The Great Motivator

As I recall, a summer trip to swim then a stop for snacks was a great motivator for little boys. Gee, that even motivates the older me! God says, "If I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge; that I can remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." (1 Corinthians 13:2). Nothing - of no consequence, no significance, absence of anything ... zero, nil, zilch ... nothing. Oh, how we can puff-up ourselves into a state of notoriety! Paul writes of "prophecy," one of the greatest spiritual gifts because it delivers God's message to people; then, "knowledge" - that gift of understanding, wisdom and discernment; finally, the gift of "faith, which encompasses the most genuine of faith that manifests itself in abilities beyond man's own strength. All these wonderful God-given gifts which bring glory to The Father and benefit His eternal kingdom - the sum of them nothing ... apart from love. It was Love that Father, Son and Holy Spirit agreed and committed to man's Great Redemption: "“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16), Yes, God so loved  - He so loved He showed mercy, grace, friendship ... motivated by love. So must love be what moves us to reach-out, to serve, to care for-and-about one another. Never forget love ... the great motivator.

Intense Love

Oh, how casually we use the word "love" - we love ice cream, shoes, flowers, the mountains or the beach. The word, however, rarely describes depth or intensity; that is known best by how love-of-it plays out in our lives. Paul devoted an entire chapter to the excellence of love (or charity), and he begins the chapter describing us when love is absent. "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, then I have become only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal." (1 Corinthians 13:1). This should come as no surprise to you but we are not naturally filled with the kind of love Paul describes. No, such unselfish love for others is alien-foreign to our sin-nature; it does not rule us by default. John explains where this kind of love comes from: "Beloved, let us [unselfishly] love and seek the best for one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves [others] is born of God and knows God [through personal experience]." (1 John 4:1). My kind of love is not sustainable because it diminishes when trampled or rejected by someone's unlovable behavior; God's kind of love, however, is sustainable by the power of The Holy Spirit Who lives within Believers. His Love is powerful and effective enough to overcome when all we can muster is noisy clanging. Make no mistake, love is required for a Spirit-filled walk - there's nothing casual about it. Love God intensely so you can intensely love others.

Good Promise

Everyone loves a good promise! Recently I was promised something from a manufacturer only to learn the promise was a dud - the promise was no good! Here's the scoop on promises: promises are relative - they're only as good as the one making the promise. Besides Himself as their Inheritance, God promised a particular land to the descendants of Abraham, Issac and Jacob; it is referred to in Scripture as the" Land of Promise." As they journeyed from Egypt to this land, they lost confidence in The One Who promised ... delivered on His promises. Countless times God reminded His people, "I am the Lord your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery." (Exodus 20:1). The people witnessed His power and faithfulness: Egypt was plagued into ruin, He parted the Red Sea, delivered water from a rock, sent manna from heaven - the list is lengthy. What wonder and comfort belong to Believers who through Christ Jesus have given their lives into the eternal care and keeping of The One Who does not lie, Whose promises are sure. In Christ, we live fully convinced that God is able to do what He had promised (Romans 4:21). He is not only able - He will do as He has promised. That's the "good promise" we all love!

Refresh One Another

If you live in the Southeast, the first heat-wave has arrived. By the end of the week, we all will be ready for a reprieve, for refreshment. The onslaught of struggles can drain and leave us longing for calmer and more peaceful times. As you read Paul's second letter to Timothy, you can hear some weariness in his s words; his execution pending, Paul was alone in a Roman prison cell and his thought went back to one who had brought him refreshment. "The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me." (2 Timothy 1:16). Now, there is certainly immeasurable value in kindness from one-to-another; let me say with all confidence, however, there is nothing like one Believer's kindness to another Believer! Why am I so confident of this?  As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, a Believer's kindness comes from a spiritually compassionate heart (Colossians 3:12); and, the fruit of a Spirit-filled Believer is kindness borne of The Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). While every act of kindness is honorable and beneficial, it is God-infused kindness - such as that of Onesiphorus - that ultimately glorifies The Father Who is Most Kind. Let us never miss an opportunity to ... refresh one another!

Just Ask

 Baseball and sunflower seeds seem to go together. I have closely observed the stuffing of way too many seeds into the jaw then the methodically spitting of hulls all over creation. For the record, I found neither intriguing or inviting. Have you noticed how difficult it can be to discern truth from lie these days? I suggest it may be easier to separate the sunflower nut from  its shell.  Even the ugliest of sin Satan has managed to beautifully disguise it. God asked King Solomon, "What shall I give you?" (1 Kings 3:5) and Solomon asked for a heart that could discern  (distinguish) good from evil. (v.9).  God was pleased with Solomon's choice, and Chapter 4 tells us , "God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore ... for he was wiser than all men ... men of all nations, from all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom, came to hear the wisdom of Solomon." (4:29, 31, 34). This same Almighty and Powerful God (Elohim) that gave Solomon wisdom gives us the same wisdom to know His Truth today.  There is a lack of real Godly Wisdom today in the home, the workplace, the government; only divine discernment can help us make good choices and respond appropriately to and in every situation of life. God is eager to share with us His wisdom if only we will ask and then boldly obey -- spitting out what is evil and contrary to God's Best for our lives. And like James says, "any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously ... and it will be given him. (James 1:5).  Just ask!

Spiritual Wonderland

In Alice's Wonderland adventures, she faced some particularly strange and increasingly difficult situations ... down that "rabbit hole." I suppose many of us can relate to those rabbit-hole experiences in our personal and professional lives. Make no mistake, Satan loves nothing more than to lead us onto and into courses of futility - away from God. The psalmist invites us to "taste and see that the LORD is good" (Psalm 34:8). Too many Believers, however, can't "taste" because they're not even at the table! How do we avoid the rabbit holes and remain at the Tasting Table? "How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night." (Psalm 1:1-2). For starters, walk-not, stand-not, sit-not with ungodliness! Instead, make Christ and His commands our 24-7 delight and meditation! The results are other-worldly: "He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers." (Psalm 1:3). Don't you want to trade-in the uncertainty of rabbit-hole escapades for the certainty of spiritual fruitfulness and prosperity! Let's do it - experience God's Wonderland!

One-Thing People

 A few years ago on my local grocer's shelf was [what seemed] an endless selection of kinds and brands of vinegar ... except the one I needed. In the spiritual realm, this is also true! A wide variation of books line bookstore shelves and an endless scrolling of wisdom and guidance available from online sellers ... except the most needed one. Jesus' friend, Mary, rightly chose to sit quietly as He spoke; Jesus said she had chosen "the one thing necessary" (Luke 10:42).  Oh, my, how I am often deceived by that which seems urgent setting aside what is necessary!  "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:6). The Puritan sums up the desire of my own heart: "There is one thing that deserves my greatest care, that calls forth my ardent desires. That is that I may answer the great end for which I am made - to glorify Thee Who has given me being." (Valley of Vision). The one thing necessary, the single most need of my heart is The Father; He must take precedence - the place of utmost importance in my life. Much to my delight, my grocer accommodated my need; added to the selections of vinegar was the one I needed. The wise and discerning Believer knows there is really just one need: communion and fellowship with The Father. Let's be those one-thing people!

Completely Captivated

It's been called one of the "wonders of the world" - a geographical line encompassing much of The Deep South: that is, the Gnat Line. These countless pesky "no see'ums" are perhaps the most absurdly intrusive to exposed bodily orifices - eyes, ears, nose, mouth. While I try to stay clear of them, Mister Bill has just resigned to consume a fair share of them! The general misery of the human soul cannot be ignored. The earnest and eager pursuit of life's fleeting attractions are many; the Puritan said, "But, alas, what false delusive dreams ... and how miserable ere long with those be that sleep in them." King Solomon explains it like this: "The eye is not satisfied with seeing, Nor is the ear filled with hearing." (Ecclesiastes 1:8). How, O Lord, do Believers get-off and stay-off this wearisome cycle of chasing the wind? I suggest we find the answer in our roots: "God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." (Genesis 1:27). In its original and purest state, the soul was the image and likeness of its Creator. And, God saw His creation and "it was very good." (V.31). No, this isn't then; sin changed everything - well, all except God, The Creator; it is for Him alone the soul most deeply longs. Man's greatest end is found in his origin: finding all delight in God alone! "For all our happiness consists in loving Thee, and being Holy as Thou art Holy." (Valley of Vision). Mister Bill says he is so focused on fishing, he hardly bothers with the gnats. Oh, to be so enthralled, so completely captivated  with The Creator we hardly notice life's attractions. Oh, Lord, make it be so!

Glorious Day

Pearl Waddell of Anniston, Alabama is credited with this humorous poem: “There’s nothing
whatever the matter with me - I’m just as healthy as I can be - I have arthritis in both of my
knees - And when I talk, I talk with a wheeze - My pulse is weak, and my blood is thin - But I’m
awfully well for the shape I’m in - Arch supports I have for my feet - Or I wouldn’t be able to
walk on the street - Sleep is denied me night after night - And every morning I look a sight - My memory is failing, my head's in a spin - But I’m awfully well for the shape I’m in - The moral is, as this tale was to unfold - That for you and me who are growing old - It is better to say, “I’m fine,” with a grin - Than to let them know the shape we’re in.”  The Apostle Paul contrasts our earthly and heavenly bodies, “For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling … For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened … .” (1 Corinthians 5:2a, 4a).  I recall days when groans weren’t the day's first utterings.  How careful we must be; our longings for the land of new bodies and no-more-groaning rather than the sheer joy of being with Christ!  Paul continues with glorious perspective while still in these earthly bodies: "He Who has prepared us for this very thing is God, Who has given us the Spirit as a Guarantee. So we are always of good courage ..." (5:5-6).  Even in these oh-so-mortal bodies, we have God's Guarantee -- His Spirit, indwelling, empowering, and encouraging us in these present days for a sweet walk of faith!  Yes, I genuinely anticipate a place of no-more-groans because of aches and pains and where Arthur is homeless, but the greatest thrill in that Land of Hallelujahs will be the – The Lamb of Glory! O glorious day!

Ceasing of Me

Oh, my, how many times have I heard Mister Bill say in order to fix something ... or to fish ... he must have the right tools!  He's right, you know. Frequently, Several places in Scripture, we read Jesus went away to a solitary or secluded place to pray; hmm, how is it we imagine we can expect peace of spirit in a rockin' boat on a storm-tossed sea ... distractions and hindrances? Some translations of Psalm 37:7 read "Be still before the LORD"; other translations read "Rest in the LORD." I suggest Believers have confused being still with being at rest. That word "rest" [in Hebrew] means to "become dumb" - accept the capacity of incapacity! If you've ever tried to float in the water, the only way to do so effectively is by a full release of everything that would otherwise keep you afloat. The right tools to genuine rest in Jesus is a relinquishing of all, setting aside every tool at our disposal - full surrender, a ceasing of me. This is what it takes to ... rest in Him.

Holy Happening

Fairly early this morning as he ran past me, I asked Valor, "what's going on today?" In sweet little-boy fashion, he stopped-shrugged his shoulders and said, "I don't know what's happening today." I chuckled at his response, which was as truthful as it gets - really, none of us know with certainly what the day holds. One certain and continual thing I know each morning, however, is God commands me to meet each moment of the day with His Holiness. His command is plain: "You shall be holy, for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:16). If asked "what does holiness look like," I expect answers would vary; most pointing to lists of honorable abstentions and praiseworthy acts. Noteworthy, but that's not holiness! There is a self-test: "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13:5). See, holiness is "Christ in you" - His characteristics of love, peace, kindness, patience, gentleness, self-control, etc. - dwelling in and ruling in you. You won't wake up one morning and declare yourself holy; oh no! it comes by spending time in The Presence of The Most Holy One. Like Valor, I do not know "what's happening" each day but I know what's expected: a humbled and holy heart. That's the only way God's Holiness happens in me.

Enduring Hearts

Although a distance runner in my younger years, I was able to outrun a few. Do you realize how foolish it is to imagine we can outrun or even leave behind the stresses of this life? Consider those eleven disciples who, as instructed by Jesus, gathered on the Galilean mountain; perhaps they imagined worst days past and their resurrected Friend and Messiah leading them on to better days. Instead, before He ascends into the heavens, Jesus said to them: "Lo, I am with you always." (Matthew 28:20). Jesus knew the troubles to come for those eleven and for us. He knew exactly how Satan would tantalize our hearts with so many distractions, hindering our focus on The Ever-Same, Ever-With-Us Christ. Charles Spurgeon challenges Believers: "O my soul, set not thine affections upon rusting, moth-eaten, decaying treasures, but set thine heart upon Him Who abides for ever faithful to thee." Affections set on fleeting things soon run as dry as a pipeline without the necessary flow of gas! After Jesus' words to His disciples, know what they did? "Then they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God." (Luke 24:52-53). What they did flowed from hearts that had genuinely absorbed His words, "I am with you always." Consider in what or in whom is your deepest trust and treasure. Hearts affectionately set on Christ endure ... those hearts run the distance!

Attentive

It's probably pretty safe to assume no one likes to be ignored! Recently in passing, I spoke to someone; never looking up, just an unfriendly "hello." The psalmist writes, "I waited patiently for the LORD; He turned to me and heard my cry." (Psalm 40:1, NIV). It is indeed wonderful God hears those who love Him yet another sweet part of this verse [to me] is that God "turned to me." There it is - a beautiful illustration of God's personal attentiveness to my voice. In a world when it often seems no one's listening or people are listening but not hearing, what blessed assurance God is attentive to those who are attentive to Him! It's not a casual or unfriendly response; no! it's a look-you-in-the-eyes "hello, dear child of mine ... I'm here and I'm listening ... talk to Me." Then His attentiveness turns to deliverance: "He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in Him." (V.2-3). His attentiveness to me turns others' attentiveness to The Attentive One! Oh, how the world longs for One Who loves and cares in such an attentive way. Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD!

Memory of Mom

As focused as I tried to be, not one memory surfaced about my Mom. Before you conclude my wheels have surely jumped track, let me explain. This head-strong first-born was a challenge! Nonetheless, for all my self-proclaimed independence, much of who my mother was is who I am today. While that one overwhelming memory eludes me, countless recollections of her life are clearer than ever. By the gracious and miraculous workings of God, I recognize that caring acts of kindness originating in deep-heart attitudes of compassion have come to me from God Himself ... yes, through my mother. No, it wasn't a one-time, once-and-done thing with Mom; it was a day-by-day, see-and-do life of faithfulness before me and my sisters that I rightly acknowledge and fondly recall. That's the memory of Mom I recall. Furthermore, that's the memory of Mom I want my own children and grandchildren to remember of me. May Mom continue to live through me. Thank you, Mom, for the memory!

Be a Hero

 The official definition of a hero is one who is “admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.”  Hebrews 12:1 speaks of a great “cloud of witnesses."  In Chapter 11, we’re encouraged by a sample list of past heroes such as Abraham, Moses, Gideon, Samson, David, and Rahab.  We forget, however, the list is still being written!  We have modern-day heroes such as Billy Graham, Tim Tebow, and endless unnamed people among us.  What about you and me?  Are our names being named among those who are faithful in little things – day by day promoting Christ and His kingdom: in our homes, in our workplaces, in our communities, in The Church, among Believers?  As Joshua challenged the pioneering Hebrews as they continued their march to the Land of Promise: “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve … as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15).  Then with boldness, “let us run with endurance.” (Hebrews 12:1b).  Be a hero!

Live Dependently

Whether we realized it or not, as children then teenages, our parents were teaching us the benefit of growing into independence. That is, being able to depend on and rely on them less and less.  It was never The Creator’s intention, however, that man live independently of Him!  Shortly before His death, Jesus prayed: “That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in  Thee” (John 17:21).  Do any of us dare imagine God would fail to hear and answer the prayer of His Son?  While we may hum the catchy tune “I Did It My Way,” most surely we naturally resist God having His Way in our lives.  When we refuse to say with brokenness, “Father, Thy will be done” (Matthew 6:10), we shake-off the oneness with The Father and Son.  There is no oneness in living independently from Jesus.  The best decision we will make today is to die to self and gladly live dependently on Christ!

Take Care

There are some things you can do with stale bread, but none of them sound too appetizing!  The Lord has things to say about hardened hearts, and we are wise to take heed: “Therefore, as The Holy Spirit says, ‘Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts' …” (Hebrews 3:7-8).  There’s an implied change that occurs in the spiritual heart, and a dire warning to the Believer: “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the Living God.” (3:12).  The upkeep of the spiritual heart is a continual matter, and we have a responsibility to one another regarding it: “But exhort one another every day, as long it is called today, that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.” (3:14).  See, I told you – stale is no good!  Take care in this matter!

Little Sprouts

Gardening is neither a strength nor a hobby of mine. I do, however, have a small garden of potted plants.  Just like tender shoots of a plant, according to God’s purpose, spiritual seeds take root.  A word spoken or a deed done for Christ is never wasted! “I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before Him.” (Ecclesiastes 3:14).  The real tragedy is when we fail to speak and fail to do, that is, plant spiritual seeds for God’s kingdom.  Scripture makes clear we plant and God grows the seed (1 Corinthians 3:6).  How delightful when God gives sprout to seeds He has used us to plant!  Are you speaking and doing for The Lord of the harvest?  Let us faithfully plant and pray as we watch for little sprouts!

The Message Matters

THE MESSAGE MATTERS. When I visited Israel, I shouldn't have been but was surprise at the hills - surrounding the Sea of Galilee, in the Judaen desert, the mountainous region of the Golan Heights. Today, there are many "mountains" or hills on which to take a stand, to make a point. The current culture and climate of America pushed me early this year to reconsider the hills on which I find myself camped. God tells us, "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1). Christ indeed has freed us from all that hinders and entraps us including the clutches of social media. However, God also said, "Preach The Word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. (2 Timothy 4:2). Hence the question: where is the balance for Believers today? One thing became clear: it is not the hill you choose but, rather, the purpose for being on the hill to begin with! This conclusion led me to re-think my re-thinking. There is much - so very much - I oppose, even greatly detest, about the principles-beliefs-practices of those who give us these "hills" yet I came to this resolution: The Gospel matters more than the hill from which It is proclaimed! As Joseph said to his wicked brothers [who sold him into slavery years earlier], "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good" (Genesis 50:20). Can God work His Good through the hands of the wicked? Oh, yes, He can! Furthermore, He does! Therefore, until my eyes grow dim and my arthritic fingers no longer can type, I will make The Message of Christ known because ... The Message matters!