thedeepend

YOUR DAILY DIVE: WORD of God

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 18:36:49 GMT

YOUR DAILY DIVE: WORD of God

SCRIPTURE:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being… And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:1-14, NASB)

STORY:
What is a “word?” It is a unit of language. A form of communication. Before Jesus walked the earth, God revealed Himself to His people through the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament). The Hebrew Scriptures were “the Word” of God, connecting earth-bound believers to the God they could not see. In the Gospel of John, Jesus is identified as the “Word” of God wrapped in flesh. When Jesus was on earth walking and talking with people, He revealed God’s Character and Truth through His very presence. Today, though Jesus no longer walks among us in the flesh, the “Word” of God remains in what we call the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, the Word of God is living and active, inviting you into a deep and abiding relationship with your Creator.

APPLICATION for today's Christ-follower:
How do you view the Bible? Some see it as a big, intimidating, cosmic instruction manual. Others look at it as simply an interesting but irrelevant story book. Still others consider it to be some sort of magic coffee table book that is never opened but brings good luck. The TRUTH is, the Bible is the "word" of God. Think about that... the Bible is God's personal communication about who He is. Jesus came to earth as God's "Word" wrapped in flesh. He walked and talked with people, communicating God's Character and Truth. When Jesus returned to Heaven, God's "word" remained. Do you want to know God? Do you want to experience the presence of the Lord? OPEN HIS WORD.

PRAYER:
Father, thank You that just as the first disciples learned about You by walking and talking with Your Son, I too can be in relationship with Him through Your Word because He IS the Word. As I open the Scriptures, help me see and hear Jesus as clearly with my spiritual senses as the disciples did with their physical eyes and ears. In the name of my Savior I pray. Amen.

YOUR DAILY DIVE: Holy Navigation

Fri, 13 Apr 2018 18:43:01 GMT

YOUR DAILY DIVE: Holy Navigation

SCRIPTURE:
But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I am going away. For if I do not go away, the Advocate will not come to you, but if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will prove the world wrong concerning sin and righteousness and judgment–concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned. "I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. For he will not speak on his own authority, but will speak whatever he hears, and will tell you what is to come. He will glorify me, because he will receive from me what is mine and will tell it to you. (John 16:7-14, NET)

STORY:
The disciples had walked and talked with Jesus for several years. They had grown to love Him deeply and couldn’t imagine life without Him. In response to their fear and concern, Jesus promised His disciples that they would not be left alone to fend for themselves in a world that hated them. In fact, He said it was to their advantage that He leave them so that He could send Holy Spirit, third Person of the Triune God to help them navigate life without His physical presence.

APPLICATION for today's Christ-follower:
Good news Christ-followers! God didn’t abandon us to fend for ourselves in this sin-sick world. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, the Holy Spirit takes up residence in us to help us navigate life. If we are willing to let Him take the wheel, He promises to lead us to God's truth every day until He leads us home to Heaven. Seek the Lord with an obedient heart. By His Spirit, He will lead you through whatever comes your way and God will be glorified.

PRAYER:
Father, Thank You for not leaving me to navigate this crazy and often frightening world on my own. I believe that the Holy Spirit indwells me. I believe that He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world. Give me ears to hear Your truth and an obedient heart to follow You as You guide me by Your Spirit. In Jesus' name and for His glory I pray. Amen.

YOUR DAILY DIVE: Favorite Teacher

Fri, 13 Apr 2018 18:40:28 GMT

YOUR DAILY DIVE: Favorite Teacher

SCRIPTURE:
"These things I have spoken to you while abiding with you. "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” (John 14:25-26, NASB)

STORY:
Can you just imagine what it must have been like to walk and talk with Jesus? What an extraordinary experience it must have been to actually sit at Jesus’ feet, look into His eyes, hear His voice, and learn directly from Him! Today’s Christ-follower might be quick to think that that the early disciples had the advantage when it came to learning the ways of God. Afterall, God was right there in the flesh! But God is right here with us in the Holy Spirit. When Jesus returned to Heaven, the Father sent the Holy Spirit to be our Teacher. He guides us through God’s Word, teaches us God’s ways, and leads us down righteous paths that glorify God.

APPLICATION for today's Christ-follower:
Most of us have a favorite teacher somewhere in our past. A person whose instruction helped shaped us into the people we are today. But we have an even greater Teacher—the Holy Spirit—who was sent to us by the Father to help shape us into faithful Christ-followers. Just as Jesus walked with and taught the first disciples, the Holy Spirit now accompanies us through life, teaching us the ways of God. And unlike our favorite teachers who we left behind, the Holy Spirit is ever present... now and in the future.

PRAYER:
LORD, I love You and want to live a life that honors You. But in a world filled with mixed messages, even in Your Church, it's hard to know who to listen to. Give me ears to hear the Holy Spirit's voice and the courage to follow His lead, even when He directs me down difficult roads. By Your Spirit, teach me Your ways that I may walk in Your Truth.
That is the path I choose. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

YOUR DAILY DIVE: With You in Spirit

Wed, 11 Apr 2018 05:37:51 GMT

YOUR DAILY DIVE: with you in spirit

SCRIPTURE:
“Then I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept, because it does not see him or know him. But you know him, because he resides with you and will be in you. I will not abandon you as orphans, I will come to you. In a little while the world will not see me any longer, but you will see me; because I live, you will live too.” (John 14:16-19; NET)

STORY:
In John 14, Jesus is trying to prepare His disciples for life without His physical presence on earth. He tells them that when He returns to Heaven, He will ask the Father to give them a “Helper” or “Advocate” who will be with them forever. Jesus is referring to the Holy Spirit, the 3rd Person of the Trinity. The moment we put our confidence in Jesus Christ as our Savior, God indwells us with the Holy Spirt who promises to never leave or forsake us. God is as close as the next breath you breathe or the next word on your tongue. And He does not come and go. Once God the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our hearts, He becomes our constant companion in this world.

APPLICATION for today's Christ-follower:
It is not uncommon to feel abandoned by God, especially in times of struggle and suffering. But in those moments, God’s Truth must rise above our feelings. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come and take up residence in the Christ-follower. The Holy Spirit indwells us forever. But like any healthy relationship, we must spend quality time with the Spirit if we want to enjoy His presence. He is as close to you as the next word on your tongue. So talk to Him. Sit quietly and listen to Him speak into your heart. Open your Bible and ask Him to guide you through God’s Word. Your relationship with Him won’t happen by osmosis. When you ask Him to meet you where you are, open your spiritual ears and heart. He’s there.

PRAYER:
Father, there are days when I feel so alone, even when I am with people I love. Only You can fully satisfy the heartache of loneliness. Your Spirit lives within me 24/7 to guide, teach, and comfort me. Help me grow in relationship with You through the Holy Spirit, learning His voice, seeking His wisdom, trusting His direction, and abiding in His peace. With gratitude for Your Spirit, and in the name of Your Son I pray. Amen.

YOUR DAILY DIVE: SIGNED. SEALED. DELIVERED.

Tue, 10 Apr 2018 05:53:52 GMT

YOUR DAILY DIVE: SIGNED. SEALED. DELIVERED.

SCRIPTURE:
“In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation-- having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory. (Eph 1:13-14, NASB)

STORY:
A seal is an imprinted stamp or molded wax mark that declares permanent, ownership. In ancient days, a clay or wax “seal” was commonly used by kings and people of authority to put their stamp of authentic ownership on letters. In fact, in February of 2018, archaeologists in Israel announced the discovery of a 2,700 year old clay seal mark that may bear the signature of Isaiah, God’s prophet. In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul is employing this imagery to drive home the point that when we trust in Jesus Christ as our Savior, we are “sealed” by the Holy Spirit. The Lord’s indestructible mark of ownership tells the world and the prince of this world (Satan) that YOU BELONG TO GOD.

APPLICATION for today's Christ-follower:
Having God’s seal of ownership—the Holy Spirit—does not mean that we won’t struggle in this world. In fact, Jesus tells us that we will encounter hardship at the hands of the “prince of this world,” Satan. "In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33, NASB). Jesus also tells us that the Holy Spirit, who indwells us, enabling us to stand firm in our faith no matter what Satan and his henchment do to us. You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4, NASB). The Holy Spirit, with all of the authority of God indwells us, enabling us to live victoriously in this no matter our circumstances.

PRAYER:
LORD, I praise and worship You as a Promise-Keeper. Thank You that I can live every day in this crazy world knowing that this isn’t all there is. The best is yet to come! That promise is signed by the blood of Your Son, sealed by the Holy Spirit, and will be delivered one day by You. How grateful I am to know that I can claim victory over today, no matter what comes my way. Help me every minute of the day ahead. By Your Spirit, grant me Your strength and courage to live the life You have called me to live, no matter my circumstances. In Jesus name and for His glory and honor, I praise You andgive You thanks. Amen.

YOUR DAILY DIVE: FELLOWSHIP

Sat, 07 Apr 2018 06:34:40 GMT

YOUR DAILY DIVE: FELLOWSHIP

SCRIPTURE:
They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47, NASB)

STORY:
In the early days of the Church, several thousand people accepted Jesus Christ as their Messiah and entered into a Christian community that was fully invested in the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayer (Luke 2:42). They were united in their desire to grow in the Lord and grow as the body of Christ. One of the most joyful times of their day was mealtime, when they not only fed their bodies but they fed their souls with Christian fellowship.

It should not be surprising that food and fellowship were inextricably linked in the early Church because they form a prominent thread woven into the tapestry of God’s redemptive story. When God called the Israelites to gather as a nation, He commanded them to participate in feasts celebrating His faithfulness (Lev. 23). Jesus’ first miracle—turning water into wine—took place at a wedding feast (John 2:1-9). In the Gospels, we repeatedly see Jesus dining with fringe members of society (Matthew 9:9-13). In the story of the prodigal son, the father celebrate the return of his son with a feast (Luke 15:11-32). Jesus compared the coming millennial kingdom to a wedding banquet (Matthew 22:2-4). In His final meal before He was crucified, Jesus introduced the memorial meal that we now know as the Lord’s supper (Matthew 26:17-30; Luke 22:7-23). And in His resurrected state, Jesus stood on the shore inviting His disciples to the breakfast He had prepared for them (John 21:12). In summary, God loves bringing His people together for fellowship over a good meal.

APPLICATION for today's Christ-follower:
We should love what God loves. In some cases, that’s a challenge. But it shouldn’t be hard to embrace God’s love for fellowship over food. Who doesn’t love a good meal?! And it tastes even better when it is shared with people who love the Lord and want to grow in their relationship with Him. Food fuels growth of the body. But it can also fuels growth of the soul.

PRAYER:
LORD, You uniquely created me to be in fellowship with You. Thank You for loving me that much! As Your creation, my heart craves communion with You and with others who love You. But the brokenness of this world often leads to isolation and loneliness. Lord, help me and those around me develop and make time for authentic Christian fellowship—intimate, intentional community that runs deeper than coffee and donuts at church. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

YOUR DAILY DIVE: The Sovereignty of God

Wed, 04 Apr 2018 06:40:17 GMT

YOUR DAILY DIVE: The Sovereignty of God

SCRIPTURE:
"Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know--this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power." (Acts 2:22-24, NASB)

STORY:
In Acts 2, we learn about how the Church was formed on the day of Pentecost. Just before He returned to Heaven, Jesus commissioned the disciples to go out and spread the Gospel far and wide. But first they needed to be filled with the Holy Spirit. This happened on the day of Pentecost which was an annual feast for the Jews. It must have been an extraordinary experience for all involved—those receiving the Holy Spirt and those watching. All of the disciples were gathered in one place. Suddenly, they heard what sounded like a violent rushing wind. Then, as tongues of fire rested on each one of the disciples, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in different languages. Unbelieving Jews who had gathered in Jerusalem for the feast were amazed and could not explain it away. (Acts 2:1-13)

Peter stood up and addressed the unbelieving Jews, delivering a sermon that presented Jesus as the long-awaited Jewish Messiah. One of the biggest challenges to the diety of Christ was the fact that He suffered and died. The Jews argued that if He was truly God, Jesus would not have died. In verses 22-24, Peter made it clear that the Crucifixion was no accident. Jesus had to die so that He could defeat death by rising from the grave. These verses not only support the diety of Christ, but affirm the sovereignty of God which asserts that God either causes or allows all things to happen in this world. The murder of His Son was no surprise to the Father. What man meant for evil, God means for good, in this case, the salvation of man.

APPLICATION for today's Christ-follower:
Trust that nothing surprises the Lord. He is sovereign, which means that He never lets you out of His sight, and He either allows or causes ALL things that happen in your life. It is easy to praise God for His sovereignty when things are going well. But can you praise Him in the midst of pain? He is worthy of our confidence in Him, even when we suffer and struggle. As Romans 8:28 tells us, “we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

PRAYER:
LORD, I love You as the One True God. Forgive me for withholding my praise when the tears of heartbreak have blurred my ability to see Your sovereignty. Father, Your Word tells me that You either allow or cause all things to happen in this world, even the death of Your Son. It is mindboggling to think that His murder was part of YOUR plan. But when I see the empty tomb I am reminded how good You are. Help me live an empty tomb life for You—acknowledging Your Sovereignty, knowing You see me, and trusting You cause all things to work for good to those who love You and are called according to Your purpose. I do love you Lord. And I believe that You do have purpose in my pain. By Your Spirit, enable me to see that purpose or, at the very least, trust there is purpose in it. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

YOUR DAILY DIVE: The Confusion Solution

Wed, 04 Apr 2018 06:37:38 GMT

YOUR DAILY DIVE: The Confusion Solution

SCRIPTURE:

Luke 24:13-35

STORY:

Have you ever noticed how quick we are to give up on God and go back to our old way of living when things don't turn out like we hoped or planned? That's what is happening in the last chapter of the Gospel of Luke when we meet two men walking down the road to Emmaus. They were headed home... confused, defeated and seemingly lost by the events they had just witnessed in Jerusalem. What in the world just happened?! How could they have gotten things so wrong? They believed that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. His miracles and teaching were clear evidence to them that He was who He claimed to be—THE SON OF GOD. But when He did something they didn't expect—WHEN HE DIED!—they lost all hope, tucked their tails between their legs and headed back to the old life. What does Jesus do? He comes alongside to encourage them and show them how everything was going according to the plan... not their plan but HIS PLAN (Luke 24:13-35).

And He said to them, "O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! "Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?" Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures.

APPLICATION for today's Christ-follower:

When Jesus returned to Heaven, He didn't abandon His followers. He sent the Holy Spirit to help us make sense of His will and purpose in a world that rejects Him. When things don't make sense, that's not the time to give up on Him. That's the time to press into Him through prayer and His Word. Without a doubt, He has something to teach us that we don't want to miss! Is your mind open to learning and your heart open to obeying God?.. the God who operates according to His will and glory, not yours.

DAILY PRAYER:

Father, thank You for wanting to be in a deep, personal, life-altering relationship with me... so much so that You sent Your Son to die for me. I recognize that You also sent Him to teach me how to live and grow as an obedient child of God in a world that has rejected You. Lord, some days are really really hard. When life doesn't go according to my plan, I am so easily discouraged. Forgive me. And by Your Spirit, teach me Your ways that I may boldly and confidently walk in Your Truth. Give me an undivided heart that seeks Your will. And grant me the courage to live the life You have called me to live... for Your glory, not mine. In Jesus' mighty and matchless name I pray. Amen.

YOUR DAILY DIVE: PEACE Be With You

Tue, 03 Apr 2018 06:43:09 GMT

YOUR DAILY DIVE: PEACE Be With You

Peace be with you

SCRIPTURE:

So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." And when He had said this, He showed them both His hands and His side. The disciples then rejoiced when they saw the Lord. So Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you." (John 20:19-21, NASB)

STORY:

After Jesus was murdered, His disciples huddled behind locked doors in the upper room. Imagine their terror and crushing disappointment. Their conquering King was dead. And the wicked men who crucified Him would soon come after them. They had put all of their trust and confidence in Him. But nothing turned out like they expected. All hope was lost... or so they thought. Then Jesus shows up!

If Hollywood were writing this script, the hero would come swooping in and save the day by getting his followers out of harm's way. But that's not Jesus' style. He is no ordinary superhero. He's the resurrected Christ who meets His followers right where they are and empowers them to serve Him faithfully, no matter their circumstances. Jesus doesn't rescue the disciples out of their scary circumstances? No. Instead, He enters into that frightening space with them. And in His presence, they experience PEACE.

The Lord has promised to never leave or forsake His people. He may not take us out of the struggle. But, He promises to enter into it with us. And when we fix our eyes on Him... when we focus on what He has done for us rather than what the world is doing to us... we can experience unimaginable peace in His presence.

APPLICATION for today's Christ-follower:

JESUS rose from the grave. He is alive! Is He capable of delivering you out of your struggle? Absolutely. And that is a reasonable prayer to the God who conquers death for you. But, if He chooses not to rescue you from your current troubles, don't despair. He promises to enter into that difficult space with you, and empower you to not only survive but thrive there. Take your eyes off of the present and place them squarely on His presence. He is PEACE.

PRAYER:

Lord, thank You for Your promise to never leave or forsake me. In a world that can be so harsh and frightening, You quiet my heart and mind with Your presence. You don't just offer peace, Lord. You are Peace. By Your Spirit, help me find my confidence in You, the One who came and died for me, conquered death for me, rose from the grave for me, and gave me the gift of eternal life with You. You are my life... my hope... my joy... my peace. In the might name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray and praise You. Amen.

YOUR DAILY DIVE: Good Friday

Sat, 31 Mar 2018 07:03:28 GMT

YOUR DAILY DIVE: Good Friday

ON GOOD FRIDAY, THE HANDS OF HEAVEN RIPPED OPEN THE BARRIER BETWEEN MAN AND GOD

SCRIPTURE :

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. (Matthew 27:50-51, NASB)

STORY:

Within the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, there was an inner room called the Holy of Holies which served as God's dwelling place in the midst of His people. No man could look at God and survive (Exodus 33:20). So, a barrier stood at the entrance to the Holy of Holies to shield God's people from carelessly or irreverently entering into His holy presence. The barrier was an enormous curtain (or veil), 60 feet tall and 30 feet wide, which remained closed at all times. Once a year, one man (the High Priest) representing all of God's people, was allowed to part the curtain and enter into the presence of the LORD to make atonement for the peoples' sin. However, the moment Jesus died, that veil between man and God was torn in two...from top to bottom. On Jesus' cue, the Hands of Heaven ripped apart the divide between us and our Creator. Through Christ's death, man is now able to enter into the presence of the Lord 24/7, 365 days a year.

APPLICATION for today's Christ-follower:

By Jesus' death, sin no longer separates us from God. Christ made it possible for you to enter into the presence of God on any day at any time. He is waiting... are you willing? "And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven's Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place." (Hebrews 10:19-20, NLT)

PRAYER:

Father God, how can a single moment simultaneously fracture in anguish and peace? How is it possible that the tortured cry of Your Son could signal a cosmic sigh of relief?! What the world heard as the agonizing wail of a dying man was truly the heavenly sound of You ripping in two the barrier that separated me from You. I kneel in awe and gratitude. Thank You for loving me enough to make a way for me to enter into Your presence. Thank You for destroying the barrier of my sin, and inviting me into eternal fellowship with You. I love You. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, I praise You and give You thanks. Amen.

YOUR DAILY DIVE: Maundy Thursday

Fri, 30 Mar 2018 07:06:20 GMT

YOUR DAILY DIVE: Maundy Thursday

ON MAUNDY THURSDAY, JESUS TAUGHT HIS DISCIPLES THE VALUE OF HUMILITY IN GOD'S KINGDOM

SCRIPTURE:

And there arose also a dispute among them as to which one of them was regarded to be greatest. And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who have authority over them are called 'Benefactors.' But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant. For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves." (Luke 22:23-27,NASB)

STORY:

In the 1st Century, when guests would arrive for a meal, the host would ask one of his servants to wash the visitors' feet. This was the job of the lowliest servant in the house. On the Thursday of Passion Week, Maundy Thursday, Jesus hosted His disciples to the Passover meal. But before they sat down to their feast, the Lord Himself took on the servant role of foot washer. This would have SHOCKED the disciples, and that was exactly what Jesus wanted to do. Shock them into a state of counter-cultural humility. Jesus' ultimate demonstration of humility was His death on the Cross—the Creator God Himself, sinless and pure, taking on the form of man, bearing the sin of man, enduring unthinkable suffering for the benefit of you and me. He gave up His right to be treated as God, so that we could spend eternity with Him (Phil. 2:6-8).

APPLICATION for today's Christ-follower:

As sinners, we have no place in our holy God's presence. But He humbled Himself to enter into our presence and serve us. Think about the most offensive person in you life—the person you would avoid at all costs. Now picture yourself washing their feet and giving up your best seat at the table to them. THAT is the selflessness that Christ expects of His followers. Humility pierced His hands and feet. Will you allow it to pierce your heart on this Maundy Thursday?

PRAYER:

Lord, how can it be that You, the Creator of the Universe, would become a servant to Your Creation? And yet, You did! You stepped out of Heaven and into this sin-filled world, giving up your right to be treated as God and submitting yourself to suffering and humiliation beyond anything I can imagine... all for me. For me! A pride-filled, sin-riddled human being who deserves nothing more than death. Thank you for loving me so much that You were willing to die for me, so that I could spend eternity with you. Lord, develop in me the servant heart of Jesus—a humble heart that puts others' needs first. Help me reject the worldly attitude of "every man for himself" and embrace the selfless attitude of Christ who humbled Himself to the point of death on a Crossfor me. In His name and for His glory and honor I pray. Amen.

YOUR DAILY DIVE: Holy Week Monday

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 07:13:43 GMT

YOUR DAILY DIVE: Holy Week Monday

ON THE MONDAY OF PASSION WEEK, JESUS CLEANSED THE TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM

SCRIPTURE:

Then they came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple and began to drive out those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves; and He would not permit anyone to carry merchandise through the temple. And He began to teach and say to them, "Is it not written, 'MY HOUSE SHALL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER FOR ALL THE NATIONS '? But you have made it a ROBBERS' DEN." The chief priests and the scribes heard this, and began seeking how to destroy Him; for they were afraid of Him, for the whole crowd was astonished at His teaching. (Mark 11:15, NASB)

STORY:

The Lord's Temple, God's dwelling place, was to be the holiest of all places on earth. It is where God's people would gather to worship and pray, seeking His forgiveness, guidance and blessings. But in Jesus' day, the Temple had been turned into a commerical operation where price gouging profiteers exchanged money and sold sacrificial animals, exploiting God's house of worship to pad their own pockets. Infuriated that His Father's house would be used for anything but pure and undefiled worship, Jesus upended the tables used for trade and threw out all of the wicket merchants. After the Temple was cleansed, Jesus began to teach God's Truth.

APPLICATION for today's Christ-follower:

The Bible tells us that when we put our faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior, God indwells us with the Holy Spirit. The heart of the Christ-follower is the Lord's temple (1 Cor. 3:16-17). The Lord asks us to worship Him with pure, undefiled hearts. But too often, we fill our hearts with worldy desires like fame and fortune that glorify ourselves and not God. What has set up shop in your heart, God's temple, that may be stealing space that rightfully belongs to Him?

PRAYER:

Father God, search my heart and reveal to me anything that is robbing You of Your glory. Give me the strength and courage to rid my heart of any worldly desire that is coming before You in my life. Teach me Your ways, that I amy walk in Your Truth. Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name. And I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart. I will glorify Your name forever. Your lovingkindness toward me is great. You have rescued my soul from the pit of hell. You alone are worthy of my worship. In Jesus name and for His glory I pray. Amen.

YOUR DAILY DIVE: Holy Week Tuesday

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 07:10:52 GMT

YOUR DAILY DIVE: Holy Week Tuesday

ON THE TUESDAY OF PASSION WEEK, JESUS TAUGHT HIS DISCIPLES ABOUT THE POWER OF PRAYER

SCRIPTURE:
And Jesus answered saying to them, "Have faith in God. Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him. Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you." (Mark 11:22-24, NASB)

STORY:

After spending Monday night in Bethany, Jesus and His disciples were headed back to the Temple in Jerusalem. Along the way, Peter pointed to a fig tree that Jesus had cursed the previous day. The leafy, green tree had all the appearances of being healthy and productive, but when the Lord sought fruit from it, it was fruitless. It looked good but had nothing to offer the Lord. Jesus cursed it and within 24 hours, it had noticeably withered. This was symbolic of the nation of Israel, which had rejected the Messiah and was failing to seek God's glory in the world. When Peter saw the tree again Tuesday, he was suprised at how quickly it had wilted. Jesus took the opportunity to teach His disciples about loving what the Lord loves and seeking His will in the world.

APPLICATION for today's Christ-follower:

When we are devoted to God, His desires will become the desires of our hearts. And when we pray for our hearts' desires, which honor and glorify Him, He will answer our requests in mind-boggling ways. God is not some sort of genie in a bottle or cosmic vending machine. We cannot expect Him to deliver on things that we want when all we are seeing is self-gratification. But, when the desires of our hearts are consistent with His desires, we can expect Him to faithfully answer our prayers in exceedingly abundant ways.

PRAYER:

My God and My Savior, You are worthy of my unconditional love and devotion. Forgive me for treating You like a cosmic vending machine, offering You my earthly currency in exchange for whatever pleases me. Forgive me for filling my heart and prayers with earthly desires that satisfy my purposes and not Yours. Lord, I want to love what You love. And I want to be frutiful in this world, not for my glory but for Yours. But that is hard in a culture that values self-promotion and personal achievment. I need You, Lord. Build in me the kind of faith that seeks Your glory. Help me to trust that You will grant the desires of my heart, even before they are spoken in prayer. Thank you for allowing me to be Your instrument of love in this broken and hurting world. Use me for Your glory. In the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

WHAT'S THAT HE SAID?

Tue, 18 Apr 2017 07:18:31 GMT

WHAT'S THAT HE SAID?

He is RISEN! Hallelujah! Now what?

So here we are… just days after Resurrection Sunday. Aside from a few Easter remnants—leftover ham, half-eaten chocolate bunnies, and a laundry basket filled with pastel party clothes—Easter is behind us right? Time to get back to business

.But wait....shouldn’t our lives look a little different (maybe even profoundly different) the week after Easter?...after we have boldly claimed and proclaimed the astonishing, stupefying, mind-blowing Truth that Jesus Christ, Son of God, God Himself died for us and then rose from the dead! But that was two days ago. Time to get back to business as usual

.I don’t know about you, but I sure could use some inspiration about now… maybe even more so after Easter when, in the shadow of the Cross, the world around us returns to "normal.

""ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?
"Yes! That’s exactly what I needed to hear! The words of Jesus right before His death

."MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?
(Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34, NASB)

"I know… an odd choice for a spiritual boost. But if you were a Jew at the foot of the Cross in that dark, dark hour, you would not have heard a desperate cry to a callous God. You would have heard a reminder that Yahweh is sovereign and holy… that He is faithful to His people… that He is the Creator God who purposefully brings His children into the world. You would have been assured that despite the way things appear, the Lord is near and will deliver His people. And you would have heard that Jesus is the Messiah who was prophesied in the Hebrew Scriptures

.You see, when Jesus uttered,“My God, My God, Why have You forsaken Me,” He was quoting Psalm 22:1. And He wasn’t proof-texting that verse to describe His personal feelings of abandonment. He was invoking the whole of Psalm 22 to testify to God's faithfulness.

If I say to you,“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want,” what is your next thought? Most likely, “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters.” Right? We recognize Psalm 23 in the first verse, which triggers a recall of the whole psalm.

In the 1st Century, the Psalter (The Book of Psalms) served as a worship hymnal for the Nation of Israel. Jews were intimately familiar with all of the psalms and could recall any psalm with just a few words. So, when Jesus quoted Psalm 22:1 from the Cross, the entirety of Psalm 22—all 31 verses—would have come to mind for those watching Him die...friends and foes. And they would have recalled a song of confidence and hope in the Lord as Psalm 22 volleys human despair back and forth with divine Truth

.“My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning…. Yet You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel. (verses 1-3)

”“But I am a worm and not a man, A reproach of men and despised by the people…. Yet You are He who brought me forth from the womb; You made me trust when upon my mother's breasts.” (verses 6-9 )

Additionally, this exquisite Psalm of David is a Messianic Psalm… prophesying the very scene of the Crucifixion a thousand years prior to Christ’s death .“All who see me sneer at me; They separate with the lip, they wag the head, saying, "Commit yourself to the LORD; let Him deliver him; Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him." (verses 7-8)

“I am poured out like water, And all my bones are out of joint; My heart is like wax; It is melted within me. My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And my tongue cleaves to my jaws; And You lay me in the dust of death. For dogs have surrounded me; A band of evildoers has encompassed me; They pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones. They look, they stare at me; They divide my garments among them, And for my clothing they cast lots.
(verses 14-18)

”Quoting from Psalm 22, Jesus is telling us that Yahweh is a Promise Keeper, and the promise of a Savior is fulfilled in HIM! Read it… all of it. See the Messianic promise fulfilled in Christ. Recognize that Jesus’ final words were about hope, not despair and abandonment (despite the appearance of such). Embrace the promise of a coming kingdom that will overcome ALL suffering and unrighteousness. Jesus’ words,“My God, My God, Why have You Forsaken Me,”were intended to encourage believers who were watching their Lord die, and to terrify persecutors who would see an empty tomb. Today, they inspire us to not only rejoice in His Resurrection, but to live victoriously through His Word in the day-to-day.

Now that’s a message that will preach every day after Resurrection Sunday

Lincoln Bible

Thu, 19 Jan 2017 07:21:38 GMT

Lincoln Bible

Much ado has been made this week about the Bible upon which Donald J. Trump placed his hand when he was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States. It wasn't just any old Bible. Along with the one he was given as a child, he was sworn in with "The Lincoln Bible"... the Bible used during the inauguration of Honest Abe in 1861.

Media and pundits are inflating that image to advance their own agendas and perspectives on the Trump presidency. Let me be clear. I'm not interested in advancing any political agenda or judgment for that matter. But I am curious about all of the fuss being made over this particular element of the swearing-in ceremony. It got me thinking... is a Bible required for the inauguration and, if so, does it have to be a special Bible with some sort of celebrity status? The answer to both is "no." This particular inaugural detail is drawn from tradition, not the Constitution

.So if it's not required (although most presidents have kept the tradition), why does a new president swear on a Bible? For that matter, why do any of us swear on the Bible? I guess the assumption is that when you place your hand on God's Word and take an oath, you are more compelled to refrain from lying and to "tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth." But think about that. If you are a Bible-believing Christ-follower, isn't that an automatic? We seek to honor and obey the Lord by always telling the truth... whether a Bible is present or not. Consider what Jesus has to say about invoking the sacred to strengthen the integrity of an oath.

"Again, you have heard that the ancients were told, 'YOU SHALL NOT MAKE FALSE VOWS, BUT SHALL FULFILL YOUR VOWS TO THE LORD.' "But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is THE CITY OF THE GREAT KING." Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black." But let your statement be, 'Yes, yes ' or 'No, no'; anything beyond these is of evil." (Matthew 5:33-37, NASB)

It's not that Christ is forbidding oath-taking. Rather, He is telling His followers that their reputation for honesty and strong moral character should be so clean that no one would even think to question their trustworthiness in fulfilling their vows. Hmmm... there's some good food for thought for all of us - not just those who took the oath of office today. The Bible shouldn't be a witness for us. We are called to be witnesses for the Bible... living out God's Word so convincingly that the world doesn't need to see us holding Bibles to know we are Christ-followers. Back to all the buzz about the use of the Lincoln Bible during the inauguration. I deeply value the Christian roots of our country and the traditions that reflect our foundations. And placing one's right hand on the Bible when taking the oath of office is just that... tradition. But we veer way off-course when we are more wowed by the original owner of a Bible than the Word itself. Years ago, a colleague arranged a blind date for me with a guy who allegedly shared my love of the Word. When we got to the topic of faith, he was quick to brag that one of his greatest treasures was a Bible that once belonged to a popular sports star. I guess he thought that would impress me. Indeed, I love God's Word and I love sports... but seriously?! Needless to say, there was not another date.

No matter your political views, I hope you watched the presidential inauguration. This only happens every four years and it is truly history in the making as the leader of the free world steps up to accept the responsibility he has been given by the people, and ultimately by God Himself. But let's avoid assuming (as some in the media have) that the Lincoln Bible or any celebrity Bible somehow brings to the platform heightened spiritual mojo. President Donald J. Trump will either be a man of his word, or he won't. Only time will tell... not the presence of Honest Abe's good book. And one more note... when the Lincoln Bible was donated to the Library of Congress by the widow of Robert Todd Lincoln, markers had been placed in Deuteronomy 31 and Hosea 4. Check out these Scriptures... and then earnestly pray for our country and our new president. In the years ahead there's a lot at stake... and we will be judged by the choices that the president and we make.

God bless President Trump and God bless America

Night LIGHT

Tue, 20 Dec 2016 07:25:13 GMT

Night LIGHT

December 21, 2016… this year’s winter solstice. The longest night of the year. It is an astronomical phenomenon. But I marvel at the miracle it points to each and every year. Just as darkness gets its tightest grip on the world the Light of the world bursts through!

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life. (John 8:12; NASB)

”I don’t think it’s any coincidence that we observe Christmas within days of marking the longest night of the year. We don’t have biblical record of the exact date of Jesus’ birth. But it appears to have first been celebrated on December 25 in the fourth century. The Dec. 25 date may have been strategically chosen for its proximity to the winter solstice, an event that gave cause for great festivals among ancient pagans who worshiped the sun for overcoming the darkness. How appropriate that Christ-followers would employ this same time to celebrate the Truth that, indeed, the SON did conquer darkness! In Him was life, and the life was the Light of mankind. The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness has not mastered it. (John 1:4-5; NET)

.It’s an extraordinary image, isn’t it? Our Savior—the Light that could not be dimmed by darkness! I challenge any Christ-follower to ponder the metaphor and not see Christ and Christmas in a new way. LIGHT – what is it To a child who is afraid of the dark, it is comfort. To a night traveler, it illumines the path home. On a cold day, it provides warmth and for a weary soul, it awakens the senses. A bright light shines on danger and exposes it. A flashing light cautions us to move carefully. Light is a catalyst, kick-starting photosynthesis which ultimately produces food for Creation. And light is an energy source, powering modern-day technology. Though we rarely stop to recognize it, light is critical to our every-day lives. We would not survive without it... without Him.? No wonder when God spoke Creation into existence, He did so first with light.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth
The earth was formless and void and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.
God saw that the light was good; and God separated light from darkness.
(Genesis 1:1-4; NASB)

.Sadly, the Bible tells us that it wasn’t long before spiritual darkness overcame the world. Despite his God-given ingenuity, man could not create a light strong enough to penetrate the inky black of his disobedient heart. He could not illuminate his own way back to God. He was lost

…Until the Lord Himself, in all of His mercy and glory, pierced through the darkness of longest night

.… magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him”… and the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy
(Matthew 2:1-2; 9-10; NASB)

.Light overcame their darkness! Light conquers our longest night! As the Lord illumines your path to the manger this Christmas, you may be distracted by the shadows of the world: depression… illness… financial distress… family dysfunction… senseless violence… political confusion… global chaos. But on this longest night, look up. See the stars and know that God is here .The people who were sitting in darkness saw a great Light And those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, Upon them a light dawned.

From that time Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
(Matthew 4:16-17; NASB), The Light of the world has come and promises to come again. Let us rejoice!“

Arise, shine; for your light has come
And the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.
For behold, darkness will cover the earth
And deep darkness the peoples;
But the LORD will rise upon you
And His glory will appear on you.”
(Isaiah 60:1-2; NASB)

Merry Christmas to all… and to all a bright night!

MAGNIFY

Thu, 01 Dec 2016 07:36:52 GMT

MAGNIFY

So whose big idea was it to put magnifying mirrors in hotel bathrooms? You know what I'm talking about. Those mirrors that reflect the image you are used to seeing on one side but when you flip them over... Oh no! Where did that hair come from and why didn't someone tell me?! Good grief I have big pores!!!

I am certain that whoever invented this brilliant device had all good intentions. It helps me apply makeup with absolute precision. It alerts me to breakfast leftovers wedged in my teeth. And yes... without it I wouldn't notice the hair growing out of my nose. But seriously?! I was perfectly satisfied with my image... and then, the mirror flipped.

That's kind of how I see the holidays. By all outward appearances, this is the most wonderful time of the year. The halls are decked for fa-la-la fun. The world is splashed with red and green and the nights are all aglow with twinkling lights. And do you hear what I hear?... the jolly jingling of bells on every corner.

But on the flip side...November, December and January can be the most miserable months of the year. For many, this is a season when depression and sorrow are magnified. Daily struggles with mental health issues turn into full-blown battles. Dancing sugar plums are bullied out of one's dreams by fear and anger. And the joy of others looms larger than life in the face of personal disappointment and loss.

I get it. And I hate that I get it. It wasn't that long ago that this season was truly magical for me. And I want so much to re-discover that magic. But just when I catch a glimpse of Christmas glitter, I am blind-sided by hopelessness and despair.

Since I am afflicted and needy
Let the Lord be mindful of me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
Do not delay, O my God. (Psalm 40:1, NASB)

If I could sit on God's lap like I sat on Santa's lap as a child, and give the Lord my wishlist for Christmas, I would ask for healing of broken relationships. I would say "pretty please" for the life that I thought I would have by now. I would request nights without nightmares and days without anxiety. And I would whisper into the Lord's ear the deepest yearnings of my heart... things that I dare not speak out loud for fear of disappointment.

But realistically, I know that when I wake up on Christmas morning, relationships will probably still be as broken as the shattered ornaments that fell on the floor the night before. My stocking will not be stuffed with the perfect life I've imagined. And those deep desires... well, maybe next year.

But I'm tired of saying, "Maybe next year"!How many more holidays would I simply endure rather than enjoy. How do I find that joy that has eluded me for too many Christmases? FLIP THE MIRROR.

Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You
And let those who love Your salvation say continually,
"Let God be magnified." (Psalm 70:4; NASB)

The most joy-filled people I know didn't get that way because they got everything on their wishlist. They still suffer from heartbreak and struggles in this world that they wish would disappear. But their joy isn't found in the world... it's in the Lord. And they found it only after they stopped focusing on all that is wrong in life and started magnifying what is right.

"The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly when he hears the bridegroom's voice. This then is my joy, and it is complete. He must become more important while I become less important."(John 3:29-30; NET)

Easier said than done... I know. That's because we are constantly bombarded with the lie that our value is measured by health, wealth and happiness. But the Truth is that our worth lies in a manger... a newborn King who loves us so much that He humbled Himself to the point of birth in a stable and death on a cross. And true joy is determined by which image we seek to magnify... self or Savior. So I have a new Christmas wish this year... that when I look atme in the mirror I see Him.

I will praise the name of God with son
And will magnify Him with thanksgiving. (Psalm 69:30; NASB)

And I wish the same for you

O magnify the LORD with me
And let us exalt His name together. (Psalm 34:3; NASB)

Magnifying the Lord this holiday season doesn't guarantee that depression and sorrow disappears. But I am learning that it does put pain in its place...behind the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. I have written "MAGNIFY" on my bathroom mirror to remind me every morning... more of Him and less of me. It's not easy and I regularly fall short. But maybe if this holiday wish becomes a daily effort through the New Year, by this time next year, that elusive Christmas joy will finally be waiting for me under the tree.

Pass the SALT!!

Tue, 08 Nov 2016 07:38:58 GMT

Pass the SALT!!

Well... it's finally over. After stomaching one of the most rancid presidential campaigns on record, Americans have spoken. What say you?

I say, "PASS THE SALT!"

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.(Matthew 5:13, NASB)

"In today's "foodie" culture, we read this Scripture and think Christ-followers are supposed to somehow make the world taste better. There may be viability for that interpretation. But I've got to be honest friends... after months of bitter political rhetoric and nauseating campaign maneuvers, I'm struggling to get the vile taste out of my own mouth, much less the world. Fortunately, I don't believe Jesus is asking us to make the world more palatable in this passage from the Sermon on the Mount. He's calling on His followers to be the change agent in a deteriorating society. How appropriate for such a time as this.

In the 1st Century, salt was used to keep flesh from rotting.With no refrigeration, the ancients used it to preserve meat. They also threw salt in a wound (literally) to halt infection and foster healing. Salt was more important for survival than seasoning in the ancient world. So when Jesus calls His followers "salt of the earth,"He is asserting that God's people are to be active agents against society's moral decay and corruption.

Let that sink in for a moment as we jump 2,000 years ahead to today in America, where immorality and corruption have been center stage in our process of choosing the next President of the United States. I came of age in the Reagan era, when elections may have gotten combative, but civility still ruled the day. What happened to that?...to us?!

Could it be, at least in part, that Christ-followers in America have lost their salt?

For our spiritual ancestors, salt contaminated by another substance was rendered useless in preserving meat and healing the body. The same can be said today about the Christian who, fearing persecution, ridicule and/or lack of society's respect, compromises their witness.They contaminate their spiritual saltiness to become more acceptable to family members, friends, coworkers, neighbors and even fellow Christians.

Other Christ-followers show they aren't worth their salt as they huddle up in their churches, blame the masses for the mess we are in and say, "America has gotten exactly what it asked for." Whether that is true or not,Christian isolationism just makes it easier for the world to ignore us and our life-giving message of hope.

In contrast, I am determined to be a "salty" Christ-follower and I hope you make that choice as well because our country needs it after such an ugly political season. So what does it look like to be a salty Christian in this angry, fearful and divisive post-election climate?Above all else, salt-of-the-earth believers maintain unswerving confidence in our sovereign God and His dominion over all things, including the outcome of elections. What is true for Pilate is true for POTUS.

Pilate said to Him, "...Do you not know that I have authority to release You, and I have authority to crucify You?" Jesus answered, "You would have no authority over Me, unless it had been give you from above..."(John 10:10-11a, NASB)

We also have to be willing to get our hands dirty.Salt has to make contact with decay in order to bring about restoration. In the days ahead, the national dialogue will turn to healing the deep divides and disunity in our society. Christians need to be engaged in this conversation (even if our message is mocked or disregarded).

Additionallyit is imperative that we invest our God-given resources (money, time, talent) in godly efforts that champion sanctity of all life, preserve our constitutional freedoms, provide for the sick and poor, and speak Truth into the hearts and lives of people who desperately need hope.

Finally,salty Christ-followers are called to humbly and prayerfully submit to the Lord's purpose for us in this hurting world. We are created to honor and glorify Him, no matter our personal circumstances or national struggles. There is only One who is worthy of our worship... and He doesn't live in the White House.

I recall the morning after an election a few years ago when I woke up with a heart that felt like it weighed 100 pounds. I was so distressed about the future of our country that I could barely get out of bed. But before my feet hit the ground, the Lord set me straight:"So what's changed for you?" He asked me somewhere deep within my soul. NOTHING I realized... except for the fact that I will have a larger sphere of influence as more people struggle and suffer within a decaying society.

If you are experiencing post-election distress or disappointment... don't lose heart. All is not lost. In fact, as I have learned, there is much to be gained if we see these circumstances through God's eyes and not our political views.No matter who is deemed the leader of the free world, the Lord is still the Creator of the World. And He is still on the throne, offering Truth that cannot be corrupted or politicized. That message of hope needs to rise above the clatter of bitterness, anger, fear and divisiveness... not only in the country at large, but in our communities, families and congregations.

Bottom line on this day after the presidential election: America still and always will need JESUS.

So ... please pass the SALT!

!EDITOR'S NOTE: This blog was written BEFORE the results of the election were in. It does not reflect my political views. Rather, it reflects my heart's desire to see America lift her eyes to her Creator.)

Swimming In Quicksand

Tue, 18 Oct 2016 07:42:51 GMT

Swimming In Quicksand

Just when you think our world can’t get any more absurd and depraved...another secret email reveals corruption in the highest ranks of government… another accusation of sexual maleficence is leveled… another natural disaster pounds an already broken and battered country… another group of faithful Christ-followers are driven from their homes, some to their graves.

And that’s only the background noise to the cacophony of your personal life that rises and falls on faith and fear, loyalty and betrayal, blessing and loss, good health and disease. All the madness in the world seems to magnify the crazy in our own lives… and I will admit that there are days when I just want to throw in the towel.

On one of those days recently, a friend made a simple but profound statement that has become my battle cry. “The only way that you get to know the end of your story is if you don’t quit.”

Who doesn’t love a great story?! And as Christ-followers, we can be confident that our life-stories will have an awesome ending. (Romans 8:28, NASB)

B ut when the plot of our life-story thickens, it can feel like quicksand sucking us into a hopeless quagmire.

“Seriously God?! This is not how I would have written my memoirs,” I have often lamented. Have you ever said or at least thought that? I’m guessing most of God’s people down through the ages have questioned the Lord’s presence and purpose in the hard chapters of life. Fortunately, God shares with us the life-stories of a few saints who never gave up and lived to tell others about His faithfulness. Joseph is one of my favorites.

As a young man, his own brothers sold him into slavery (Genesis 37:18-28). But Joseph didn’t lay down and die. He figured out not only how to survive, but how to thrive as a slave (Genesis 39:1-6). Just when things started to go his way, he was falsely accused of sexual assault and thrown into prison (Genesis 39:11-20). Left to rot in a dungeon, Joseph had every reason to wave the white flag. Instead, he took the time behind bars to practice his God-given gift of discernment, which ultimately earned him his freedom (Genesis 41:38-40) and the keys to a kingdom that would save God’s people from starvation (Genesis 41:41-49)! At every twist and turn in the plot line of Joseph’s life, Scripture tells us that God was with him, enabling him to swim in the quicksand. And in the final chapter of Joseph’s life, his story comes full circle as he shares with his brothers what he learned about the Lord in the darkest of days.

( Genesis 50:18-20, NASB)

Under the weight of your own burdens, you might argue that Joseph was a Super Saint… a man with supernatural powers who was destined for greatness. Guess what… SO ARE YOU!

(Romans 8:11, NASB)

“The only way you get to know the end of your story is if you don’t quit.”

Let this be the battle cry of all Christ-followers in these disturbing times. Things may seem bleak and closing in on hopelessness now. But, our story isn’t over dear friends. And as one who has read The Book from start to finish, I can confidently say it has the greatest ending of all time!

Go Gold. Go GOD!!!

Thu, 25 Aug 2016 07:45:11 GMT

Go Gold. Go GOD!!!

...we both know that our identity is in Christ,” David Boudia said matter-of-factly.

Whaaaaat?! Did I just hear what I think I heard? An Olympic silver medalist giving glory to Christ on LIVE television?!

!“The fact that I was going into this event knowing that my identity is rooted in Christ and not what the result of this competition is just gave me peace…”added Boudia’s diving partner, Steele Johnson.

“Wow! We're just getting started and already these are the best Olympics ever!!” I thought out loud. The way David Boudia and Steele Johnson twisted and flipped their way to Olympic Silver in synchronized diving was awe-inspiring in and of itself. But it was how they turned the diving platform into a platform for the Lord that took my breath away.

And then…

On the TODAY show, gymnastics phenom, Simone Biles, gave glory to the Lord for her talent and collection of medals (mostly gold).

And then…

Just minutes after winning the 400m in record-setting time, South African runner Wayde van Niekerk credited the Lord for his gold medal.

“The only thing I can do now is to give God praise,” he told the media.

But also…

Christ’s name was lifted up in the agony of defeat. 100m hopeful Trayvon Bromell tweeted this after missing out on a medal:

"People telling me to hold my head up...do y'all not know the God we serve, I will never hold my head down. God is great! #Blessed."

Can I get an AMEN?! And did you happen to see the awful crash in the 5,000-meter qualifying heat? Runners Abbey D’Agostino and Nikki Hamblin both went down. D’Agostino helped her rival to her feet. And the two of them helped one another finish the race. The world called it impressive sportsmanship. Abbey D’Agostino called it Christ.

"Although my actions were instinctual at the moment, the only way I can and have rationalized it is that God prepared my heart to respond that way... This whole time here he's made clear to me that my experience in Rio was going to be about more than my race performance - and as soon as Nikki got up I knew that was it."

UNBELIEVABLE! Jesus Christ taking one victory lap after another on the world's largest stage. How ironic given that the Olympic games originated as part of a religious festival honoring the Greek god Zeus, king of the Greek pantheon. The Olympics was (and one could argue still is) a festival celebrating false deities and elevating men to almost god-like status. An absolute affront to the Lord. And yet, we see Olympic imagery throughout the New Testament.

“we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set out for him he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Think of him who endured such opposition against himself by sinners, so that you may not grow weary in your souls and give up.” (Heb 12:1-3; NET)

Why on earth would the New Testament writers, who were teaching new believers how reject the world and obediently follow Jesus Christ, go anywhere near pagan culture in their writings? Because that’s where the 1st Century believers lived… smack-dab in the middle of pagan culture. In His brilliance, God connects with what is culturally relevant at the time... and then in perfect form turns culture on its head…

Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. (1 Cor 9:24-25; NASB)

In Paul’s day, an Olympic champion didn’t receive a medal. He was crowned with a wreath made from the branches of a wild olive tree. The “laurel wreath” celebrated the ultimate in human accomplishment and made the victor an instant hero. It must have been something to behold!... until it withered and died. Again borrowing from that pagan phenomenon called the Olympics, Paul says the life of a Christ-follower looks a lot like an elite athlete, requiring commitment, focus, sacrifice, tenacity and strength-training. But when all is said and done, the Christian’s reward far outruns that of the Olympian. When the Christian crosses his finish line, he will be crowned with a victor’s wreath that will never wither and die. Now that’s solid gold!

And speaking of gold… did you get a look at Usain Bolt’s running shoes? Guess who he credits for bringing those shiny shoes across the finish line in record time….

Go GOD! Go GOLD!!!

Life in the Upside-Down

Thu, 21 Jul 2016 07:47:14 GMT

Life in the Upside-Down

“It’s as if you’re holding a cup of coffee but everyone around you says it’s lemonade... and pretty soon you start wondering if it really is lemonade!” a friend of mine recently observed, describing how he feels living in this world that seems to have come completely unhinged. Right is wrong and wrong is right. Truth is relative. The guys in our society who used to where the black hats are now being publicly crowned with white hats… while the real white-hat guys are being picked off, one by one. And there is mass confusion over which bathroom to use! I don’t know about you, but there are days (way too many of late) when I just can’t get my bearings. It feels like the world is completely upside down!

“The world IS upside down,” a steadying voice whispers into my heart.

God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them; and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth." (Gen 1:27 NASB)

Once upon a time, all was right and well with the world. God's order ruled supreme and chaos had no place in Creation.

Then one day, everything got upended!

Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Indeed, has God said, 'You shall not eat from any tree of the garden'?" The woman said to the serpent... (Gen 3:1-2a, NASB)

STOP right there. Do you see it? The woman responds to the serpent. She had God-given dominion over this “living thing that moves on the earth.” And yet, she gives him her ear and ultimately she and the man surrender their authority to the beast. THAT is the moment God’s natural order of the universe was turned on its head. And it’s been upside down and right-side-wrong ever since.

“Lord, chaos seems to be gaining traction! We’re losing ground as each new day brings headlines of just how twisted and savage man can be. What are we going to do? What can I do?!” I cry out to the Lord.

“Do your job,” He firmly responds in the recesses of my heart. “Yes my daughter, the world is experiencing crazy times. But what has changed for you?”

Nothing... I quickly realize. Except that now more than ever I need to do what He has called me to do. As the Apostle Paul put it, "Live Christ!"

I am reminded that I exist to honor and glorify the Lord. My chief purpose on earth is to tell hurting people about a loving God who endured unimaginable insanity for us. Think about it. Creation tried to kill its Creator! Now that’s messed up!! Madness magnified to the Nth degree!!! And our Savior, Jesus Christ, voluntarily entered into it so that we - you and I - would one day have a way out of it and into His eternal presence.

Here’s the deal friends. Things are probably going to get a whole lot worse before they get better (I’m not a pessimist... I’ve just read the end of the Book). And every new day in this upside-down world will likely deliver more sorrow, loss, suffering and chaos. But it also delivers more opportunity to give increasing numbers of hurting people hope… the kind of hope that can’t be won in an election, lost in battle, or stolen by blood-thirsty thugs.

God has given me new perspective on living upside-down. As it turns out, it's the perfect vantage point for seeing His purpose with my life. I pray that you see that in your upside-down life too.

God's Restraining Order

Tue, 17 May 2016 07:49:02 GMT

God's Restraining Order

Just when you think the world has gone mad… You find out the world has gone well past mad to stark raving LUNACY!!!

Man seeks restraining order against God
Haifa resident asks court to keep the Almighty away, claiming He is being mean to him

~ The Times of Israel, May 4, 2016I kid you not…this is a real story. Some guy actually petitioned a court to issue a restraining order against God! What do you do with that?!! I mean, a blog on this craziness could go in so many directions. Oh the possibilities…

B ut today I want to zero in on the topic of “restraining orders.” It just so happens that God has been teaching me A LOT on the subject lately. Someone I love has recently had to petition a court for an order of protection. It is a terrifying process. First, you have to stand before a judge and recount the trauma that prompted your petition. Next you have to come face to face with the person who filled your life with terror. And then, if (and that’s a big IF) a judge grants your request, you are handed a piece of paper stating that the person in question—the one who has rocked your world with fear—has to stay 100 feet away from you. That’s it. No bodyguard. No round-the-clock surveillance. No assurance that this person will never hurt you again. Just a piece of paper that you are supposed to hand to the police if/when the most wicked person you know comes near. Not exactly comforting is it? And yet, it’s all we have to give us peace.

O r is it?

C ome to find out, God issues restraining orders as well. But the Lord’s orders of protection aren’t written on paper and they don’t come from the hand of a human judge. They are written in the Book of Life. They are offered by the pierced and bloodied hands of the One who has claimed victory over death. And they extend well beyond 100 feet…into eternity.

A nd when you heard the word of truth (the gospel of your salvation)–when you believed in Christ–you were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit, (Eph 1:13; NET)

T hat seal—the Holy Spirit—is our living, breathing divine order of protection who boldly proclaims to the enemy, “She is MINE! You cannot have her!”

S o does that mean there is some sort of supernatural force field around us that keeps the enemy at bay? Sometimes...

. .. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell into the furnace of blazing fire while still securely bound. Then King Nebuchadnezzar was startled and quickly got up. He said to his ministers, "Wasn't it three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?" They replied to the king, "For sure, O king." He answered, "But I see four men, untied and walking around in the midst of the fire! No harm has come to them! And the appearance of the fourth is like that of a god!"... Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, "Praised be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent forth his angel and has rescued his servants who trusted in him”...

(Dan 3:23-28; NET)

B ut the stories of God’s deliverance out of Satan’s clutches have to be considered alongside the stories of God’s deliverance into suffering at the hands of Satan.

S o the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, he is in your power, only spare his life." Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. (Job 2:4-7, NASB)

C onsequently, one might argue that divine orders of protection are about as trustworthy as human restraining orders. But that is short-sighted. Yes, the earthly realm is penetrable by the enemy. But the heavenly realm is out of his reach.

B lessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he gave us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, that is, into an inheritance imperishable, undefiled, and unfading. It is reserved in heaven for you…

(1 Peter 1:3-4,NET)

A nd that hope—God’s promise of eternal life with Him—should empower us in this life to stare down an assailant, or a persecutor, or an illness, or grief, or poverty, or disaster, or whatever threatens our security and say, “You don’t scare me! I am HIS!!!”

D oes that mean we should passively accept threats on our lives and well-being? Absolutely not. Life is a precious gift from God and we should earnestly seek to protect it. But it is foolish to put our full confidence in the world when the prince of this world is on the prowl, seeking to strike terror in our hearts and minds. This world can offer some protection (though sometimes it is as flimsy as the paper it is written on) but only the Lord can offer lasting security and peace.

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.

(1 Peter 5:8-11, NASB)

And all the people said… Amen.

Now That's an Amazing Feet!

Wed, 13 Apr 2016 07:50:44 GMT

Now That's an Amazing Feet!

How ‘bout those Villanova Wildcats?! UNBELIEVABLE!... SHOCKING!!... ASTONISHING!!! And THEN they went out and won the NCAA National Championship. Oh… did you think I was describing that crazy 3-pointer made with less than a second left in the game? That was pretty cool too. But I’m talking about what you would have witnessed had you been in the locker room just before Villanova’s Sweet 16 victory on March 24th. You would have seen the Wildcats washing each others’ feet! How I wish there was a replay on that!

It was Maundy Thursday. The team was gearing up for their game against Miami when Villanova’s Associate Athletic Director and Chaplain, Robert Hagan, asked each member of the team—everyone from starters to walk-ons—to wash another player's feet.

...He got up from the meal, removed His outer clothes, took a towel and tied it around Himself. He poured water into the washbasin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to dry them with the towel He had wrapped around himself.

(John 13:4-5, NET)

If you were a 1st Century Jewish “fly on the wall” in that upper room, you would have thought you were hallucinating. Jesus… rabbi, teacher, revolutionary, self-proclaimed Son of God... kneeling to wash the feet of cultural outcasts? MIND-BLOWING!

In those days, people wore sandals. There were no paved roads or sidewalks, so their feet got dirty… really dirty. It was customary for a host to order a servant to wash his guests’ feet. The task was so degrading that even Hebrew slaves were spared the humiliation of cleansing filthy, stinky feet.

Yet Jesus took it upon Himself.

So when Jesus had washed their feet and put his outer clothing back on, he took his place at the table again and said to them, "Do you understand what I have done for you? You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and do so correctly, for that is what I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you too ought to wash one another's feet... I tell you the solemn truth, the slave is not greater than his master, nor is the one who is sent as a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you understand these things, you will be blessed if you do them."

(John 13:12-17, NET)

Those Villanova players were indeed blessed… crushing their opponent in the Sweet 16 game and going on to win it all. Now I wouldn’t dare presume that God gave them the victory as some sort of spiritual reward. But I do believe that the experience taught them the value of humility and selflessness.

Villanova senior Ryan Arcidiacono had dreamed all of his life about being the guy who got the game-winning basket at the buzzer...

“...with 4.7 seconds left on the clock and the score tied at 74, he had the ball and headed toward the basket. He dribbled up the court thinking,

‘I’m going to shoot this!’ Then, he took the ball — and passed it?.. When Arcidiacono heard his teammate Kris Jenkins shouting, ‘Arch! Arch!’ because he was open, Arcidiacono turned and tossed the ball to him. That single flick of the ball set up one of the most stunning moments in N.C.A.A. tournament history. Jenkins let the ball fly, and it seemed that the nearly 75,000 spectators dropped their jaws and hushed their breath in unison. As the horn blared, the ball slid through the hoop to score 3 points, and the entire stadium roared… ‘Arch was supposed to shoot it because he’s a senior and that’s what seniors do when the final game’s on the line,’ Jenkins said. ‘But he gave it to me, and I really can’t believe it. It just shows what kind of person he is.’” (Source: NewYorkTimes.com; April 4, 2016)

Selflessness. It’s a rare quality in today’s world… so rare that it causes jaws to drop. Most of us will never cause 75,000 jaws to drop with one act of selflessness. But, I guarantee you there are opportunities today for each of us to humble ourselves and put others first. It may be as simple as giving up your prime airplane seat to someone in the back… or teaming up with the kid who is always picked last… or sacrificing your Saturday to babysit for a single mom who never gets a day off. You probably won’t make the headlines. But you will make an impression. When folks ask “why?” tell them about Jesus... our Lord who loves them so much He would wash their stinky feet.

"If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.
(John 13:17, NASB)

BLESSED. The hypocrisy of it!

Mon, 04 Apr 2016 12:52:09 GMT

BLESSED. The hypocrisy of it!

On a recent trip I lost one of my all-time favorite hats. It was a black, bedazzled ball cap embroidered with the claim “Blessed Beyond Measure.” I loved it, not only because it turned a bad hair day into a cute hair day, but it told the world that I felt exceedingly blessed.

Liar.

I am studying the Gospel of Luke and, by no coincidence, I was approaching the “Beatitudes” when I found myself lamenting the loss of my hat. Coming to Luke 6:20, the word “Blessed” jumped off the page.

And turning His gaze toward His disciples, He began to say,

"Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:20; NASB)

Startled, I realized how quick I was to tell people I’m “blessed” when I hadn’t really considered what that meant. The Greek word that Luke uses for “blessed” means “happy.” The Hebrew equivalent provides further dimension, implying bliss and/or satisfaction. As used by Jesus then, “blessed” means to be blissfully happy...supremely content.

Does that describe me? On most days... no. I have had moments of happiness… even blissful happiness from time to time. But do I exist in a constant state of supreme contentment? How I wish I could say yes.

Anyone who knows me well has heard me say,

“I just feel so far from happy… I can’t wait until I finally arrive at happy.” I have long projected my happiness into the realm of “if”… if I were more financially secure, then I would be content. Or, if I had a husband to share my life, then I would be blissfully happy. Or, if my ministry was bigger… or my waistline was smaller…then I would finally be satisfied.

But that’s not what Jesus, the Creator of “happy” is saying. He defines the true state of being happy or “blessed” not by where we are but by who (make that whose) we are.

"Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.”

The Greek noun for “poor” in this verse means “beggar.” Certainly, the materially impoverished are in view here. Some of the happiest people I have ever known are Christ-followers in third world countries. With little more than nothing, they know that they are wholly and completely dependent on God for everything. And that translates into enviable bliss.

But Matthew adds further dimension to Jesus’ statement.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

(Matthew 5:3, NASB)

The truly blessed people in this world are spiritual beggars... people who recognize they have nothing to offer God. In turn, they seek Him with humility and satisfaction, knowing He will supply their every need.

And note the verb tense in Jesus’ statement: “... for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” In the majority of beatitudes, Christ sets our expectations in the future.

... they shall be comforted.

... they shall inherit the earth.

... they shall be satisfied.

… etc.

But He uses the present tense in the first beatitude. Complete dependence on Him in the here and now translates into present-day happy! We all expect to be deliriously happy when we get to heaven. But Jesus is saying that we don’t have to wait… we don’t have to project true happiness into the future. Eternally existent, supreme contentment is available now, if we will just trust that He knows our needs better than we do, and that He will meet those needs in ways we cannot.

I know… much easier to say than to do in a world that turns on fortune, fame and power. But in light of recent headlines and what you know now about blessedness, do you think Prince was truly "blessed"? How about Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton? Do they seem supremely content? Blissfully happy? Something to ponder… not in order to cast judgment on their lives, but to get new perspective on our own.

My favorite place in the world is the wilderness of Israel. Stark and desolate, nothing can grow on its own in the vast desert expanse south of Jerusalem. Survival in the wilderness requires complete dependence on God. And I have never known a place where I feel more alive. I can certainly see myself wearing my “Blessed Beyond Measure” hat there (if anyone finds it, please let me know :).

In the meantime, I have a second “Blessed” hat (one with more subtlety and no bling). I have wondered if I should hang it up until I can wear it with authenticity. Admittedly, I am not yet supremely content with the life God has given to me. But, I have decided to don the ball cap anyway… not to tell people that I have a great life, but to remind myself that I have a great God and without Him, I have and am nothing.

O taste and see that the LORD is good;
How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
(Psalm 34:8, NASB)

WHAT'S THAT HE SAID?

Tue, 29 Mar 2016 12:58:25 GMT

WHAT'S THAT HE SAID?

He is RISEN! Hallelujah! Now what?

It’s Tuesday… two days after Resurrection Sunday. Aside from a few Easter remnants—leftover ham, half-eaten chocolate bunnies, and a laundry basket filled with pastel party clothes—Easter is behind us right? It’s Tuesday. Time to get back to business.

But wait....shouldn’t our lives look a little different (maybe even profoundly different) on the Tuesday after Easter?...after we have boldly claimed and proclaimed the astonishing, stupefying, mind-blowing Truth that Jesus Christ, Son of God, God Himself died for us and then rose from the dead! But that was two days ago. Time to get back to business as usual.

I don’t know about you, but I sure could use some inspiration about now… maybe even more so after Easter when, in the shadow of the Cross, the world around us returns to "normal."

"ELI, ELI, LAMA SABACHTHANI?"

Yes! That’s exactly what I needed to hear! The words of Jesus right before His death.

"MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?"

(Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34, NASB)

I know… an odd choice for a spiritual boost. But if you were a Jew at the foot of the Cross in that dark, dark hour, you would not have heard a desperate cry to a callous God. You would have heard a reminder that Yahweh is sovereign and holy… that He is faithful to His people… that He is the Creator God who purposefully brings His children into the world. You would have been assured that despite the way things appear, the Lord is near and will deliver His people. And you would have heard that Jesus is the Messiah who was prophesied in the Hebrew Scriptures.

You see, when Jesus uttered,

“My God, My God, Why have You forsaken Me,” He was quoting Psalm 22:1. And He wasn’t proof-texting that verse to describe His personal feelings of abandonment. He was invoking the whole of Psalm 22 to testify to God's faithfulness.

If I say to you,

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want,” what is your next thought? Most likely, “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters.” Right? We recognize Psalm 23 in the first verse, which triggers a recall of the whole psalm.

“My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning…. Yet You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel.”

(verses 1-3)

“But I am a worm and not a man, A reproach of men and despised by the people…. Yet You are He who brought me forth from the womb; You made me trust when upon my mother's breasts.”

(verses 6-9)

Additionally, this exquisite Psalm of David is a Messianic Psalm… prophesying the very scene of the Crucifixion a thousand years prior to Christ’s death.

“All who see me sneer at me; They separate with the lip, they wag the head, saying, "Commit yourself to the LORD; let Him deliver him; Let Him rescue him, because He delights in him."

(verses 7-8)

(verses 14-18)

Quoting from Psalm 22, Jesus is telling us that Yahweh is a Promise Keeper, and the promise of a Savior is fulfilled in HIM! Read it… all of it. See the Messianic promise fulfilled in Christ. Recognize that Jesus’ final words were about hope, not despair and abandonment (despite the appearance of such).

Embrace the promise of a coming kingdom that will overcome ALL suffering and unrighteousness. Jesus’ words,

“My God, My God, Why have You Forsaken Me,”were intended to encourage believers who were watching their Lord die, and to terrify persecutors who would see an empty tomb. Today, they inspire us to not only rejoice in His Resurrection, but to live victoriously through His Word in the day-to-day.

Now that’s a message that will preach on Tuesday.

The Gospel of Manning

Mon, 07 Mar 2016 13:00:22 GMT

The Gospel of Manning

It was a bittersweet thing… seeing Peyton Manning retire from football. It has been so much fun to watch #18 master his craft and manhandle some of the toughest players and teams on the planet. But today we learned “the sheriff” won’t be back in town to lead my beloved Denver Broncos to another Super Bowl victory. Peyton Manning is undeniably one of football’s all-time greats… and we will miss him. It’s a bitter pill to swallow.

But how sweet it was to hear the hope that he still has for a purposeful and productive future. As Peyton expressed in his retirement speech Monday, “I’m totally convinced that the end of my football career is just the beginning of something I haven’t even discovered yet. Life is not shrinking for me. It’s morphing into a whole new world of possibilities.”

When I heard him say goodbye with such confidence and optimism, two of my greatest passions—God’s Word and Football (especially the Broncos)—collided on the gridiron of life. I don’t want to over-spiritualize the words of Peyton Manning. He’s “the Sheriff” not the Messiah. But his attitude of staying hopeful and curious about an unknown future got me thinking about Jesus’ disciples when they faced extreme uncertainty in the hours and days after His death.

Prior to His Crucifixion, Jesus tried to prepare His followers for those dark days.

From that time Jesus Christ began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day.

(Matthew 16:21, NASB)

He tried to get them to understand that His life on earth had to end so that the next season of their lives as Kingdom-builders could begin.

"But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper shall not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you."

(John 16:7, NASB)

But they were not prepared to deal with His death. They had given up everything—family, homes, livelihoods and security—to follow Jesus. When He died on that Cross, their hopes and dreams died with Him. Listen in as two Christ-followers traveled back home from Jerusalem in utter discouragement and disappointment.

And they were conversing with each other about all these things which had taken place. And it came about that while they were conversing and discussing, Jesus Himself approached, and began traveling with them. But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him. And He said to them, "What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?" And they stood still, looking sad. And one of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to Him, "Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?" And He said to them, "What things?" And they said to Him, "The things about Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him up to the sentence of death, and crucified Him. But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel…”

(Luke 24:13 - 21a, NASB)

"But we were hoping..."

When the life that they had envisioned with Jesus looked far different than their reality, they threw in the towel. Everything that had given their lives meaning and value was gone… or so they thought.

And He said to them, "O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! "Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?"

And beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. (Luke 24:13 NASB)

Discouragement and fear of an unknown future had gotten the best of them. During times of uncertainty I have also traveled that path of unbelief. Have you? What we learn on the road to Emmaus is that even during times of darkness, when we can barely see in front of our noses… we can be assured our future as Christ-followers has never looked brighter because it's in His hands.

“Football has taught me not to be led by obstructions and setbacks, but instead to be led by dreams,”

the Sheriff said before riding off into the sunset. Let Manning’s final play call be an encouragement to all of us.

If God has given us breath of life, He has given us purpose in life. It may be difficult to see that purpose in the midst of uncertainty. But by staying curious and optimistic as we wait on Him, we will be better prepared to embrace the unknown seasons to come.

Happy trails Peyton!

Poor Christmanship

Tue, 09 Feb 2016 13:08:23 GMT

Poor Christmanship

Editor’s Note: To be fair, I need to be forthcoming in saying that I am a HUGE Denver Broncos fan and Sunday’s Super Bowl win had me doing my own end zone happy dance. But this blog is not about gloating in the victory. It’s about learning from the loss...the loss of an extraordinary opportunity to praise God for His love and faithfulness in the midst of crushing defeat.

Carolina Panthers quarterback, Cam Newton, is on record as being an outspoken evangelical Christian athlete. To his credit, he has not shied away from giving God the glory for his successful football career. And during the pre-game show before Super Bowl 50, he starred in a commercial that offered this prayer: “...I know You molded me different. You placed purpose on my shoulders. So now I come to You, loyal. Give me the strength to finish this, my way.”

B ut when things didn’t go Cam's way, this year’s NFL MVP behaved like a pouting toddler. Shrouded in a black hoodie after the defeat, he brooded his way onto a press platform, mumbled through a few questions with pathetic two-word answers, and then stormed off.

The beating he is taking for that performance may be even worse than the pounding he took from the Broncos' defense. Pro football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders kicked off of a wave of criticism, saying to Cam Newton, "You are the face of our brand right now, you can't do that."

Truer words could not be spoken. Brand awareness is everything when you represent… not just in the NFL, but more importantly in the Church. And on a worldwide platform, Cam Newton lost that brand awareness… completely forgetting about who he ultimately represents.

I don’t want to pile on guy...he’s getting plenty of that from other players, commentators, media and probably worst of all, his mom who texted this reminder to him before the game.

“I want you to understand that hot and cold water comes out of different fountains. You are either hot or cold. You have a big platform. Which fountain are you?...Thru your language and actions speak words to uplift and not tear down...You win with your character and powerful words that you speak. Cam, you are highly favored. God is on your side...Remember God!”

Well mom...Cam forgot.

But haven’t we all in the midst of despair and discouragement? I am guilty of countless pity parties and tantrums with the Lord when I haven’t gotten my way. In fact, I would bet every Christ-follower on the planet has done it at least once (the only difference between us and Cam Newton is that the world wasn’t watching). So rather than continuing to sack Cam, let’s seek God in our post-game analysis.

There may be no bigger or better tantrum-thrower than King David. Yes… King David—a “man after God’s own heart” who was hand-picked by the Lord to lead His people. Take a journey through the Psalms and you will find David pitching all kinds of fits before the Lord in the midst of his suffering. But the most important thing to note in David’s laments is that he always winds up praising God for His faithfulness. Consider Psalm 13:

How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever?

How long will You hide Your face from me?

2. How long shall I take counsel in my soul,

Having sorrow in my heart all the day?

How long will my enemy be exalted over me?

3. Consider and answer me, O LORD my God;

Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death,

4. And my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"
And my adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken.

5. But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness;
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.

6. I will sing to the LORD,
Because He has dealt bountifully with me.

An agonizing David is calling out God! He feels abandoned by the Lord… let down. BUT David demonstrates spiritual maturity by recognizing that his perspective is skewed by his pain. In verses 3 and 4 David asks the Lord to help him see the situation through a new lens... from a divine perspective. And what do you know… David stops ranting and re-affirms his confidence in God’s faithfulness even before the Lord has delivered him. God’s purpose (or at least part of His purpose) for allowing David to suffer was to develop spiritual maturity in his earthly representative...a character trait King David would need for the rest of his days.

I’m hoping Cam Newton will also gain some spiritual maturity through all of this, and that one day the Lord might even give him another shot at praising Him from a worldwide platform. But even if Cam doesn’t learn a thing from his demonstration of poor Christmanship, I know I have. I hope you have too. With that, GOD WINS!

HEMMED IN

Tue, 26 Jan 2016 13:13:43 GMT

HEMMED IN

In the mid 90’s I called Tucson, AZ home. I thought I hit the jackpot when I was hired as a TV News Anchor/Reporter in the “Old Pueblo.” Tucson’s glorious sunsets, warm temperatures and NO SNOW held great appeal for me… for about six months. Then I discovered that scorpions in my bed and javelinas (wild pigs) on my porch made for a less-than-hospitable environment. Not to mention the blistering heat that literally melted the makeup off my face during my live shots. I know… it’s a “dry heat.” But for me, 120+ degrees of any kind of heat is beyond tolerable!

I lived in Tucson for 5 years but it felt like an eternity. The last three of those years I did everything I could to move on. But no doors would open. It was as if I had been LOCKED in by someone from the outside (besides the pigs on my porch)

.You have enclosed me behind and before
And laid Your hand upon me.

(Psalm 139:5, NASB)

I recently “stumbled” over this verse as those old feelings of being LOCKED into my life circumstances surfaced again. Set within Psalm 139—one of the most beautiful songs in the entire Psalter—verse five is easily lost in the exquisite language describing God’s sovereignty as our omniscient (all-knowing) and omnipresent (present everywhere) Creator.

O LORD, You have searched me and known me.

2. You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You understand my thought from afar.

3. You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.

4. Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, O LORD, You know it all.

5. You have enclosed me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.

6. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high, I cannot attain to it.

(Psalm 139:1-6, NASB)

But as often happens when ancient Hebrew is translated into modern English, much of the meaning is lost. I have long viewed verse five as something akin to a warm blanket wrapped around me by the Lord to protect me from the cold. But in the Hebrew, this verse is about as warm and fuzzy as a battering ram. The Hebrew root of “enclosed” or “hemmed in” (matzor) is a military term that means “to relentlessly attack an opponent’s stronghold” (Source: Theological Word Book of the OT, TWOT). In the Ancient Near East, an enemy army would conquer a city by first surrounding it, then cutting off all supplies to the inhabitants, and finally using battering rams to breach the city walls. For those trapped inside, there was no escape. The only way to survive was to surrender.

So in Psalm 139, when we read

“You have enclosed me behind and before, and laid Your hand upon me” it doesn’t mean that the Lord is swaddling us like fragile babes. It means He has us surrounded on all sides… leaving no way of escape from His will. When we feel trapped by life’s circumstances, our only viable option is surrender.

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Ultimately, I did move on from Tucson. But thanks be to God, it was in His time and not mine. You see, my Grandma Jo was dying during those last three years of my time in Arizona. She and my Grandpa Stu lived near Phoenix. And just about every weekend, I would make the 2-hour journey to love on both of them. I can still see the delight in Grandma Jo’s eyes when I walked through the door. And I wouldn’t trade that time or those memories for anything… not even for an escape from the misery of Tucson. Three months after Grandma Jo died I landed a new job in Atlanta, GA... and I was never happier.

Are you feeling “enclosed” or “hemmed in” by life’s circumstances right now? Maybe it’s a difficult relationship or an illness or a financial burden that has you feeling “trapped.” Well the truth is, you probably are trapped… by your Creator. And it’s not because He’s cruel or can’t see your struggle. The God who knit you together in your mother’s womb (vs. 13) has purpose for your life… even in seasons of misery. Like a military general lays siege to a city, He has you surrounded. You can try and fight your way out of your circumstances like I did. But I’ve learned that surrender is a far better response. It may not free us from our struggles any sooner… but it does free us to live peacefully in the midst of God’s will.

“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me.”

(Psalm 139:6, NASB)

A Red Poppy New Year

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 13:19:17 GMT

A Red Poppy New Year

The calendar says it's time for a fresh beginning. But two weeks into the New Year, I'm still trying to get off the starting blocks. Sound familiar? My problem is that I'm still exhausted from the holidays. In part because I spent more energy faking merry than making merry this Christmas. Truth be told, most days in December I just wanted to cry… a lot.

Experts say that the holidays magnify grief. I can affirm that. Maybe you can too. More than any other time of the year, we miss those whom we have lost to death. But worse I think, may be what we have lost to life: Relationships. Dreams. Jobs. Homes. Promises..

.If you are burdened with that kind of loss… the loss that you cannot bury... I hope my vision for this New Year might be an encouragement to you

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_In your mind's eye, imagine a field of poppy flowers. Big,bright red poppies... as far as the eye can see! That's what a Canadian military doctor was looking at when he crafted one of the greatest war time poems ever written.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below…
~John McCrae, 1915

In the Spring of 1915, during World War 1, Major John McCrae wrote “In Flanders Fields” as he gazed out over the Belgian landscape littered with the casualties of war. Amidst the graves of his fallen comrades, Major McCrae noticed blooms of poppies. Delicate flowers sprouting up in bright red abundance! It was an astonishing sight because months earlier, during the bleakness of winter, the only red that covered the European countryside was the crimson blood of the wounded and dead. But in this new season, vibrant red sprang up with joy and hope… not grief.

The poppies didn’t replace death. Soldiers still lay in their graves while friends and loved ones, including Major McCrae, grieved their losses. But death was no longer all that could be seen. Life, in all of its magnificent glory, flourished between the graves.

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The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;

I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
~John 10:10

Just before Christmas, I was deeply grieving the loss of a family relationship. After years of trying to restore it, I had come to accept the truth that it was gone. All that was left of this once beloved bond was a deep hole in my heart… a wound swollen with anger, sorrow and bitterness. As "the most wonderful time of the year" approached, the overwhelming sadness seemed more than I could bear. Dropping to my knees, I asked the Lord to fill the void with something that didn’t hurt so much.

“Lord, fill this hole with You,” I begged. “I don’t know what that looks like. But, I know I don’t want resentment and sorrow to emanate from my heart this Christmas… I want You.” And instantly, behind the flood of tears, I envisioned bright red poppies bursting forth. The grave of that dead relationship was still there in my heart. And, I could still feel the ache of the loss. But alongside of it bloomed God’s glory!

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Did you know that the seeds of field poppies can lie dormant underground for years? It is only when the earth above them is tilled that they germinate and grow into flowers. During that horrendous winter of 1914-15, trench warfare brutalized the ground of Flanders fields. On the surface, all that Major McCrae could see was death. But deep underground, as the soil was plowed by fierce combat, poppies were taking root. And in their time... God's time... they burst forth in praise of their Creator.

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Life with Christ follows the same cycle. It can be a battle with severe casualties. But when we are honest about our pain and willing to cede the battlegrounds of our hearts to Him, He promises to seed our lives with abundant joy.

Those who sow in tears shall reap with joyful shouting.

He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed,
Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.
Psalm 126:5-6

Friends, God is seeding our lives for

His glory. There are seasons when the battlefields of our hearts are littered with grief and loss. But we can be confident that the Lord is working underneath all of that pain… preparing our hearts for praise. Like me, you may be in a brutal season of lament now. But be of good courage… the poppies are coming!

Wishing you a Red Poppy New Year!