their lines. Had the sun been shining I’m sure there would have been a sparkle to it all. Being such a marvelous sight -- a wonder of one of God’s created creatures -- I had to return to the area after my walk to take some pictures. The intricate design of a spider’s web is its tool for catching food and we can appreciate their capturing and eating of that which would otherwise pester us. What I witnessed was exactly what God created the spiders to do.

Though a spider’s web might be beautifully crafted and of intriguing design, they are rather fragile. How many of us have taken a walk through a garden or even just out the front door and have experienced the tickling of a spider’s web breaking across our face? All that work can be destroyed so quickly.

Bildad -- one of Job’s friends who did not do a very good job of bringing him comfort -- referred to those who forget God (Job 8:13) in the following way.

“His confidence is severed, and HIS TRUST IS A SPIDER’S WEB.” (Job 8:14 ESV)

Note also a statement God brought through His prophet Isaiah.

“(5) They hatch adders’ eggs; THEY WEAVE THE SPIDER’S WEB; he who eats their eggs dies, and from one that is crushed a viper is hatched. (6) THEIR WEBS WILL NOT SERVE AS CLOTHING; MEN WILL NOT COVER THEMSELVES WITH WHAT THEY MAKE. Their works are works of iniquity, and deeds of violence are in their hands.” (Isaiah 59:5-6 ESV)

People may be intrigued by things in which they begin to place their trust, that may prove to be as fragile as a spider’s web. Webs of deception are woven and people begin to trust in that which can be easily broken and offer no support. It is THE GOD WHO CREATED the spider to do its wondrous work that our focus of trust is to continue with.

Backing up to the beginning of this chapter in Isaiah we read…

“BEHOLD, THE LORD’S HAND IS NOT SHORTENED, THAT IT CANNOT SAVE, OR HIS EAR DULL, THAT IT CANNOT HEAR;” (Isaiah 59:1 ESV)

There is where we can CONFIDENTLY place our trust. The safety net God has woven together in the Gospel of Jesus is able to hold us and provide the support we need for the present life and for carrying us on into His eternal glorious realm. May we not allow anything else to draw our focus away from the Author of wisdom and wonder that should intrigue us most. We are significant to Him and He cared enough to send the very best to secure our salvation. Praise God for His most intricate work on our behalf!

Have a great day KEEPING THE CONFIDENCE IN OUR CARING CREATOR!
Carl

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Continuing Opportunity!

Doors. Some are for the purpose of keeping in while others are for keeping out, depending on which side of the door the lock is placed. There are doors marked “Enter Only” or “Exit Only” while still others swing both ways. Then there are doors which are kept locked at all times while others remain open all hours of the day. In general, DOORS PROVIDE ACCESS; at least while they are open.

Note the following encouragement to the church in Philadelphia.
“(7) And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: ‘The words of the holy one, the true one, who has the key of David, WHO OPENS AND NO ONE WILL SHUT, WHO SHUTS AND NO ONE OPENS. (8) I know your works. Behold, I HAVE SET BEFORE YOU AN OPEN DOOR, WHICH NO ONE IS ABLE TO SHUT. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.’” (Revelations 3:7-8 ESV)

There are doors associated with the work of the Lord and His kingdom. Paul recognized a “wide door for effective work” that had opened for him in Ephesus. (1 Corinthians 16:8-9) There was an occasion when Paul had a door opened to him in Troas, but because of his concern for finding Titus, he went on to Macedonia. (2 Corinthians 2:12) Paul also requested the prayers of others for a door for the word to be opened even while he was in prison. (Colossians 4:3)

There are doors that may be open for a while and those opportunities need to be seized then. Other doors may close to redirect efforts another direction. Then there are doors of opportunity that may remain open, that even though some may try to close them, they cannot be closed because God is keeping them open; at least for now. Through the ages, individuals and governments have attempted to close the door God has opened for ENTERING THE LORD’S KINGDOM (Matthew 21:31 and 23:13), but people have CONTINUED ENTERING anyway. However, a time will come when the door will be closed. (note Matthew 25:10-13)

The church in Philadelphia was encouraged that the Lord was aware of their works. Even though this church may not have been very large or appeared strong, through their faithfulness to the Word and the Name of Jesus, they were being provided with an OPEN DOOR that no one would be able to shut. What wonderful encouragement during a time of great persecution. May we also remain true to the Word and be willing to continue acknowledging the Lordship of Jesus by word of mouth and by the manner in which we live our life as we accept the opportunities opened before us to direct others to the Lord for ENTRANCE INTO HIS ETERNAL KINGDOM.

Have a great day DIRECTING OTHERS TO ETERNITY’S DOOR!
Carl

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Under What Roof?

Taking refuge in substandard housing. Seeking shelter under the cover of shoddy workmanship. Perhaps such dwellings seem just fine when weather is fair, but when storms arise the lack of protection from the cold and rain is quickly realized. As it is wise to consider proper shelter through all the seasons of the year, it is even more so with regard to our spiritual lives. There are some who live in adequate housing to protect themselves from the elements who have given little consideration to the storms of a spiritual nature that arise. In fact, some have actually taken shelter under that which will ultimately prove to be no protection at all.

In a statement of judgment on Ephraim and Jerusalem during the days of Isaiah, we read…
“(14) Therefore hear the word of the Lord, you scoffers, who rule this people in Jerusalem! (15) Because you have said, ‘We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol we have an agreement, when the overwhelming whip passes through it will not come to us, for we HAVE MADE LIES OUR REFUGE, and IN FALSEHOOD WE HAVE TAKEN SHELTER’;” (Isaiah 28:14-15 ESV)

What had been trusted in they may not have called “lies” or “falsehood”, but that was the reality. God and His Will were not always viewed as the shelter of His people. There were times hope was placed in other nations for help or safe refuge from an enemy. Idols -- which were referred to as “a lie in [their] right hand” (Isaiah 44:20) -- had even been looked to, but in reality were a false hope. Confidence was also sometimes placed in the soothing message of false prophets who calmed their fears but did not alter the truth of what was to come. False assurances are no assurance at all! To trust in lies offers no more protection than whitewash over a weak wall that cannot resist being broken through.

The next two verses here in Isaiah read…
“(16) therefore thus says the Lord God, ‘Behold, I am the one who has LAID AS A FOUNDATION in Zion, A STONE, A TESTED STONE, A PRECIOUS CORNERSTONE, OF A SURE FOUNDATION: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’ (17) And I will make justice the line, and righteousness the plumb line; and hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and waters will overwhelm the shelter.’” (Isaiah 29:16-17 ESV)

This foundation on which life is to be built up and where TRUE SECURITY can be gained is found in Jesus (note Romans 9:33; 1 Peter 2:6) and is associated with a “spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5) wherein we can dwell in safety. Our lives need to find refuge and shelter on the foundation of Jesus and under the roof of the TRUTH OF GOD. Only in Christ can we find the “plumb line” for lining up all the aspects of our life.

Paul referred to those who were perishing because they “refused to love the truth and so be saved.”(2 Thessalonians 2:10 ESV) God’s desire -- on the other hand -- is that all “be saved and come to the knowledge of THE TRUTH.” (1 Timothy 2:4 ESV) May we not be deceived. TRUTH matters! It is stable. It is durable. It will stand. It will shelter when all else around us may be crumbling in. Let THE TRUTH IN CHRIST be the refuge continually surround our lives.

Have a great day ENJOYING TRUE SANTUARY IN THE TRUE SAVIOR!
Carl

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Spectator Or Player?

School has begun. Football season has been underway. Pep-band music has been well rehearsed. Cheerleaders have practiced long hours. Speculations are being made about this year’s season. Perhaps you have joined in on all the talk about “We did this” or “We did that” or “We sure set back that team”, etc.. However, who is the “we”? What DID “we” do? Am I a part of the “we”?

There was a talented young man on a football squad who never seemed to put his heart into the game. The coach thought that perhaps a little encouragement would help.
“John, tell me,” said the coach, “if our team had the ball and was on the one foot line with one down to go, what would you do?”
“I’d move down to the end of the bench and get a better view,” he replied.

Are we ACTIVE MEMBERS on God’s team or have we been content to sit and watch from the sidelines? Have we been letting others carry the ball and do the work and still jump in to take part in the glory of the victory celebrations? Do we sit back, putting forth no effort, and then when the plays don’t seem to work right begin to criticize those who are at least out there trying their best? We may think we’re a part of the team sitting there on the bench rooting on the rest of the team, but it is those out in the field who will get the awards.

Christianity is not a game. It is to be our life. We are promised the victory in Jesus Christ. Encouragement is a part of the scene, but it needs to be as we are together on the “playing field”. We are not on the Lord’s team to do our own thing, but rather to do His thing. God doesn’t want us to move to where we can get a better view of the action, He wants us involved IN THE ACTION. He wants us to be His servant. He wants us to be His soldier. He wants us to be His ambassador. He wants us to be His light out there where the world needs illumination and guidance.

In reflecting on his ministry, Paul wrote…
“(7) I have FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT, I have FINISHED THE RACE, I have KEPT THE FAITH. (8) Henceforth there is laid up for me the CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, which THE LORD, the righteous judge, WILL AWARD to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8 ESV)

Let’s move out of the stands and into the field. Our Lord has a game plan in which He wants to INVOLVE US. At times the competition may be tough, but the game book already makes it clear His team will win.

Have a great day AS AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF GOD’S TEAM!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 09/10/1998 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

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Fulfilling!

There are many endeavors in which we can involve ourselves that may be very fulfilling. When we are involved in activities that bring benefit to the lives of others, it can give us a deep sense of satisfaction. Finding our purpose helps make life worth living.

As Paul was drawing his letter to the church at Colossae to a close, he extended greetings from those who were with him and asked for his own greeting to be shared with the brethren in that region. He also mentioned some specific individuals, as well as an exhortation to an individual by the name of Archippus.

We read…
“And say to Archippus, ‘See that you FULFILL THE MINISTRY THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED IN THE LORD.’” (Colossians 4:17 ESV)

Should we not find the greatest sense of fulfillment in knowing we are fulfilling the MINISTRY or SERVICE that is to accompany our life in the Lord? MINISTRY can be characterized in many ways and take place on various levels. (note Romans 12:4-8) There are many facets of my own personal MINISTRY, “teEn-MAIL” being just one of them. What do you see as your MINISTRY? Have you identified it? In what ways are you fulfilling it in your daily life?

In my office there is a portion of Scripture I have posted on the wall where I am able to see it frequently. It reads…

“CURSED IS HE WHO DOES THE WORK OF THE LORD WITH SLACKNESS,….” (Jeremiah 48:10a ESV)

May we be continually mindful of the opportunities the Lord places before us to impact others in His Name and for His glory. We each have varying abilities and together much can be accomplished when we remain open to allowing the Lord to use us. May we experience a fulfilling life through accepting and fulfilling the MINISTRY we have received in the Lord.

Have a great day FOCUSED FOR ACCOMPLISHING THE LORD’S WILL!
Carl

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Courage!

We all experience situations in life that create a bit of nervousness. Perhaps there are times we have wished for a little more courage than was felt to be possessed. However, when we are faced with things WE KNOW MUST BE DONE anyway, hopefully we have the courage to step forward and do them. Paul asked for prayers for such courage.

Writing from prison to the church at Philippi he stated…
“(19) for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, (20) as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but THAT WITH FULL COURAGE NOW AS ALWAYS CHRIST WILL BE HONORED IN MY BODY, whether by life or by death.” (Philippians 1:19-20 ESV)

There is no question regarding the convicted and courageous life lived by Paul. It seems nothing could possibly stop him from pressing on! What was it that kept him moving on in his faith and work to the glory of the Lord in spite of the challenges he faced?

In 1953, a columnist for the Chicago News -- a writer by the name of Harris who had gained a large following of readers by what were noted as frank and often caustic comments -- wrote what he called “A Prayer For The President.” It went like this: “O Lord … give him the courage, not of his convictions, but of Your commandments.” [original source unknown]

Perhaps that would not be a bad prayer for any of us! When Paul (as Saul) was a persecutor of the church, we might agree that he was very bold and courageous based on his convictions. This was his mission when his confidence was in the flesh. (Philippians 3:4-6) However, those convictions were wrong! Convictions must be based on the RIGHT FOUNDATION! When Paul’s life became firmly established in the TRUTH OF JESUS, we see His readiness to press on with it mattering not whether he faced life or death. Whatever came, Paul was determined to honor Christ!

May we heed the words of the Hebrew writer as he exhorted…
“(35) Therefore DO NOT THROW AWAY YOUR CONFIDENCE, which has a great reward. (36) For YOU HAVE NEED OF ENDURANCE, so that when you have done the WILL OF GOD you may receive what is promised.” (Hebrews 10:35-36 ESV)

When our life is based on the WILL OF GOD we can develop the greatest courage for pressing on in that which is right. This is the stand that is of eternal significance. May we, like Paul, have a mindset to honor Christ regardless of what we face. Let us pray for sufficient courage as we press on with each step securely placed on God’s foundation of truth!

Have a great day CONFIDENTLY LIVING ACCORDING TO GOD’S RIGHTEOUS WILL!
Carl

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Shining Above!

The weather is an ever changing thing. Clouds blow in and gray skies sometimes cause people to go into depression. Mist and rain may dampen the spirit even more than the ground on which they fall. However, when the sun comes out evaporating the clouds and the dampness that was there, it is amazing the transformation that sometimes takes place with the outlook of some individuals. Attitudes and perspectives often become as bright, cheery and warm as the rays of the sun shining overhead. Life may have its gloomy moments, but remember that even above the clouds the sun is still shining. Is it not the same spiritually when we recognize what is above us?

In the prophecy of God through Isaiah, note the following description of God’s forgiveness in the redemptive work God would fulfill on behalf of His people.

“(21) Remember these things, O Jacob, and Israel, for you are my servant; I formed you; you are my servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by me. (22) I HAVE BLOTTED OUT YOUR TRANSGRESSIONS LIKE A CLOUD AND YOUR SINS LIKE MIST; return to me, for I have redeemed you.” (Isaiah 44:21-22 ESV)

As with the rising of the sun to cause the morning fog to begin to dissipate, so it is with THE RISEN SON Who gave Himself for our sins in order for them to be blotted out. The bright rays of our Lord’s love should be clearly seen in His willingness to endure the cross on our behalf. The promise of salvation in Him and the complete forgiveness of our sins should part the clouds in our sky and dry the mist from our eyes. Because of the RISEN SON we have cause for eternal rejoicing!

Peter exhorted an audience gathered in Solomon’s portico to…

“(19) REPENT therefore, and TURN AGAIN, THAT YOUR SINS MAY BE BLOTTED OUT, (20) that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, (21) whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.” (Acts 3:19-21 ESV)

We do not have to live in the fog! Because of the RISEN SON our redemption has been made possible. God longs for all to repent (2 Peter 3:9) so that they can receive the blessing of forgiveness Jesus has made possible. May we continue to live with a repentant spirit so that we may receive the blessing God is so eager to provide.

Have a great day LIVING IN THE SON’S BRIGHT HOPE!
Carl

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Pressing Situation!

This past weekend I was involved in a “pressing situation”; the directing of cider pressing at the annual Apple Cider Press youth rally in Cashmere, Washington. The weekend was filled with some very practical lessons presented by two wonderful speakers, lots of singing, and of course some friendly competition between the teens. Prior to starting the stopwatch and sending teens from each team running for apples, I would remind the teams that they needed to be careful to not drop any apples on the ground. For every apple dropped they would lose credit for one quarter inch of cider pressed during their fifteen minutes of work. I urged them to remember they did not want to lose credit for any of the cider they would WORK SO HARD to make. This year there were some records broken. One team WORKED HARD to press a record amount of forty-six and one quarter inches (measured in five gallon buckets). Another team that pressed almost as much, dropped a total of fifteen apples (also a new record) which meant they lost credit for three and three quarters inches of what they had WORKED SO HARD to produce. Together, the sixteen competing teams pressed a total of five hundred seventy inches of cider which was enough to fill four hundred seventy-one half gallon jugs of cider.

Yesterday I reflected on this past weekend’s activities as I read through 2 John. A much more “pressing situation” has to do with our continued faithfulness to God. Though we have been saved by the grace of God -- being cleansed by the powerful blood of Jesus -- if we fail to remain watchful and continue to press on in the growth of Christian faith, we could lose that which we had gained.

John exhorted…
“(7) For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Such a one is the deceiver and the antichrist. (8) WATCH YOURSELVES, SO THAT YOU MAY NOT LOSE WHAT WE HAVE WORKED FOR, BUT MAY WIN A FULL REWARD. (9) Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.” (2 John 7-9 ESV)

Such deceivers to which John referred might appear to offer something, but in the process of following them they actually take away what was already gained in Christ. There is the need to keep pressing on in faith and obedience to God so that we do not find ourselves going backwards. To not be watchful could mean losing what has already been WORKED SO HARD to grow in. Let us live so as to not lose any of the blessings God would reward us with through the maintaining of a proper relationship to Him and His Will.

Have a great day PRESSING ON WITH GROWTH IN THE LORD!
Carl

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What On Earth?

We look around us at some of the things taking place and may wonder “what on earth” is going on? Sometimes the question arises, “What in the world were you thinking?” Perhaps the problem is that adequate thought is not always given to actions and their impact. When we consider what is going on around us, what is the compelling power behind it all? What motivates the actions that cause what we see? What is that in our own life? What compels us to do what we do? What is the mindset behind it all? Is there a HEAVENLY LINK to “what on earth” we are doing?

When Jesus came to this earth it was for the purpose of DOING THE WILL OF THE FATHER Who had sent Him. (John 6:38) That is what had been prophesied before His coming. (note Hebrews 10:5-7 and Psalm 40:6-8) That is “what on earth” Jesus did and the Gospels reveal that history and the blessings that stretch on into eternity for even us today.

In what Matthew records as Jesus’ sermon on the mount, the Lord provided a model for prayer that included a focus on the Father’s Will. In the first portion of that prayer we read…

“(9) …‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. (10) Your kingdom come, YOUR WILL BE DONE, ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.’” (Matthew 6:9-10 ESV)

Part of God’s Will was the establishment of an eternal kingdom. Having fulfilled that (Mark 9:1; Colossians 1:13), Jesus is presently reigning as “King of kings and Lord of lords.” (1 Timothy 6:15) If we are living as citizens of that kingdom, are we seeking GOD’S WILL -- as He has established it and revealed it from Heaven -- TO BE DONE here on earth? In that seeking are we open to Him showing us our own part in its fulfillment? To truly desire GOD’S WILL TO BE DONE on earth means for us to be willing for GOD’S WILL TO BE DONE IN our life, THROUGH our life, and BY our life! As we pray for GOD’S WILL TO BE DONE we must do so with a heart that is ready TO DO IT!

Jesus warned…
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but THE ONE WHO DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN.” (Matthew 7:21 ESV)

“What on earth” are we doing? Our relationship to Jesus and our Christian faith must be more than words. To truly believe is to accept the call to action! God will do HIS WILL! HIS WILL ultimately will prevail. The real issue is: WILL WE DO HIS? May our life be lived as a window through which those around us can glimpse the mind of God and accept the opportunity to also become citizens under Christ’s wonderful and blessed rule! Let it be HEAVEN’S THING we on earth are doing!

Have a great day KNOWING OUR DIVINE PURPOSE FOR THE PRESENT!
Carl

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Rainbow Or Cloud?

In many ways we choose our outlook on life by where we keep OUR FOCUS. Some people rob themselves of joy simply because they FOCUS on what they don’t have rather than on what they do. They can have much going for them and have one thing that is not the way they wish it, and allow that one thing to rain on their whole parade.

I’m reminded of Haman (in the book of Esther) who boasted about his wealth, his many sons, the honor given him by the king of Persia and how he had been elevated above all the other nobles and officials, and he was the only one invited to accompany the king to a special banquet. (Esther 5:10-12) You could say, here was one who had it all. Yet he allowed jealousy toward another individual to take away all his joy.

Note Haman’s own words:
“YET ALL THIS IS WORTH NOTHING TO ME, SO LONG AS I SEE MORDECAI THE JEW SITTING AT THE KING’S GATE.” (Esther 5:13 ESV)

Though Haman was respected by all, he was upset that one single Jew would not pay him the attention he thought he deserved. Though he had many positive things he could have FOCUSED on, Haman could not get out of his mind the one thing that rained on his glory parade. His FOCUS on the one cloud in his life took away all the gleam of the things that were going well for him. Because he kept his FOCUS there, it ended up bringing about his doom. (Esther chapter 7)

ON WHAT HAVE WE CHOSEN TO FOCUS? I’m sure we all have some things in our lives we wish were different. However, I am just as certain we all have some things in our lives that are going very well. It is okay and proper to try to better the other situations, but WHERE WE KEEP OUR FOCUS will tremendously impact our disposition in life and the way we are with others. May OUR FOCUS rest on the right list.

Have a great day COUNTING YOUR BLESSINGS!
Carl

PS. Esther is a short book. Why not read "The Rest Of The Story."
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[This focus was originally sent 09/03/1998 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

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Chaos!

A surgeon, an architect and a politician were arguing about who’s profession was the oldest.
“Eve was made from the rib of Adam,” said the surgeon. “That was surgery.”
“Maybe,” said the architect, but before that, order was created from chaos, and that was an architectural job.”
“But wait,” said the politician knowingly. “Who do you think created all that chaos?”

What a marvelous God we worship, Who had (and has) the power to make something out of nothing. God has given us life and a beautiful creation in which to live. From chaos He brought it all about, yet at times it seems that mankind is trying to throw it back into chaos. However, the God of all creation still has the POWER today TO TRANSFORM the chaos of one’s life into a life with meaning, purpose, and blessing. In fact, God has the power to ultimately TRANSFORM us into something beyond our imagination.

To the church in Philippi, Paul wrote:
“(20) But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, (21) who WILL TRANSFORM OUR LOWLY BODY TO BE LIKE HIS GLORIOUS BODY, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” (Philippians 3:20-21 ESV)

I don’t know exactly what that will be like, but just like God said with each part of Creation in Genesis 1 -- IT WILL BE GOOD!

Have a great day IN THE HANDS OF THE GREAT TRANSFORMER!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 09/02/1998 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

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Key Element!

Some things by themselves are not good enough. For example, oatmeal made without salt does not taste very good at all. You might have a state-of-the-art stereo system, but without speakers what good is it? You might have a beautifully shined automobile with leather upholstery, fancy wheels, etc. -- but without an engine, where will you go? These things might look good, but when missing an important element, what good are they?

This is a point Paul tried to get across to the church in Corinth. They were a very gifted church, but were missing a key element in their life together.

We read…
“(1) If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but HAVE NOT LOVE, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. (2) And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but HAVE NOT LOVE, I am nothing. (3) If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but HAVE NOT LOVE, I gain nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3 ESV)

LOVE is an element we cannot go without. Though we may be a very gifted individual, WITHOUT LOVE, Paul pointed out, it is JUST NOISE! Even if we have lots of smarts, can explain lots of things, and have lots of faith -- WITHOUT LOVE we ARE NOTHING! And even if we are self-sacrificing in service, WITHOUT LOVE we GAIN NOTHING!

I’m one of those people who thinks “sour cream” goes with just about everything. Though you might not agree, the thing we must agree to accept is this: LOVE DOES (and must) GO WITH EVERYTHING! Live each day acknowledging that LOVE IS IT! We have nothing without it! LOVE PROFITS!

Have a great day COMPELLED BY LOVE TO THE GLORY OF GOD!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 09/01/1998 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

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Reassurance!

Traveling a road we have not traveled before can create a little anxiety. Are we going the right direction? Did we miss a turn somewhere? If only we had someone with us who has traveled that way before! Today technology has made travel easier. With the use of an in-car GPS (Global Positioning System), a destination can be punched in and verbal DIRECTIONS are given as each turn is approached. This can be very reassuring for the traveler who is traveling that way for the first time.

Yesterday morning I came across the following passage in Isaiah. It is a text which pointed to better times for God’s people. Though they had been traveling a road away from God, there was coming a time of return when God’s Way would again be followed.

We read…
“(19) For a people shall dwell in Zion, in Jerusalem; you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry. As soon as he hears it, he answers you. (20) And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. (21) And YOUR EARS SHALL HEAR A WORD BEHIND YOU, SAYING, ‘THIS IS THE WAY, WALK IN IT,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30:19-21 ESV)

God’s people had not always listened to the prophets He sent. The warnings of God were often ignored, and because of this some of God’s prophets even had to go into hiding for fear of their lives. However, a time was coming when God’s Word would again be heard and listened to. What greater fulfillment of that prophecy than when the Messiah -- the Master Teacher -- walked the face of this earth revealing clearly the spirit of God’s commands and the salvation He desires to provide. The disciples had that voice right with them as they walked with the Lord during the short time of His ministry on earth. Then the disciples were encouraged of the aid they would receive from the Holy Spirit (John 14:25-26; 16:13) to keep in remembrance the message of God and GUIDE THEM into all the truth. And we have “the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place” (2 Peter 1:19) to read on a daily basis and speak to us as we travel on through life. Filling our mind with the Word and Will of God will be an ever present voice GUIDING us each step of the way.

Jesus has traveled the road we are traveling. (Hebrews 4:14-16) He has gone on before us to the destination of our eternal hope. (Hebrews 6:19-20) He is “THE WAY” (John 14:6) God has provided for access to Him. God’s Word and Will have been made available to us. The GUIDANCE we need can be carried with us! How much are we relying upon the spiritual GPS -- God’s Piloting System -- that has been preserved for us? May we allow it to continue to speak to our heart, being conscious of God’s leading at all times.

Have a great day ASSURED BY GOD’S PILOTING SYSTEM!
Carl

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Sharing Sweets!

Do we have a sweet tooth? When we are given a bag of candy or box of chocolates, are we eager to accept? Are we just as eager to share the sweet treat with others? Oh, how mouth watering such can be. Looks good and can be so hard to resist. Tastes good and can even make the disposition more cheery.

The Psalmist stated…
“How SWEET ARE YOUR WORDS TO MY TASTE, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:103 ESV)

Have we found the message of God revealed through HIS WORD to be something very sweet because of the many blessings and broad impact it can have on our life? Every time we open the Book, do we find every bit that we take in to be satisfying, tasty morsels? Do we continually find them to be palatable for our life?

Words are not meant to merely be held in the mouth, but are intended to be spoken as long as they are appropriate. This is especially true with the wisdom God has made available to us that is also to be offered to others. As we have received and accepted His counsel, are we sharing it?

Solomon noted…
“Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the SWEETNESS OF A FRIEND COMES FROM HIS EARNEST COUNSEL.” (Proverbs 27:9 ESV)

What kind of friend are we? Do we share a genuine concern for the spiritual wellbeing of those around us? Do others sense the sweetness of our friendship because we earnestly live by and point toward the wise COUNSEL OF GOD?

Within the WORD OF GOD is found benefit for the whole being. We have received the gracious words of God. These gracious words are to be passed on to others.

Solomon also wrote…
“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, SWEETNESS TO THE SOUL AND HEALTH TO THE BODY.” (Proverbs 16:24 ESV)

This is no more true than with regard to the gracious WORDS OF GOD! Within HIS WORD is found benefit for the whole being; body and soul. We have received His gracious words. Those gracious words ought to greatly encourage us. They also ought to be passed on to others. May they be the sweets we are most eager to share so that we and those around us may develop and maintain a sweet tooth for God’s sweet truth!

Have a great day SHARING GOD’S SWEET TRUTH!
Carl

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Playing Ball!

Playing ball (playing catch or baseball) with others is a great way to pass some time. Enjoying the game can be appreciated as a thing of leisure. However, playing ball can have its serious side. The expression “play ball” is an Americanism meaning to begin the game of baseball, but has also taken on the general meaning of being an invitation to join in and COOPERATE with others. However, when someone is described as playing “hardball” it is indicative of one who has become aggressive in trying to achieve their aim.

To “play ball” with God we must consider His aims and rules. As He invites us to join in we must do so with a willingness to COOPERATE with Him and then with each other. God’s Will is going to prevail (Proverbs 19:21) regardless of what we do and if we refuse to COOPERATE we will only find ourselves in a position of playing “hardball” against Him.

In an oracle of God concerning Jerusalem during the time of Isaiah, we find a severe warning directed at a steward named Shebna. (Isaiah 22:15) It appears Shebna received this sharp rebuke after developing a sense of pride with regard to himself. (Isaiah 22:16)

We read…
“(17) Behold, THE LORD WILL HURL YOU AWAY VIOLENTLY, O you strong man. He will seize firm hold on you (18) and WHIRL YOU AROUND AND AROUND, AND THROW YOU LIKE A BALL INTO A WIDE LAND. There you shall die, and there shall be your glorious chariots, you shame of your master’s house.” (Isaiah 22:17-18 ESV)

Could we call that “hardball”? As the Scriptures warn, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18 ESV) Shebna had apparently created a tomb to establish his honor even after his death. However, he would be hurled out “like a ball” into another land.

We must remember we are not in the game of life alone. When we step out on our own we cease being a team player and place ourselves in a position to be thrown from the game! Are we continually striving to live under the “coaching” of God, COOPERATING with Him every step of the way? Don’t let pride and self-will get in the way. It is only through following God’s game plan that we can be assured of rounding the bases and getting safely home.

Have a great day REMAINING IN THE GAME WITH GOD!
Carl

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Getting Bumped!

If I am holding a cup of coffee and someone bumps into me, what gets spilled? Of course it would be the contents of the cup; coffee. If a glass of milk is upset on the table, what ends up being spilled? Again, we know it would be the contents of the glass; milk. What is within the cup or glass does not change upon being knocked over. What is contained is what will be spilled.

What if we considered our life in the same way? If we have tried to hide some aspects of our character that are not particularly godly, those characteristics are usually revealed when our life is bumped or upset by the actions of others. Therefore we ought to be mindful of what we are striving to contain within so that when it is spilled it may bring blessing to our life and perhaps even to the one who has upset us. If we do not respond appropriately we will end up making our own contribution to the making of a mess!

Note the kind of response Paul exhorted those at Rome toward.
“(14) BLESS those who persecute you; BLESS AND DO NOT CURSE THEM.”

Then dropping down a few verses…
“(17) REPAY NO ONE EVIL FOR EVIL, but GIVE THOUGHT TO DO WHAT IS HONORABLE in the sight of all. (18) If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (19) Beloved, NEVER AVENGE YOURSELVES, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ (20) To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ (21) Do not be overcome by evil, but OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD.” (Romans 12:14 & 17-21 ESV)

The best way to be prepared to respond in such a way is to focus on having our life FILLED WITH THE RIGHT QUALITIES. Let us seek to be FILLED WITH GOODNESS. (Romans 15:14) Let us also allow our lives to be filled with the FRUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS. (Philippians 1:11) Through living by the wisdom from above (rather than the wisdom of the world) our life will be “FULL OF MERCY AND GOOD FRUITS.” (James 3:17) May such things be the contents that spill out when our life receives its bumps so that our GODLY CHARACTER can be seen and have opportunity to impact those around us.

Have a great day AVOIDING A MESS THROUGH WILLINGNESS TO BLESS!
Carl

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The Right Stuff!

Our hearts need to love. Our actions need to be compelled by love. Our words need to be offered in love. But is love, love? I mean, is what all people consider love really love? There is a song that refers to “looking for love in all the wrong places” and there are many in this world doing just that. There are others who think they have “found love” or are “in love” who perhaps don’t really understand what “true love” is.

Our hearts also need a sustaining power to help us “keep on keeping on.” Some feel they have the strength to stand against anything; to remain faithful and unwavering through whatever might befall them. But do they truly have what it takes? Are they depending on their own strength or their own affections?

Paul, in his second letter to the church at Thessalonica wrote…
“May the Lord direct your hearts to the LOVE OF GOD and to the STEADFASTNESS OF CHRIST.” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 ESV)

There’s what we truly need! There’s the “RIGHT STUFF” to sustain us. It is GOD’S LOVE that needs to become our love -- for it is a selfless, other-centered love. It is love that loves in spite of rather than because of. We also need the STEADFASTNESS OF CHRIST in order to have the sustaining power for hanging in there through life’s trials and remaining faithful to God’s way. May we be open to the Lord directing our hearts to possess His kind of love and Christ’s spirit of steadfastness.

Have a great day SUSTAINED BY THE RIGHT STUFF!
Carl
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[This focus was originally sent 08/30/1998 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

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