Healed By a Dime?

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of Heaven.”

Who doesn’t need to see and understand what it is about children’s faith that touches God’s heart? God help me.

I smiled, having just caught a glimpse of the beauty of childlike faith. Simple, unadulterated belief in God’s power.

“Look at this,” Devon said, as he pointed to a thumbtack-sized welt which had just appeared below his eye.

In a few minutes Devon and six other teenagers found their seats for Tuesday night Bible study. Now he was drawing attention to himself because he had a dime, apparently with saliva, stuck over the welt.

But soon everybody ignored this dime as we carried on. Devon engaged well in the Bible study with good answers and comments. Soon I even forgot about the dime as we interacted.

Forty-five minutes later the Bible study was over. Suddenly, Devon came back into the room. “Look,” he said. “It’s gone.”

His face was clear

I thought, “Did the dime heal the welt?”

Almost before I completed my thought, Devon pointed at the dime, “It says: In God We Trust.” He smiled big. Devon believed the motto stamped on the coin was linked to his speedy cure.

Jesus said, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” He was talking to a man who desperately wanted to have his son cured from seizures. Hearing this, the man cried out: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

This man seemed to be wavering; not pure in his faith. But he asked the right person for help—Jesus.

Childlike faith. Pure. Unconcerned about what others think. Unwavering trust in God. No Devon, you don’t need a dime. Your faith healed you.

Serving God—Your Way

“I really felt like doing some ministry last night,” Pete said. He then asked me if I knew a situation where he could serve God when his schedule and urge met at the same time.

I live on the edge of a town of six thousand people. The surrounding area is dotted with small towns and rural countryside. Seemingly rather peaceful. And fifty-plus churches are in the immediate vicinity. Still, the need for people to engage in ministry screams.

An idea instantly popped into my head. The thought of someone who might go into retirement homes excited me. Pete has an amazingly likeable personality. Plus his Bible knowledge and skills are topnotch. And he even plays guitar and sings.

But Pete seemed lukewarm to my suggestion.

So, what does “ministry” mean exactly? Looking at the original Greek Biblical language, we see ministry simply means, “Serving—like a waiter.” Then the Bible says of Christians: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation…now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.”

Then if you’re a Christian, you are in ministry. Serving God through serving people is a responsibility.

We’re on duty to reconcile, help connect the not-yet Christians to Jesus and to bolster the faith of those already following Jesus. And the ways to fulfill these obligations are as vast as the stars and human personalities.

Two weeks later I saw Pete. He was in an over-the-top good mood. God had opened up a ministry opportunity for him. God’s guiding far surpassed my suggestion. Pete agreed: “I love it…it’s not even work to me.”

Likewise God has a ministry designed just for you. Find it. And do as the scriptures say; “…fulfill your ministry.”

Mercy Kissed

It almost seemed like a comedy routine. But it was real. And it was happening in my back seat on the way home from Tuesday night church.

Two teenagers were making a case for the huge educational benefits of playing video games. Brandon started by claiming it helps his math abilities. Rich upped the ante by adding budgeting, and auto part’s knowledge.

They would mention a video game and then its enhancement to their intellect. Now I’m not a gamer. So my knowledge is limited, but the game’s names alone would probably cause a banned-status at my house. .

Still Brandon and Rich kept feeding each others enthusiasm. They added learning history to the video game benefits list. Rich said, “I’ve learned a lot about hippies.” I almost laughed. But it is actually sad how they think.

Then Brandon said, “Rick isn’t it neat all the things you can learn from video games?”

So now the door was open for me to really vent my take.

I was silent. Sure I could have said something. But I was pondering. I was pondering, “Mercy.”

The Bible says: “Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed.” What is this saying? The correct blend of mercy and truth will lead to right living before God and peace with people.

If I hammer Brandon and Rich with pure Bible truth, these two who have just begun exploring the teaching of Jesus, probably couldn’t handle it. Now mercy is cutting them a lot of slack—initially. Allowing them to grow a step at a time in their God-life.

And this isn’t ignoring untruth or permitting confusion.

Here’s the plan. Blend God’s Word and the Holy Spirit’s power with a loving, merciful, and patient approach. This is the gateway to long-lasting life change.

I’m Addicted

“I’m addicted to junk food,” Cyrus told me. His over-heaped plate of deserts at the church’s all-you-can-eat lunch was revealing.

Cyrus seemed to be asking me for advice when he informed me of his dilemma.

When I think of getting free of an addiction, Jesus’ mission statement in Luke 4:18 comes to mind. “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed…”

Twice in His statement Jesus used the word “liberty.” To be set free. Junk food addiction is real. Did Cyrus want freedom from its captivity and oppression?

Probing a little deeper, I asked Cyrus: “Do you want to quit eating junk food?” With a slight hesitation, he replied, “No.”

Now Jesus can definitely set a person free from a destructive addiction. I know from personal experience.

Listen to these words from Jesus. “There is nothing that enters a man from the outside which can defile him, but the things which come out of him; those are the things that defile a man.” This may seem contradictory to a junk food addiction. That’s not so. For Cyrus, it isn’t the junk food that keeps him bound; it’s what comes out of him.

The word, “No,” came out.

That one word reflects what is inside. A heart satisfied to remain addicted is revealed. A heart not wanting freedom through Jesus. A heart defiled.

Then there is another type of heart. A heart that says, “Yes.” A heart open to the power of Jesus. A heart seeking freedom.

Jesus will provide freedom from any addiction to a person with this kind of heart.

What....How....Where....?

“What is that?” the man laughed, as he stared at her dog. “He’s a greyhound,” my wife Nancy replied. Our greyhound is lanky-tall, multicolored, and kind of goofy looking.

Nancy is frequently asked questions about our pet. “Did you adopt him?” “Can I pet him?” “Is he friendly?” She loves to walk for miles, using these questions as conversation starters.

These walks have also caused her to be asked many other questions. Frequently a driver looking at a scrap of paper asks her for directions. Some only have the name of a family they are looking for. Yet they will ask, “Do you know where the Millers live?”

Our rural area is dotted with lakes. Often a car with a boat trailer will stop; Nancy can guess the question. “Where’s the public boat launch for...?”

One day my wife came home with her own question. “Why will we ask a stranger for information we need at the moment but if we have a spiritual question, we rarely mention it?” Just let it go with a shrug: “Oh well—there are spiritual things we just don’t understand.”

Now Jesus would be concerned about these unanswered questions. And Jesus offers a remedy: “Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find. Keep on knocking, reverently and the door will be opened to you.”

Don’t go through life without direction. Ask God. Don’t go around wondering about the meaning of Bible verses. Ask God. Ask a friend to study with you. Ask a pastor. Look to Bible dictionaries or commentaries. Use the internet.

Keep on. Ask.

It doesn’t matter where you start. Jesus promises that your destination will be reached: “For everyone who asks receives and he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks the door will be opened.”

High-fiving the Blesser

“Were you high-fiving someone out there?” Jim asked. I didn’t realize Jim and his associate had been watching out their window as I slapped the air with my hand held high.

“Yeah, I was high-fiving God,” I responded. Jim laughed. His co-worker said, “It’s a good day.”

This was a great day! A day blessed by God.

Jim is my real estate agent. In an hour the final papers would be signed to sell my existing home and for the purchase of a new residence. Through it all God had blessed my wife and I. God had blessed us with a quick sale in a very slow real estate market. God had blessed the purchase of our new place. And God had blessed us with a way to be debt free by switching houses.

God says, “Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse.”

A curse? Yes a curse.

Too many house-dissatisfaction stories arose as acquaintances became aware of my pending move. My desire to simplify and to honor God, stirred significant words regarding their own inner turmoil. Many own large, beautiful homes. But the effort to maintain this lifestyle is like a clinging curse.

God goes on to say: “The blessing, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God….”

My wife and I felt God was leading us, commanding us to move. Consequently we experienced God’s blessing.

And then God talks of the alternative. “And the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the LORD your God…”

Now the blessing/curse is not based on house size or gauged by lifestyle simplicity. It’s all about being obedient to God’s commands. First to the His Biblical guidelines. And then to God’s personal leading.

Today a blessing and a curse is set before you. It’s your choice.

No Friend

I knew I didn’t have a friend like Pastor Randy was describing. A former Marine, he included in his sermon the story of a soldier risking his life for a friend. With no concern for his own life, he had dashed into the midst of a firefight and scooped up his wounded comrade, carrying him to safety.

Pastor Randy then talked about the deep, satisfying relationship he has with his own friend Guz. I thought to myself, “Why don’t I have any friends like that?” I glanced over at my wife, reflecting on what a true friend she is. And consoled myself, reasoning that part of the cost of ministry includes forgoing some friendships.

Still it bothered me.

The next day a call came in. It was Mark from San Antonio. We had enjoyed lunch a couple of weeks ago when he was visiting my hometown. Our time together had stretched to two and a half hours. We had not seen or talked to each other in seven years. Even with the gulf of time, conversation flowed readily.

The reason for his phone call? He was inquiring about donating money to our ministry The Free Church.

The Bible say this: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friend.” Yes these are the words of Jesus. He’s alluding to His death on the cross. This makes Jesus the ultimate friend.

Yet when my friend Mark offers money to support a work which is a central focus of my life, he’s giving a part of his life to me. Actually laying down his life, allowing my life to go forward in what God has called me to do.

Thank You God for my friend. Thank You for showing me a true friend.

Money, Money, Money

“Why don’t they teach this in school?” Rich said. “It’s so clear.”

We were talking about money. “Rich,” I said, “God knows more about money than anyone.” The Bible speaks volumes on the subject. Our discussion focused on three aspects.

(1) Deuteronomy 8:18, “You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.” The Christian life includes a God who wants to guide our life in a direction for our financial benefit. Even to the point of being wealthy.

(2) There’s a warning side to this benefit. 1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” Money can be deceitful, leading to destruction. Never love money. Love the God who provides the money. And then wholeheartedly use your wealth to serve His Kingdom.

(3) Here’s the bottom line. Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not store up for yourself treasures on Earth, where moths and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

The condition of your heart towards money will reflect how much God can bless you. Your heart will either draw you into loving money, resulting in spiritual destruction. Or your heart will honor God in the way you view and use your money. And your heart will be either Earth bent or Heaven focused.

What do you treasure? “…there your heart will be also.”

Who’s a Missionary?

“Where’re you moving to?” Al asked. I’ve heard this question countless times since the “For Sale” sign went up in the front yard. “Just outside of town,” I replied. “Oh, I thought maybe you were going to the mission field,” he said. I assured him I wasn’t.

Well, actually I am moving to the mission field. So why did I lie to Al?

I knew what he meant. Am I moving to some far off foreign country to serve God among the native people as a missionary? No, I’m moving five miles closer to town. And my reason is to serve God among the native people. To be a missionary.

Do I qualify? What does the Bible say?

Actually…nothing. In the fourteen Bible versions I checked out, not even one mention of the word missionary. Hold on. I just found it in the fifteenth version. It appears once: “We who are on missionary assignments for God…” Missionary—someone with an assignment from God; with a mission to complete.

I qualify.

So do you.

And most Christians know the Great Assignment which Jesus gave us just before He returned to Heaven. Also known as the Great Commission: “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature...”

God has made us all unique. So He offers nearly endless ways to complete His assignment. You can go to Outer Mongolia or you can go to the mall. You can preach by shouting through a megaphone on a street corner or nearly whispering, holding an elderly person’s hand near death. Preaching is also the written word—another world of possibilities. Most importantly, do you know any creatures? Any people who need to know the Good News of Jesus? If so, you have your field assignment.

You’re a missionary. Go…

The Raccoon That Loved Me

I’m not fond of raccoons. But there was a raccoon that fell in love with me. Kind of…

At our local landfill, the routine is to drive up an elevated area and discharge trash into the dumpster below. They’re huge—seven feet deep. Looking down into the nearly empty container, I spotted a coonskin cap. Suddenly it moved. A real raccoon.

Instantly the raccoon stood up on its rear legs reaching upward with its paws. Childlike; reaching, pleading, longing for help, a rescuer…a way out. This raccoon was trapped in the smooth walled dumpster—its coffin. It kept reaching towards me.

Emotions shifted my typical thinking from: “Nuisance.” To: “Poor, adorable, helpless raccoon.” So I piled my trash in a corner as high as possible. The raccoon climbed upward. I reached down with a box, giving the critter its final boost to freedom.

Instantly the raccoon dashed across the asphalt into the adjacent woods. No, “Thank you.” No glance back. Goodbye love.

I stood there thinking: “Wow, that’s just the way so many people treat God.”

A friend of mine said as she was going through another series of life-calamities: “I’ve been talking to God a lot.” Every time she gets in trouble. And God has bailed her out repeatedly. Then like the raccoon, she dashes away, no looking back…so much for loving God.

Jesus said, “Come to Me all you who are weary and burdened.” Maybe trapped at the bottom of a life-dumpster. “Come”; then Jesus promises: “I will give you rest.” And one of the things I love about Jesus, He will accept us back no matter how many times we’ve dashed away.

Need His rest, His rescue? Jesus is reaching out.

This time, don’t dash away. Don’t be a raccoon. Stay with Jesus. Thank Jesus. Love Jesus.

Church Fun

“But it’s not fun like Crestview Church” Jeff said. This was the church both Jeff and I formerly attended. He had moved away. I moved on to another church. Jeff still occasionally attends church, but it’s missing the fun.

Two weeks later I attended Crestview Church to hear a guest speaker. Ken Glaiser preached a no-holds-barred sermon— “Finish what you start.” If you were listening even half-heartedly, he poked you someplace. Pointing out how too many Christians bail out when the fun ends or challenges arise.

The preaching caused me to inventory my God-life.

When Ken finished, the church’s Pastor prayed a somber, heart-examining prayer. Opening his eyes, a big smile reflected a sudden countenance shift. He then asked Ken to end the service with a rousing, up-tempo song. Quickly adding, “Who said church can’t be fun?”

The Apostle Paul said: “I have worked much harder, been in prison…flogged…exposed to death again and again…beaten…stoned…three times shipwrecked…known hunger and thirst…been cold and naked…” He adds: “Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.”

So was Paul, one of the greatest churchmen of all ages, having fun?

Yes…he was.

To him having fun was not about serving the unholy trinity—me, myself and I. Paul’s fun was about serving the Holy Trinity—Father God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

Paul was tapping into the higher reality of fun, of satisfaction, and of success. He later concludes: “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

True church fun engages when the power of Jesus Christ rests upon you. Transforming your life and the people in your sphere of influence to live more like Jesus. The downside? You must be weak. And then Jesus’ power becomes your strength.

Harry Gets Saved. Part 1

I spotted Harry a few stores down waving both arms.

Harry was a stranger, trying to get my attention. The first words out of his mouth were: “I need the Lord and I don’t know how.”

When God places a situation like this before you, you don’t want to mess up. Now is the time to efficiently take Harry through a handful of Bible verses and then lead him in a sinner’s prayer. Get him saved. Right? Seize the moment.

I don’t see it that way. Jesus said: “No one can come to Me unless the Father (God) draws them.” Jesus also said: “The Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment of sin, because they do not believe in Me.” The vital work is out of my hands. Only accomplished by God, the Holy Spirit and Jesus.

Of course I have responsibilities. So I was doing my best to sense the Holy Spirit’s leading.

“Have you ever been to church?” I asked. The finish line is Jesus. But where is Harry’s starting point? He sporadically attended church thirty-five years ago, saying: “I don’t understand.”

It seemed wiser to talk with him again. We agreed to meet two nights later.

But what if he doesn’t show up? Remember, God’s doing the work; there’s more work to do. And a no-show usually indicates someone unprepared to make Jesus their Lord. Most importantly, God is the starting point. As the Bible says: “Don’t you know that the reason God is good to you is because He wants you to turn to Him?” God’s passion is to establish genuine relationships with humans.

For Harry to complete his connecting-to-God-getting-saved circuit, he must submit his life to Jesus. Let’s help Harry to that finish line. Not drag him over.