He smiled when I finished the prayer. Even with an ultra busy schedule, I had eked out time for lunch with Phillip.
The smile-making prayer was simple: “Father God, thank you for the food. Help Phillip get a job.” Phillip especially liked the job part. We were eating at a fast-food restaurant as Phillip filled out their job application form. For completion, he only lacked his Social Security number. I said, “We can get it when I drop you off. Then I’ll bring the application back here on my way home.”
After a whirlwind of other stops, I was back at the restaurant. Handing the manager the application, she said: “We’re doing interviews between two and five.” Glancing at my watch, I felt the weight of several commitments stacked ahead of me. Yet I knew, if I didn’t drive Phillip to the interview, he wouldn’t make it.
As a tension reaction, I said: “I don’t have time.”
Heading towards my car, my prayer from a few hours ago, popped into my head. “Father God…help Phillip get a job.” Thinking: “Did I really mean that prayer?”
Yes, it was a prayer of faith. Still I knew what the Bible said: “What does it profit, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?” And another Scripture says, “Faith without works is dead.”
Now that I had prayed for Phillip, work was required to make the faith come alive. Still, faith and works were clashing as an I-can’t-do-everything thought crashed my mind. So the faith I needed was for God to give me strength.
My day finally ended at 11:30 p.m. Phillip got his ride. And a mountain of other tasks were completed. Praise God! All possible because I chose to combine faith and works.
Faith applied: it works!
9/29/07
9/22/07
GOD HEALS WITH A CAN OF TUNA
It was 2:00 a.m. Because of her ongoing sicknesses, Cathy found sleeping in her recliner more restful. Her prolonged health problems were still not effectively diagnosed.
Once again, she was unable to sleep. Cathy suddenly felt a very distinct impression from God: “I want you to start eating meat.” She had been vegetarian for thirty-three years. Now, Cathy is quick to clarify; this was a message for her. Not an edict against vegetarianism.
God continued: “Go to the pantry. There will be a can of tuna. Rinse it and eat it.” The can of tuna wasn’t unusual because Cathy’s husband was a meat eater. So without hesitation, she obeyed God in making an instant major lifestyle change.
And she admits, “I always thought my way of eating was just a little better than other people’s.” Even as she was eating the tuna, God revealed this attitude as pride. She initially resisted this admonition. But, “Within sixty second, I saw my pride,” Cathy says.
God detests pride. But Cathy claims the most vivid lesson she learned was the importance of being obedient to God.
The Bible records these words from Samuel the prophet “To obey is better than sacrifice.” These words are aimed at Saul, the king of Israel. Samuel continued: “Because you (Saul) have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.” One act of disobedience cost Saul his position as king.
Sure, it’s unlikely a person will be dethroned because of disobedience. Though you will likely miss God’s best plan for your life. Plus obedience to God has big dividends. Ask Cathy. “I regained my health in a very, very short period of time,” she says.
Need some life improvement-- big or small? Need God’s blessings? Obedience to God may be your answer.
Once again, she was unable to sleep. Cathy suddenly felt a very distinct impression from God: “I want you to start eating meat.” She had been vegetarian for thirty-three years. Now, Cathy is quick to clarify; this was a message for her. Not an edict against vegetarianism.
God continued: “Go to the pantry. There will be a can of tuna. Rinse it and eat it.” The can of tuna wasn’t unusual because Cathy’s husband was a meat eater. So without hesitation, she obeyed God in making an instant major lifestyle change.
And she admits, “I always thought my way of eating was just a little better than other people’s.” Even as she was eating the tuna, God revealed this attitude as pride. She initially resisted this admonition. But, “Within sixty second, I saw my pride,” Cathy says.
God detests pride. But Cathy claims the most vivid lesson she learned was the importance of being obedient to God.
The Bible records these words from Samuel the prophet “To obey is better than sacrifice.” These words are aimed at Saul, the king of Israel. Samuel continued: “Because you (Saul) have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.” One act of disobedience cost Saul his position as king.
Sure, it’s unlikely a person will be dethroned because of disobedience. Though you will likely miss God’s best plan for your life. Plus obedience to God has big dividends. Ask Cathy. “I regained my health in a very, very short period of time,” she says.
Need some life improvement-- big or small? Need God’s blessings? Obedience to God may be your answer.
9/15/07
WE BRAINWASH CHILDREN
“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.
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.
9/9/07
OH WHAT DO I DESERVE?
“I got what I deserved,” Jeff said. I laughed.
We had just put ourselves through the arduous task of running three miles absolutely as fast as possible. And I’m still questioning what prompted me to bust-a-gut with two-hundred people, actually paying for the privilege of having sore legs for the next three days.
After running races, a ritual takes place. You walk up to acquaintances, asking: “So how was your race? What was your time?” Jeff’s response surprised me. A more typical response would include a reason/excuse for a slower than expected time.
Not Jeff, he admitted his pre-race training and race day effort had added up correctly: “I got what I deserved.” “Jeff,” I said “That’s so true, isn’t it?”
Jeff’s words stuck in my head for the next couple of days…what I deserve.
The Bible says, “You O LORD, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.” My mind locked onto the concept of abundant mercy.
One of my favorite preachers defines mercy this way. “Not getting what you deserve. Getting what you don’t deserve.”
Even in something as inconsequential as running a road race, I started to see the mercy of God. Does a person deserve the ability to run? Does a person deserve to have the money to enter the event? Does a person deserve…? The planet has many people who are better humans, more godly than myself; yet they lack the blessings God has released into my life. This is His mercy.
The above Scripture continues as a prayer: “Oh God, turn to me and have mercy on me! Give Your strength to Your servant.”
Need more mercy in your life? Ask in prayer. Expect to receive His mercy. And then be abundantly thankful to God.
We had just put ourselves through the arduous task of running three miles absolutely as fast as possible. And I’m still questioning what prompted me to bust-a-gut with two-hundred people, actually paying for the privilege of having sore legs for the next three days.
After running races, a ritual takes place. You walk up to acquaintances, asking: “So how was your race? What was your time?” Jeff’s response surprised me. A more typical response would include a reason/excuse for a slower than expected time.
Not Jeff, he admitted his pre-race training and race day effort had added up correctly: “I got what I deserved.” “Jeff,” I said “That’s so true, isn’t it?”
Jeff’s words stuck in my head for the next couple of days…what I deserve.
The Bible says, “You O LORD, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth.” My mind locked onto the concept of abundant mercy.
One of my favorite preachers defines mercy this way. “Not getting what you deserve. Getting what you don’t deserve.”
Even in something as inconsequential as running a road race, I started to see the mercy of God. Does a person deserve the ability to run? Does a person deserve to have the money to enter the event? Does a person deserve…? The planet has many people who are better humans, more godly than myself; yet they lack the blessings God has released into my life. This is His mercy.
The above Scripture continues as a prayer: “Oh God, turn to me and have mercy on me! Give Your strength to Your servant.”
Need more mercy in your life? Ask in prayer. Expect to receive His mercy. And then be abundantly thankful to God.
9/4/07
KAY’S CARDS
She’s sent me birthday cards for the past twenty-five years. And I’ve never said thanks. Kay is my wife’s cousin. She also sends birthday cards to my wife and we always get one on our anniversary.
We started wondering: “How many cards does she send out?” There are the cousins, their husbands, maybe their kids, certainly her brothers, her parents, probably her aunts and uncles. And how about friends and co-workers?
Now these cards aren’t just signed, stamped, and out the door. We’re talking beautiful cards. The kind you look on the back to discover their origin. Inside is a hand written note crowding every speck of white space.
She ended my card with, “Love, Kay.”
She expresses her caring along with the desire to stay connected with people. But a characteristic in Kay’s life that rises as noteworthy is “enduring.” The Bible says, “Let us not become weary in doing good.”
I’ve never asked her. But this is almost guaranteed; at times she was too busy or didn’t feel like making the effort. She endured. She must have thought: does it really matter? I rarely acknowledged any appreciation. Yet she endured. For more than twenty-five years, she endured.
More than twenty-five years…
I am brought to tears as I’m reminded of my Savior, Jesus Christ who endured more than twenty-five years of effort attempting to connect with me. The Bible tells us why: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering towards us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” I’m so thankful Jesus endured the cross. And beyond…
Thanks for all the cards Kay. You’ve reminded me to be a person of endurance. Reflecting the same unwavering endurance my Father God showed me.
We started wondering: “How many cards does she send out?” There are the cousins, their husbands, maybe their kids, certainly her brothers, her parents, probably her aunts and uncles. And how about friends and co-workers?
Now these cards aren’t just signed, stamped, and out the door. We’re talking beautiful cards. The kind you look on the back to discover their origin. Inside is a hand written note crowding every speck of white space.
She ended my card with, “Love, Kay.”
She expresses her caring along with the desire to stay connected with people. But a characteristic in Kay’s life that rises as noteworthy is “enduring.” The Bible says, “Let us not become weary in doing good.”
I’ve never asked her. But this is almost guaranteed; at times she was too busy or didn’t feel like making the effort. She endured. She must have thought: does it really matter? I rarely acknowledged any appreciation. Yet she endured. For more than twenty-five years, she endured.
More than twenty-five years…
I am brought to tears as I’m reminded of my Savior, Jesus Christ who endured more than twenty-five years of effort attempting to connect with me. The Bible tells us why: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering towards us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” I’m so thankful Jesus endured the cross. And beyond…
Thanks for all the cards Kay. You’ve reminded me to be a person of endurance. Reflecting the same unwavering endurance my Father God showed me.
8/18/07
MAKE A MOVE FOR GOD
“Hey I kind of had an idea,” my wife Nancy said. She explained. While driving to town, a “For Sale” sign in front of a small white house, drew her eye. Suddenly a thought popped into her head: “Maybe God wants us to move.”
We live in an idyllic setting. Woods in back of the house. A lake in front. And the best neighbors on planet Earth.
Come on Nancy, we’ve lived here twenty-four years. Why would we want to move near the highway, close to town?
Nancy provokingly described her reasoning. Swiftly, unexpectedly; her words started affirmatively resonating inside me. Suddenly this Scripture had a fresh, personal application: “Let us lay aside every weight…which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
Yes. I was feeling the weight, experienced while spending way too much time trying to maintain our property. And our finances remained crimped--literally ensnared because of housing costs.
In a few days we decided to sell our home and shop for a place with minimal maintenance. One significantly less expensive would be our uncompromising objective.
Bottom line-- Nancy and I want to finish the race that God has for our lives. We need to pare down distractions.
Are you being distracted from the course God has for you? Consider this-- it may be time for a major life move. So do like Jesus--“Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross.” He got happy by looking past the race-hurdles and focused on victoriously crossing the finish line.
Making a big life-change is hard work--physically and mentally. Refuse to allow your mind to dwell on the challenges. Instead, set your sights on the new place of blessing God has for your life.
We live in an idyllic setting. Woods in back of the house. A lake in front. And the best neighbors on planet Earth.
Come on Nancy, we’ve lived here twenty-four years. Why would we want to move near the highway, close to town?
Nancy provokingly described her reasoning. Swiftly, unexpectedly; her words started affirmatively resonating inside me. Suddenly this Scripture had a fresh, personal application: “Let us lay aside every weight…which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
Yes. I was feeling the weight, experienced while spending way too much time trying to maintain our property. And our finances remained crimped--literally ensnared because of housing costs.
In a few days we decided to sell our home and shop for a place with minimal maintenance. One significantly less expensive would be our uncompromising objective.
Bottom line-- Nancy and I want to finish the race that God has for our lives. We need to pare down distractions.
Are you being distracted from the course God has for you? Consider this-- it may be time for a major life move. So do like Jesus--“Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross.” He got happy by looking past the race-hurdles and focused on victoriously crossing the finish line.
Making a big life-change is hard work--physically and mentally. Refuse to allow your mind to dwell on the challenges. Instead, set your sights on the new place of blessing God has for your life.
8/11/07
SEEKING GOD FOR LIFE DIRECTION
“God answered all my questions” Simon smiled when he told me.
The Bible says: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” Simon and I agree, seeking God for life direction is vital.
Simon had just spent two days in solitude at a small lakeside cottage. His focused agenda was seeking God’s direction for his life. This getaway renewed his confidence that he was on target.
There is a challenge to hearing and knowing God’s voice. But Jesus did say, “My sheep will hear my voice.” Yet we live in a world with a lot of noise—many voices vying for attention.
The Bible says of Jesus, “Now, in the morning…before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place. There He prayed.” Jesus was discerning the path he should take that day. Simon recognized his need to do likewise.
A few days later, while at work, Simon was pondering his time-away experience. It was break time. He twisted open a bottle of root beer. He held the cap in his hand for a few moments, noticing that the underside had words written on it. He smiled as he read the words: “You’re on the right path.”
No, the root-beer-cap message wasn’t Simon’s final thumbs up. God’s directives already resonated in his inner being. But as Simon says, “God has a sense of humor.”
Yes, He does. God likes to see His children smile. More importantly, God enjoys one on one time with each one of us. Do you need to schedule some time alone with God? We routinely make time for what we deem important. Time alone with God is essential. This keeps us on the right path.
The Bible says: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” Simon and I agree, seeking God for life direction is vital.
Simon had just spent two days in solitude at a small lakeside cottage. His focused agenda was seeking God’s direction for his life. This getaway renewed his confidence that he was on target.
There is a challenge to hearing and knowing God’s voice. But Jesus did say, “My sheep will hear my voice.” Yet we live in a world with a lot of noise—many voices vying for attention.
The Bible says of Jesus, “Now, in the morning…before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place. There He prayed.” Jesus was discerning the path he should take that day. Simon recognized his need to do likewise.
A few days later, while at work, Simon was pondering his time-away experience. It was break time. He twisted open a bottle of root beer. He held the cap in his hand for a few moments, noticing that the underside had words written on it. He smiled as he read the words: “You’re on the right path.”
No, the root-beer-cap message wasn’t Simon’s final thumbs up. God’s directives already resonated in his inner being. But as Simon says, “God has a sense of humor.”
Yes, He does. God likes to see His children smile. More importantly, God enjoys one on one time with each one of us. Do you need to schedule some time alone with God? We routinely make time for what we deem important. Time alone with God is essential. This keeps us on the right path.
8/4/07
CHURCH SPRINT
“Where can I go to church?” Frank said. The tone of his voice shaped my response: “Right now?”
“I want to go right now,” he said. It was Saturday morning. I glanced at my watch. 10:49. I thought for a few moments and then suggested a church five minutes away which holds a Saturday service. “Let’s go Rosa,” he said to his daughter. Within two minutes they practically sprinted out the door.
Later in the day, my wife saw Frank. Church was enjoyable. The friendly folks invited him to stay for a potluck meal after the service. He was excited. And he even announced he was going to attend another church on Sunday.
Frank never made it to church on Sunday. He never went to church the next week. Or the next week…His church sprint had been sidetracked.
Jesus’ parable “The Sower” speaks of someone like Frank. “He who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the Word and immediately receives it with joy.” This seed can be thought of as a seed of the Word of God as it initializes a faith-life. Tiny, yet with the potential for huge growth. The parable continues: “Yet he has no root in himself, but endures only a little while.”
Jesus concludes the parable with a contrasting outcome: “But the seed that fell on the good ground are those people, who having heard the Word with a good and noble heart, keep it and bear fruit with endurance.”
Are you ready to press onward to a more Godly life? Jesus tells us how. Have a good and noble heart prepared to receive. Don’t let go of God’s Word—keep it. And endure, and endure. No sprinting. Then we are promised fruit. Our spiritual lives will grow to become a mighty force.
“I want to go right now,” he said. It was Saturday morning. I glanced at my watch. 10:49. I thought for a few moments and then suggested a church five minutes away which holds a Saturday service. “Let’s go Rosa,” he said to his daughter. Within two minutes they practically sprinted out the door.
Later in the day, my wife saw Frank. Church was enjoyable. The friendly folks invited him to stay for a potluck meal after the service. He was excited. And he even announced he was going to attend another church on Sunday.
Frank never made it to church on Sunday. He never went to church the next week. Or the next week…His church sprint had been sidetracked.
Jesus’ parable “The Sower” speaks of someone like Frank. “He who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the Word and immediately receives it with joy.” This seed can be thought of as a seed of the Word of God as it initializes a faith-life. Tiny, yet with the potential for huge growth. The parable continues: “Yet he has no root in himself, but endures only a little while.”
Jesus concludes the parable with a contrasting outcome: “But the seed that fell on the good ground are those people, who having heard the Word with a good and noble heart, keep it and bear fruit with endurance.”
Are you ready to press onward to a more Godly life? Jesus tells us how. Have a good and noble heart prepared to receive. Don’t let go of God’s Word—keep it. And endure, and endure. No sprinting. Then we are promised fruit. Our spiritual lives will grow to become a mighty force.
7/28/07
WE BRAINWASH CHILDREN
“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.
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.
7/21/07
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.
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