Prejudice!

Perhaps we feel we have become successful at warding of prejudice. Is there a sense in which we feel we have become colorblind when we look at others? What is prejudice anyway? Our English word comes from the Latin "praejudicium" ["prae" (pre) and "judicium" (judgment)] and may rightfully be viewed as a "prejudgment" of others.

Sometimes I feel that being prejudiced is not a challenge for me until another word comes to mind; "STEREOTYPING". STEREOTYPING is the act of categorizing individuals or groups of individuals according to an oversimplified standardized image or idea. [source: Encarta ® World English Dictionary © 1998-2005, Microsoft Corp.] It is when we look at someone and by simply noting their nationality, style of dress, kind of car being driven, manner of speech, or some other visible characteristic, we immediately place them in a certain grouping of people such as intelligent or uneducated, rich or poor, hard working or lazy, giver or taker, etc. This can quickly take place within our minds before we even become fully aware it's happening. It is an act of jumping to a conclusion about others before we even get to know them. The only one to walk this earth to possess such an immediate insight of others was our Lord. (John 2:24-25) Therefore we need to carefully guard against making some of the distinctions the world may like to make. When people drop by our church building seeking help of various sorts, they come in all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, and manners of dress. I must always be mindful of what is allowed to impact my perspective.

James admonished. . .
"(1) My brothers, SHOW NO PARTIALITY as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. (2) For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, (3) and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, 'You sit here in a good place,' while you say to the poor man, 'You stand over there,' or, 'Sit down at my feet,' (4) have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become JUDGES WITH EVIL THOUGHTS?" (James 2:1-4 ESV)

What James was addressing was taking place within the fellowship of the church! He made it clear that such distinctions make us "judges with evil thoughts." James later even addressed the idea of how we speak to others, since we must bear in mind they too were created in the likeness of God. (James 3:9)

In Paul's letter to the church at Rome he exhorted toward the willingness to. . .
"(16) Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but ASSOCIATE WITH THE LOWLY. Never be wise in your own sight." (Romans 12:16 ESV)

Jesus worked with His disciples to get them to see people. We may see color. We may note nationality. We may make the proper distinction between male and female. All of that can be just fine. However, we need to look beyond these differences to recognize souls in need of the same salvation in Christ we have received. God's Will is to be upheld without prejudice or prejudging. (note 1 Tim. 5:21) We need to recognize how in Christ we are united for the same blessings associated with being heirs of Abraham. (Galatians 3:27-29) May we guard against prejudging as we try to see others in the loving manner in which God views them.

Have a great day VALUING OTHERS AS GOD DOES!
Carl

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Contributing To Living!

"You're killing me here." This expression is often spoken by one who is distressed about the actions of another. Perhaps it is because their own activity is being restricted or slowed by the actions of the other individual. Or maybe their words or actions are neither helpful nor encouraging toward the direction life movement should be going. According to the online "Urban Dictionary" this statement is used in reference to being let down by an individual or is stated to an individual who is slacking off and not doing their share of the work.

How about the other side of such situations? Can the actions of another who is contributing to progress be noted as doing the opposite of killing? Could they be said to be BRINGING LIFE?

Though Paul was imprisoned, we was encouraged by the boldness of those who did not allow themselves to become discouraged in the work of spreading the Gospel of Jesus. (see Philippians 1:12-14) Rather than becoming discouraged in his own situation, he was encouraged by what others were doing to promote the spreading of the knowledge of Jesus and salvation in Him. In fact, in one of Paul's letters he came pretty close to actually stating the converse of "You're killing me here."

Writing to the church at Thessalonica, Paul noted. . .
"(6) But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you -- (7) for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. (8) FOR NOW WE LIVE, if you are standing fast in the Lord." (1 Thessalonians 3:6-8 ESV)

In spite of the distress and trials that could have discouraged and killed Paul's spirit, he was greatly encouraged by the growth of faith among those at Thessalonica. Because of the report he had received he could say, "NOW WE LIVE!" Their contribution of activity to the faith and cause of Christ brought LIFE GIVING encouragement to Paul. May such also be the impact of our actions and words as we continue doing our part in the ministry of the Lord.

Have a great day LIVING TO REVIVE THE SPIRIT OF OTHERS!
Carl

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Transitions!

Yesterday morning I had the opportunity to welcome students and families from our county to a "Transition Conference" focusing on the transition from high school to work for individuals with developmental or learning disabilities. This can be a huge transition and families must be mindful of the resources available and the preparations needed for making the transition. Serving as a co-chair of our counties' DD Advisory Board I was given the privilege of welcoming and then introducing the first two speakers of the day. However, as I thought of my introductory remarks I also realized we all face many transitions in life.

As soon as we are born, life transitions begin. From that point on life is filled with transitions, some of which can be more challenging or of greater significance than others. Knowing transitions are a part of life, that they are coming, and hearing from others who have gone through them helps to prepare for those transitions. Also, having the opportunity to engage in conversation with others focusing on the same transitions provides encouragement for going through the processes.

Saul (later known as Paul) made a drastic transition in his life from being a persecutor of the church to being a proclaimer of its truths. (Acts 8:1-3; 9:1-22 ) Though our coming to Christ may not have been as extreme a transition as that as Paul's, the significance of that transition is still as huge. Note the following three passages.

Peter noted the following regarding the Christians to whom he wrote.
"(9) But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you OUT OF DARKNESS INTO HIS MARVELOUS LIGHT." (1 Peter 2:9 ESV)

Wow! What a special relationship we have with God through Jesus Christ our Lord. One of the great things that marks our life in Christ is that we have made a transition FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT. Living in the light of the truth of Christ we can now see life as we ought and know there is much more than meets the eye. In fact, we gain a perspective that transcends this life into an eternity with God.

Jesus declared. . .
"(24) Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but HAS PASSED FROM DEATH TO LIFE." (John 5:24 ESV)

John noted this transition when he wrote. . .
"(14) We know that we HAVE PASSED OUT OF DEATH INTO LIFE, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death." (1 John 3:14 ESV)

Neither Jesus nor John addressed this transition as something yet to come, but rather as having already taken place. Living life in Christ means we have already passed FROM DEATH TO LIFE. Physical death will merely be the door into our eternity with God. Because of our belief in Jesus and the manner in which we honor our relationship with one another in Christ, we are revealing what true life is all about. In Him we are presently able to live life abundantly and fully. (John 10:10) May those around us begin to take note of the transition we have made to TRUE LIFE so that they may be brought over as well and thus prepared for the greatest transition FROM THIS REALM TO THE ETERNAL ONE!

Have a great day GLORYING IN THE LIFE IN CHRIST!
Carl

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The Great Surgeon!

The thing that seems to have drawn the nation of Israel away from God again and again was a FAULTY HEART; a hardened heart. Even Jesus was faced with such a HEART CONDITION during His ministry on earth. (i.e. Mark 3:5) However, during the time of Ezekiel there was mention of when some needed HEART SURGERY would take place.

We read. . .
"(19) And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I WILL REMOVE THE HEART OF STONE from their flesh AND GIVE THEM A HEART OF FLESH, (20) that they may walk in my statutes and keep my rules and obey them. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God." (Ezekiel 11:19-20)

That actually sounds like a HEART TRANSPLANT! The old heart could not be cured. It needed to be replaced! This radical change is mentioned again in Ezekiel 36:26. As the heart is a vital organ within the body for sustaining life, so it is also true in a spiritual sense.

Picture a cold, dead, stone. Now consider a heart in such a condition and its inability to function to bring life to the body or to be responsive to life situations. A stony heart can no longer feel. Sin is not felt so that repentance can follow. Remove the unfeeling, untouchable, unresponsive and replace it with that which is soft and tender and able to respond to God's Will and true life returns!

A mere focus on the external is not enough. That may merely bring conformation; conforming outward action to what seems expected. There is instead a need for a radical change within. That is transformation; real change of the essence of the life toward truly becoming what one ought to be. It was the "spiritual surgery" God would perform. However, it did depend on a continuation of following after Him rather than continuing after the detestable things. (Ezekiel 11:21) God would place a heart of flesh in their flesh; that which should by nature function as He intended!

With a NEW HEART, unity would be possible with one another and with God. It is the same for us today. It is a heart sensitive to others needs and best interests and able to obediently surrender to God's Will. Not a dead heart, but a living one! Not a hard heart, but a soft and yielding one. With Christ we have the opportunity to be "born again" (John 3:3) and through baptism rise to "newness of life" (Romans 6:3-4) as a "new creation." (2 Corinthians 5:17) Praise God for the radical transformation He can bring to our lives to make us what He wants us to be!

Have a great day LIVING THE NEW LIFE GOD BRINGS!
Carl

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Loving The Master!

In Mathew 25, we have the record of Jesus' parable of the talents. Three servants were called in with each given in accordance with their individual "ability." (vs.15) Then the master went away for "a long time" (vs.19) while these servants were to put their master's property to use. The first two servants are said to have immediately (or at once) put the talents to use and each doubled the amount entrusted to them. (vss.16-17) It is possible that these two servants were EAGER TO PLEASE their master. Perhaps they even deeply loved the master under whom they served. However, with the third servant -- the one who simply went and buried what he had been given (vs.18) -- we are provided a clear glimpse of his view of the master where we read . . .

"(24) He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, (25) SO I WAS AFRAID, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.'" (Matthew 25:24-25 ESV)

This third servant knew his master's expectation. However, he had not even done the least he could have done; invested the money with the bankers to gain some interest. (vs.27) The servant's own words were used to condemn him. (vs.26) The master knew this servant's ability, but the servant had been lazy. (vs.26) Rather than being EAGER TO PLEASE his master, he allowed fear to paralyze him to the point of no activity. In his refusal to use it, he ended up losing it. (vss.28-29)

Certainly we should have a reverential fear for the Lord, our Master. However, have we come to know Him in a way that causes us to be a loving servant or a fearful one. Fear has to do with punishment and perfect love casts out fear! (1 John 4:18) Consider the expectation of the master in the parable. Just as he expected a return in relation to personal ability, so it is with our Lord. He does not expect any more than what He knows we can do. The real issue is are we at least living up and holding true to that? (consider the principle of Philippians 3:16) May our love for the Master be made evident in our EAGERNESS TO PLEASE Him by putting to use what has been entrusted to our care.

Have a great day USING OUR ABILITIES TO THE PLEASURE OF OUR MASTER!
Carl

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Where's The Success?

Isn't it amazing how often we can look at happenings in this world and they just don't look right? We observe varying occurrences and they just don't always seem to turn out the way that seems logical! Solomon noticed the same thing as he looked at life in general; life lived "under the sun". Notice his observation.

We read. . .
"(11) Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but TIME AND CHANCE HAPPEN TO THEM ALL." (Ecclesiastes 9:11 ESV)

Oh what a different view between the realities of life and WHAT THE WORLD EXPECTS TO COUNT ON. Consider these five ideas.

1. The world bets on the swift. Does this bring to mind the fable of the "Tortoise and the Hare"? The reality is that sometimes patience pays off rather than quickness.

2. The world depends on the strong. However, one could have all the ability and resources they need and still meet up with some failures. It is not enough to depend on our strength alone.

3. The world looks to the wise. Still, the hunger for truth and good living is not satisfied. The world's cravings are often filled with hollow husks and there is no growth due to a lack of proper nourishment. Man is in need of something beyond his own wisdom.

4. The world banks on the brilliant. The world spells success: "$UCCE$$". However, the brilliant can still lose it all playing the stock-market along with everyone else.

5. The world listens to the learned. Nevertheless, where have the "experts" of our day gotten us? It is not always the highly educated who come up with the great ideas. It was a plumber who devised a means of fluid drainage from around the brain, not a doctor. How often is it from the "mouth of babes" that wisdom comes forth? Is it with the wisdom of the world God finds favor, or is it in the acceptance of His wisdom?

Therefore, we should see it is not necessarily to the swift, the strong, the wise, the brilliant, or the learned that success comes. It ultimately comes to those who trust in the Lord.

Have a great day TRUSTING THE LORD'S IDEAS INSTEAD OF THE WORLD'S.
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 12/03/1998 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

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Neither Degraded Nor Inflated!

The Hebrew writer urged. . .
"REMEMBER YOUR LEADERS, those who spoke to you the word of God. CONSIDER THE OUTCOME OF THEIR WAY OF LIFE, AND IMITATE THEIR FAITH." (Hebrews 13:7 ESV)

Paul was a conscientious, diligent, and steadfast servant of God. He most definitely demonstrated a life of faith worth noting and imitating. Nevertheless, though we may marvel at his great faith and the work he was able to accomplish during his ministry, he was still able to maintain a proper perspective with regard to his own life.

In his letter to the church at Corinth, Paul wrote. . .
"(9) For I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God." (1 Corinthians 15:9 ESV)

For Paul to have stopped there, one might think he had a self-esteem problem. Was he completely down on himself? Though Paul referred to himself as "the least of the apostles" and not even being worthy of being "called an apostle", most would consider him to have been a great servant of God; one who carried out his apostleship in powerful ways. His life of faith is truly an example worth noting and following.

Paul went on to state. . .
"(10) But BY THE GRACE OF GOD I AM WHAT I AM, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I WORKED HARDER THAN ANY OF THEM, though it was NOT I, BUT THE GRACE OF GOD THAT IS WITH ME." (1 Corinthians 15:10 ESV)

Paul acknowledged his hard work. He did not have an inferiority complex. (note also 2 Corinthians 11:5 & 12:11) He was willing to "spend and be spent" for the souls of others. (2 Corinthians 12:15) Paul humbly recognized what he did not deserve, but with a focus on the GRACE OF GOD he was encouraged by what God had made of his life! Clearly understanding he deserved nothing from God because of his former manner of living (as a persecutor of the church) he still acknowledged his significant role in spreading the Gospel of Jesus and the salvation found in Him. This significance was also noted in his letter to the church at Philippi. (Philippians 1:24-26) It was Paul's focus on the GRACE OF GOD that help provide him with neither a degraded nor inflated view of himself. Instead, with a life humbly surrendered to the Will of God, he was powerfully motivated to serve. His life of service to the glory of God was in essence a sign of His genuine appreciation for GOD'S GRACE!

Someone has said, "The doctrine of grace humbles man without degrading him and exalts him without inflating him." [source: sentence sermons] In recognizing we are what we are by the GRACE OF GOD, we should maintain a sense of humility. Nevertheless, because of the GOD'S GRACE we should also be encouraged by our significance to God and His desire to use us in significant ways for furthering His Will here on earth.

Have a great day HUMBLY SURRENDERING TO WHAT GOD EXALTS US TO BE!
Carl

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Encouraged Faith!

When we read through Acts and take note of the life of Paul and read the letters he wrote to individuals and churches, there is no doubt he was a man of great faith. Associated with that faith was his knowledge of the truth of God, a knowledge that God would be true to His promises, and that Paul was also a man of prayer. (i.e. Romans 1:10) However, is that all that encouraged the steadfastness of his faith?

Note a desire Paul expressed in his letter to the church a Rome.
"(11) For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you -- (12) that is, THAT WE MAY BE MUTUALLY ENCOURAGED BY EACH OTHER'S FAITH, both YOURS AND MINE." (Romans 1:11-12 ESV)

Paul's faith was encouraged by the faith of others. The coming together of people of faith brought about a MUTUAL BLESSING. Paul looked forward to that opportunity with his brethren at Rome.

Though I would never place myself on the same level as an Apostle of Jesus Christ or one of the prophets of God, I am still looked to as a teacher. I am looked to as an example. I am looked to as one who ought to be strong in the faith. All of this I must take very seriously. (note James's caution in James 3:1) I even had someone drop by the church office early yesterday morning who wanted to know where something was stated in the Scriptures, because (as they put it) they knew I would know.

Within the regularly scheduled Bible studies and worship assemblies of our congregation, my brothers and sisters in Christ encourage my faith as I encourage theirs. It is very much a MUTUAL THING! I have the same need and rejoice in this MUTUAL BLESSING. Regardless of our age, amount of knowledge, or even numbers of years having been a Christian, we can still MUTUALLY ENCOURAGE each other's faith.

The time spent within the fellowship of the church is important time for everyone. There is something to gain for each one of us. May we each continue to be the recipients of that MUTUAL BLESSING that can only come in the gathering together of people of faith in God's promises through Christ.

Have a great day FINDING FURTHERMENT OF FAITH IN FELLOWSHIP!
Carl

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Abandoned! (part 2 of 2)

Yesterday we noted Jeremiah's lament over "lonely" Jerusalem where we read. . .
"HOW LONELY SITS THE CITY THAT WAS FULL OF PEOPLE! How like a widow has she become, she who was great among the nations! She who was a princess among the provinces has become a slave." (Lamentations 1:1 ESV)

Once full of people and the buzz of activity, the city had been left abandoned. Though some of the poorest had been left by Nebuchadnezzar to tend to the vineyards, the rest of the people had been taken into captivity. This was the result of their having abandoned their DEVOTION TO GOD. Jesus uttered His own lament over this city as well. (note Matthew 23:37-39)

Today let us consider this state of affairs not from a national or other group standpoint, but closer to home in a very personal way. Think about the individual life that NO LONGER SERVES THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH GOD HAD CREATED IT. Is such not even a sadder sight than that of a crumbling city or abandoned house; a life created in the glorious image of God, but now left dilapidated and falling apart?

The Hebrew writer described some who had apparently at one time been thriving with spiritual life, but who at some point abandoned God's way where we read . . .

"(4) For it is impossible, in the case of THOSE WHO HAVE ONCE BEEN ENLIGHTENED, who HAVE TASTED THE HEAVENLY GIFT, and HAVE SHARED IN THE HOLY SPIRIT, (5) and HAVE TASTED THE GOODNESS OF THE WORD OF GOD and THE POWERS OF THE AGE TO COME, (6) AND THEN HAVE FALLEN AWAY, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt." (Hebrews 6:4-6 ESV)

A warning to take to heart is that God's Will can be abandoned to the point of no return. We must guard against that happening in our life. That is why we need to be very serious about the Will of God.

Peter also noted. . .
"(20) For if, after they HAVE ESCAPED THE DEFILEMENTS OF THE WORLD through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they ARE AGAIN ENTANGLED IN THEM and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. (21) For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. (22) What the true proverb says has happened to them: 'The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.'" (2 Peter 2:20-22 ESV)

What a picture! Between these two passages we might picture a life that at one time flourished before turning away from God to go the way of the world. A life now separated from God by sin. A life once so full, and now so empty. A life abandoned and therefore no longer flourishing spiritually or even physically. A life no longer enriched with the blessings God so desires to provide. A "lonely" life without God, struggling with an emptiness only He can fill.

May neither God nor His Will be forgotten or forsaken in our life. Let us earnestly guard against our focus being drawn from Him to other things. Being separated from God seems to have been one of the worst things David could have imagined. (Psalm 51:11) If we can picture the "lonely" life where God is removed we should be compelled to keep our hearts turned toward Him as we remember it is God Who still provides His great work of restoration. His renewal is just as new!

Have a great day AS A HABITATION FOR GOD'S PURPOSES!
Carl

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Abandoned! (part 1 0f 2)

It sometimes saddens me when I see a house that has been left abandoned; a structure that appears to have really been something beautiful and filled with life at one time. Perhaps the aging house simply became unlivable due to the weathering of time or reached a point where the owners felt it was no longer worth the investment of any more money or time for repairs. Especially when I have seen old farm houses surrounded by a veranda, I imagine the memories of which that structure might speak if it had a mouth to do so. How many cool evenings might have been enjoyed sitting on the front porch? How many celebrations of various kinds had taken place within? How many wonderful meals had been enjoyed by family and friends? How many delightful conversations and games had been experienced within its rooms? Nevertheless, all that is left is an abandoned house NO LONGER SERVING THE PURPOSE for which it was built.

When I think about the kingdom of Judah and the city of Jerusalem -- especially during the days of Solomon -- what a life filled place to have lived. It was a prosperous time with gold in abundance (1 Kings 10:21) and silver as common as stone (1 Kings 10:27) so as to be considered nothing. (1 Kings 10:21) There in that city where God had said He would place His Name (1 Kings 11:36), the glorious Temple of the Lord had been built. It was the place where He was to be met.

Yesterday, as I began reading Jeremiah's words in Lamentations, I was struck by the very first verse which reads. . .
"HOW LONELY SITS THE CITY THAT WAS FULL OF PEOPLE! How like a widow has she become, she who was great among the nations! She who was a princess among the provinces has become a slave." (Lamentations 1:1 ESV)

Due to the nation having abandoned God, God raised up Babylon to take His people into captivity. Here was the glorious city left "LONELY". Here was a city that had once flourished. How sad that the people had abandoned their love for God and His Will and were NO LONGER SERVING HIS PURPOSES. During the time of Jesus' ministry on earth, He told His disciples destruction would soon come to this city's glory again (Matthew 24:1-2), with one stone not being left on another.

The Psalmist wrote. . .
"(12) BLESSED IS THE NATION WHOSE GOD IS THE LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! (13) The LORD looks down from heaven; HE SEES ALL the children of man; (14) from where he sits enthroned HE LOOKS OUT ON ALL the inhabitants of the earth, (15) HE WHO FASHIONS THE HEARTS OF THEM ALL and OBSERVES ALL their deeds." (Psalm 33:12-15 ESV)

Should any nation or city (or congregation of God's people) expect to be blessed when God and His Will have been abandoned? It should be no surprise that things are not going well when God's Will has been set off to the side! For Jerusalem and the kingdom of Judah, it took captivity to get their attention and hearts turned back toward God. Perhaps that is still the great calling of God today in recognition of so much ungodliness in this world. May we encourage each other and those around us to recognize our greatest blessings and hope for unity will be found in FOLLOWING THE PURPOSES AND WILL OF GOD.

Have a great day ENCOURAGING THE ATTENTION OF OTHERS TOWARD GOD!
Carl

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Planning's First Step!

Though in the planning of various activities and goals in life there may be many stages and steps in bringing about their completion, where do we generally begin the process? What is the foundation on which we lay and build our plans? Is our first consideration how much money or other resources we might have? Is it how many people might be either for or against it? Is it more closely associated with our own personal desire of what we want to do? Is it with a focus on our own perceived abilities?

Planning is good. It has often been said, "To fail to plan is to plan to fail." Planning helps other things fall into place because planning aids in prioritizing the steps of the process. It can also provide us with a sense of purpose for living and thus instill the desire to press on even in the midst of life's challenges. However, is there another starting place from which to build?

As James addressed some who appear to have self-confidently trusted in their own power over the things they planned to do, he urged. . .

"Instead you ought to say, 'IF THE LORD WILLS, WE WILL LIVE AND DO THIS OR THAT.'" (James 4:15)

It is GOD'S WILL we should always consider first. If it is not HIS WILL, all our effort may simply end in failure. When this is the case we are left with the regret of wasted energy, resources, and time. Stepping out to do our own thing with the hope God will place His stamp of approval on it is a backward approach. Seeking HIS WILL first and then stepping out to do what we know to be right (James 4:17) places life's activities on the right foundation. In the process we will also be better prepared for helping others in the building up of their lives as well. May GOD'S WILL always be classified as "Step One!"

Have a great day CONSULTING THE ONE WHO HOLDS LIFE'S BLUEPRINT!
Carl

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In The Way!

At times we may have been told we were IN THE WAY. Sometimes we talk about being ON OUR WAY. Other times we may talk about getting something ON THE WAY. Then other times we may refer to OUR WAY, THEIR WAY, or THE WAY.

When we consider the Lord's church, there are a number of different ways in which it is referred to in the Scriptures. Though it is the same people being described, each designation seems to illustrate a different aspect of the nature of the church. Among the references we find are: Body, Family, Household, Bride, etc.

In Acts we find the church referred to in the following manner:
"(1) But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest (2) and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to THE WAY, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem." (Acts 9:1-2 ESV)

We know that Jesus referred to Himself as "THE WAY and the truth and the life" (John 14:6), but what does it mean for us to belong THE WAY?

First of all, we must belong to Christ. And if we belong to Christ who is the head of His Body, the church, then we need to bring our WAY in line with HIS WAY! Our life is to be considered a journey with Christ as we are on the WAY to becoming more and more like Him. Also, to consider ourselves a part of THE WAY we need to take a serious look at our WAY of feeling, our WAY of working, our WAY of thinking, our WAY of deciding, our WAY of living, etc. and make certain it is all in accordance with HIS WAY! That is THE WAY to abide in the abundant life now that leads in THE WAY of eternal life to come.

Have a great day IN THE WAY!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 10/22/1998 (Edited some with passages changed to ESV)]

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Wiping!

When spills are made, wiping them is necessary, and the quicker the better. In time, spills can become more difficult to clean and may even stain. However, it is important to understand there is a big difference between "wiping at" and "wiping up". Simply "wiping at" a mess may merely spread it around. There have been times I have set something down on a counter or placed my hand there and experienced the stickiness of a spill that had been "wiped at", but not "wiped up". Sometimes it has even been possible to see the stroke marks of the wiping attempt, but the mess was not removed.

What would it be like if that were what God chose to do with our sins. Perhaps we can see it would be a picture of sins smeared together and life still a sticky mess. However, God chose to provide a much more thorough WIPING in relation to our sins.

When Peter spoke to a group in Solomon's portico, he urged. . .
"(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)

The Greek word translated "blotted out" is "exaleiphthenai" from "exaleipho", which literally means "to wipe out" ("ex" is "out" and "aleipho" is "to wipe"). This word is used metaphorically to remove, wipe away, wipe off, or obliterate. [source: W. E. Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words]

A life -- though smeared by sin -- can be THOROUGHLY CLEANSED in Christ. Knowing the blood of Jesus can COMPLETELY CLEANSE us of our sins ought to bring continual "times of refreshing" to our life. May we live truly repentant lives as we praise God for the fullness of the blessings He brings. Unlike mankind, God does not do His Works halfway, but all the way. We can depend on what He provides.

Have a great day KNOWING THE BLOOD THAT CLEANS BETTER THAN WATER!
Carl

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Work Clothes!

I dress in various ways depending on what I am going to be doing. Even various types of work dictate different manners of dress. I dress much differently for preaching or visitation than I do for mowing the lawn. What I am wearing can even affect what I FEEL like doing.

There may be many things that motivate us toward action. Anger can be a strong motivator, but usually that power comes in a burst that is not long lived and may even result in improper actions. LOVE, on the other hand, can (and should) be a powerful sustaining motivation for action. Someone has even stated, "Service is love in working clothes." [source: "sentence sermons"]

In connection with one of Jesus' parables, He urged. . .
"(35) STAY DRESSED FOR ACTION and keep your lamps burning, (36) and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. (37) Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, HE WILL DRESS HIMSELF FOR SERVICE and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them." (Luke 12:35-37 ESV)

Jesus eventually pointed to the need of being ready since the hour of the coming of the Son of Man was unknown. (Luke 12:40) Now is the time for working and carrying out service to the glory of God. Even Jesus gave us a wonderful example of LOVING SERVICE. Are we following in His steps? Let us "STAY DRESSED FOR ACTION" in accordance with the Will of God. May the genuineness of OUR LOVE for God and service to His glory and praise be made evident by the "working clothes" in which our life is dressed.

Have a great day DRESSED TO SERVE!
Carl

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Life Lobbying!

We live in a world filled with SPECIAL INTEREST groups! These groups have an agenda and are continually lobbying politicians to bring about what they want. A lot of time, effort, and money is used by these groups to advance their desires and clever slogans are crafted to make their cause more appealing. However, what many SPECIAL INTEREST groups have in mind may neither be right nor even best for society as a whole. These groups are merely interested in furthering their own cause.

Toward the end of Paul's letter to the church at Rome he urged the following:
"(5) May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, (6) that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (7) Therefore WELCOME ONE ANOTHER AS CHRIST HAS WELCOMED YOU, FOR THE GLORY OF GOD." (Romans 15:5-7)

The Greek word translated "welcome" and "welcomed" in verse 7 comes from "proslambano". The root word "lambano" means "to take" or "to receive", with "proslambano" meaning "to take to oneself" or "receive to oneself". What this word signifies is a SPECIAL INTEREST on the part of the receiver. [source: W.E. Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words] The New Living Translation uses the word "accept."

Jesus demonstrated His SPECIAL INTEREST in us by dying on the cross for our sins. Our Lord gave Himself with the desire of receiving us to Himself and becoming His possession. Paul's encouragement was that in view of this acceptance by Christ, we are to have the same SPECIAL INTEREST in one another! Such acceptance is truly a glorious thing to be experienced, especially in a "me" centered world. However, the greatest glory is that which God receives when His people are seen to display and be experiencing such a sense of BELONGING TO ONE ANOTHER. Our harmony with the Lord is to bring about harmony with each other. May we rejoice in the blessing of being a part of such a SPECIAL INTEREST group.

Have a great day PUSHING CHRIST'S AGENDA FOR RELATIONSHIPS!
Carl

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Voices Of God's Creation!

There are sounds of nature -- the "voices of God's creation" -- that can have a very soothing effect. Among these for me are the sounds of birds chirping, a bubbling brook, and ocean waves rolling onto the beach. Last summer my wife and I enjoyed ten days on the Oregon coast. Each night we went to sleep and then woke each morning to the continuing sound of the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean. THE ROAR of the waves NEVER CEASED day or night while we were there. It was a constant sound that did not escape our hearing? However, it was a sound we did not mind.

Thinking of the ROAR of the waves, I was reminded of the psalmist's words. . .
"(11) Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; LET THE SEA ROAR, and all that fills it; (12) let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy (13) before the Lord, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness." (Psalm 96:11-13 ESV)

In Psalm 69 -- in view of the salvation God would bring to Zion -- the "SEAS and everything that moves in them" were urged to PRAISE GOD. (Psalm 69:34) How do they PRAISE and WORSHIP God? Simply by doing exactly what God created them to do. (note also Psalm 148 for a further focus on this.) In Psalm 98 we have the same expression of letting "THE SEA ROAR, and all that fills it", with the added encouragement for those who dwell in this world to join in. (Psalm 98:7-9) By doing so, we become part of a CONTINUING CHORUS of PRAISE and WORSHIP directed toward God.

As we consider the CONTINUAL sound of the waves -- waves simply doing exactly what they were created to do -- may we be reminded of their CONTINUAL PRAISE toward God. A CONTINUAL attitude of PRAISE aids in keeping our focus where it ought to be. When we maintain a worshipful attitude toward God, it should have a soothing impact on our inner being to make us less anxious even during the storms of life.

As the PRAISE of the SEAS is PRAISE God SEES, let us follow the example of God's creation by PRAISING and WORSHIPPING Him through doing exactly what He has created us to do. God created with purpose. We are not an accident! Therefore may the rolling PRAISE of our everyday living be a pleasant ROAR in the ears of God.

Have a great day INVOLVED IN LIFE'S CONCERT OF PRAISE!
Carl

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Roller Coaster?

Some have referred to life as being like a "roller coaster". Though this expression is generally indicative of life's ups and downs, there is a sense in which life is actually nothing like a roller coaster. I love roller coasters. When I pay my money to ride it is not for the experience of the upward climb, but for the thrill of plunging downward; diving down into those dips and turns and experiencing all the sensations that go along with the ride. However, when it comes to life, I don't long for the plunges into the valleys and the sensations (feelings) that go along with that part of the journey. Sometimes I even hate them! Nevertheless, the valleys are an inescapable part of life's experience and because of them we do appreciate the mountaintops a bit more. Going from one mountain to another one must go through the valleys and the valleys are ultimately the way to the highest peak.

Perhaps you are presently experiencing a mountaintop in your life or feel you are walking through a valley. In the last two months our family has experienced both mountaintops and valleys. With these experiences, the emotions and sensations have gone up and down. There has been the sharing of both joy and sorrow in the view of a birth and two deaths. We have been thankful for faith in a loving God Who knows more fully what we do not and for the support of others.

In the beloved twenty-third Psalm, David stated. . .
"EVEN THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH, I will fear no evil, for YOU ARE WITH ME; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4 ESV)

Life is a journey filled with ups and downs. We must KEEP MOVING ON. We must NOT STOP IN THE VALLEYS. Even David did not see himself being left in the shadowy valley, but referred to a WALKING "THROUGH" it. The valley was the route to the mountaintop and his trust was in the Great Shepherd to not abandon him in the valley, but to guide him upward to greener pastures. In that trust the psalmist found great comfort.

We may not know all that God has in mind or what can become of those experiences in the shadows of the valley, but we can trust in His loving awareness and the guidance He is ready to provide. Like David, we need to CONTINUE PRESSING ON with the anticipation we will be traveling back up again. May we continually find comfort in God's presence through the varied experiences of this life's ups and downs as we are encouraged to KEEP MOVING toward the highest peak of His eternal abiding place and the grand reunion with those who have made that journey before us.

Have a great day TRUSTING GOD THROUGH EACH STEP OF LIFE'S JOURNEY!
Carl

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Fruit Baskets!

Some people have been described as being "nuttier than a fruitcake." Others have been described as being a "basket case." How about considering ourselves as fruit in a basket? Having just been to the annual Cider Press Youth Rally in Cashmere, Washington, I can declare with certainty there is nothing like eating an apple that has not been far removed from the tree.

With the current economy, there are many who have been thankful they did not put all their investments in the same basket. Those who have, stand to lose dearly. However, lumping things together that don't necessarily belong in the same basket seems to be a frequent tendency among mankind. Though God loved the world enough to send His Son (John 3:16), He does not place everyone in the same basket (that is other than all of us being in the same basket of being in need of the cleansing power of the blood of Jesus.) Praise God for the provision made in Christ!

Take a moment to read Jeremiah 24:1-10 because I am only going to summarize part of it here. During the days of Jeremiah, God provided this prophet with a vision of two baskets. One basket contained "VERY GOOD FIGS, LIKE FIRST-RIPE FIGS", but the other held "VERY BAD FIGS, so bad that they could not be eaten." (Jeremiah 24:2 ESV) The VERY GOOD FIGS represented the "exiles from Judah" who would be taken to the land of the Chaldeans and end up under the rule of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. (24:4-7) However, though these would be in exile, they would prosper and return to the land. God would set His eyes on them for good, they would continue to know God, and would eventually return with a whole heart.

The other basket containing VERY BAD FIGS represented Zedekiah (king of Judah), his officials, the remant of Jerusalem remaining in the land, and those who fled to Egypt. (24:8-10) Rather than accepting the message God had given Jeremiah, these listened to lying prophets (note Jeremiah 23:16-17) who spoke of victory against the Chaldeans rather than God's message to willingly go into captivity where He would watch over them. These who remained would be destroyed. (24:10)

All of these had been numbered among God's people. They would have viewed each other as being in the same basket as kinsmen. However, God did not place them in the same basket because the FRUIT OF THEIR LIVES WAS DIFFERENT in character. On the one hand was the SWEET FRUIT (the GOOD FIGS) of those who accepted God's message and were willing to obey. On the other hand were those who craved a different message (the BAD FIGS) and therefore did not comply with the Will of God.

In this we can find both a warning and some encouragement for ourselves. The warning to heed is that just numbering ourselves among others who live right with God does not cut it. We must be mindful of our own PERSONAL CHARACTER. God will not just automatically place us in the same basket. The encouragement is that living right before God, we will not be lumped in with others who are not. Even if we (like those who were taken into captivity for seventy years) experience some of the impact of the unfaithfulness of others, that does not seal our doom. Just like those who submitted to God's message through Jeremiah, God will still set His eyes on us for good.

Let us remember the FRUIT of which Paul reminded the Colossians!
"(22) But the FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT is LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, KINDNESS, GOODNESS, FAITHFULNESS, (23) GENTLENESS, SELF-CONTROL; against such things there is no law." (Colossians 5:22-23 ESV)

If we are going to be a "basket case", let it be God's basket as we keep our whole heart turned toward Him. May the character that "FIG"-ures into our live be as the "VERY GOOD FIGS" seen by Jeremiah.

Have a great day LIVING FRUITFUL LIVES SUITABLE FOR GOD'S BASKET!
Carl

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Focused On Proper Goal!

Have we ever had an experience where words failed us? Someone either gave us something or did something for us and we were so filled with JOY all we could speak was, "I don't know what to say!" The happiness! The beaming face and smile that goes from ear to ear! The thrill! The UNSPEAKABLE JOY! For the most part, do not such experiences come to us by the hands of another rather than merely by our own accomplishments?

Some people set their focus on carving out a "happy" life and seem to find disappointment instead. Happiness in a worldly sense is a fleeting thing. Even when it is found, how long does it last? Therefore, is JOYFUL HAPPINESS a good goal in life or is it not rather the byproduct of other things? I submit that when life's goals are properly focused, we can have a sense of ABUNDANT JOY. Such was the case with Paul in spite of the challenges he faced. (note 2 Corinthians 7:4)

In Peter's first letter -- after referring to the testing of faith that came as a result of the relationship his readers had with Christ -- he went on to state. . .

"(8) Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and REJOICE WITH JOY THAT IS INEXPRESSIBLE and filled with glory (9) OBTAINING THE OUTCOME OF YOUR FAITH, the SALVATION of your souls." (1 Peter 1:8-9 ESV)

Those merely focused on happiness for this life are destined to miss out on the GREATEST JOY that can be experienced now and forevermore! The life that has its goal centered on obtaining the salvation made possible in Christ, can have a "JOY THAT IS INEXPRESSIBLE"! That salvation we do not deserve! That salvation we cannot buy! That salvation is provided at the gracious cost of another; our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! (1 Peter 1:18-19) And yes, being in Christ we can know (1 John 5:13) that it is ours!

For me? Yes! And for you! What can we say? Does "Thank You" seem inadequate? Do words escape us from being able to describe the EXUBERANT JOY that is ours in light of the salvation we have received? May our INEXPRESSIBLE JOY for this eternal blessing be expressed by the manner in which we live to glorify Christ.

Have a great day KNOWING THE JOY THAT OVERFLOWS!
Carl

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Sing For Your Supper?

Over the years I have had the opportunity to perform music for various occasions, both with groups of varying sizes and as a solo performer. There have been times I've even been paid to play or sing. Sometimes that pay has been in the form of a free meal. Therefore, on those occasions (in a sense) I sang for my supper.

As David focused his thoughts on what truly brought fulfillment and satisfaction to His life there were many tables on which his eyes could have fallen. On one well-known occasion, where he allowed his eyes to rest drew him into sin. (2 Samuel 11) Fortunately David had a heart which drew him back to God.

Before us, in this life, are spread various things on which to feast our eyes and our lives. Under whose table have we chosen to place our feet?

As David focused on what God spread before him, he noted...
"MY SOUL WILL BE SATISFIED as with fat and rich food, and MY MOUTH WILL PRAISE YOU WITH JOYFUL LIPS." (Psalm 63:5 ESV)

Earlier David wrote...
"They FEAST ON THE ABUNDANCE OF YOUR HOUSE, AND YOU GIVE THEM DRINK FROM THE RIVER OF YOUR DELIGHTS." (Psalm 36:8 ESV)

As a cook would be delighted to see what they had prepared being richly enjoyed by those who partake, how much more must be the joy of God when He sees us thoroughly enjoying that which comes from His delights! How satisfied are we with what God puts before us? Is our life being spent in table hopping; looking for whatever delicacies the world offers? Or do we realize the goodness and richness of what is spread out on the Lord's table? What God provides will bring lasting nourishment. What He has prepared will be found to be heavenly and light. No need for calorie counting here -- no worries regarding food poisoning -- just the assurance it will be good and good for us.

Is there JOYFUL SONG associated with this feasting? With God we can REJOICE, SINGING not for, but BECAUSE OF the richness of what He spreads before us. Let us find satisfaction with what God provides. May we have no desire to seek the table of another; no craving for the food of another. With God we will truly be well fed.

Have a great day OF FEASTING AND PRAISE!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 01/22/2002 (Edited some with passages changed to ESV)]

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Resolve Of Mind!

As I began preparing the "teEn-MAIL" focus on Psalm 63:1 (two days ago), I found myself reading again and again the first five verses of this Psalm. Yesterday we noted verses 2-3. Today I am once again drawn back to David's words. Consider the next verse.

David stated...
"So I WILL bless you as long as I live; in your name I WILL lift up my hands." (Psalm 63:4 ESV)

Do you catch the resolve in David's focus? He had made a DECISION regarding what he was going to do. He had MADE UP HIS MIND. There was no distracting him from his resolve to follow through. The spirit in which David was blessing and praising God then, was the spirit in which he resolved to continue in praise for the rest of his life.

It is such a spirit which aids in keeping a positive focus even when things might not be going as well as we would like. It is the mindset Job seemed to possess. (note Job 1:20-21) In spite of his losses, Job chose to bless the Name of the Lord anyway! Perhaps those who have the tendency to blame God when things go wrong do so because they have (at least for the moment) lost sight of the blessing and praise God is due. They may also have forgotten that they do not have life in full view. Job, who appeared to have no idea of Satan's involvement, kept his focus on God! It is God who has the full picture of life and eternity in view.

Let us DECIDE, like David, to lift up our hands in the name of God. May it be our resolve to be involved in life in the Name of the Lord. Let us DECIDE that the service we offer is going to be done in His Name and to His glory and praise. Say with the Psalmist, "I WILL BLESS YOU AS LONG AS I LIVE." It is a DECISION that will set the tone in preparing us for the praise of eternity.

Have a great day DECIDING YOU WILL PRAISE GOD!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 01/21/2002 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

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Better Than Life!

There is so much we can enjoy in this life. During the time of growing up and setting goals for life, it is often done with some concept of what one considers to be "the good life." To be asked the question, "What is better than life?" may cause one to wonder "what else is there?".

Yesterday we noted David's statement of his earnest pursuit of God in Whom he found true satisfaction for life. Note what David went on to say next.

"(2) So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. (3) BECAUSE YOUR STEADFAST LOVE IS BETTER THAN LIFE, MY LIPS WILL PRAISE YOU." (Psalm 63:2-3 ESV)

It can be all too easy to get so caught up in the things of this life that we forget the "better" things. When we have entrusted ourselves to God -- when we love Him and know His great LOVE for us -- it does not matter what may befall us in this life, because we know, with Him, we shall live. HIS LOVE IS LIFE. It instills in us a will to live and to press on with the things we know are pleasing to Him. And it is HIS LOVE that has provided the means for life eternal. To live life in HIS LOVE is to truly enjoy the best things of life.

Have a great day ENJOYING THE MOST BESTEST THINGS OF LIFE WITH GOD!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 01/20/2002 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

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Finding Satisfaction!

Running around. Pursuing this and then pursuing that. Chasing this thing and coming up dry. Running after another and just getting worn out. Thus is the picture of the life of many who pursue the things of the world and wonder why they find no satisfaction; who wonder why they still feel an emptiness.

David, the one described as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22), had learned where he could go, draw, and have his THIRST satisfied. He knew where his LONGINGS would find lasting fulfillment.

David stated. . .
"(1) O GOD, YOU ARE MY GOD; EARNESTLY I SEEK YOU; MY SOUL THIRSTS FOR YOU; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water." (Psalm 63:1 ESV)

We live in a dry land where feasting from the table of the world's agenda and drinking from the cup of its wisdom will not satisfy. The world may offer much to feast upon, but the hunger remains. There may be much to drink in, but the thirst is not satisfied. We must recognize how it is the right pursuit which makes all the difference in the world.

Jesus encouraged the proper focus in these words:
"Blessed are those who HUNGER AND THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS, FOR THEY SHALL BE SATISFIED." (Matthew 5:6 ESV)

May our EARNEST PURSUIT continue to be toward the things of God. His promise is that we will find LASTING SATISFACTION with what He so generously provides.

Have a great day CONTINUING TO BE DRAWN TO GOD!
Carl
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[This focus was originally sent 01/19/2002 (Edited some with passages changed to ESV)]

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That Which Holds Water!

What is the contrasting view between a running spring of fresh water and a cistern built merely to collect and hold water? Which is most dependable? Which would provide the greatest refreshment? Which would "common sense" urge us to choose? Cisterns dug or carved out are dependant upon the amount of rain and runoff they can collect or have poured into them. They are also prone to becoming muddied or cracked and broken. Such water may also become stagnant. A fountain or spring, on the other hand, can provide a continual refreshing source from which to find satisfaction. Would we declare the choice to be a no-brainer?

Note the appalling or astonishing choice of Israel during the days of Jeremiah.
"(12) Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the LORD, (13) for my people have committed two evils: they HAVE FORSAKEN ME, THE FOUNTAIN OF LIVING WATERS, and HEWED OUT CISTERNS FOR THEMSELVES, BROKEN CISTERNS THAT CAN HOLD NO WATER." (Jeremiah 2:12-13 ESV)

Though God's people had been the recipients of His protection and rich blessings, they made an appalling and shocking choice! They turned from the "FOUNTAIN OF LIVING WATERS" and turned to find satisfaction from the work of their own hands; rejecting what GOD HAD PROVIDED and digging out their own cisterns, and broken ones at that! That is often the problem with man's ideas and workings apart from God; they don't always hold water. A lot of effort can go into our own things with little or no real benefit, as with a cistern that is broken, holding little or no water. Such a choice is noted as being appalling or astonishing because it went contrary to common sense, especially among those who should have known God!

The world may flatter itself by its own wisdom that pleases self, but since it holds no water, this choice brings no benefit. The world may even show no astonishment, but the "heavens" (which may merely be a reference to the heavenly bodies -- sun, moon, and stars -- that were a part of pagan worship) would be appalled. It is as if the rest of God's creation knows its Creator and carries out His given purposes more than "intelligent" mankind! Perhaps the heavenly bodies would rather be desolate of their shining upon mankind than to receive the focus that truly belongs to the Creator. In the Psalms we find reference to even the sun, moon, and stars as praising God (Psalm 148:3); an act that takes place simply by them doing what they were created to do. Such should be the praise of our life as well! To do otherwise is to cheat ourselves of the LIVING REFRESHMENT ONLY GOD CAN BRING.

Where have we chosen to drink? Have we also committed two evils: turning from God and digging our own watering hole? The Lamb of God is the Great Shepherd Who leads to the "springs of living water." (Revelation 7:17) Let us therefore continue to accept the invitation of our Lord.

"The Spirit and the Bride say, 'COME.' And let the one who hears say, 'Come.' And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires TAKE THE WATER OF LIFE WITHOUT PRICE." (Revelation 22:17 ESV)

We have been invited. We are then to also invite others. IN CHRIST is found the ONLY INVITATION to the Father (John 14:6) THAT HOLDS WATER. May we refrain from being drawn to the cisterns of the world or from digging our own. True refreshment and satisfaction will only be found in Jesus. Let us refrain from digging and continue dipping from what God has provided!

Have a great day DRINKING FROM THE FOUNTAIN THAT WILL NEVER RUN DRY!
Carl

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The Root Of Trust!

Where trust is PLANTED makes a big difference. How stable is the life that has anchored trust in the sand? Is where our trust has been PLANTED able to provide the depth needed for stability and fruitfulness regardless of the changing elements around us?

Reading through Jeremiah yesterday, I began thinking of the contrast between Eastern and Western Washington -- the two halves of our State divided by the Cascade Mountain Range -- and how in some respects they almost seem like two different States. I think about the dryer regions of the eastern side and the sage brush that grows and then blows tumbling across fields and highways. In contrast to this are the plentiful evergreen trees of the western side and the moisture that seems to keep our region lush and green.

Note the contrast presented by God to Jeremiah that is still true today.
"(5) Thus says the LORD: 'Cursed is the man WHO TRUSTS IN MAN and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the LORD. (6) HE IS LIKE A SHRUB IN THE DESERT, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. (7) Blessed is the man WHO TRUSTS IN THE LORD, WHOSE TRUST IS THE LORD. (8) HE IS LIKE A TREE PLANTED BY WATER, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.'" (Jeremiah 17:5-8 ESV)

A "shrub" or a "tree"? At the root of trust is wisely knowing where trust is to be placed! Though we should strive to live to be known as trustworthy individuals and we would hope that others would be as well, anchoring our trust in mankind is not sufficient for keeping us from becoming uprooted and blown about. With our reliance, trust, and confidence kept in God, the root of our life will be firmly established and in spite of the "heat" of opposition or the "drought" of knowledge of God's Will in this world, we can still live fruitful and God glorifying lives.

Have a great day NOURISHED AS A FLOURISHING PLANT OF GOD!
Carl

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Not To Be Put Off!

Some things should not be put off because the opportunity may never come again. The earlier some things are accepted and done can also allow for better grounding for the days and years to come in a manner that provides greater steadfastness for the future and the blessing of fewer regrets.

I recently came across the following statistic, and though it may be cited elsewhere with some variation I think it makes a very valid point. It stated: "19 out of every 20 who become Christians do so before they reach the age of 25. After 25, only 1 in 10,000. After 35, only 1 in 50,000. After 45, only 1 in 200,000. After 55, only 1 in 300,000. After 65, only 1 in 500,000. After 75, only 1 in 700,000."

Though some have become Christians late in life, is it a risk worth taking? Statistically the odds appear against such. Putting off the walk with God in Christ for later years may be the risk of losing the opportunity altogether, losing the opportunity to impact the life of many along the way, and/or diminishing much of the joy that could have been experienced in the usefulness to the Lord during those years.

Solomon urged. . .
"REMEMBER ALSO YOUR CREATOR IN THE DAYS OF YOUR YOUTH, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, 'I have no pleasure in them';" (Ecclesiastes 12:1 ESV)

Solomon went on to describe the limited mobility and senses of old age. (verses 2-7) During the YOUNGER YEARS there is more energy and alertness that can be used to the glory of God. What a blessing it can then be to look back upon life when one nears the time of departing into eternal glory.

May today be the day for surrendering more fully our life to the One Who provides the best life we could possibly possess for now and eternity. In view of these statistics may we also be mindful of the need to urge others around us to begin the journey in Christ now as well.

Have a great day CREATING THE MEMORIES OF FUTURE JOY!
Carl

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For Or Against?

Conspiracy! Treason! The forming of unlawful alliances! Such is the planning with others for the carrying out of subversive acts to undermine an authority and an act of betrayal through the withdrawal of support. Acts of this nature against a nation are usually considered high offenses and at times have been punishable by death. How much more when such is against the Creator of life. Sadly this was a charge against God's people during the time of Jeremiah.

We read. . .
"(9) Again the Lord said to me, 'A CONSPIRACY EXISTS AMONG THE MEN OF JUDAH AND THE INHABITANTS OF JERUSALEM. (10) They have turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, who refused to hear my words. They have gone after other gods to serve them. The house of Israel and the house of Judah HAVE BROKEN MY COVENANT that I made with their fathers. (11) Therefore, thus says the Lord, Behold, I AM BRINGING DISASTER UPON THEM THAT THEY CANNOT ESCAPE. Though they cry to me, I will not listen to them." (Jeremiah 11:9-11 ESV)

How sad that they would desert the One Who had blessed them and turn to follow gods that were nothing. Being for or against was A LIFE OR DEATH CHOICE. Because of their choice they were facing disaster they would not be able to escape.

Jesus declared the same thing with regard to allegiance associated with Him.
"WHOEVER IS NOT WITH ME IS AGAINST ME, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." (Matthew 12:30 ESV) [also Luke 11:23]

No other choices. No "A", "B", or "C", but only "A" or B". No middle of the road. Either for or against! What do the actions and choices of our life declare regarding our view of the Sovereignty of Jesus? Is He truly the Lord of our life or would we prefer His power to be overthrown? To turn away from Him is to not only form an alliance with the world that has rejected Him, but it is also to join with the real enemy; the devil! Remember those who rejected Jesus during the days of His ministry on earth were told by Him that they were of their father the devil, because they were carrying out the devil's work! (John 8:44) Whose work and will are we set on carrying out?

May the actions of our life and the words of our mouth reveal the genuineness of being FOR JESUS! Such is a choice for abundant life now (John 10:10) and eternal life to come! Being wholeheartedly for Him will also prompt us to be about the work of gathering others to join us in abundant living under His Sovereignty.

Have a great day MAINTAINING LOYALTY TO THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS!
Carl

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ADD!

ADD! No, I am not referring to a principle of mathematics. Nevertheless, what I want us to note today does impact the manner in which knowledge adds up. ADD is the medical abbreviation for "Attention Deficit Disorder" (also known as "attention deficit hyperactivity disorder"). This condition is one primarily diagnosed among children who -- being characterized as being hyperactive -- have difficulty concentrating the FOCUS on one thing for very long. Such being the case they are easily distracted, flitting from one FOCUS to another, even exhibiting behavior that is impulsive or inappropriate.

Is such a challenge only among children? We live in a society of continually shifting focuses, ideologies, and values. People continued to follow the "experts" this way and then that way and who knows where such wandering will end! The result is what we might refer to as "intellectual" and even "spiritual" ADD.

When Paul was in Athens, he had the opportunity to speak to some gathered in the Areopagus. Why was this assembly taking place that provided a chance to share with them the truth of what they noted as the "unknown god"? (Acts 17:23) We read. . .

"Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there WOULD SPEND THEIR TIME IN NOTHING EXCEPT TELLING OR HEARING SOMETHING NEW." (Acts 17:21 ESV)

The New Living Translation reads: "(It should be explained that all the Athenians as well as the foreigners in Athens seemed to spend all their time DISCUSSING THE LATEST IDEAS.)" [NLT, © 1997, Tyndale House]

Their attention was always being caught by the latest thing. Perhaps we could say they had "hyperactive" minds with the FOCUS continually distracted by each new thing that came along. Such an "intellectual" quest has left many in the situation where they are always learning, but still not able to acknowledge what is true. (note 2 Timothy 3:7)

Our need is to find something stable on which to FIX OUR FOCUS so as to not be so easily distracted and led this way and that in this ever changing world. That anchor for our FOCUS is Jesus, since He "is the same yesterday and today and forever." (note Hebrews 13:8 ESV)

In Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus we read. . .
"(11) And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, (12) to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, (13) until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, (14) so that we may NO LONGER BE CHILDREN, TOSSED TO AND FRO by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes." (Ephesians 4:11-14 ESV)

Unless we retain a FIXED FOCUS on the truth of Jesus -- striving to exemplify Him in our life -- we will most likely be marked by impulsive or inappropriate behavior. Let us FOCUS on maturing in Christ! By doing so our life will add up to something truly meaningful now and for a blessed eternity!

Have a great day LIVING LIFE CONCENTRATED ON CHRIST!
Carl

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Got It? Use It!

Not using what we have would seem like a waste. Why possess something if we are not going to put it to use? Would that not seem a bit foolish, especially when it is something that would bring us benefit with the potential of benefiting others as well? Would such make any sense?

During the days of the prophet Jeremiah, note part of what he was to declare to the kingdom of Judah. We read. . .
"Hear this, O foolish and senseless people, WHO HAVE EYES, BUT SEE NOT, WHO HAVE EARS, BUT HEAR NOT." (Jeremiah 5:21 ESV)

The charge against God's people was that they were being "foolish" and "senseless". Why? Because they were not putting to righteous use the eyes and ears their Creator had given them. What a waste of a good set of eyes and ears!

God did not give us our eyes and ears for merely ornamental purposes. Though eyes may be a beautiful color to gaze into and ears may help hold eyeglasses or jewelry in place, that was not the purpose for which God has provided such gifts. Eyes are FOR SEEING and ears are FOR HEARING! When they are not properly put to use they might as well not be possessed!

Even in the garden of Eden eyes and ears were improperly directed (Genesis 3:1 & 6) and the challenge appears to have continued ever since. The importance of listening is duly noted throughout the Scriptures. The words of Jesus clearly emphasized the need for LISTENING. [i.e. Matt. 11:15; Matt. 13:9 & 43; Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29; Rev. 3:6, 13, 22; Rev. 13:9; also Matt. 13:15 & 16] What about us? Is the use of our eyes and ears being neglected?

Solomon noted the BLESSING OF LISTENING to wisdom's call when he wrote. . .
"(33) HEAR INSTRUCTION AND BE WISE, and DO NOT NEGLECT IT. (34) Blessed is the one WHO LISTENS TO ME, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. (35) For whoever finds me FINDS LIFE AND OBTAINS FAVOR FROM THE LORD, (36) but he who fails to find me injures himself; all who hate me love death." (Proverbs 8:33-36 ESV)

To not use, merely hurts self! Using our eyes and ears in a proper manner can literally save our life both physically and spiritually! Let us not neglect these good gifts God has created us to possess. Instead, let us properly use what God has placed on our heads and in our heads for His intended purpose. By doing so we will be continually drawn closer to Him and His Will and be able to live in a manner that can also bring benefit to others around us. May our eyes and ears be the RECEPTORS of the wisdom of God He intended them to be.

Have a great day ENJOYING THE BENEFIT OF THESE GIFTS OF GOD!
Carl

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Watch The Appeal!

Have we ever found ourselves watching a television program or movie and soon realized we were beginning to cheer for the "bad guy"? Perhaps there was something about this character that caused us to hope for their success. It is far too easy to get caught up in the plot and begin to admire the wrong attributes. Such is sometimes a challenge in real life when the wrong people become the HEROES and begin to be ENVIED. Certainly their position may look good for the moment, but that is not the full picture.

Solomon urged. . .
"(17) LET NOT YOUR HEART ENVY SINNERS, but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day. (18) SURELY THERE IS A FUTURE, and your hope will not be cut off." (Proverbs 23:17-18 ESV)

It is important to remember there is more than what might meet our eye in the present! Though some may appear to be getting ahead now, that does not necessarily mean they will be ahead in the future. Let us not allow the present to distract from what is to follow and the godliness associated with it. It is through sticking with the LORD AND HIS WILL that we have a present and a future from which we will not be cut off! (note Romans 8:38-39)

Have a great day LETTING GODLINESS KEEP ITS APPEAL!
Carl

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For Our Health!

As I was walking from our local post office and heading downtown toward our bank, I met my former family physician and his wife also walking toward the downtown area. (His practice had in recent years shifted to work more closely with our local hospital than with private patients.) We exchanged greetings and I asked how his transition had gone and then continued walking at my usual quick pace. I connected with them again as I was returning back toward uptown after doing my banking and this time we walked up the hill together and talked about my walking pace and mileage per week. During this conversation he told me he has told others to watch for me and FOLLOW MY EXAMPLE. He then went on to state, "If everyone was like you, we [meaning doctors] would be put out of business." As I walked on I began thinking of how if everyone FOLLOWED THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST, what kind of businesses and activities would be put out of business? Oh, what a different world this would be!

Paul urged the Christians at Corinth. . .
"Be imitators of me, AS I AM OF CHRIST." (1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV)

The Greek word translated "imitators" is "mimetai" which is from "mimetes" and sounds very similar to our English word. This noun is akin to the verb "mimeomai" which is literally "a mimic" or "an actor" and is therefore translated "imitate". [source: "Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words"] Paul recognized the need for being an EXAMPLE TO BE FOLLOWED, but he raised the focus beyond merely himself to THAT OF CHRIST.

I've noted it before, but I just love the expression of John to Gaius and feel it very worthy of being kept in mind where John wrote. . .

"(2) Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and THAT YOU MAY BE IN GOOD HEALTH, AS IT GOES WELL WITH YOUR SOUL. (3) For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. (4) I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." (3 John 2-4 ESV)

To focus on our physical health is a good thing, but it is of even greater significance to focus on our spiritual health since that provides benefit for all things. (1 Timothy 4:8) May we continue to keep our eyes on the EXAMPLE OF CHRIST so that the example of our own life can provide a proper visual of the health God desires all to possess. By living in such a manner we will also be doing our part to make the world where we live a little better place to be.

Have a great day EXEMPLIFYING CHRIST!
Carl

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