“Good luck,” Pastor Jerry said.
His wishes were directed to my sixteen-year old friend Phillip. We were heading towards the church’s basketball court. Phillip was minutes away from his first game in the intramural league.
Phillip is real quiet. I’m not: “We don’t believe in luck. We believe in blessings and skills.”
My response may have sounded a little flippant, but it’s true. I do not believe in luck. And whenever someone says “good luck,” my brain goes, “Does not compute.” I know Pastor Jerry well. We both smiled.
So why don’t I believe in luck? Because, it’s not in the Bible.
I cannot fathom God looking down from heaven with a thunderlike voice saying, “Good luck in your basketball game Phillip.” So…mysteriously, by chance or for unforeseen reasons Phillip’s shots, dribbles, and passes would take the right bounce. Or at least an improved bounce. Just lucky.
Someone once said, “The harder I worked, the luckier I got.” Not suggesting luck, but offering a viable formula to success.
The Bible says, “Whatever you do, do as if unto the Lord.” So no matter what the endeavor, do it with topnotch excellence. If you’re going to play basketball, practice hard; play hard as if you’re on God’s team.
Phillip’s performance for the game lacked “the right bounce.” It was not bad luck. He had not worked on his game—some by choice and some because of the lack of opportunities.
Do you want God’s blessing in your life? One of God’s timeless gateways to His blessing is good-old-fashioned hard work in what He has for us to do. When you do this, the wind of God’s blessing will blow into the sails of your life’s destiny.
As the Bible says: “Blessed is the person who has God for their help.”
3/31/07
3/24/07
KISSING THE CAT
“I finally got my son to go to the doctor,” Jan said. What’s wrong with him? “I think he has tapeworms.” She added: “I told him he got them from kissing the cat.”
I almost laughed.
Then Stacy said, “Tell him to eat pumpkin seeds. That will cut the tapeworms right out of him.” Jan agreed.
Now I’m really resisting laughing out loud.
I’m thinking, “Do people really get tapeworms.” I’ve never known anyone. Then toss in some cat kissing and a bag of pumpkin seeds; I’m in the middle of a fact/fiction quandary.
The Bible says in Job 15:2: “Should a wise person answer with empty knowledge. And fill themselves with the east wind?” The scripture is saying that empty knowledge, a supposed truth with no fact is not the way of a wise person and it is full of wind—worthless.
I didn’t say anything. But too many times I’ve tossed out my view-- thinking it was truth.
I definitely had an opinion. And from there I’m so easily catapulted into forming an opinion of Jan. Soon I was engaging in something I’ve been making a determined effort to stymie in my life.
Judging people. The Bible is pretty plain about it--don’t do it.
Later, I gathered the facts. Yes, people get tapeworms. Yes, pumpkins seeds are a folk remedy with high merit. Now as far as the danger of kissing cats; I’m still not sure.
But this I do know. Using empty knowledge to form an assumption about a person can be a disease far more harmful than tapeworms.
I’ve engaged in ungodly behavior. Yes me. God, forgive me. It is my desire to change. God, I will resist repeating this behavior which offends You and people. God I praise You; I know You will help me.
I almost laughed.
Then Stacy said, “Tell him to eat pumpkin seeds. That will cut the tapeworms right out of him.” Jan agreed.
Now I’m really resisting laughing out loud.
I’m thinking, “Do people really get tapeworms.” I’ve never known anyone. Then toss in some cat kissing and a bag of pumpkin seeds; I’m in the middle of a fact/fiction quandary.
The Bible says in Job 15:2: “Should a wise person answer with empty knowledge. And fill themselves with the east wind?” The scripture is saying that empty knowledge, a supposed truth with no fact is not the way of a wise person and it is full of wind—worthless.
I didn’t say anything. But too many times I’ve tossed out my view-- thinking it was truth.
I definitely had an opinion. And from there I’m so easily catapulted into forming an opinion of Jan. Soon I was engaging in something I’ve been making a determined effort to stymie in my life.
Judging people. The Bible is pretty plain about it--don’t do it.
Later, I gathered the facts. Yes, people get tapeworms. Yes, pumpkins seeds are a folk remedy with high merit. Now as far as the danger of kissing cats; I’m still not sure.
But this I do know. Using empty knowledge to form an assumption about a person can be a disease far more harmful than tapeworms.
I’ve engaged in ungodly behavior. Yes me. God, forgive me. It is my desire to change. God, I will resist repeating this behavior which offends You and people. God I praise You; I know You will help me.
3/17/07
MY GIRL FRIEND OR GOD?
“Brandon and Daniel think I’m going to Hell,” Timothy said. I didn’t know what he was talking about. Then he said, “I’m not going to church tonight.” I thought he was joking--he always goes. Either way, his absence would not destine him to Hell.
Timothy said. “We’ve got company.” With some quick observations my brain connected the dots. I saw his “company.” I had never met the sixteen-year old girl. Timothy glanced at her; she returned a slight smile back.
Two weeks before he had said, “Can I talk to you?” Fourteen-year old Timothy wanted “girlfriend” advice.
We talked about “everything” involving his romantic inclination. I cautioned him. He said, “She’s so pretty.” I added more warning and he rebutted, “She really is pretty.”
I could have given him numerous Scriptures to shore up my advice. Here’s one: “Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin when it is fully-grown, brings forth death.
First a person thinks about doing something wrong. If they do it; then they must bear the consequences of their actions forever.
I can hear it—“Lighten up. He’s a fourteen-year old kid.”
Timothy’s mom had her first child at sixteen. Each generation back to Timothy’s great, great, great grandmother has had ungodly opposite-sex relationships. The family tree is diseased. Babies, teenagers, and adults of all ages are affected by these havoc-wreaking decisions.
Timothy chose not to go to church. Actually, he chose his girlfriend over God. But I know he will make a valiant comeback from this veer.
Timothy, at certain junctures in our lives, one decision can set the compass for our entire life. One choice.
Weigh your choices, knowing they tip the scales of your destiny.
Timothy said. “We’ve got company.” With some quick observations my brain connected the dots. I saw his “company.” I had never met the sixteen-year old girl. Timothy glanced at her; she returned a slight smile back.
Two weeks before he had said, “Can I talk to you?” Fourteen-year old Timothy wanted “girlfriend” advice.
We talked about “everything” involving his romantic inclination. I cautioned him. He said, “She’s so pretty.” I added more warning and he rebutted, “She really is pretty.”
I could have given him numerous Scriptures to shore up my advice. Here’s one: “Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin when it is fully-grown, brings forth death.
First a person thinks about doing something wrong. If they do it; then they must bear the consequences of their actions forever.
I can hear it—“Lighten up. He’s a fourteen-year old kid.”
Timothy’s mom had her first child at sixteen. Each generation back to Timothy’s great, great, great grandmother has had ungodly opposite-sex relationships. The family tree is diseased. Babies, teenagers, and adults of all ages are affected by these havoc-wreaking decisions.
Timothy chose not to go to church. Actually, he chose his girlfriend over God. But I know he will make a valiant comeback from this veer.
Timothy, at certain junctures in our lives, one decision can set the compass for our entire life. One choice.
Weigh your choices, knowing they tip the scales of your destiny.
3/10/07
God/space.gone
Dave wrinkled his face, “We don’t allow the boys to go on myspace.” Then he alluded to the type of strangers who might contact his teenagers on this internet free-for-all/ do- your-own-thing website. A little more face wrinkle, “We’re not taking chances.”
The conversation shifted. Casually I asked, “Are you still going to Prairie Chapel Church?” He replied, “No, but we’re looking for a church…well not a lot.”
Dave is my brother. He had been a faithful church attender his entire life. And rock-solid in every area of his life.
So I’m thinking “Your boys can’t go on myspace—bad influences.” This whispers “reasonable” to me. But then you’ve dropped out of church. This hollers pretty loud to me, “This is not right.”
The Bible concurs: “Do not forsake the gathering together as the day grows near.” This doesn’t take a Bible scholar to understand. Go to church as the end of the world draws nearer. Well, it’s always drawing closer…so attend church. In some organized form.
The next time we spoke, I decided to confront him—in love. Truthfully, I did not want to talk about it; silence would be easier.
I knew of a church nearby that Dave and his family might feel comfortable at. He said, “Yeah, some friends of ours go there, they’ve invited us.” I then said, “You’re part of a growing phenomena called de-churched” People who once were loyal churchgoers who now prefer a lifestyle void of church attendance. His voice tone indicated my appeal was unsuccessful.
King David, the psalmist wrote, “I was glad when they said to me: Let us go into the House of the Lord.” His joy came from the tangible knowing that he was pleasing God.
Can you think of anything better than making God happy? So please… make God smile on Sunday.
The conversation shifted. Casually I asked, “Are you still going to Prairie Chapel Church?” He replied, “No, but we’re looking for a church…well not a lot.”
Dave is my brother. He had been a faithful church attender his entire life. And rock-solid in every area of his life.
So I’m thinking “Your boys can’t go on myspace—bad influences.” This whispers “reasonable” to me. But then you’ve dropped out of church. This hollers pretty loud to me, “This is not right.”
The Bible concurs: “Do not forsake the gathering together as the day grows near.” This doesn’t take a Bible scholar to understand. Go to church as the end of the world draws nearer. Well, it’s always drawing closer…so attend church. In some organized form.
The next time we spoke, I decided to confront him—in love. Truthfully, I did not want to talk about it; silence would be easier.
I knew of a church nearby that Dave and his family might feel comfortable at. He said, “Yeah, some friends of ours go there, they’ve invited us.” I then said, “You’re part of a growing phenomena called de-churched” People who once were loyal churchgoers who now prefer a lifestyle void of church attendance. His voice tone indicated my appeal was unsuccessful.
King David, the psalmist wrote, “I was glad when they said to me: Let us go into the House of the Lord.” His joy came from the tangible knowing that he was pleasing God.
Can you think of anything better than making God happy? So please… make God smile on Sunday.
3/5/07
JOB-SECURING RESUME
My wife Nancy and I were discussing a new van to transport children to church. And maybe an extra driver too!
“You know who would make a good driver?” I said. “Frank would.” Nancy laughed, “You’ve never even met Frank.”
“No, but I like his resume.” Actually, this is about all I know about Frank:
Shortly before Christmas, Wal-Mart was packed. As Nancy paid for her items, she recognized a smiling teenager helping a man in a wheel chair. “He was having a great time.” She didn’t know the young man’s name, but had seen him a few times at her ministry-- The Free Store. They exchanged greetings. He departed Wal-Mart ahead of her.
Nancy located her car as a small truck drove up. The same young man hopped out, asking if she needed held. Then he said, “God told me to give you this.” Surprised, Nancy thanked him, “What’s your name.” she asked. “Frank.” Matter-of-fact serious, he repeated: “God told me to give you that.”
“Your ears will hear a word behind you, saying: This is the way-- walk in it.”
Once in her car, Nancy unrolled three twenty-dollar bills. She nearly laughed out loud, feeling awe for God mixed with gratitude towards Frank. He was unaware that Nancy had just spent $62.30 on supplies for a Christmas party at the Free Store to benefit needy families.
I told you, Frank has a great resume. He hears from God. Immediately does what God tells him to do. Serves people.
Incline your ear and come to Me. Hear and your soul will live.”
Frank’s resume also includes one Friend as a personal reference. Jesus said, “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” Only a true friend of Jesus will possess this type of job-securing resume.
How’s your resume looking?
“You know who would make a good driver?” I said. “Frank would.” Nancy laughed, “You’ve never even met Frank.”
“No, but I like his resume.” Actually, this is about all I know about Frank:
Shortly before Christmas, Wal-Mart was packed. As Nancy paid for her items, she recognized a smiling teenager helping a man in a wheel chair. “He was having a great time.” She didn’t know the young man’s name, but had seen him a few times at her ministry-- The Free Store. They exchanged greetings. He departed Wal-Mart ahead of her.
Nancy located her car as a small truck drove up. The same young man hopped out, asking if she needed held. Then he said, “God told me to give you this.” Surprised, Nancy thanked him, “What’s your name.” she asked. “Frank.” Matter-of-fact serious, he repeated: “God told me to give you that.”
“Your ears will hear a word behind you, saying: This is the way-- walk in it.”
Once in her car, Nancy unrolled three twenty-dollar bills. She nearly laughed out loud, feeling awe for God mixed with gratitude towards Frank. He was unaware that Nancy had just spent $62.30 on supplies for a Christmas party at the Free Store to benefit needy families.
I told you, Frank has a great resume. He hears from God. Immediately does what God tells him to do. Serves people.
Incline your ear and come to Me. Hear and your soul will live.”
Frank’s resume also includes one Friend as a personal reference. Jesus said, “You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” Only a true friend of Jesus will possess this type of job-securing resume.
How’s your resume looking?
2/24/07
FREEBIRD
“I’ve got good news; you’ve got pneumonia,” the doctor said. Clint seemed to grow two inches as an age erasing smile lit his face.
Two days earlier Clint had been rushed to the hospital, thinking: “Heart attack!” The doctor informed him differently and as he exhaled, a feeling of freedom engulfed his total being.
During ancient Bible times, any sign of leprosy caused that same heart-attack, gripping fear. It meant living misery; even death. Additionally, it always carried the guilt-jarring connotation that the person was sinful.
Only rarely was anyone healed from leprosy. Then an elaborate ritual involving a priest was required to complete the healing process. The scriptures say, "The priest shall then sprinkle seven times the one who is to be cleansed from leprosy, pronouncing him clean, and shall let a live bird go free over the open field.”
This freebird soaring symbolized the person’s monumental moment of freedom.
Freebird, the well known Lynyrd Skynyrd song, ends with these words: “Cause I’m as free as a bird now, and this bird you’ll never change. And this bird you cannot change. Lord knows, I can’t change. Lord help me, I can’t change.”
The lyrics portray a cycle in which countless people have been trapped. Rebellious, “You can’t tell me what to do,” easily erodes into, “Oh no, now I want to change. I can’t stop a life-crippling behavior.”
Jesus said, “Whoever commits sin is a slave to sin.” Jesus continues, “If the Son (Jesus) liberates you from the dominion of sin, you will be free indeed.”
Good news. Dramatic, dynamic life change can be yours. Cry out: “Lord, help me. I can’t change.”
The Lord will answer. The answer is Jesus. Only then will you truly be able to soar as the freebird God wants you to be.
Two days earlier Clint had been rushed to the hospital, thinking: “Heart attack!” The doctor informed him differently and as he exhaled, a feeling of freedom engulfed his total being.
During ancient Bible times, any sign of leprosy caused that same heart-attack, gripping fear. It meant living misery; even death. Additionally, it always carried the guilt-jarring connotation that the person was sinful.
Only rarely was anyone healed from leprosy. Then an elaborate ritual involving a priest was required to complete the healing process. The scriptures say, "The priest shall then sprinkle seven times the one who is to be cleansed from leprosy, pronouncing him clean, and shall let a live bird go free over the open field.”
This freebird soaring symbolized the person’s monumental moment of freedom.
Freebird, the well known Lynyrd Skynyrd song, ends with these words: “Cause I’m as free as a bird now, and this bird you’ll never change. And this bird you cannot change. Lord knows, I can’t change. Lord help me, I can’t change.”
The lyrics portray a cycle in which countless people have been trapped. Rebellious, “You can’t tell me what to do,” easily erodes into, “Oh no, now I want to change. I can’t stop a life-crippling behavior.”
Jesus said, “Whoever commits sin is a slave to sin.” Jesus continues, “If the Son (Jesus) liberates you from the dominion of sin, you will be free indeed.”
Good news. Dramatic, dynamic life change can be yours. Cry out: “Lord, help me. I can’t change.”
The Lord will answer. The answer is Jesus. Only then will you truly be able to soar as the freebird God wants you to be.
2/17/07
THE THUNDER OF GOD'S POWER
My twenty-four year old friend Andrew was dying of leukemia. I wrote his mom this letter.
Dear Cathy,
Early in the morning, when the whole world is quiet I can hear a train whistle-- so far off in the distance. I know when its flute-like horn sounds; somewhere a train is rolling down the tracks.
By its faint whisper, I absolutely know this train is real. Job 26:13-14 says of God: “By His breath the skies become fair; His hand pierced the gliding serpent. And these are but the outer fringe of His works; how faint the whisper we hear of Him.”
It seems, too much of life is lived only knowing God in a whispering fashion. The scripture goes on to say, “Who then can understand the thunder of His power?”
Cathy, may you know God not as a mere whisper, but understand Him in the thunder of His power.
There is no way I can fathom what you are experiencing as a mother. Me? I’m praying for a miracle. You know—the thunder of God’s power.
God bless you…Rick
Eight days later Andrew died.
A few days before his death, four of us gathered around Andrew’s hospital bed— Andrew’s mom, his girlfriend, our mutual friend John and me. We prayed, we sang: “Our God is an awesome God…” We cried. We trusted God.
And Andrew heard the inviting whisper of God that day. He trusted the salvation words of Jesus Christ: “Whosoever believes in Me shall not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Andrew understood; his sins caused a separation between God and him-- with eternal consequences. Andrew accepted Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross to reconcile himself into a right relationship with God.
This is God’s power, His thunder at its best—even angels celebrate.
Dear Cathy,
Early in the morning, when the whole world is quiet I can hear a train whistle-- so far off in the distance. I know when its flute-like horn sounds; somewhere a train is rolling down the tracks.
By its faint whisper, I absolutely know this train is real. Job 26:13-14 says of God: “By His breath the skies become fair; His hand pierced the gliding serpent. And these are but the outer fringe of His works; how faint the whisper we hear of Him.”
It seems, too much of life is lived only knowing God in a whispering fashion. The scripture goes on to say, “Who then can understand the thunder of His power?”
Cathy, may you know God not as a mere whisper, but understand Him in the thunder of His power.
There is no way I can fathom what you are experiencing as a mother. Me? I’m praying for a miracle. You know—the thunder of God’s power.
God bless you…Rick
Eight days later Andrew died.
A few days before his death, four of us gathered around Andrew’s hospital bed— Andrew’s mom, his girlfriend, our mutual friend John and me. We prayed, we sang: “Our God is an awesome God…” We cried. We trusted God.
And Andrew heard the inviting whisper of God that day. He trusted the salvation words of Jesus Christ: “Whosoever believes in Me shall not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Andrew understood; his sins caused a separation between God and him-- with eternal consequences. Andrew accepted Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross to reconcile himself into a right relationship with God.
This is God’s power, His thunder at its best—even angels celebrate.
2/10/07
PICTURE THIS
Wow! Only $234. I needed a digital camera. An internet search churned up this incredible “deal.” The company’s website stated: “Commitment to complete customer satisfaction.” So I clicked my credit card information into cyberspace.
A few days later I received an e-mail from the company: ‘Regarding your order, call Johnny …”
When I contacted Johnny, he informed me that the ordered camera was programmed in Japanese and prodded me to purchase one programmed in English. Johnny said, “We’ve got a deal for $325.”
I paused, slowly gathering my thoughts. “Johnny,” I said “Are you telling me it’s going to cost me ninety dollars to have the camera programmed into English?” He responded with a significantly raised voice, “Are you calling me a liar?” Several times I tried to get him to explain. He kept repeating, “Are you calling me a liar?” Exasperated, I said, “Cancel the order.” Johnny tersely said, “Fine.”
No, it wasn’t fine.
I cannot separate a camera purchase gone awry from the filter of the Bible’s timeless truths. I sat in my office with my Bible, considering my response. The Bible says, “Don’t let the sun do down on your anger.”
Guilty. Was Johnny? The Bible tells me not to judge him.
I started praying, “God forgive me.” I forgave Johnny and asked God to bless him. I renounced anger, telling God I would resist its reappearance.
Why would I do this?
Jesus said: “If you have anything against anyone, forgive them, so your Father (God) in Heaven may also forgive your failings and shortcomings. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in Heaven forgive your failings and shortcomings.”
Holding anger and unforgiveness towards another person is tragic. It short-circuits God from pardoning the mess-ups in our lives.
Bring your life into godly focus. Forgive others.
A few days later I received an e-mail from the company: ‘Regarding your order, call Johnny …”
When I contacted Johnny, he informed me that the ordered camera was programmed in Japanese and prodded me to purchase one programmed in English. Johnny said, “We’ve got a deal for $325.”
I paused, slowly gathering my thoughts. “Johnny,” I said “Are you telling me it’s going to cost me ninety dollars to have the camera programmed into English?” He responded with a significantly raised voice, “Are you calling me a liar?” Several times I tried to get him to explain. He kept repeating, “Are you calling me a liar?” Exasperated, I said, “Cancel the order.” Johnny tersely said, “Fine.”
No, it wasn’t fine.
I cannot separate a camera purchase gone awry from the filter of the Bible’s timeless truths. I sat in my office with my Bible, considering my response. The Bible says, “Don’t let the sun do down on your anger.”
Guilty. Was Johnny? The Bible tells me not to judge him.
I started praying, “God forgive me.” I forgave Johnny and asked God to bless him. I renounced anger, telling God I would resist its reappearance.
Why would I do this?
Jesus said: “If you have anything against anyone, forgive them, so your Father (God) in Heaven may also forgive your failings and shortcomings. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in Heaven forgive your failings and shortcomings.”
Holding anger and unforgiveness towards another person is tragic. It short-circuits God from pardoning the mess-ups in our lives.
Bring your life into godly focus. Forgive others.
2/3/07
FACING THE GIANTS
The front row—that’s where Phillip wanted to sit to watch the movie Facing the Giants. Not my preferred location. Yet with all the realistic football scenes, it was as if we were in the games. The movie instantly gripped me. I was near tears many times. I was thinking: “What will Phillip think if I start crying?”
And then, other times we both laughed out loud.
I’m Phillip’s mentor; he’s almost sixteen. I’ve told him several times: “Phillip it matters a lot to me how your life turns out.” Actually-- more than he could understand.
The message of the football-themed movie was: “We can face seemingly impossible giants in our lives with the everything- possible-power of God.” As Philippians 4:13 says: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Driving home that dark, cold- rainy evening I said to Phillip, “I’m facing a giant in my life.” Then I told him that earlier in the day I had sent a letter to the world’s largest Christian book publisher to entice their interest in publishing a book I’ve written. He responded, “I want to buy a copy.” With doubtless faith he already sees my “dream” book as a hold-in-the-hands reality.
Now that’s the kind of friend you want in your life; someone who already sees your giants whipped, your goals attained. You know what? That’s exactly the faith I have for Phillip’s life—for God to be his strength to achieve his plans, hopes, and dreams.
Jesus said, “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in Heaven.”
Hey Phillip, I agree with you; you agree with me. Let’s go kill some giants, achieve the impossible—you, me and God.
And then, other times we both laughed out loud.
I’m Phillip’s mentor; he’s almost sixteen. I’ve told him several times: “Phillip it matters a lot to me how your life turns out.” Actually-- more than he could understand.
The message of the football-themed movie was: “We can face seemingly impossible giants in our lives with the everything- possible-power of God.” As Philippians 4:13 says: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Driving home that dark, cold- rainy evening I said to Phillip, “I’m facing a giant in my life.” Then I told him that earlier in the day I had sent a letter to the world’s largest Christian book publisher to entice their interest in publishing a book I’ve written. He responded, “I want to buy a copy.” With doubtless faith he already sees my “dream” book as a hold-in-the-hands reality.
Now that’s the kind of friend you want in your life; someone who already sees your giants whipped, your goals attained. You know what? That’s exactly the faith I have for Phillip’s life—for God to be his strength to achieve his plans, hopes, and dreams.
Jesus said, “Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in Heaven.”
Hey Phillip, I agree with you; you agree with me. Let’s go kill some giants, achieve the impossible—you, me and God.
1/27/07
PREACH TO THE HUNGRY
They clung together across the street-- nearly obscured by darkness. Four older teenagers; one yelled, “Do you have any food?”
I was dropping off kids from church. As I ushered six-year old Dakota to his home, I replied, “Yeah, I’ve got some food. Come over to the van.” Truthfully-- I had no food. I had delivered food in the neighborhood before; still I was surprised at their request. I figured they were alluding to my mom’s homemade cookies which the church kids munched on frequently.
I had zero food.
When they asked, I instantly thought: “Spiritual food.”
Minutes later I was back at the van. They stood in a line paying me uncommon attention. I confessed, “I don’t have any food.” And in a flurry of words I promised to bring them a batch of Mom’s cookies. I said, “But I do have some spiritual food.”
Surprisingly, Robert, Steven, Cody, and Allen held rank. I grabbed a pocketsize New Testament from the van, holding it out: “Here’s some spiritual food.” Completely opposite my expectations, Steven reached for it, instantly hiding it in his pocket. Of the four, he was the only one I had ever talked with before. Our longest conversation had lasted about forty-five seconds. I had injected God; Steven seemed disinterested.
The Bible says: “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season…” The four teenagers continued to hold rank. And focus. This was definitely an in-season moment. I was ready; the sermon from church was fresh in my mind.
The under-the-street-lights-mini-sermon lasted less than eight minutes. By the grace of God, four people unexpectedly received and enjoyed spiritual food.
Jesus said, “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the entire world.” Your assignment? Stay ready; speak the goodness of God into hungry lives.
I was dropping off kids from church. As I ushered six-year old Dakota to his home, I replied, “Yeah, I’ve got some food. Come over to the van.” Truthfully-- I had no food. I had delivered food in the neighborhood before; still I was surprised at their request. I figured they were alluding to my mom’s homemade cookies which the church kids munched on frequently.
I had zero food.
When they asked, I instantly thought: “Spiritual food.”
Minutes later I was back at the van. They stood in a line paying me uncommon attention. I confessed, “I don’t have any food.” And in a flurry of words I promised to bring them a batch of Mom’s cookies. I said, “But I do have some spiritual food.”
Surprisingly, Robert, Steven, Cody, and Allen held rank. I grabbed a pocketsize New Testament from the van, holding it out: “Here’s some spiritual food.” Completely opposite my expectations, Steven reached for it, instantly hiding it in his pocket. Of the four, he was the only one I had ever talked with before. Our longest conversation had lasted about forty-five seconds. I had injected God; Steven seemed disinterested.
The Bible says: “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season…” The four teenagers continued to hold rank. And focus. This was definitely an in-season moment. I was ready; the sermon from church was fresh in my mind.
The under-the-street-lights-mini-sermon lasted less than eight minutes. By the grace of God, four people unexpectedly received and enjoyed spiritual food.
Jesus said, “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the entire world.” Your assignment? Stay ready; speak the goodness of God into hungry lives.
1/20/07
GIVE SECRETLY; RECEIVE GOD'S REWARD
“Hey Rudy, this is Rick,” I said, “There’s a family that needs some food.” I have made similar phone calls probably fifty times. He responded: “How many people in the family?” That’s all he asked. I drive over to his house. Rudy pops the overhead garage door open and helps load the food into my van.
“Thank you so much Rudy,” I said. He shruggs his shoulders-- almost resistant to receiving the thanks.
Jesus said: “When you give to the poor; do . . . so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you openly.” Rudy’s neighbors are unaware of his generosity. So is his family. Even the people who benefit from his kindness have no idea who he is.
I get the fun of delivering the goodies. Two people are home-- two boys, nine and thirteen. The oldest boy says, “Rick you saved our lives!” Not literal, but their emotions were busting lose.
Taking the last box into the house; they practically yelled, “Thank you Rick!” I informed them that the food was not from me. I said, “You need to praise God.” In unison the two boys power punched the air, yelling: “Yeah, praise God!”
I can tell Rudy what happened, yet he will only experience a minuscule amount of the emotional buzz.
It’s not very exciting stacking canned goods into a box. No one is going to be jump-up-and-down excited as Rudy secretly purchases food on sale, stocking it away for the next crisis.
Doing what God tells us to do is not based on excitement or praise from people. God’s formula—secret giving equals open reward. Could you use a reward, a blessing from God?
In faith—give secretly.
“Thank you so much Rudy,” I said. He shruggs his shoulders-- almost resistant to receiving the thanks.
Jesus said: “When you give to the poor; do . . . so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you openly.” Rudy’s neighbors are unaware of his generosity. So is his family. Even the people who benefit from his kindness have no idea who he is.
I get the fun of delivering the goodies. Two people are home-- two boys, nine and thirteen. The oldest boy says, “Rick you saved our lives!” Not literal, but their emotions were busting lose.
Taking the last box into the house; they practically yelled, “Thank you Rick!” I informed them that the food was not from me. I said, “You need to praise God.” In unison the two boys power punched the air, yelling: “Yeah, praise God!”
I can tell Rudy what happened, yet he will only experience a minuscule amount of the emotional buzz.
It’s not very exciting stacking canned goods into a box. No one is going to be jump-up-and-down excited as Rudy secretly purchases food on sale, stocking it away for the next crisis.
Doing what God tells us to do is not based on excitement or praise from people. God’s formula—secret giving equals open reward. Could you use a reward, a blessing from God?
In faith—give secretly.
1/13/07
CHURCH OF TEARS
He was near tears. And then droplets started trickling down his cheeks: “Can I go tonight?” Michael’s dilemma? He wanted to attend church that evening.
Eighteen months prior my friend John and I felt compelled to start an adult Bible study group targeting non-church goers in our community. We passed out invitations and put up posters around town. In total more than a 150 invitations were distributed.
Months later, beside the group leaders, one person attended regularly. We pushed on, continuing to wait on God.
One evening before the meeting, I was down the street inviting a lady who desperately needed the power of Jesus in her life. Again she declined. Then her eight-year old grandson Tyler said, “Can I go?” I hesitated. Tyler started crying: “I never get to go anywhere.”
I told him the meeting was a serious adult Bible study. He kept crying.
I relented.
The next week I relented again—before the tears. Tyler and his brother were allowed to attend. And in the following weeks other kids wanted to come. Soon the kids outnumbered the adults. Some would be lying on the floor; others looked like they were totally disengaged in the meeting, yet they returned the next week.
I remember thinking, “God what are you doing?”
The Bible states, “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared before hand that we should walk in them.”
Soon all the adults drifted from the group, except my wife and me. And even more kids started coming.
Now sometimes after “kid’s church” I feel like crying—I am in awe of what God is doing.
God has good works prepared just for you. Please…please do not miss them. Missing God’s plan for your life—is there any greater crying shame?
Eighteen months prior my friend John and I felt compelled to start an adult Bible study group targeting non-church goers in our community. We passed out invitations and put up posters around town. In total more than a 150 invitations were distributed.
Months later, beside the group leaders, one person attended regularly. We pushed on, continuing to wait on God.
One evening before the meeting, I was down the street inviting a lady who desperately needed the power of Jesus in her life. Again she declined. Then her eight-year old grandson Tyler said, “Can I go?” I hesitated. Tyler started crying: “I never get to go anywhere.”
I told him the meeting was a serious adult Bible study. He kept crying.
I relented.
The next week I relented again—before the tears. Tyler and his brother were allowed to attend. And in the following weeks other kids wanted to come. Soon the kids outnumbered the adults. Some would be lying on the floor; others looked like they were totally disengaged in the meeting, yet they returned the next week.
I remember thinking, “God what are you doing?”
The Bible states, “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared before hand that we should walk in them.”
Soon all the adults drifted from the group, except my wife and me. And even more kids started coming.
Now sometimes after “kid’s church” I feel like crying—I am in awe of what God is doing.
God has good works prepared just for you. Please…please do not miss them. Missing God’s plan for your life—is there any greater crying shame?
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