He grabbed one box and marched it to its destination. Then he grabbed an even a bigger one. This one obscured most of his stout upper frame.
Efra’s grandparents, Merna and Ron were unloading two minivans full of boxes and bags into our ministry building. And this six-year old was doing almost as much work as each one of us.
When we finished I said, “Wow, he’s a great worker.” Efra heard my words. My intension. He just stood there with a quiet dignity. But his grandma spoke, affirming my observation, giving a couple of examples of this little guy’s work ethic.
Then Merna added, matter-of-factly: “He’s got Jesus in his heart.” Her words tightly tied together Efra’s Jesus-influence with his being a diligent, motivated worker.
Jesus said, “I have brought You (Father God) glory on Earth by completing the work You gave Me to do.”
Glory to God. That’s what Jesus did through His work on Earth. He honored God, magnified God’s goodness, and revealed God’s praise worthiness. This is what “glorify” means.
Several years ago I worked as construction manager on a church remodeling project. There were many specialized sub-contract crews involved. Through the numerous challenges of the job, many of the most frustrating situations were caused by a crew which was owned by two Christians with several other Christians working for them.
Watching eyes noticed. Verbal complaints followed—from the church’s pastor, workers on other crews, and spiritually-needy jobsite neighbors.
God was not glorified. And their work reflected an absence of God-powered living.
There’s a song that goes: “They will know we our Christian by our love…” So True.
Can I add a verse? “They will know we are Christians when we work to glorify God…” Conversely—can we rightly glorify God if our work-life is shoddy?
4/19/08
4/12/08
Bulldozed
“Someone should bulldoze that house,” Will said.
It was around the corner from where I lived. I owned it at one time. So I knew Will’s suggestion wasn’t a reflection on the house’s quality.
A few years earlier we stood near the same spot. That day Will said, “The Kedler’s are dead.” I already knew. Our words were few that day.
The Kedler’s had been long time residents of the house. Will’s next-door neighbors and friends. After they moved out their oldest son killed his mom, dad, and little brother. And then himself.
A few years later the next owner accidentally ran over his wife in the garage; killing her.
I thought, “Maybe Will’s right.” Because now the house had witnessed another tragedy; its newest owner had committed suicide.
I felt a lot more like crying than bulldozing. But, is either one a solution? More important—how do we keep tragedy from our own homes? To some degree, this is part of our earthly journey.
The Bible tells us: “For every house is built by someone, but He who built all is God.” This God- built-everything truth must be bulldozed into our hearts. Essential to know, to believe, and to tenaciously live by.
Then we open the door to God’s protection. Psalm 91 concurs: “…the LORD who is my refuge…then no harm will befall you…He will command His angels…to guard you in all your ways…”
We open the door for the Holy Spirit to reside inside us. He will warn us when temptations contrary to God’s ways arise. Actions which could lead to a wasteland of calamity.
We open the door for Jesus; allowing His death on the cross to continually be a combative force against sin and evil.
What door are you opening? Who will be the builder of your house?
It was around the corner from where I lived. I owned it at one time. So I knew Will’s suggestion wasn’t a reflection on the house’s quality.
A few years earlier we stood near the same spot. That day Will said, “The Kedler’s are dead.” I already knew. Our words were few that day.
The Kedler’s had been long time residents of the house. Will’s next-door neighbors and friends. After they moved out their oldest son killed his mom, dad, and little brother. And then himself.
A few years later the next owner accidentally ran over his wife in the garage; killing her.
I thought, “Maybe Will’s right.” Because now the house had witnessed another tragedy; its newest owner had committed suicide.
I felt a lot more like crying than bulldozing. But, is either one a solution? More important—how do we keep tragedy from our own homes? To some degree, this is part of our earthly journey.
The Bible tells us: “For every house is built by someone, but He who built all is God.” This God- built-everything truth must be bulldozed into our hearts. Essential to know, to believe, and to tenaciously live by.
Then we open the door to God’s protection. Psalm 91 concurs: “…the LORD who is my refuge…then no harm will befall you…He will command His angels…to guard you in all your ways…”
We open the door for the Holy Spirit to reside inside us. He will warn us when temptations contrary to God’s ways arise. Actions which could lead to a wasteland of calamity.
We open the door for Jesus; allowing His death on the cross to continually be a combative force against sin and evil.
What door are you opening? Who will be the builder of your house?
4/5/08
Jesus’ New Commandment
My ire spiked. Eight-year old Tyanna told me about a ritual she, her siblings, and a friend had undergone at a church down the street. They were told to lay on the floor as the pastor’s wife prayed over them. The thrust was to get these children to speak in tongues as part of their salvation experience.
A day later my ire spiked again. A Preacher was analyzing the Jesus-walking-on-the-water event. When Peter saw Jesus, he desired to walk on the water also. He took a couple of steps and sank. This nationally known Pastor, in essence, concluded and taught that Peter could have succeeded if he had had enough faith in himself.
Ire number one. Think about this. All of these children would significantly fail in correctly explaining the fundamentals of a salvation relationship with Jesus. Yet speaking in tongues had been elevated to the highest order. My suggestion—teach Jesus and the cross above…above all.
Ire number two. Believing enough self-faith could propel Peter across the water is flat out silly. Furthermore this high-impact Preacher’s attempt at authenticating this teaching is highly misleading. And spiritually dangerous.
Jesus said: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” From my observations, those who were the target of my negative emotions are disciples of Jesus.
My ire was not love.
Jesus’ new commandment declares that a hallmark of a Christian is to show Jesus-like love to anyone who is a follower of His. Jesus left zero loopholes for exclusion.
If a person is a follower of Jesus, love them—no exceptions.
This means I need to change. How about you?
A day later my ire spiked again. A Preacher was analyzing the Jesus-walking-on-the-water event. When Peter saw Jesus, he desired to walk on the water also. He took a couple of steps and sank. This nationally known Pastor, in essence, concluded and taught that Peter could have succeeded if he had had enough faith in himself.
Ire number one. Think about this. All of these children would significantly fail in correctly explaining the fundamentals of a salvation relationship with Jesus. Yet speaking in tongues had been elevated to the highest order. My suggestion—teach Jesus and the cross above…above all.
Ire number two. Believing enough self-faith could propel Peter across the water is flat out silly. Furthermore this high-impact Preacher’s attempt at authenticating this teaching is highly misleading. And spiritually dangerous.
Jesus said: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” From my observations, those who were the target of my negative emotions are disciples of Jesus.
My ire was not love.
Jesus’ new commandment declares that a hallmark of a Christian is to show Jesus-like love to anyone who is a follower of His. Jesus left zero loopholes for exclusion.
If a person is a follower of Jesus, love them—no exceptions.
This means I need to change. How about you?
3/29/08
Serving God and Failing?
Patricia couldn’t help thinking she had failed.
Months prior she had felt an inner stirring from God to lead a Bible study. Non-typical. She had setup in a downtown shopping area.
But now she was asking herself, “Why am I even bothering to do this?” She had committed through the end of summer—eleven sessions. This was meeting number ten. No one showed up. Actually…the grand total for all the meetings was...zero. Numerous people had verbally committed to coming. Countless flyers were handed out; prayer and diligent preparation were abundant.
A week later it was the final Bible study. It looked like another no-show gathering. Then Tammy poked her head in the door, “Is this where the Bible study is?” Clinging behind her was David, her seven year-old.
Patricia served refreshments. Led songs on her guitar. Taught God’s Word with all her heart. Yet after the meeting she felt a tinge of failure: “It seemed like they didn’t get anything”
A few months later Patricia saw Tammy. She said, “David keeps talking about the songs we sang and talking about God.” A pattern of very sporadic contact continued for years. And every time Tammy mentioned: “David is still talking about the Bible study.”
Six years after their initial meeting, their paths crossed once again. “You’ve had a big impact on David’s life,” Tammy said. “He’s going to church now.”
The words, “Big Impact,” seemed strange to Patricia’s brain. She knows this Bible verse: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” And now Patricia has her harvest—David’s life direction has been changed. And likely his eternal destination.
Do not grow weary in doing good…you have not failed. Your harvest awaits.
Months prior she had felt an inner stirring from God to lead a Bible study. Non-typical. She had setup in a downtown shopping area.
But now she was asking herself, “Why am I even bothering to do this?” She had committed through the end of summer—eleven sessions. This was meeting number ten. No one showed up. Actually…the grand total for all the meetings was...zero. Numerous people had verbally committed to coming. Countless flyers were handed out; prayer and diligent preparation were abundant.
A week later it was the final Bible study. It looked like another no-show gathering. Then Tammy poked her head in the door, “Is this where the Bible study is?” Clinging behind her was David, her seven year-old.
Patricia served refreshments. Led songs on her guitar. Taught God’s Word with all her heart. Yet after the meeting she felt a tinge of failure: “It seemed like they didn’t get anything”
A few months later Patricia saw Tammy. She said, “David keeps talking about the songs we sang and talking about God.” A pattern of very sporadic contact continued for years. And every time Tammy mentioned: “David is still talking about the Bible study.”
Six years after their initial meeting, their paths crossed once again. “You’ve had a big impact on David’s life,” Tammy said. “He’s going to church now.”
The words, “Big Impact,” seemed strange to Patricia’s brain. She knows this Bible verse: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” And now Patricia has her harvest—David’s life direction has been changed. And likely his eternal destination.
Do not grow weary in doing good…you have not failed. Your harvest awaits.
3/22/08
Miracle Grandma
It said, “I love you,” twice on the outer flap. Across the top of the card in a second grader’s handwriting was printed, “Happy Grandparents Day.”
Mimi handed it to Miracle Grandma and the warm fuzzy emotions continued as she looked inside and read, “Thank you for being the best grandparent! Love, Mimi.”
So why is Connie, Miracle Grandma? She says, “My husband and I choose not to have children. We always said that there are plenty of children in the world and we can find some who might need us in their lives.”
For the most part this scenario hovered near zero. But then the first miracle happened. Connie became a follower of Jesus Christ. Then this Scripture became alive in her life. “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”
“The first time I saw Mimi,” Connie says, “I fell in love with her.” While volunteering at a ministry serving the needy, their paths crossed. Four year-old Mimi and her mother spoke limited English. Mimi, her mom and sister Maria returned often. Smiles and gestures sprinkled with a few words effectively communicated love.
Connie doesn’t recall when Mimi started calling her, “Grandma.” Her love for Mimi, and Maria and now two additional siblings is described by Grandma Connie as: “A miracle.”
When a person becomes a Christian, lifestyle changes to become God’s new creature are necessary. And for some not-yet-Christians the idea of changing, give up things, seems like too high of a cost.
Connie what would you be willing to give up in your pre-Christian life to be a Grandma?
“Everything.”
And that is the way God’s great exchange works. God always provides superior replacements as we are transformed into people who choose to live for Him.
Mimi handed it to Miracle Grandma and the warm fuzzy emotions continued as she looked inside and read, “Thank you for being the best grandparent! Love, Mimi.”
So why is Connie, Miracle Grandma? She says, “My husband and I choose not to have children. We always said that there are plenty of children in the world and we can find some who might need us in their lives.”
For the most part this scenario hovered near zero. But then the first miracle happened. Connie became a follower of Jesus Christ. Then this Scripture became alive in her life. “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”
“The first time I saw Mimi,” Connie says, “I fell in love with her.” While volunteering at a ministry serving the needy, their paths crossed. Four year-old Mimi and her mother spoke limited English. Mimi, her mom and sister Maria returned often. Smiles and gestures sprinkled with a few words effectively communicated love.
Connie doesn’t recall when Mimi started calling her, “Grandma.” Her love for Mimi, and Maria and now two additional siblings is described by Grandma Connie as: “A miracle.”
When a person becomes a Christian, lifestyle changes to become God’s new creature are necessary. And for some not-yet-Christians the idea of changing, give up things, seems like too high of a cost.
Connie what would you be willing to give up in your pre-Christian life to be a Grandma?
“Everything.”
And that is the way God’s great exchange works. God always provides superior replacements as we are transformed into people who choose to live for Him.
3/15/08
Are You An Unsalted Surfer?
I wrinkled my forehead, shaking my head, “No.” How could I write a God-focused column inspired by a surfing movie? That’s what my brother-in law Bill suggested.
I actually watched the movie Unsalted twice. It’s a documentary about surfing on the Great Lakes. One brief snippet kept popping into my brain.
A professional surfer from California stood on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. His words stirred me: “They’ve lost the passion or they’ve never had it.” He was talking about surfing passion. But there’s an exact parallel to our spiritual lives. I could just as easily be looking over a massive gathering of Christians, saying: “They’ve lost the passion or they’ve never had it.”
And sometimes, those words are part of my own inner reflection.
Jesus said, ‘I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot…So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”
Jesus is essentially saying unpassionate Christians make Him sick.
Jesus also said, “You are the salt of the Earth; but if the salt loses its flavor how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”
At a recent Bible study, a young man’s words exemplified Jesus’ desire for our attitudes. “The atoms in my soul are just jumping around; I'm so excited about Jesus I can't contain myself.”
Everyday a new wave to ride on our spiritual journey awaits us. The decision of our level of vigor, vitality and purpose for the ways of God also awaits us.
Like salt, the path to passion is basic, simple—essential. Read your Bible. Pray. Maintain vital connections with fellow Christians. The level of passion you choose for these will mirror your overall passion for Jesus.
I actually watched the movie Unsalted twice. It’s a documentary about surfing on the Great Lakes. One brief snippet kept popping into my brain.
A professional surfer from California stood on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. His words stirred me: “They’ve lost the passion or they’ve never had it.” He was talking about surfing passion. But there’s an exact parallel to our spiritual lives. I could just as easily be looking over a massive gathering of Christians, saying: “They’ve lost the passion or they’ve never had it.”
And sometimes, those words are part of my own inner reflection.
Jesus said, ‘I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot…So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”
Jesus is essentially saying unpassionate Christians make Him sick.
Jesus also said, “You are the salt of the Earth; but if the salt loses its flavor how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.”
At a recent Bible study, a young man’s words exemplified Jesus’ desire for our attitudes. “The atoms in my soul are just jumping around; I'm so excited about Jesus I can't contain myself.”
Everyday a new wave to ride on our spiritual journey awaits us. The decision of our level of vigor, vitality and purpose for the ways of God also awaits us.
Like salt, the path to passion is basic, simple—essential. Read your Bible. Pray. Maintain vital connections with fellow Christians. The level of passion you choose for these will mirror your overall passion for Jesus.
3/8/08
Do Turkeys Speak?
“God is speaking. Are you listening?” While driving home those words from the radio jolted my mind.
The Bible says of God: “How faint the whisper we hear of Him.” And now the radio confirmed I had heard the soft-spoken voice of God in my heart.
Minutes earlier I had been traveling the opposite direction on an errand. Wet and blowing snow necessitated reduced speeds. Then just ahead a pheasant appeared in the road. Suddenly it crossed from the opposite lane into my path. With weather conditions, the “thump’ was inevitable. In immediate succession a huge wild turkey flew almost over my car.
Mixed with the remorse of killing an animal, I thought, “What are the odds of this strange unfolding of events?” Astronomical odds…
Arriving at my destination, I sat in my car wanting to decipher this episode. God spoke. Not audibly. I was the turkey. As in: “You’re a turkey.” A quirky term for expressing inappropriate behavior. A sickening, compassionate feeling for the plight of the struck pheasant had instantly inundated me. Nothing wrong with this.
My problem? Too often I lack appropriately compassionate reaction towards human beings.
This had happened about an hour prior. An older lady, I had known years ago, was waiting outside in the cold for a ride. I offered her a ride. But the compassion and concern I felt for her was dim. The offer mostly reflected a felt obligation. Really, I was relieved when she said: “No, I’m fine.”
The Bible say: “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”
God…forgive me. I don’t want to be nothing. God help me to change.
The Bible says of God: “How faint the whisper we hear of Him.” And now the radio confirmed I had heard the soft-spoken voice of God in my heart.
Minutes earlier I had been traveling the opposite direction on an errand. Wet and blowing snow necessitated reduced speeds. Then just ahead a pheasant appeared in the road. Suddenly it crossed from the opposite lane into my path. With weather conditions, the “thump’ was inevitable. In immediate succession a huge wild turkey flew almost over my car.
Mixed with the remorse of killing an animal, I thought, “What are the odds of this strange unfolding of events?” Astronomical odds…
Arriving at my destination, I sat in my car wanting to decipher this episode. God spoke. Not audibly. I was the turkey. As in: “You’re a turkey.” A quirky term for expressing inappropriate behavior. A sickening, compassionate feeling for the plight of the struck pheasant had instantly inundated me. Nothing wrong with this.
My problem? Too often I lack appropriately compassionate reaction towards human beings.
This had happened about an hour prior. An older lady, I had known years ago, was waiting outside in the cold for a ride. I offered her a ride. But the compassion and concern I felt for her was dim. The offer mostly reflected a felt obligation. Really, I was relieved when she said: “No, I’m fine.”
The Bible say: “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”
God…forgive me. I don’t want to be nothing. God help me to change.
3/1/08
Un-rotten World
“I was starting to think the whole world was rotten,” Dean said.
But two Christians, Lucy and Corky, squelched his spiraling-to-hopeless thoughts. They will probably never meet Dean. And all he was seeing was his three children now attired in new winter coats. Provided free by Lucy and Corky.
Dean has had beyond his share of bad shakes in life. The rotten-side of humanity had broken into his car while it was parked in his driveway a few nights earlier. This, with everything else he sees, cast a bleakness over his attitude.
But then the un-rotten side of humanity arose. Lucy and Corky had felt compelled to buy winter coats for the community’s needy. They approached a local clothing distributor about a “deal.”
Now they had their criteria: “We don’t want any unpopular styles. You know—leftovers.” They wanted the good stuff. And they got it. Five-thousand dollars worth of warm, stylish coats. Then they passed them onto a local charity, fading into obscurity with one request: “For children only.”
Sometimes though, it’s hard not to agree with Dean. Thinking: “We live in a rotten world.” Which continues to decay.
The Bible says: “The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine. But the road of wrongdoing gets darker and darker…”
The Bible warns us to expect the world to become darker and rottener as the end approaches. But Jesus’ followers are to counter this. They are to be brighter and brighter. Shining with God’s hope.
Dean was smiling big and bright: “Thank you so much.” While Lucy and Corky didn’t hear his words, I’m sure they would say, “Thank God.”
Reminding us of Jesus’ words: “Let your light so shine before people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.”
But two Christians, Lucy and Corky, squelched his spiraling-to-hopeless thoughts. They will probably never meet Dean. And all he was seeing was his three children now attired in new winter coats. Provided free by Lucy and Corky.
Dean has had beyond his share of bad shakes in life. The rotten-side of humanity had broken into his car while it was parked in his driveway a few nights earlier. This, with everything else he sees, cast a bleakness over his attitude.
But then the un-rotten side of humanity arose. Lucy and Corky had felt compelled to buy winter coats for the community’s needy. They approached a local clothing distributor about a “deal.”
Now they had their criteria: “We don’t want any unpopular styles. You know—leftovers.” They wanted the good stuff. And they got it. Five-thousand dollars worth of warm, stylish coats. Then they passed them onto a local charity, fading into obscurity with one request: “For children only.”
Sometimes though, it’s hard not to agree with Dean. Thinking: “We live in a rotten world.” Which continues to decay.
The Bible says: “The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine. But the road of wrongdoing gets darker and darker…”
The Bible warns us to expect the world to become darker and rottener as the end approaches. But Jesus’ followers are to counter this. They are to be brighter and brighter. Shining with God’s hope.
Dean was smiling big and bright: “Thank you so much.” While Lucy and Corky didn’t hear his words, I’m sure they would say, “Thank God.”
Reminding us of Jesus’ words: “Let your light so shine before people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.”
2/23/08
Healed By a Dime?
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven.”
Who doesn’t need to see and understand what it is about children’s faith that touches God’s heart? God help me.
I smiled, having just caught a glimpse of the beauty of childlike faith. Simple, unadulterated belief in God’s power.
“Look at this,” Devon said, as he pointed to a thumbtack-sized welt which had just appeared below his eye.
In a few minutes Devon and six other teenagers found their seats for Tuesday night Bible study. Now he was drawing attention to himself because he had a dime, apparently with saliva, stuck over the welt.
But soon everybody ignored this dime as we carried on. Devon engaged well in the Bible study with good answers and comments. Soon I even forgot about the dime as we interacted.
Forty-five minutes later the Bible study was over. Suddenly, Devon came back into the room. “Look,” he said. “It’s gone.”
His face was clear
I thought, “Did the dime heal the welt?”
Almost before I completed my thought, Devon pointed at the dime, “It says: In God We Trust.” He smiled big. Devon believed the motto stamped on the coin was linked to his speedy cure.
Jesus said, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” He was talking to a man who desperately wanted to have his son cured from seizures. Hearing this, the man cried out: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”
This man seemed to be wavering; not pure in his faith. But he asked the right person for help—Jesus.
Childlike faith. Pure. Unconcerned about what others think. Unwavering trust in God. No Devon, you don’t need a dime. Your faith healed you.
Who doesn’t need to see and understand what it is about children’s faith that touches God’s heart? God help me.
I smiled, having just caught a glimpse of the beauty of childlike faith. Simple, unadulterated belief in God’s power.
“Look at this,” Devon said, as he pointed to a thumbtack-sized welt which had just appeared below his eye.
In a few minutes Devon and six other teenagers found their seats for Tuesday night Bible study. Now he was drawing attention to himself because he had a dime, apparently with saliva, stuck over the welt.
But soon everybody ignored this dime as we carried on. Devon engaged well in the Bible study with good answers and comments. Soon I even forgot about the dime as we interacted.
Forty-five minutes later the Bible study was over. Suddenly, Devon came back into the room. “Look,” he said. “It’s gone.”
His face was clear
I thought, “Did the dime heal the welt?”
Almost before I completed my thought, Devon pointed at the dime, “It says: In God We Trust.” He smiled big. Devon believed the motto stamped on the coin was linked to his speedy cure.
Jesus said, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” He was talking to a man who desperately wanted to have his son cured from seizures. Hearing this, the man cried out: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”
This man seemed to be wavering; not pure in his faith. But he asked the right person for help—Jesus.
Childlike faith. Pure. Unconcerned about what others think. Unwavering trust in God. No Devon, you don’t need a dime. Your faith healed you.
2/16/08
Serving God—Your Way
“I really felt like doing some ministry last night,” Pete said. He then asked me if I knew a situation where he could serve God when his schedule and urge met at the same time.
I live on the edge of a town of six thousand people. The surrounding area is dotted with small towns and rural countryside. Seemingly rather peaceful. And fifty-plus churches are in the immediate vicinity. Still, the need for people to engage in ministry screams.
An idea instantly popped into my head. The thought of someone who might go into retirement homes excited me. Pete has an amazingly likeable personality. Plus his Bible knowledge and skills are topnotch. And he even plays guitar and sings.
But Pete seemed lukewarm to my suggestion.
So, what does “ministry” mean exactly? Looking at the original Greek Biblical language, we see ministry simply means, “Serving—like a waiter.” Then the Bible says of Christians: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.”
Then if you’re a Christian, you are in ministry. Serving God through serving people is a responsibility.
We’re on duty to reconcile, help connect the not-yet Christians to Jesus and to bolster the faith of those already following Jesus. And the ways to fulfill these obligations are as vast as the stars and human personalities.
Two weeks later I saw Pete. He was in an over-the-top good mood. God had opened up a ministry opportunity for him. God’s guiding far surpassed my suggestion. Pete agreed: “I love it…it’s not even work to me.”
Likewise God has a ministry designed just for you. Find it. And do as the scriptures say; “…fulfill your ministry.”
I live on the edge of a town of six thousand people. The surrounding area is dotted with small towns and rural countryside. Seemingly rather peaceful. And fifty-plus churches are in the immediate vicinity. Still, the need for people to engage in ministry screams.
An idea instantly popped into my head. The thought of someone who might go into retirement homes excited me. Pete has an amazingly likeable personality. Plus his Bible knowledge and skills are topnotch. And he even plays guitar and sings.
But Pete seemed lukewarm to my suggestion.
So, what does “ministry” mean exactly? Looking at the original Greek Biblical language, we see ministry simply means, “Serving—like a waiter.” Then the Bible says of Christians: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.”
Then if you’re a Christian, you are in ministry. Serving God through serving people is a responsibility.
We’re on duty to reconcile, help connect the not-yet Christians to Jesus and to bolster the faith of those already following Jesus. And the ways to fulfill these obligations are as vast as the stars and human personalities.
Two weeks later I saw Pete. He was in an over-the-top good mood. God had opened up a ministry opportunity for him. God’s guiding far surpassed my suggestion. Pete agreed: “I love it…it’s not even work to me.”
Likewise God has a ministry designed just for you. Find it. And do as the scriptures say; “…fulfill your ministry.”
2/9/08
Mercy Kissed
It almost seemed like a comedy routine. But it was real. And it was happening in my back seat on the way home from Tuesday night church.
Two teenagers were making a case for the huge educational benefits of playing video games. Brandon started by claiming it helps his math abilities. Rich upped the ante by adding budgeting, and auto part’s knowledge.
They would mention a video game and then its enhancement to their intellect. Now I’m not a gamer. So my knowledge is limited, but the game’s names alone would probably cause a banned-status at my house. .
Still Brandon and Rich kept feeding each others enthusiasm. They added learning history to the video game benefits list. Rich said, “I’ve learned a lot about hippies.” I almost laughed. But it is actually sad how they think.
Then Brandon said, “Rick isn’t it neat all the things you can learn from video games?”
So now the door was open for me to really vent my take.
I was silent. Sure I could have said something. But I was pondering. I was pondering, “Mercy.”
The Bible says: “Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed.” What is this saying? The correct blend of mercy and truth will lead to right living before God and peace with people.
If I hammer Brandon and Rich with pure Bible truth, these two who have just begun exploring the teaching of Jesus, probably couldn’t handle it. Now mercy is cutting them a lot of slack—initially. Allowing them to grow a step at a time in their God-life.
And this isn’t ignoring untruth or permitting confusion.
Here’s the plan. Blend God’s Word and the Holy Spirit’s power with a loving, merciful, and patient approach. This is the gateway to long-lasting life change.
Two teenagers were making a case for the huge educational benefits of playing video games. Brandon started by claiming it helps his math abilities. Rich upped the ante by adding budgeting, and auto part’s knowledge.
They would mention a video game and then its enhancement to their intellect. Now I’m not a gamer. So my knowledge is limited, but the game’s names alone would probably cause a banned-status at my house. .
Still Brandon and Rich kept feeding each others enthusiasm. They added learning history to the video game benefits list. Rich said, “I’ve learned a lot about hippies.” I almost laughed. But it is actually sad how they think.
Then Brandon said, “Rick isn’t it neat all the things you can learn from video games?”
So now the door was open for me to really vent my take.
I was silent. Sure I could have said something. But I was pondering. I was pondering, “Mercy.”
The Bible says: “Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed.” What is this saying? The correct blend of mercy and truth will lead to right living before God and peace with people.
If I hammer Brandon and Rich with pure Bible truth, these two who have just begun exploring the teaching of Jesus, probably couldn’t handle it. Now mercy is cutting them a lot of slack—initially. Allowing them to grow a step at a time in their God-life.
And this isn’t ignoring untruth or permitting confusion.
Here’s the plan. Blend God’s Word and the Holy Spirit’s power with a loving, merciful, and patient approach. This is the gateway to long-lasting life change.
2/2/08
I’m Addicted
“I’m addicted to junk food,” Cyrus told me. His over-heaped plate of deserts at the church’s all-you-can-eat lunch was revealing.
Cyrus seemed to be asking me for advice when he informed me of his dilemma.
When I think of getting free of an addiction, Jesus’ mission statement in Luke 4:18 comes to mind. “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed…”
Twice in His statement Jesus used the word “liberty.” To be set free. Junk food addiction is real. Did Cyrus want freedom from its captivity and oppression?
Probing a little deeper, I asked Cyrus: “Do you want to quit eating junk food?” With a slight hesitation, he replied, “No.”
Now Jesus can definitely set a person free from a destructive addiction. I know from personal experience.
Listen to these words from Jesus. “There is nothing that enters a man from the outside which can defile him, but the things which come out of him; those are the things that defile a man.” This may seem contradictory to a junk food addiction. That’s not so. For Cyrus, it isn’t the junk food that keeps him bound; it’s what comes out of him.
The word, “No,” came out.
That one word reflects what is inside. A heart satisfied to remain addicted is revealed. A heart not wanting freedom through Jesus. A heart defiled.
Then there is another type of heart. A heart that says, “Yes.” A heart open to the power of Jesus. A heart seeking freedom.
Jesus will provide freedom from any addiction to a person with this kind of heart.
Cyrus seemed to be asking me for advice when he informed me of his dilemma.
When I think of getting free of an addiction, Jesus’ mission statement in Luke 4:18 comes to mind. “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed…”
Twice in His statement Jesus used the word “liberty.” To be set free. Junk food addiction is real. Did Cyrus want freedom from its captivity and oppression?
Probing a little deeper, I asked Cyrus: “Do you want to quit eating junk food?” With a slight hesitation, he replied, “No.”
Now Jesus can definitely set a person free from a destructive addiction. I know from personal experience.
Listen to these words from Jesus. “There is nothing that enters a man from the outside which can defile him, but the things which come out of him; those are the things that defile a man.” This may seem contradictory to a junk food addiction. That’s not so. For Cyrus, it isn’t the junk food that keeps him bound; it’s what comes out of him.
The word, “No,” came out.
That one word reflects what is inside. A heart satisfied to remain addicted is revealed. A heart not wanting freedom through Jesus. A heart defiled.
Then there is another type of heart. A heart that says, “Yes.” A heart open to the power of Jesus. A heart seeking freedom.
Jesus will provide freedom from any addiction to a person with this kind of heart.
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