“What are you going to do, brainwash the kids?” Ethan said. His sarcastic laughter revealed his non-approving bent. I didn’t respond.
I had just informed Ethan; because of Saturday’s commitment to lead the children’s service at the Free Church, attending a family get-together would be impossible.
He was half-joking, half-serious when he referred to our gathering of children to study God’s word and engage in some wholesome activities as a brainwashing session.
If I would have responded to Ethan, I might have said, “Yes we brainwash children, that’s exactly what we are doing.” I’m serious. There’s even a Biblical mandate to do so: “Do not be conformed to this world—fashioned after and adapted to its external and superficial ways. But be transformed, changed by the entire renewal of your mind.”
Even Ethan knows this is not by force. Actually, it’s very common for the kids to come running full tilt towards my vehicle when I arrive in their neighborhood for pickup. But he probably hasn’t fully considered this; everyone is being brainwashed in some way by everything they encounter daily. TV, music, computer feed, books, people---the list is nearly endless.
Yes, we brainwash the children. To follow the ways of God, to love God, to love people, to say kind words, to respect authority, to be generous, to be truthful, to honor their parents…
And like the children, we all need some degree of brainwashing-- some renewing of our minds. It’s an ongoing procedure. And like the children, we decide which sources will be the instruments of this life-changing process. The children are choosing to let God and His Word be their brainwasher.
The Bible offers a superb goal: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ.” Yes, let us all start thinking the way Jesus would.
7/28/07
7/21/07
THE PINK-SHOED APOSTLE
“Don’t judge,” he said. I hadn’t said anything abrasive; I was looking at the pink high heel shoes he was wearing.
Even though he was a stranger, without prodding, he began proclaiming his godly giftings. This included prophesying and speaking in tongues. And he added: “I’m an apostle.”
I refrained from any disparaging words, while putting a check on any judgmental attitude.
This man in pink high heels brought to mind what God says about the prophet Isaiah: “Just as My servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and a wonder…” Surely he was subject to some severe judgment and ridicule. But this reveals, God can use what seems bizarre and ungodly.
So do we merely accept everything without judging, testing, or forming an opinion?
The Bible says: “These were more fair minded, of more noble character… in that they received the Word with all readiness and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were true.”
These more noble charactered people continually searched the Bible to discover truth. The Bible was their unmovable benchmark for judging. In actuality, the Bible was their judge.
Now can this man be an apostle if he wears pink high heel shoes?
To make a final “yes” or “no” assessment, the Bible needs to be searched. Specific scriptures addressing the question need to be found. The process may also require further observations of this person’s life.
Jesus said: “For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged.”
We need to allow God and His Word to be the judge. This plan of God is astonishingly more superior to our human attempt. Because when He judges us, our lives fall under His amazing grace, mercy, and love.
I need that. How about you?
Even though he was a stranger, without prodding, he began proclaiming his godly giftings. This included prophesying and speaking in tongues. And he added: “I’m an apostle.”
I refrained from any disparaging words, while putting a check on any judgmental attitude.
This man in pink high heels brought to mind what God says about the prophet Isaiah: “Just as My servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and a wonder…” Surely he was subject to some severe judgment and ridicule. But this reveals, God can use what seems bizarre and ungodly.
So do we merely accept everything without judging, testing, or forming an opinion?
The Bible says: “These were more fair minded, of more noble character… in that they received the Word with all readiness and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were true.”
These more noble charactered people continually searched the Bible to discover truth. The Bible was their unmovable benchmark for judging. In actuality, the Bible was their judge.
Now can this man be an apostle if he wears pink high heel shoes?
To make a final “yes” or “no” assessment, the Bible needs to be searched. Specific scriptures addressing the question need to be found. The process may also require further observations of this person’s life.
Jesus said: “For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged.”
We need to allow God and His Word to be the judge. This plan of God is astonishingly more superior to our human attempt. Because when He judges us, our lives fall under His amazing grace, mercy, and love.
I need that. How about you?
7/14/07
IS THERE CAPPUCCINO IN HEAVEN?
“I hope they have cappuccino in Heaven,” Tyler said. I almost laughed, frowning at the same time. It was a funny statement, but I was wondering if it was wise for an eight-year old to be a cappuccino consumer.
Tyler was looking at me, wondering if I knew if there was cappuccino in Heaven. A response immediately popped into my head. “Tyler you’re shooting way too low with your expectations of Heaven.”
Tyler’s church attendance has been spotty most of his life, so he’s limited on his biblical knowledge of heaven. His pinnacle of heavenly beverage magnificence-- a gas-station vending machine beverage; was understandable.
Pondering my concept of Heaven, I had to ask myself: “Are my expectations too low?” How about yours?
Tyler, here are three Bible verses which reveal a small glimpse of Heaven.
Revelation 21:4, “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain.”
Revelation 21:18, “The construction of its wall was of jasper and the city was pure gold, like clear glass.”
Revelation 21:23, “The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminates it. The Lamb (Jesus) is its light.”
That’s just the beginning. It will take an eternity to discover all that God has prepared for those who love Him. And there may be cappuccino. Can you imagine how heavenly it will be?
All this is insignificant compared to the eternal question. Are you going?
Jesus said: “Come! And let him who hears: Come! And let him who thirsts: Come! Whoever desires let him take the water of life freely.”
That Water of Life is Jesus. And Jesus says to each one of us…Come!
Tyler was looking at me, wondering if I knew if there was cappuccino in Heaven. A response immediately popped into my head. “Tyler you’re shooting way too low with your expectations of Heaven.”
Tyler’s church attendance has been spotty most of his life, so he’s limited on his biblical knowledge of heaven. His pinnacle of heavenly beverage magnificence-- a gas-station vending machine beverage; was understandable.
Pondering my concept of Heaven, I had to ask myself: “Are my expectations too low?” How about yours?
Tyler, here are three Bible verses which reveal a small glimpse of Heaven.
Revelation 21:4, “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain.”
Revelation 21:18, “The construction of its wall was of jasper and the city was pure gold, like clear glass.”
Revelation 21:23, “The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminates it. The Lamb (Jesus) is its light.”
That’s just the beginning. It will take an eternity to discover all that God has prepared for those who love Him. And there may be cappuccino. Can you imagine how heavenly it will be?
All this is insignificant compared to the eternal question. Are you going?
Jesus said: “Come! And let him who hears: Come! And let him who thirsts: Come! Whoever desires let him take the water of life freely.”
That Water of Life is Jesus. And Jesus says to each one of us…Come!
7/7/07
A LESSON IN PRAYER WALKING
So what do you do for a living?
“My job presently?” says 62 year old Henry Gruver. “Prayer walker to the nations.” He continues: “The simplest definition is simply walking and talking to God. And it’s walking and talking to God about everything that gets your attention.”
How many miles have you walked?
“I can’t begin to imagine,” he says. “For many years I walked 12 to 16 hours a day.” He clips off 15-minute miles while systematically walking every street of a town or city. This includes many of the major cities of the world. Twenty-four years of walking have taken him throughout the United States and into 36 nations.
Henry also teaches prayer walking, focusing on three Biblical principles as guidlines for entry level prayer walking.
First: “While walking, if I see sin; I say: Father in Heaven, that’s sin. Jesus forgave the sinner who was not repenting on the cross. I ask Your forgiveness, for they know not what they are doing.” He emphasizes the importance of addressing evil: “One sin sends forth a ripple effect across the community.”
Second: “You ask the Father in Heaven, God, to release His goodness, to pour out His goodness upon the sinner. It’s the goodness of God that leads them to repentance.”
Third: “You ask the Father to surround them, to send laborers to surround them and be a Christian example. And lead them to the Lord.”
Henry speaks volumes regarding the impact of prayer walking he has experienced. He says, “Are you really fully content with your town—the way it is? Or are there things you’d like to see changed? You have the power; you have the authority, and the commission to make changes. You just have to do it.”
Walk. And talk to God.
“My job presently?” says 62 year old Henry Gruver. “Prayer walker to the nations.” He continues: “The simplest definition is simply walking and talking to God. And it’s walking and talking to God about everything that gets your attention.”
How many miles have you walked?
“I can’t begin to imagine,” he says. “For many years I walked 12 to 16 hours a day.” He clips off 15-minute miles while systematically walking every street of a town or city. This includes many of the major cities of the world. Twenty-four years of walking have taken him throughout the United States and into 36 nations.
Henry also teaches prayer walking, focusing on three Biblical principles as guidlines for entry level prayer walking.
First: “While walking, if I see sin; I say: Father in Heaven, that’s sin. Jesus forgave the sinner who was not repenting on the cross. I ask Your forgiveness, for they know not what they are doing.” He emphasizes the importance of addressing evil: “One sin sends forth a ripple effect across the community.”
Second: “You ask the Father in Heaven, God, to release His goodness, to pour out His goodness upon the sinner. It’s the goodness of God that leads them to repentance.”
Third: “You ask the Father to surround them, to send laborers to surround them and be a Christian example. And lead them to the Lord.”
Henry speaks volumes regarding the impact of prayer walking he has experienced. He says, “Are you really fully content with your town—the way it is? Or are there things you’d like to see changed? You have the power; you have the authority, and the commission to make changes. You just have to do it.”
Walk. And talk to God.
7/2/07
WHO'S RUINING MY LIFE?
“I don’t care if I go to Hell,” Autumn said.
The thread of our conversation began a couple of mornings earlier. Autumn had called, telling about her brother-in-law: “He died of a drug overdose.” As we talked she injected, “I don’t think he went to heaven.”
Autumn is like a daughter to me. Every aspect of her life is important to me—especially her spiritual life. Maybe God was opening a door for me to talk to her.
Instantly I discovered she was unconcerned about her eternal destination. She kept talking. And soon the basis for her hopeless attitude was verbalized. Autumn was mad at God. Her brother-in-law’s death, her husband’s health issues, their financial struggles plus other problems; were blamed on God.
She said, “Why is God doing this to me?”
“God’s not doing these things to you Autumn,” I said.
I quoted half a Bible verse-- the words of Jesus. “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” And then I explained: “The thief is the devil, he’s the one who kills and wants to mess up your life.”
Too many people attribute the devil’s evil deeds to God. This is confusion. And doubting God’s goodness further deteriorates bad situations. Also many times the works of the devil can flourish because we have opened doors for him to devastate our lives through sin.
In the second half of the verse, Jesus says: “I have come that you may have life and that you may have it more abundantly.”
The battles between the desires of the devil and the ways of Jesus loom large every day. So we must do what the Bible says: “Resist the devil and he will flee.” But don’t stop there. Pursue Jesus and the abundant life He offers.
The thread of our conversation began a couple of mornings earlier. Autumn had called, telling about her brother-in-law: “He died of a drug overdose.” As we talked she injected, “I don’t think he went to heaven.”
Autumn is like a daughter to me. Every aspect of her life is important to me—especially her spiritual life. Maybe God was opening a door for me to talk to her.
Instantly I discovered she was unconcerned about her eternal destination. She kept talking. And soon the basis for her hopeless attitude was verbalized. Autumn was mad at God. Her brother-in-law’s death, her husband’s health issues, their financial struggles plus other problems; were blamed on God.
She said, “Why is God doing this to me?”
“God’s not doing these things to you Autumn,” I said.
I quoted half a Bible verse-- the words of Jesus. “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” And then I explained: “The thief is the devil, he’s the one who kills and wants to mess up your life.”
Too many people attribute the devil’s evil deeds to God. This is confusion. And doubting God’s goodness further deteriorates bad situations. Also many times the works of the devil can flourish because we have opened doors for him to devastate our lives through sin.
In the second half of the verse, Jesus says: “I have come that you may have life and that you may have it more abundantly.”
The battles between the desires of the devil and the ways of Jesus loom large every day. So we must do what the Bible says: “Resist the devil and he will flee.” But don’t stop there. Pursue Jesus and the abundant life He offers.
6/17/07
A SIZABLE FIVE-WORD PRAYER
“I can’t do it,” Steven said. This was his abrupt ending. He claimed he lacked the ability to lead our group of seven in prayer. He only managed five words: “God, come be with us.”
This was Steven’s second time at the Free Church. His looks fully met the God-looks-on-the-inside criteria. His moppy hair covered a good portion of his facial features. Yet it didn’t cover his black AC/DC t-shirt or the jewelry-metal stabbed through his lip.
At the first meeting, he was listening intently. And as we drove to church for his second visit, he said: “Dude, I’ve been praying every night; things have been happening.” He linked his prayers to fewer skate boarding accidents. Plus another benefit: “My family’s getting some food tomorrow.”
It seemed right to ask Steven to initiate our discussion group with prayer. He agreed, but bailed out in a few seconds. No, “Amen.” No, “In the name of Jesus.” Merely, “God, come be with us.”
The Bible tells of an angel appearing to Joseph, the husband of Mary. This is the main thrust of the angel’s pronouncement: “Behold, the virgin (Mary) will be with child and will give birth to a Son and they will call Him Emmanuel—which means God with us.”
This Son was named Jesus. And Steven had unknowingly wrapped into his prayer the essence of who Jesus was on Earth. His prayer also pinpoints a desire of humans over the span of history—the vital longing to connect with God.
The Bible says: “Pray without ceasing.” Sure, Steven didn’t do that. Yet his simple words verbalized exactly what we all increasingly need in our lives. “God, come be with us.” I said to Steven, “That’s an excellent prayer; God will answer it.”
This was Steven’s second time at the Free Church. His looks fully met the God-looks-on-the-inside criteria. His moppy hair covered a good portion of his facial features. Yet it didn’t cover his black AC/DC t-shirt or the jewelry-metal stabbed through his lip.
At the first meeting, he was listening intently. And as we drove to church for his second visit, he said: “Dude, I’ve been praying every night; things have been happening.” He linked his prayers to fewer skate boarding accidents. Plus another benefit: “My family’s getting some food tomorrow.”
It seemed right to ask Steven to initiate our discussion group with prayer. He agreed, but bailed out in a few seconds. No, “Amen.” No, “In the name of Jesus.” Merely, “God, come be with us.”
The Bible tells of an angel appearing to Joseph, the husband of Mary. This is the main thrust of the angel’s pronouncement: “Behold, the virgin (Mary) will be with child and will give birth to a Son and they will call Him Emmanuel—which means God with us.”
This Son was named Jesus. And Steven had unknowingly wrapped into his prayer the essence of who Jesus was on Earth. His prayer also pinpoints a desire of humans over the span of history—the vital longing to connect with God.
The Bible says: “Pray without ceasing.” Sure, Steven didn’t do that. Yet his simple words verbalized exactly what we all increasingly need in our lives. “God, come be with us.” I said to Steven, “That’s an excellent prayer; God will answer it.”
6/12/07
HOW TO GET TEN DOLLARS
“Rick can you give me ten dollars?” Daniel blurted out while I was driving some teenagers to church. I responded, “Daniel if I give you ten dollars, everyone in the car will want money.” I added: “If you need money, ask me privately.”
A week later while visiting Daniel’s family, he said, “I need to talk to you in private.” I instantly thought-- “What teenager-problem does he need to discuss?” He said, “Can I have twenty-dollars.” I laughed. Our previous conversation came back to mind. “You told me to ask you in private.”
I didn’t give Daniel twenty dollars to add minutes to his cell phone. Even his plea, “I’ll call you; we can talk about God,” failed.
Thumbs-up to Daniel for listening and creative soliciting. But he needs to know God’s plan on how to get ten dollars. And more.
This verse could sum up a lesson Daniel must absorb. “There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich.” One of the broadest principles of the Bible—“You will reap what you sow.” Give to get.
So Daniel wants money. What can he give? He can serve at church. He can give kind words, his attention to developing Godly character, his best effort in school, and love towards his family. And give money to the church offering.
When these actions are “sown,” his desires will change. His requests will be more God-centered. And God will open up opportunities for money to come into his possession for reasonable appeals.
Bottom line—Biblical principles of giving to get have proven successful for generations: “The generous soul will be made rich.” Need something? Shift your focus from getting to giving.
A week later while visiting Daniel’s family, he said, “I need to talk to you in private.” I instantly thought-- “What teenager-problem does he need to discuss?” He said, “Can I have twenty-dollars.” I laughed. Our previous conversation came back to mind. “You told me to ask you in private.”
I didn’t give Daniel twenty dollars to add minutes to his cell phone. Even his plea, “I’ll call you; we can talk about God,” failed.
Thumbs-up to Daniel for listening and creative soliciting. But he needs to know God’s plan on how to get ten dollars. And more.
This verse could sum up a lesson Daniel must absorb. “There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich.” One of the broadest principles of the Bible—“You will reap what you sow.” Give to get.
So Daniel wants money. What can he give? He can serve at church. He can give kind words, his attention to developing Godly character, his best effort in school, and love towards his family. And give money to the church offering.
When these actions are “sown,” his desires will change. His requests will be more God-centered. And God will open up opportunities for money to come into his possession for reasonable appeals.
Bottom line—Biblical principles of giving to get have proven successful for generations: “The generous soul will be made rich.” Need something? Shift your focus from getting to giving.
6/3/07
TOO FAR TO DRIVE FOR GOD
“Mom said you wouldn’t come pick us up,” Sarena said. “It would be too far to drive.”
For nearly a year, I had been driving eight-year old Sarena and her younger sisters Madison and Arryanna to church. They had moved unexpectedly; this was our first contact in weeks.
Pulling into the trailer park, I drove slowly reading the numbers trying to locate trailer 54. Beforehand I had weighed my decision. Was a ninety-mile roundtrip too far to drive? Two considerations were plugged into the equation-- my time and the gas money.
I turned the second corner, hesitatingly moving along the narrow road. Suddenly, half a block ahead Sarena came speeding towards me as fast as she could pedal her bike. Her huge smile and waving hand brought an even a bigger smile to my face.
Two friends were riding with her, “This is Casey and Alexis,” Sarena said. “They want to go to church.” We discussed details. Then she added, “Alexis has never been to church.”
My length-I-would-drive criteria melted when shy, apprehensive Alexis glanced at me.
The Bible says, “God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything may have an abundance for every good work.” I experienced an instant awe-of-God grace moment when my emotions grasped the gravity of God allowing me to be the first person to take ten-year old Alexis to church.
Sure it would be easy to merely think a child was being transported to church. But wouldn’t it be far superior to envision, in faith, for this to be a major turning point in Alexis’ life?
That’s what I believe. So it’s definitely a “good work.” Praise God; we can trust Him to provide whatever is needed for doing His good works.
For nearly a year, I had been driving eight-year old Sarena and her younger sisters Madison and Arryanna to church. They had moved unexpectedly; this was our first contact in weeks.
Pulling into the trailer park, I drove slowly reading the numbers trying to locate trailer 54. Beforehand I had weighed my decision. Was a ninety-mile roundtrip too far to drive? Two considerations were plugged into the equation-- my time and the gas money.
I turned the second corner, hesitatingly moving along the narrow road. Suddenly, half a block ahead Sarena came speeding towards me as fast as she could pedal her bike. Her huge smile and waving hand brought an even a bigger smile to my face.
Two friends were riding with her, “This is Casey and Alexis,” Sarena said. “They want to go to church.” We discussed details. Then she added, “Alexis has never been to church.”
My length-I-would-drive criteria melted when shy, apprehensive Alexis glanced at me.
The Bible says, “God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything may have an abundance for every good work.” I experienced an instant awe-of-God grace moment when my emotions grasped the gravity of God allowing me to be the first person to take ten-year old Alexis to church.
Sure it would be easy to merely think a child was being transported to church. But wouldn’t it be far superior to envision, in faith, for this to be a major turning point in Alexis’ life?
That’s what I believe. So it’s definitely a “good work.” Praise God; we can trust Him to provide whatever is needed for doing His good works.
5/26/07
ARGUING ABOUT JESUS
“I didn’t come here to argue,” the lady said. The lady and her associates trooped door to door handing out flyers inviting people to attend a special meeting at their church. She handed my friend Phillip a flyer.
He glanced at it, handing it off to me. Scanning the literature quickly, I decided to ask some questions.
Phillip, who is investigating the principles of Christianity, heard me ask her: “Do you believe Jesus is God?” She said, “We believe Jesus is the Son of God.” I repeated my question: “But, do you believe Jesus is God?” She repeated her answer word for word. She didn’t answer the question. But offered: “Jesus is a god.”
The Bible says, “Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no.’” The question is one of the most fundamental questions of Christianity. A simple response should be either “yes” or “no.”
I didn’t realize I was arguing. My objective was for Philip to have a clear understanding.
Before the lady left, I extended my hand: “Let’s not pretend. Our beliefs are not the same.” She smiled slightly. We shook hands; peace was made.
There’s enough proof to provide a book-length explanation of why Jesus is God. But ponder this observation. God says in the Bible, “Do not worship any other god, because I the LORD tolerate no rivals.” And the Bible contains numerous examples of Jesus being worshipped. From His birth until His return to heaven.
For example John 9:38: “Lord, I believe! And he (John) worshiped (Jesus) Him.” Because Jesus is God, Jesus never rejected a worshipper.
Later Phillip and I discussed the disagreeing-about-Jesus incident. Ultimately Phillip must decide what he believes. My hope is that his choices and your choices will be weighed according to eternal accounting.
He glanced at it, handing it off to me. Scanning the literature quickly, I decided to ask some questions.
Phillip, who is investigating the principles of Christianity, heard me ask her: “Do you believe Jesus is God?” She said, “We believe Jesus is the Son of God.” I repeated my question: “But, do you believe Jesus is God?” She repeated her answer word for word. She didn’t answer the question. But offered: “Jesus is a god.”
The Bible says, “Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no.’” The question is one of the most fundamental questions of Christianity. A simple response should be either “yes” or “no.”
I didn’t realize I was arguing. My objective was for Philip to have a clear understanding.
Before the lady left, I extended my hand: “Let’s not pretend. Our beliefs are not the same.” She smiled slightly. We shook hands; peace was made.
There’s enough proof to provide a book-length explanation of why Jesus is God. But ponder this observation. God says in the Bible, “Do not worship any other god, because I the LORD tolerate no rivals.” And the Bible contains numerous examples of Jesus being worshipped. From His birth until His return to heaven.
For example John 9:38: “Lord, I believe! And he (John) worshiped (Jesus) Him.” Because Jesus is God, Jesus never rejected a worshipper.
Later Phillip and I discussed the disagreeing-about-Jesus incident. Ultimately Phillip must decide what he believes. My hope is that his choices and your choices will be weighed according to eternal accounting.
5/19/07
CUTTING DEPRESSION
“I was depressed, so I cut my hair,” Lisa said. Did that help? “I made a mess of it,” she said. “And then I had to look in the Yellow Pages to find a cheap place so I could get it fixed.” If it was only that easy to alleviate depression.
Have you noticed? Depression seems epidemic.
So much so that the World Health Organization predicts by 2030 depression will be the second leading cause of illness in the world.
What’s the answer? Can I offer you two approaches?
Here’s an idea from The Oprah Magazine. “One study suggests that exercise can be as effective as drugs in treating major depression disorders.” The Bible concurs with this. “Bodily exercise is of some value.”
The scripture continues: “But godliness has value for all things, holding promises for both the present age and the life to come.” The things of God need to be the greater focus.
David, one of the Bible’s greatest men, wrote three times in the course of less than a page: “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?” David was talking to himself, voicing his depressive state.
Each time in these three passages he answered his own question with this response: “Put your hope in God.”
He didn’t hope in family or friends to pull him out of his quandary. Not in a new haircut. Not in shopping. Not in drugs. Not in a psychiatrist. And not in himself.
His hope was in God.
God will love when no one else seems to—including ourselves. Experiences fade. God is everlasting. When human wisdom fails, God’s word, the Bible, provides the ultimate advice.
God says, “Draw near to Me and I will draw near to you.” Close to God is where true hope is discovered.
Have you noticed? Depression seems epidemic.
So much so that the World Health Organization predicts by 2030 depression will be the second leading cause of illness in the world.
What’s the answer? Can I offer you two approaches?
Here’s an idea from The Oprah Magazine. “One study suggests that exercise can be as effective as drugs in treating major depression disorders.” The Bible concurs with this. “Bodily exercise is of some value.”
The scripture continues: “But godliness has value for all things, holding promises for both the present age and the life to come.” The things of God need to be the greater focus.
David, one of the Bible’s greatest men, wrote three times in the course of less than a page: “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?” David was talking to himself, voicing his depressive state.
Each time in these three passages he answered his own question with this response: “Put your hope in God.”
He didn’t hope in family or friends to pull him out of his quandary. Not in a new haircut. Not in shopping. Not in drugs. Not in a psychiatrist. And not in himself.
His hope was in God.
God will love when no one else seems to—including ourselves. Experiences fade. God is everlasting. When human wisdom fails, God’s word, the Bible, provides the ultimate advice.
God says, “Draw near to Me and I will draw near to you.” Close to God is where true hope is discovered.
5/12/07
OUCH...I FELT LIKE CRYING
When my eyes scanned the e-mail, I felt like crying. It said, “You did a knockout job on the article.” From the editor of a Christian magazine, it referenced my first article for a nationally known publication. The e-mail also informed me of a delay. The article would not run until the next issue. My joy made patience easy.
A month went by. And then nearly another month. Finally--the editor’s next message arrived.
After a quick read, I felt like crying again. This time, from mountain top exhilaration, I plunged to the valley. As I read, my brain interpreted the message to say: “We can’t use your article, it’s not even fixable.” In reality the editor’s words had expressed more kindness. Somewhat consoling. Still, I had just been dumped.
Decision time.
Right away I made a choice to lockdown my emotions. Only God’s view could correctly manage the situation, not a tangled emotional mess. These words from the Bible offered godly direction. And personal inner strength. “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”
I focused my mind on the extreme challenges of the editor’s job and recognized how awkward it must have been for him to radically shift his appraisal of the article. The Bible adds: “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
I prayed for the editor. In my correspondence to him, my objective was to avoid adding any weight to his already burdensome job. And more mind-battles had to be fought to maintain a godly attitude.
Bottom line. This is how God, through His written Word, tells us to act. It’s not optional.
In all situations, focus on obeying God.
A month went by. And then nearly another month. Finally--the editor’s next message arrived.
After a quick read, I felt like crying again. This time, from mountain top exhilaration, I plunged to the valley. As I read, my brain interpreted the message to say: “We can’t use your article, it’s not even fixable.” In reality the editor’s words had expressed more kindness. Somewhat consoling. Still, I had just been dumped.
Decision time.
Right away I made a choice to lockdown my emotions. Only God’s view could correctly manage the situation, not a tangled emotional mess. These words from the Bible offered godly direction. And personal inner strength. “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”
I focused my mind on the extreme challenges of the editor’s job and recognized how awkward it must have been for him to radically shift his appraisal of the article. The Bible adds: “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
I prayed for the editor. In my correspondence to him, my objective was to avoid adding any weight to his already burdensome job. And more mind-battles had to be fought to maintain a godly attitude.
Bottom line. This is how God, through His written Word, tells us to act. It’s not optional.
In all situations, focus on obeying God.
5/5/07
THE RELIGIOUS URGE
Her soft, caring voice lifted my spirits. “I’m glad you called,” Marsden said.
I’ve made thousands of phone calls to newspaper editors to entice them to run my column Inspiration Point. Marsden had previously allowed me to send her my information, which included five columns.
Marsden continued: “They’re lovely.” I’m thinking, “Yes, she’s going to run my column.” Then the tone of her voice shifted, “But they’re so religious.” She paused…“We live in a secular world.”
I disagree.
The Bible declares: “The whole earth is full of God’s glory” We live in a God-infused world.
I did not tell her this. I took a tack she could relate to. First I said, “I’m not trying to convince you to run my column.” I surmised the answer was already “no.” I told Marsden that I have talked to thousands of editors. The vast majority include faith sections in their publications. And even more newspapers are addressing their reader’s spiritual interests. Adding: “Even the Wall Street Journal has a faith section.”
I was simply being factual--in an easy going manner.
Then Marsden, who was previously convinced I was “too religious,” totally surprised me. “I’ll talk to the publisher,” she said. “We feel like we should do something regarding faith.”
Many people are like Marsden. They maintain that we live in a predominately secular world. But then they encounter the urge to: “Do something regarding faith.”
The Bible says: “God’s invisible qualities-- His eternal power and His divine nature, are clearly seen. They are perceived in the things that God has made. So people have no excuse at all!”
This reveals that this urge for God is initiated by God. Why struggle against God? Engage in the God-life which keeps enticing you. As you sense God drawing you, ask Him for the next step.
I’ve made thousands of phone calls to newspaper editors to entice them to run my column Inspiration Point. Marsden had previously allowed me to send her my information, which included five columns.
Marsden continued: “They’re lovely.” I’m thinking, “Yes, she’s going to run my column.” Then the tone of her voice shifted, “But they’re so religious.” She paused…“We live in a secular world.”
I disagree.
The Bible declares: “The whole earth is full of God’s glory” We live in a God-infused world.
I did not tell her this. I took a tack she could relate to. First I said, “I’m not trying to convince you to run my column.” I surmised the answer was already “no.” I told Marsden that I have talked to thousands of editors. The vast majority include faith sections in their publications. And even more newspapers are addressing their reader’s spiritual interests. Adding: “Even the Wall Street Journal has a faith section.”
I was simply being factual--in an easy going manner.
Then Marsden, who was previously convinced I was “too religious,” totally surprised me. “I’ll talk to the publisher,” she said. “We feel like we should do something regarding faith.”
Many people are like Marsden. They maintain that we live in a predominately secular world. But then they encounter the urge to: “Do something regarding faith.”
The Bible says: “God’s invisible qualities-- His eternal power and His divine nature, are clearly seen. They are perceived in the things that God has made. So people have no excuse at all!”
This reveals that this urge for God is initiated by God. Why struggle against God? Engage in the God-life which keeps enticing you. As you sense God drawing you, ask Him for the next step.
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