Stand-Ups

March Madness – that college basketball frenzy – is upon us!  Mr. Bill is a true March Madness fan.  He’s already pondering what and how many vacation days he’ll devote to his recliner, coke & cashews, and the television.

There’s more March madness going on than that of college basketball – the race for the White House to [casually] mention only one!  Such madness is nothing new, of course.  In Isaiah’s day, the Jewish nation made spiritual madness a way-of-life.  Here’s what God had to say about their rebellion, “Ah, stubborn children … who carry out a plan, but not Mine, and who make an alliance, but not of My Spirit, that they may add sin to sin …” (30:1).  Oh, what a puffed-up people they were – oh, what a puffed-up people we are!  In foolish pride, we decide – we plan – we declare – we proceed … relying on our own wisdom, which is mere folly in the eyes of God.  Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”  To “add sin to sin” seems the way our world has chosen, and [sadly] the Saints of God (true Believers) are rarely distinguishable in its melting pot.  Oh, how our nation, our states, our communities need stand-ups for Christ – those who choose and live deliberately according to His Righteousness!  Proverbs 3:4-8 instructs Christians: “So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:4-8).  America needs stand-ups!  Be one!

Live Nobly

No one I know personally is born to nobility -- a king, queen, prince, or princess.  Now, I suppose the closest I'll get to such royalty is what Mr. Bill calls me ... "my queen."  Ok, I can live with that!

 

It's not big news that noble folks don't always act like noble folks. We see enough of that in the news not to mention in the grocery store, on ball fields, and in family circles.  It's almost uncommon now to see noble people act nobly.  Did you know, however, Believers are born into nobility! James 2:5 says those who love the Lord are "heirs of the kingdom."  Titus 3:7 says we are justified by God's grace and made to "become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."  You see, those who love the Lord are noble indeed, rich in an inheritance of eternal hope. We are truly born [again] into nobility. May we ever live nobly!

Simple Purpose

The slogan, KISS, is a good guide.  Whether planning, designing, or explaining, it’s just generally a good idea to use the rule of KISS … Keep It Simple Stupid!

 

Christians can rest in the truth that God is in control -- sovereign in all things.  God’s opening statement in the lengthy discourse with Job affirms this:  "Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to Me." (Job 38:1-3).   In the chapters that follow, God lays out just how awesome and mighty He is!  Much like Job's circumstances, the routines of life [the mundane] often cause us to wonder at the purpose of our lives.  The Apostle Paul -- in a Roman prison where one day differed little from another – gives great insight into a life purpose for Believers: “I am hard pressed between the two ... to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account ... I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith ..." (Philippians 1:23-26).  Don’t miss these words for clarity of purpose – for your progress and joy in the faith.  Isn't it amazing how God uses an email, a card, a text, a phone call, a visit from another Believer to refresh us and encourage us to persevere, to keep-on-keeping-on!  Paul's grasp of this simple and profound concept should cause us to see the opportunities in each new day regardless – even in spite of – our circumstances.  Simplicity is good in many things including a clear daily purpose.  If each day we lift just one person’s spirit, share a burden, pray with and for another, the day has not been lost!  Keep the to-do list simple and eternally significant today – SIMPLY spread His joy!

Help Yourself

Common [Southern] words of hospitality are “help yourself” or “make yourself at home.”  Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean get up and do it yourself or kick your shoes off.  It’s also not an invitation to take a seat in Mr. Bill’s recliner!

 

It’s no secret how deeply the Apostle Paul loved and was devoted to Jesus Christ.  Why, then, would he write these words: “For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ  for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.” (Romans 9:3, ESV).  This tells us he was willing to relinquish all Christ was to him for the sake of his friends – those who didn’t know the Savior.  I doubt many Christians fully understand the seriousness of Paul’s statement.  Oswald Chambers puts it like this: “Paul said he knew how to be a ‘doormat’ without resenting it, because the mainspring of his life was devotion to Jesus.”  Here, God is telling every Christian [through Paul] the depth of commitment He longs for.  Paul’s relinquishing of himself to God is also heard in these words, “I will most gladly spend and be spent …” (2 Corinthians 12:15).  You see, not easily but quite simply, God wants to hear us say, “Father, come on in – make Yourself at home – help Yourself to all of me.”  Only then will we know the utter Delight of Christ!

Love by Denial

Let’s face it – most of us aren’t very good at denying ourselves.  Some are better than others: by sheer will-power, they save their dollars or leave off dessert.  The battle-with-me is ongoing -- it’s just a matter of “which” me wins!

 

From a Puritan prayer: “All my desires have not been gratified, but Thy love denied them to me.”  The key words in this sentence are “Thy love” – instead of “my love.”  There’s no need to deny the struggle; even the Apostle Paul wrote of it: “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.” (Romans 7:18-20).  The Christian's struggle between his sinful nature and his spiritual nature is very real.  While I detest the struggle, I'm thankful for the struggle; the absence of a struggle may be the absence of the Christ-nature in me! Nonetheless, the victor of the battle is the one who is denied – self or Christ!  Jesus said, "If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me." (Matthew 16:24).  Consider winning isn’t necessarily about "laying down" as much as it is "taking up!"  True, it's pert-near impossible to take-up something when our hands are already full of selfish things, so laying down is part of it; but the joy and fullness of the Christian life comes when we take-up what Christ has called us to.  Part of that fullness-of-joy is realizing the true "desires of your heart."  The Shepherd knows the intimate needs of His sheep: “The LORD is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” (Psalm 23).  We must trust Him, be faithful to Him, committing ourselves to Him, delighting in Him (Psalm 37:3-4), and it begins with self-denial, which the Puritan understood and gratefully accepted.  Love-by-denial is God’s way of providing what He knows is best – Love-by-denial is our way of giving God the best of our lives.  Deny yourself today – Love Him completely!

Taste the Lemonade

Have you ever been carried away?  Oh, I've gotten carried away about some things, but never literally carried away.  I once saw a house in the middle of a mid-western field.  It seemed very out of place, and learned it was: flood waters had lifted it from its foundations and deposited in the middle of a field.  The local folks discovered it after the waters subsided but had no idea where it came from. Now, that is carried away!

 

God has to carry us away sometimes -- away from our personal dreams & ambitions, even places of comfort, so He can make us better.  That's what happened to the Jews in Jeremiah 29; they were captured and taken from their homeland to Babylon.  Yes, they felt forsaken and were overcome with despair.  Well, haven't you heard that when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade?  God told His Children to make lemonade; He said, "build houses & dwell in them; plant gardens & eat their fruit; take wives & have sons and daughters; seek peace where I have caused you to be carried; pray to the Lord for it ... for in its peace you will have peace." (29:6-7)  What do we do when things don't go our way?  Is it "whine" or "lemonade?"  Here is one of the greatest comfort foods for a sagging spirit: "I know the thoughts that I think toward you ... thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11).  Do you need to re-read that?  Peace.  A future.  A hope.  God has plans for us!  Plans to prosper us with peace.  Something to live and hope for.  Posterity & reward.  There should be no question about whether we'll like it or not -- it's straight from the mind & heart of God!  What more can we ask for!   What a promise to be carried away FROM what we THINK is best TO what God's KNOWS is best and has PLANNED for us.  Now, can't you just taste that lemonade!

Your Final Answer

On a popular game show, the host asks, “Is that your final answer?”  Since you put it that way, uh … well … maybe … probably … hmmm … let me think about this.  Don’t you hate that!

 

If death was looking you in the face, would you be true to Christ?  Before you answer, consider how easy it is to disregard how things are in other parts of the world.  As broken as America is, in this “land of the free,” it’s still [quite] the “land of the free.”  OpenDoors International recently released its 2016 World Watch List – the 50 most dangerous places to live as a Christian, where Christian persecution is highest – and North Korea [again] topped the list.  As we see a rise of threats against religious freedoms in this country, [so far] we don’t fear death for owning a Bible, or attending church, or talking about our faith.  It’s a matter of life or death, however, in places like Egypt, Mexico, China, Kenya, Jordan, and others.  Truth is, there are places around the globe where men, women, and children suffer greatly simply because they love Jesus.  Their stories inspire us as they refuse to denounce their belief in Christ.  They are confident and strong in Him Who gave His life for them, and yes, even unto death.  The Prophet Isaiah said, “He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of His people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken.” (25:8).  Are there no sweeter, more precious words known to man than “the LORD has spoken.”  I don’t know, perhaps there will come a day when we must consider our “final answer” … what will you say, what will I say?  Know this, there are some who will face that question today!  Remember to pray for those whose courage is not of this world, and pray your faith is equally strong and steadfast.  Let us consider our … final answer.

Get Going

Oh no!  Oops!  Uh-oh!  These exclamations cause Mr. Bill great alarm.  Bless him - he's always there to pick up the pieces, to fix whatever it is that has ... just happened. 

 

The disciples had messed up ... and I mean royally!  Jesus had asked them to pray with Him, and they fell asleep.  Yeah, I know.  How many times have we failed or someone failed us.  The urge to take-a-seat and park ourselves then keep feeding the meter of despair -- well, it's pretty tempting.  Note what Jesus said when He discovered His closest friends slumbering: “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” (Matthew 26:45-46).  Don't you know the disciples felt terrible -- we know the feeling: the deed is done and there's no rewind or undo.  Jesus' words inspire and direct us: Get up and get going.  Bleak as circumstances may appear, moving forward in forgiveness and faith makes the past ... the past.  Paul said, “… one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.” (Philippians 3:13). Are you presently chained to something that’s keeping you from moving forward?  Perhaps someone has let you down or you're disappointed in some personal failure, and the fog is heavy around you making the way ahead unclear.  Heed Jesus' words -- "Rise, let us be going!"  Notice He says let us be going – you’re going alone, He’s leading the way through the fog into the full light and with genuine Hope.  Don't be a lingerin’ – get going!

No Breaks

Winter Break is a greatly anticipated joy for students and teachers alike here!  I've concluded whether I'm in a sunny-sandy place or just sipping something warm, it's a great way to celebrate winter!

 

Scripture tells us God never sleeps nor slumbers (Psalm 121:4), and what comfort that is.  It is equally important we consider this:  neither does Satan -- that prowler doesn't take breaks!  The urge to spiritually sit-back-and-relax, to embrace a spiritual do-nothing day is tempting and lures us into the mindset that it's okay.  Seriously?  The devil is a top-level opportunist!  God through the Apostle Paul warns us to "give no opportunity to the devil." (Ephesians 4:27). Then, through James, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." (4:7).  Finally, by Peter, "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8).  Oh, the imminent danger and consequences of taking a vacation from the pursuit of righteousness.  Clearly, the results are one-step-forward-two-steps-back and if-you're-not-moving-forward-you're-backing-up.  It is the diligent soul whose mind is transformed, to know what is good-acceptable-perfect (Romans 12:2).  Breaks are nice -- I anticipate and welcome them.  Let us be wise, however, to never take a break from God or His words ... No Breaks!

Destination Rest

Have you ever set out for an undesired destination?  Sure we have!  Perhaps it was in response to an invitation you received to a party or a celebration.  Truth was, there just wasn’t any celebration in you.  You’d much rather be unloading the dishwasher!

 

Here’s an open invitation with a destination each of us should crave: “Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find Rest for your soul. For My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30).  Jesus used the metaphor of a heavy-burdensome-cumbersome yoke to illustrate how the cares of this world weigh us down, making us weary.  The nature of Jesus’ yoke, however, is light and easy: take My yoke, bind yourselves to Me, He pleads.  He extends the invitation with tenderness and mercy – consider it closely.  What is the invitation? … Come!  Come where?  … Come unto Me!  Why?  … I will give you Rest!  Who is invited? … All who labor and are heavy laden. How is this Rest possible? … Take My yoke … Learn from me!  What do I learn? … I am gentle and meek!  What’s so special about this Rest?  … Rest for your soul!  Wow, what a destination … Rest!

Heart Words

That “Happy Happy Joy Joy” gets in my head and I can’t get it out!  Oh please, Stinky Wizzleteats, tell us what made you sing that song!

 

Here’s a much easier-on-the-nerves song: “The LORD is my Strength and my Shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.”  (Psalm 28:7).  Thank you, David, for precious words inspired of God – the Source of all joy!  These old knees stop leaping a long time ago, but may my redeemed soul never cease to rejoice in The Father’s unfailing Love and Salvation – “I have trusted in Your steadfast Love; my heart shall rejoice in Your Salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me.” (Psalm 13:5-6). Those words I pray are forever in my heart and head!  Celebrate His love this weekend!

Our Great God

Being in-charge isn’t all it’s cracked up to be!  I know we need leaders, and should certainly be using our gifts of administration in service for Christ, but I’ve learned to be quite content following instructions, just being pointed in the right direction.  I say, lead on!

 

The Prophet Isaiah penned these incredible words from God, “Behold your God!” (40:9b).  If my knowledge of grammar is correct, that sentence is an exclamation – a command!  I know it’s not always pleasant to be told what to do but in this case – well, it’s God speaking.  “Behold,” He says: Listen up! Pay attention! Look!  Don’t miss this!  In Isaiah 40, God gives beautiful descriptions of His power and wisdom.  How amazing it is that we have such a powerfully wise God!  “To whom then will you liken God, or what likeness compare with Him?” (V.18).  Consider the freedom that is ours as Christians to move through this life – times of ease and times of difficulty – with One Who answers to nor consults with no one.  No one!  It’s not because He doesn’t want to – It’s because He doesn’t need to!  Let us “lift up our eyes on high” and rejoice in our Great God!  Then, let Him … lead on!

Completely

There's a slang expression -- at least in the South -- that works pretty good ... sometimes.  Will you watch the kids while I run an errand -- kinda sorta; May I borrow a dollar -- kinda sorta; Can I expect you at 7:00 -- kinda sorta.

 

Oswald Chambers asks this question: "Are we prepared to pay the cost of sanctification?"  Sanctification (a great Bible word) is the process of becoming more like Christ.  The process is ongoing and quite challenging, one which requires genuine commitment: kinda-sorta commitment doesn't work.  Commitment to anything is costly; usually the costs are of time and interests.  Yes, there is a time and interest consideration, however, the process [of becoming holy] greatest demand is purposefully handing the reins-of-me over to to God.  If we truly believe God is Sovereign, He must first be Sovereign in my personal life! As He and The Father are One, Jesus prayed that we "may become perfectly One." (John 17:22-23).  Not kinda-sorta One, but perfectly (completely) as One in Christ Jesus.  I suggest the difficulty of seeing-thinking-living Christlike, Spirit-filled is rooted in being more kinda-sorta devoted than wholly committed to the process of becoming like Him.  The prayer of every follower of Christ should be: may the God of Peace Himself sanctify me completely and may my whole spirit and soul be kept blameless. (1 Thessalonians 5:22-23).  It’s time to trade in our kinda’s and our sorta’s for … completely!

Way of Mercy

There's lot of it going around: mercilessness, heartlessness, ruthlessness, and cruelty.  It is true that life is less than fair.  Years ago, someone stole Dennis's wallet at school. We couldn’t explain to him why it happened yet to a young man, who admitted he would never consider such a callous act, there were lots of unanswered questions ... and hard lessons learned!

 

God is merciful – no matter what.  There is no surprise to His mercy because it is His character.  For us, however, mercy is not a natural response to unkindness ... a stolen wallet.  Our response can be compared to that of a woman who complained to the police about getting annoying phone calls in the middle of the night.  The phone would ring, the caller would bark like a dog, then hang up.  Police traced the calls to the woman's neighbor who said when he was awakened by the barking of her dog, he wanted to make sure she was awake too.  Here is the uncommon grace expected of us: "Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." (Proverbs 3:3)  Mercy and grace are uncommon responses, but the proper response of those who have received so much … mercy and grace by The Father.  It's God's Way.  It's the way of mercy.

 

Soul Song

This jingle makes me giggle:  There was a young girl from Montana – She slipped on the peel of a banana – Now she can’t play the piana.  This used to make my boys roll their eyes!  I love it!

 

Does your soul sing?  If you’re a Believer, your soul better be a’singin’ – you have no excuse!  Even in the gloom-doom-despair of life, we have The Song! Consider all  the frivolous things that make us sing and dance a jig.  Why not our faith – Why not Jesus!  Christians are not commissioned to lip-sync their faith.  Our lives should ALWAYS sing of what we believe – always support what we embrace.  I challenge us to find a bird that doesn’t sing, stars that don’t shine, mountains that lack grandeur, thunder that does not resound, skies that lack vastness. Even nature sings of and confirms the Sovereignty and Glorious Majesty of Jehovah.  Furthermore, God sent His perfect Son to redeem you and me, enduring the terrible cross, because it pleased Him to do so!  Does this alone not fill your soul to capacity, to overflowing?  “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so!” (Psalm 107:2).  Yes, my soul has a song!  Yes, my soul must sing!  How about yours?

 

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee – How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee – How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

Sure Love

Our tastes for certain foods change over time.  I distinctly remember not liking broccoli as a child, but now it’s one of my favorites.  As a parent, I also remember little boys who bugged-out at certain foods put before them.  Today, however, they eat things never presented to them in this house!

 

God’s love never changes.  His love for us is as pure and as deep now as it ever was.  Unchangeable – consider that word.  The essence of it is unfathomable in relation to the world in which we live.  Change is ever before us.  Not so with Almighty God.  Consider these words: “For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with Him is plentiful redemption.” (Psalm 130:7).  In uncertain times (years, months, days, hours, minutes … breaths), there is One Who is Certain.  How refreshing – hopeful – delightful – encouraging – blessed.  My taste for God’s Sure Love will never change!

Humble Souls

When the boys reached a certain age, we took them to “big church.”  They were so excited until they learned they had to be quiet and sit still. There were many wiggly services where even a short sermon was misery!

 

Isaiah 25:9 says, “We have waited for Him, and He will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”  How easily we are discouraged by our own faults, and even become impatient in correcting them. It’s even easier to become impatient with your neighbor’s faults and the speed with which he improves. It’s much like a violent storm going on inside us, which usually causes us to, proudly yet prayerlessly move like a war tank into battle. Francois de la Mothe Fenelon writes, “Listen to the leadings of grace, then say and do nothing but what the Holy Spirit shall put in your heart.” After a short stay in “big church,” you could see the storm inside the little fellas, but even they sought restraint. When we bulldoze ahead, we are not waiting on God. When we choose to take control of God’s business, we are not waiting on God. When we lean on our own understanding instead of the perfect counsel of His Word, we are not waiting on God. The results of inner storms are rarely pleasant nor pleasing to The Lord. We must lay aside the fiery intensity of our minds that exhausts us and lead us to commit errors, becoming instead humbly submissive to the will of God. Humbled souls take on the peace of The Father, Who

quietly and powerfully works His will in and through every storm.

 

Blest are the humble souls that wait with sweet submission to His will

Harmonious all their passions move, and in the midst of storms are still

Tank Up!

Does your mind spin?  My mind seems to stay in a’spinnin’ most of the time – the need to’s at home, the gotta do’s at the office, and the want-to’s. Unfortunately, those want-to’s are usually crowded out!

 

Do you sometimes suffer a spiritual deficit?  My spiritual tank would be pretty full except for the need-to’s, gotta do’s, and want-to’s!  Hence, it’s a good thing to ask ourselves, “what is most needful?”  David wrote, “One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in His temple.” (Psalm 27:4)  Of all the things I pray for, why isn’t hunger and thirst for God’s Presence at the top of my list?  Christ told Martha in Luke 10:42, “One thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Oh, how Satan loves to blur the line and confuse distinction between what is urgent and what is needful.  Do not forget, however, the psalmist’s words: “one thing” we are to seek after – God’s Presence.  Spiritual tanks are filled-to-overflowing and our need-to’s become our want-to’s!  Begin each day with The Father, and tank up!