Friendly Negotiations

Friendly Negotiations

Abraham approached him and said, “Will you destroy both innocent and guilty alike?” “Surely you wouldn’t do such a thing, destroying the innocent with the guilty. Why, you would be treating the innocent and the guilty exactly the same! Surely you wouldn’t do that! Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” (Genesis 18:23 and 25 NLT)

Abraham is one of the most courageous persons that I am acquainted with in the Bible. To engage in face to face negotiations with the Creator of the universe and come away with what we humans might consider the “winning edge” is in itself a remarkable feat. God was determined to destroy everyone in Sodom and Gomorrah because of their wickedness. Abraham started at fifty righteous even though he knew in his heart that there weren’t that many righteous in Sodom. The negotiations got down to ten. Apparently Abraham was confident that ten righteous could be found.

   Why was God willing to negotiate with Abraham? Why did he even decide to tell Abraham what his plans were for Sodom and Gomorrah? To put it simply—Abraham was the “friend of God.” They talked face to face on more than one occasion. I’m also sure that God had a deep and abiding compassion for Abraham’s nephew Lot who the Bible describes as a righteous man. (2 Peter l 2:7)

   Abraham recognized that the person he was speaking with was the LORD. In his negotiations Abraham exhibited deep respect and reverence. He took the position of a humble servant, but at the same time spoke boldly. He called upon the LORD to exercise compassion, mercy, justice, and righteousness. Only a personal friend with deep roots of faith could freely speak as Abraham did.

   Abraham’s entire conversation revealed his concern for his nephew Lot and his family. He knew there were severe consequences for sin, but didn’t want to see the righteous suffer with the unrighteous.

   How do we respond to the Lord when we see evil unfolding all around us? Do we plead for their salvation? Are we really burdened for the lost and dying?

Prayer: Dear Lord, give me a love for those who are lost in sin.

Abram's Name Changed

Abram’s Name Changed

“What’s more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram; now you will be known as Abraham, for you will be the father of many nations.”             (Genesis 17:5 NLT)

What’s in a name?

In Ancient and Biblical times names and places were given special meanings. The sons of Jacob’s wives Leah and Rachel were given names that reflected their feelings toward their husband and each other.

   Down through the ages children have been given names for various reasons. The pioneers gave their children names such as charity, faith, hope, joy, grace, etc. because that’s what they hoped they would become. Other parents named their children after former family members, or famous people. My father was named Benjamin Franklin because of his father’s admiration for the inventor and statesman. There were many famous individuals down through history whose names were given to newborns because of their significance, achievements, power, and artistic, poetic, or military background. My two oldest boys were given the Biblical names of Michael Anthony and John Mark with the hope that they would follow in their footsteps. I know of a family who had twelve children and all their names began with a “K”. Although I am sometimes baffled and bewildered by the names I see in print, I’m sure that the parents had some personal reason for the names they chose to give to their children. 

   God in heaven had a divine purpose in his choice to change Abram’s name to Abraham. He had definite plans in mind for Abraham. “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you will be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I will make you the father of a multitude of nations, I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you and kings will come forth from you.” (Genesis 17:4-6 NASB)

   What is the reason behind your name?

Prayer: Dear Lord, the only name that I want to known by is “faithful!”

Peaceful Separation

Peaceful Separation

“I’ll tell you what we’ll do. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want that area over there, then I’ll stay here. If you want to stay in this area, then I’ll move on to another place.” (Gen. 13:9 NLT)

Arguments among family members are inevitable! Why? There are so many different personalities and goals within a family unit that it is difficult at times for everyone to be on the same page. One party wants to go in one direction while the other has a different agenda.

   This is what happened between Abram and his nephew Lot. They both were very rich with large flocks and herds. The land was not large enough to support them both and strife between their herdsmen escalated until blows were about to be launched. Finally, it got so heated that Abram called Lot over to his tent and said, “Let’s talk this over.” (13:8)

   The method used to settle arguments was much different back then than what we see happening today. Every day it seems that the evening news begins with a report that someone was shot to death over an argument. No discussion! No room for disagreement or different opinions! No thought about the consequences! Just BANG! You’re dead. End of argument. What in the world is going on in our culture today? How did we ever get to this point? Somewhere along the line we lost our moral compass.

   Abram and Lot on the other hand settled their disagreement amiably by agreeing to go their separate ways. Abram took the high road by offering Lot the first choice of the land. He could just as easily exercised his patriarchal authority and sent Lot on his merry way. After all, didn’t the Lord say to Abram? “I am going to give this land to your offspring.” (Gen. 12:6) Abram’s offer was an act of grace on his part.

   How do you settle your differences? Do you insist on your rights? Or do you put self aside and act with love and grace? Let’s follow the example of our ancestor Abram.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to remember that your “grace is sufficient” for all my needs.

Offerings That Please God

Offerings That Please God

“Then Noah built an altar to the Lord, and there he sacrificed as burnt offerings the animals and birds that had been approved for that purpose.” (Gen. 8:20)

What kind of an offering does God want you and me to bring to him?

   During ancient times people brought all kinds of sacrifices to please their gods. The Canaanites placed their children on the altar of sacrifice a practice that our God in heaven utterly despised. That was one reason why God chose to have the Israelites wipe them out of the Land of Promise.

   During the time of Alexander the Great, Antiochus IV Epiphanes set up the image of Jupiter in the Temple at Jerusalem and sacrificed a pig on the altar thus desecrating the Holy Place. He made every effort to suppress the Jews and was the instigator in the War of the Maccabees.

   After the sin and fall of our first parents (Adam and Eve) in the Garden of Eden, God prescribed the offering of an innocent animal as an acceptable sacrifice and means of worship. Abel obeyed his parent’s instructions and brought a lamb from his flock which was accepted, but Cain ignored the instructions and brought produce from his farm which was rejected. Why was Cain’s offering rejected? Primarily because it was the product of the works of his hands and failed to bring glory to God. Man’s works brought about by self-effort is never acceptable to God.

   What kind of offering did God really want from Israel?

    “For I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and in the knowledge of god rather than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6)

    What kind of offering does God want from us today?

    “Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. “ (Heb. 13:15)

    Are you willing to do this as an act of worship?

Prayer: Dear Lord, what better way to worship than to give your praise and thanksgiving?

Military Genuises

Military Geniuses

“There he divided his men and attacked during the night from several directions.” (Genesis 14:15a NLT)

During the Old Testament days we had a number of military geniuses.

   One of my favorite military leaders who showed an extraordinary genius strategy was Abram who took 318 of his trained hired servants in pursuit of his nephew Lot who had been captured by King Kedorlaomer’s army. He divided his small army of 318 men into separate divisions and attacked the enemy at night. Can you imagine how this affected the minds of the enemy soldiers? Did you notice that they attacked them from “several different directions” all at the same time. This was a genius move by Abram. The enemy soldiers panicked thinking a large force was bearing down on them. What happened? Kedorlaomer’s army fled!

   Other Old Testament military leaders who showed exemplary strategic tactics were Barak in his defeat of the Assyrian army commander Sisera, Gideon who used a nighttime strategy to confuse and defeat the Midianites, David who defeated Israel’s enemy Goliath with a stone, and Elijah who defeated the prophets of Baal with fire. These men were successful because God provided them with the strategy and the necessary tools to win.

   During more modern times we have such great military strategists as Skanderberg who used guerilla tactics, Attila the Hun, Ganghis Kahn known for his brutality and sheer terror, Hannibal Barca, Alexander the Great known for his exceptional speed, Napoleon Bonaparte, George Washington, Robert E. Lee, Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson, Erwin Rommel the father of modern tank warfare and given the nickname of the “Desert Fox”, George S. Patton, and others. These military leaders are all known for their courage in battle.

   We need to show courage as we take a stand for the truth that is being waged by Satan and his enemy forces. Before you enter the battle be sure to make it a daily habit to put on the whole armor of God as described by Paul in Ephesians 6:10-17.

Prayer: Dear Lord, give me the courage and strength to preach and teach the whole counsel of God rightly dividing the word of truth. 

Eternal Life is Permanent

Eternal Life is Permanent

“I am the bread of life. He who comes to me shall never hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst.” (John 6:35)

Wow! Can you lay hold on that truth? “Never hunger!” “Never thirst!” What is Jesus saying? He’s saying, “It’s permanent!”

   Jesus is stressing the permanence of the saving transaction. This saving transaction was offered to the Samaritan woman at the well outside Sychar in the form of a “free drink of water.” Not physical water mind you, but spiritual water. The spiritual water that Jesus offered to the Samaritan woman was so long lasting that she’d  need only one drink.

   The woman thought Jesus was talking about physical water, but Jesus endeavored to change her thinking by saying, “People soon become thirsty again after drinking this water. But the water I give to them takes away thirst altogether. It becomes a perpetual spring within them, giving them eternal life.” (John 4:13-14 NLT) There it is again! “It’s permanent.”

   Not only do we see this concept in the story of the Samaritan woman, but we also see it in the interview that Jesus had with Nicodemus. In his nighttime conversation with Nicodemus, our Lord said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) What does Jesus mean? Birth too, is a one-time event with permanent consequences. In fact, we have no way at all of reversing our own physical birth. My spiritual birth, like my physical one is irreversible.

   John repeats the concept of believing in Jesus to receive everlasting life over and over in his gospel. “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to me I will by no means cast out” (John 6:37). How does John put it, “By no means cast out!” Are you surprised to hear Jesus say it again—it’s permanent?

   What a precious promise this is for the person who is in need of assurance! Jesus says if eternal life is permanent then it is fully guaranteed. Wow! What a Savior!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of eternal life to those who “believe.”

Simply by Believing

Simply by Believing

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in me has everlasting life.”      (John 6:47)

Is there another statement in the Bible spoken by the Lord Jesus Christ that is more clear on the subject of salvation and eternal life than John 6:47? The only verse that even comes close are the words of the Apostle Paul to the Philippian jailer in Acts 16:31; “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.”

   These two verses are so simple that even relatively young children are able to understand them. Certainly the average person on the street can understand them. I can find no other verses that are more direct or sublime.

   In fact, it is statements like these that reveal how anxious God is to make His plan of salvation clear, plain, and simple. Although there are subjects in the Bible that are very difficult to understand (according to the Apostle Peter (2 Peter 3:16), the way of salvation is not one of them.

   Multitudes of people all over the world, both young and old, from all walks of life have received the gift of salvation through these verses and others like them.

   Why then do preachers, teachers, and theologians distort them? Why can’t they accept the simple truth that faith alone plus nothing equals life eternal? Why are they so adamant in attaching conditions to the word “believe?”

   Those who would distort the simple truth of the word of God say that what Jesus really was saying was: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who repents, believes, and submits totally to My will, has everlasting life.”

   Some of these distorters of the truth must have belonged to the Galatian church. Paul said, “I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel, which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.” (Gal.1:6-7)

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be faithful to your word of truth and not distort it.

Absolutely Free

Absolutely Free

“So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” (Luke 15:20)

How many of you would love to receive a gift that cost you nothing? No requirements, no reciprocation required! Nothing you could give or do would suffice! It is absolutely free.

   This truth is found in the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-20. As the story unfolds we hear the younger son saying, “ Father, give to me the share of the estate that falls to me. So he divided his wealth between them.” (v. 11) With money in hand the younger son left home for a distant country where he lived it up and wasted his inheritance. Penniless and starving he hired himself out to a pig farmer. The only thing he had to eat were the “pods” that he was feeding to the pigs. (When I worked on the farm, we called that chore “slopping the hogs.” It was the lowest and most miserable job of the day.

   The son thought to himself, this life is a bummer. Even my father’s paid servants are better off than I am! So why don’t I go back, admit I was wrong, and ask my dad to let me work for him?

   Are there people today in that kind of situation? Like the Prodigal Son they are willing to admit their sin, but are doubtful as to how they will be received. Will they make the same mistake as the son, and think they must work in order to gain acceptance? Will they try to strike a bargain with God? The son decided to return and say, “I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me as one of your hired men.” (Luke 15:19)

   Fortunately for the son, he never got to utter those words because his father was looking and waiting for him. When he saw him coming he compassionately ran and threw his arms around him and kissed him before the son could even utter a single word. The son’s acceptance by the father was offered “absolutely free.”

Prayer: Dear Lord, your grace is sufficient and free to all who will believe.

A Broken Heart Decision

A Broken Heart Decision

“Now the Lord observed the extent of the people’s wickedness, and he saw that all their thoughts were consistently and totally evil. So the Lord was sorry he had ever made them. It broke his heart.” (Genesis 6:6 NLT)

How could human beings become so degenerated in such a short period of time? The flood took place around 1656 B.C. and at that time God said the people were totally evil. No wonder God finally had to say—enough is enough. Can you visualize a broken hearted God? I believe tears must have cascaded down his face as he contemplated what to do about the situation. How difficult it must have been for Him to say:

     “I will completely wipe out this human race that I have created, Yes, and I will destroy all the animals and birds too. I am sorry that I ever made them.” (Gen. 6:7)

   Have you ever had to experience the kind of pain that God must have felt from a broken heart? Perhaps a close friend that you prayed for and witnessed to for many years who suddenly dies—it breaks your heart.

   God looked down upon a darkened world and saw only a small flicker of light. “But Noah found favor with the Lord.” (Gen. 6:8)

   One man among thousands or even millions was found to be righteous. Wow! Only one among so many. God doesn’t even declare that his wife, or sons and wives to be righteous. Only Noah—one man!

   As you read this account, you think-- how is the society today any different? Aren’t people becoming totally evil today? Hasn’t violence taken over our society? What is life worth today? Apparently not much more than a “bullet.” What will it take to end the violence and bring peace?

     There will be no end to violence and peace will not come until our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the prince of peace, comes to establish his kingdom.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we are looking forward to Your return. Come quickly Lord Jesus.

Giving our Best

Giving Our Best

The Lord accepted Abel and his offering, but he did not accept Cain and his offering. This made Cain very angry and dejected. (Genesis 4:4-5)

As I was reading in Genesis the above verses caught my attention. The first question that entered my mind was: Why did God accept Abel’s offering and reject the offering of Cain? Didn’t they both bring the best they could to God?

   Several factors are involved in the two offerings and the motives behind them.                         First of all, Abel brought a pre-approved offering. It is obvious from the context in Genesis chapters three and four that God had instructed the Adam’s family what kind of offerings he would accept. Abel was obedient and brought a sacrificial lamb, but Cain was disobedient and brought an offering that was the product of human effort—an offering of works. God was not about to accept an offering that reflected upon man’s achievements and elevated man to a place of prominence instead of the Creator.  Cain may have thought that he was giving God his best when, in fact, he was offering his worst. 

Secondly, there is the matter of attitude in the offerings presented. Abel came humbly before God with an offering that revealed a subservient attitude. Cain, on the other hand, brought an offering revealing an attitude of arrogance and pride. The Scripture is very clear when it says that “pride goes before a fall”. Cain fell right off his arrogant perch and landed in humiliation and shame.

   God said to Cain, “Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected? You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” (Gen. 4:6-7 NLT)

   What kind of offering are you bringing to the Lord? Are you giving him your best? Is your motive pure? Is it an offering that you know in your heart God will approve and accept? Or are you bringing an offering reflecting pride and your achievements? The Scripture is clear when it says, “God will not share His glory.”

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me always bring to you a sacrifice well pleasing to you.

A Firstborn Curse

A Firstborn’s Curse

“You are hereby banished from the ground you have defiled with your brother’s blood. No longer will it yield abundant crops for you, no matter how hard you work! From now on you will be a homeless fugitive on the earth, constantly wandering from place to place.” (Genesis 4:11-12 NLT)

Have you ever noticed how much tragedy seems to fall on firstborn children? The Bible is full of incidents of firstborn sons falling into sin and turning away from their fathers’ instruction.

   The general consensus from those who study “birth order” is that firstborn children are intelligent, scholarly, assertive, willful, controlling, perfectionists, and leaders. Such was the case with Harry S. Truman, George W. Bush, and Winston Churchill who became presidents and a prime minister during a time of war. Other famous firstborn leaders were Oprah Winfrey, Walter Cronkite, and Albert Einstein just to name a few.

   What took place in the home to bring about their success? In the case of our firstborn son, my wife spent a lot of time reading books to him at a very early age. As a result, he became a book lover and had an insatiable desire for learning. He was a very good student in school and excelled in the math and music department . He held the number one chair for trumpet in the high school band. After college he got a job as a music and book buyer for a major religious distributing company. Today, he and his brother operate their own Christian contemporary music website called the “Rad Rockers.”

   Not every firstborn son, however, walks in a path that delights and pleases his parents. Some act in a manner that brings shame and disrepute, and in some cases a curse upon the family name.

   One in particular was Cain, the firstborn son of Adam and Eve. Cain was a willful person and brought a sacrifice that displeased God. When God confronted him he got miffed and ended up murdering his younger brother Abel. As a result, God placed a curse (mark) upon him and his land. It doesn’t pay to disobey God!

Prayer: Dear Lord, the children you give us are a heritage and a blessing. 

Bad Decision

Bad Decision

The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.” (Genesis 3:6 NLT)

Have you ever made a bad decision? Of course you have! At one time or another we have all made decisions that did not fall within the framework of God’s will and suffered the consequences. It may have involved purchasing a car (the old ones falling apart, so we think), a household item, a piece of property, a job, or a relational situation.

   I must confess that I have made a number of bad decisions throughout my life that either put a financial strain on my family or put in jeopardy certain relationships. Fortunately, God, in his graciousness, helped me overcome my bad decisions.

   None of my bad decisions were as devastating and far reaching as the one made by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Their bad decision caused mankind’s separation from God, and brought about the sting of death. God put a curse upon the ground which resulted in man having to work with the sweat rolling down his face. Ever since that day, we have had to battle tenacious weeds, thorns, and thistles just to eke out a living.

   When I hired out to work on a farm as a teenager I never dreamed that I would have to hoe weeds out of a corn patch, or muck out a barnyard, or cut thistles out of the cow pasture. How I hated those jobs!

   In the midst of the bad decision God provided some good news. He made a promise in Genesis 3:15 that at a future appointed time a son would be born to the woman who would redeem mankind.

   We learn from the experience of our “first parents” that it is best to seek the will of God before making a decision. Faith choices will prevent “bad decisions.”

Prayer: Dear Lord, making good decisions is a matter of “faith choices.”

The Awesome Beginning

The Awesome Beginning

Scripture Reading: Genesis 1-3

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was empty, a formless mass cloaked in darkness. And the Spirit of God was hovering over its surface. Then God said, “LET THERE BE LIGHT,” and there was light.         (Gen. 1:1-3 NLT)

Just like that! Four simple words and BOOM! Light appears. Is there any doubt that it takes an awesome, powerful, intelligent being to cause such an event to happen?

   Worship begins with a personal God who has creative powers and who has fashioned myriads of universes of which the planet earth in an infinitesimal part. All other gods are products of man’s hands or figments of his imagination. None of them are living or personal. They can’t see, hear, or do. They possess no creative powers.

   Why did God bother to create humankind? A number of reasons can be cited. He wanted someone with whom he could communicate and have fellowship. He wanted a human body through which he could manifest his glory. He wanted to be intimately involved with his creation.

   Consider the God who claims us as his own. He personally walked and talked with Adam and Eve in the garden. He granted a child to an elderly Abraham and Sarah, despite their unbelief. He wrestled with Jacob transforming his character. To took Joseph out of prison and promoted him to prime minister of Egypt.

   This is the kind of God we serve and who calls us to worship him. As you read through the book of Genesis, you will see a God who is your creator, provider, promise-keeper, and sustainer.

   Isn’t He worth listening to?

Prayer: Dear Lord, You alone are worthy of our worship. Help each one of us today to exalt your name in all that we do. 

What's in a Name

What’s in a Name?

Scripture Reading: Genesis 35:1-14

“Your name is no longer Jacob, you will be called Israel.” Then God said, “I am God Almighty. Multiply and fill the earth! Become a great nation, even many nations. Kings will be among your descendants!” (Gen. 35:10-11 NLT)

The biblical name El-Shaddai reveals the nature and character of God. The root word El stands for God and means might, strength, and power. An article taken from the website “Hebrews for Christians” defines El-Shaddai as follows: “Jacob’s blessing given in Gen. 49:25 indicates that Shaddai might be related to the word for breasts (shadaim) indicating sufficiency and nourishment. In this case, the name might derive from the contraction of sha (who) and dai (enough) to indicate God’s complete sufficiency to nurture the fledging nation into fruitfulness.”

     El-Shaddai is associated with the Hebrew patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) and is used frequently in the book of Job, who was a contemporary with Abraham.

     El-Shaddai as the Almighty God changed the names of both Abram to Abraham (Gen. 17:5) and Jacob to Israel (Gen. 35:10-12) reaffirming his promise to make of them mighty nations with kings as their descendants.

     El-Shaddai is associated with a mountain in Ps. 121:1 where the Psalmist asks, “I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there?” He answers his own question by saying, “My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth!”

     I love the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. To me, they speak of God’s strength, majesty, eternity, and grandeur. Walking among the trees and along the slopes provides refreshment, solitude, and peace. From the deck of my house at the seven thousand foot elevation on Fruitland Mesa in Western Colorado, with the use of binoculars, I would watch the movement of the elk and mule deer on the foothills across the way. In the evening twilight deer came down in our yard to graze. I sure do miss the mountains. Now, I have to be content with the Mo. Ozarks.

     Jesus urged his followers to “flee to the hills” (Lk. 21:21) when disturbed and unsettled over difficult circumstances. In the New Testament, we often see Jesus sitting on a mountainside teaching the people, or alone on a mountain top praying to El-Shaddai.

     Who do you turn to when storms of life and troubled waters appear to engulf you? If you turn to the mountains, El-Shaddai is there. No matter where you find yourself, rest assured that the Almighty God is present to give you refuge. Isn’t he someone you can trust?

Prayer: Dear Lord, I want to honor you name, and enter into the presence of El-Shaddai. 

Whatever it Takes

Whatever it takes

Scripture Reading: Luke 22:39-46

Then, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. There he told them, “Pray that you will not be overcome by temptation.” He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will, not mine.” (Lk. 22:39-42 NLT)

Many years ago I heard a sermon entitled, “Whatever it takes.” I no longer remember any of the details of the message, but I do vividly recall the title. In fact, I have adopted the sermon title as my life’s motto for serving the Lord.

     In my mind, I can imagine the Heavenly Father and Jesus discussing the Son’s coming to earth and putting on human flesh. The Father explained the purpose of his Son’s pilgrimage to earth. His created human beings were separated from him because of their sin of disobedience and needed redemption. The Holy demands of his wrath against sin had to be satisfied. Justice had to prevail. Atonement was necessary. An innocent lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus was that lamb. Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane can be summed up by saying, “Whatever it takes.”

     As we study the events surrounding Jesus’ life here on earth, we see his departing prayer being fulfilled. We see the plan of God unfolding in the preaching of John the Baptist. We see it when Jesus dealt with the woman at the well, and the feeding of the five thousand. We see it in his raising Lazarus from the dead. We see it in the upper room discourse and on the Mount of Olives when Jesus was crucified. We see it finalized when he cried out to his Father, “It is finished.” (John 19:30 NLT)

     When it boils down to our service for the Lord, we need to be willing to say to our Heavenly Father, I am willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill your will for my life. God promises to supply whatever is needed to get the job done. God was certainly with us when we went to Yaounde, Cameroon for a month at a time during the years 2009-2011 to serve as pre-school teachers for Bible translator’s children. The Lord kept us safe and healthy even when storms came through and electricity failed or the city shut off the water supply. Any inconvenience can be tolerated as long as you know that God is present and overshadowing you. God used this time to deepen our trust in him, and to mold our lives in closer conformity to his Son, Jesus Christ.

     Where do you stand on the issue of whatever it takes? Are you willing to say with Isaiah, “Lord, here am I, send me?”

Prayer: Dear Lord, as we count the cost, help us to be willing to do whatever it takes.

Total Darkness

Total Darkness

Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:1-30

The earth was empty, a formless mass cloaked in darkness. And the Spirit of God was hovering over its surface. Then God Said, “Let there be light, and there was light.” (Gen. 1:1-4 NLT

 Have you ever experienced total darkness? Of all the people that Jesus healed while here on earth, I would think that giving sight to the blind would rank high on his list of achievements. Can you imagine what it would be like to lose you sight after being able to see?

     One time my wife and I took a tour through Marvel Cave at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. The guide took us five hundred feet down into the earth and at one point in our walk he turned out all the lights. Total darkness! Not one shred of light, not even a glowworm. We could not even see our hands in front of our faces. We felt closed in and helpless. A scary feeling crept into my stomach, and I was so relieved when the lights were turned on again.

     That’s what millions of lost souls will encounter when they face an eternity in hell without Christ. Peter in his second epistle reveals the destiny of false teachers when he states, “They are doomed to blackest darkness” (2 Pet. 2:17 NLT). Jude reminds us that the evil angels who “did not stay within the limits of their authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged are chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the day of judgment” (Jude 6 NLT).

     The Bible states that complete darkness covered the earth from noon to three o’clock as Jesus hung dying on the cross. Satan rejoiced thinking he had won a great victory only to find instead his destiny sealed and Jesus alive on the third day—just as he said.

     During a visit to the war museum in London, England my wife and I entered a room where all the lights were turned off. We sat in total darkness and experienced the falling of bombs and scream of sirens simulating the blitzkrieg of London in World War 2. What a horrifying experience that must have been for the people of England! We could see fires burning and buildings destroyed. It seemed so real that we could almost feel the anxiety and fear of the people.

     Jesus came to bring light and life to a dark and decadent world. He said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life. (Jn 8:12 NLT).

     My dear friend, if you have received Jesus as personal Savior, you can rejoice in the gift of eternal life. If not, then darkness awaits you. Jesus said, “All who come to me, I will in no wise cast aside” (Jn 6:37 NLT). Won’t you consider inviting Jesus into your heart and life today?

Prayer: Dear Lord, may I allow the light of Christ living in me shine so all the world can see.

The Forgotten Shut-Ins

The Forgotten Shut-Ins

Scripture Reading: Genesis 7:11-24

“Two by two they came into the boat, male and female, just as God has commanded. Then the Lord shut them in.” (Gen. 7:15-16 NLT)

I feel sorry for all the thousands of people who are shut-ins at nursing homes or sanitariums. Many are physically incapable of hearing, seeing, or walking, and some are even confined to a bed or wheelchair. They are often ignored, abandoned, forgotten, and isolated. How awful it must be not to get outside to feel the warmth of the sun, hear the chirping of birds, and seeing the playful antics of squirrels and rabbits.

     In the early 1940s my family was quarantined on two different occasions. Once when our neighbor exposed us to scarlet fever and the other time when my sister Delores and I caught a case of the old fashioned German measles. The local health department came out and nailed a quarantine sign reading contagious disease KEEP OUT, onto our door. I don’t remember how long we were shut-in, but I do remember the feeling of isolation. In those days we didn’t have television, Nintendo, play station videos, or music CD’s. All we had was a small radio, player piano, and a few phonograph records. Believe me, being confined is not a pleasant experience.

     I wonder how Noah felt after God shut the door of the ark. Noah was six hundred years old when the flood waters covered the earth and he was confined to the ark for one year before dry land appeared and the door was opened. Besides feeding and taking care of all the animals what did they do for entertainment? How did they function as a family? Did tempers flare or tensions arise during their closed environment? It would seem inconceivable that a whole year would pass without some sort of complaint or disagreement.

     Jonah knew what it was like to be a shut-in. He spent three days and three nights in the stomach of a great fish before being spit out onto the beach. I can’t even imagine what he went through while in that fish. The acidity, stench, and garbage that flowed around in that fish must have been unbearable. No wonder he prayed to the Lord for forgiveness and release. How would you like it if you were confined in a great fish with seaweed wrapped around your head? When he was spit out on the beach it was like rising from the dead. What a picture of the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ!

     Let me encourage you to pray for all the forgotten shut-ins. Many of them are without hope and waiting for the day that they will die. What a blessing it is when people spend time visiting and talking with them! In some areas pets are taken to these facilities for the shut-ins to cuddle, pet, and embrace. Their faces light up with joy, and they experience a moment of happiness.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I ask you to bring some joy into the lives of the forgotten shut-ins. 

The Finish Line

The Finish Line

Scripture Reading: Acts 20:1-24

“But my life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned to me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the good news about God’s wonderful kindness and love.  (Acts 20:24 NLT)

It takes determination, dedication, and commitment to run a marathon.  My daughter took up the sport of running, and trained for months in preparation for a marathon race in Olathe, Kansas. It was a cool November morning as we waited at the starting line for the beginning of the race. We met her at the twenty mile mark and urged her to continue. I told her, “We’ll be waiting for you at the finish line.” My wife and I waited anxiously for the first sight of her coming down the home stretch. We shouted with joy as she crossed the line and received a medal for her effort. Afterward we asked her how it went, “She said, the first half of the race went well, but the last half was a grueling battle between mind and body. The last six miles, when the legs begin to cramp and the body threatens to shut down, were the worst.”  What an achievement!

     A runner has one goal in mind—the finish line. In a hundred yard dash, one quick glance back at an opponent can mean the difference between first and fourth place. This is why coaches emphasize over and over—keep your eye on the tape at the finish line. Only one person can win the gold medal—the victor.

     The Apostle Paul made it his life’s goal to tell everyone the good news that Jesus came to save them from their sins. He feared that if he looked back or turned aside he’d become a castaway. Nothing could deter him from his assigned mission. No amount of beatings, prison cells, shipwrecks, or trials could cause him to lose his focus. The finish line was always in view.

     Why is it that in the race of life we are so easily distracted and lose our focus on the person who has called us to spread the good news? If we have divided loyalties between serving Jesus and self-interests, those self-interests will surely cause us to lose the race.

     We see this in the life of the wealthiest, wisest, and most powerful king who ever lived—Solomon. Twice God visited him and blessed him more than any other man in Israel’s history. In his later life, Solomon allowed his foreign wives to turn his affections away from the true God to other false gods. He lost his focus and failed to keep his eyes fastened on God’s finish line.

     The key to success in winning the race of life is—commitment. What is your level of commitment? Are you prepared for a marathon? Begin your training today by exercising in the word of God. The Bible is our training manual, and it’s precepts worth mastering.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to endure and keep my eyes focused on the finish line. 

Role of Leadership

Role of Leadership

Scripture Reading: Matthew 20:20-28

“What is your request?” he asked. She replied, “In your kingdom, will you let my two sons sit in places of honor next to you, one at your right and the other at your left?” (Mt. 20:21 NLT)

There are two possible motives why a person would want to be in a leadership role. Either a person wants to serve others, or they want to serve themselves. Unfortunately, there are some who are in leadership positions solely to fulfill personal ambitions regardless of the needs of others. This is especially true in the marketplace. Perhaps you have witnessed those who seek to climb the ladder of success and notoriety by stepping over those below them. I’ve heard it said that in the business world it is a dog eat dog affair.

     The mother of Zebedee’s sons had the same self-serving motivation when she asked Jesus to put her two sons in positions of authority in his coming kingdom. It is obvious from the context in Matthew 20 that her two sons were privy to this request. When Jesus asked them if they were able to bear the same suffering that he was about to endure they responded, “We are able” (v.22). “You will indeed drink from it,” he told them (v. 23).

     How do you see yourself as a leader in God’s kingdom? God has chosen you and me to be leaders in our homes, workplaces, communities, and churches. These leadership roles require people to be in positions of authority over the lives of others. How they exercise this authority is the real test of their character. Will they seek control in order to lord it over the brethren, or for the purpose of serving them?

     Jesus stated his purpose in coming down to earth in Mark 10:45. It would be well for each of us to commit this purpose to memory and practice it in our lives. Jesus said, “For even I, the Son of Man, came here not be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many.” (NLT)

     The Apostle Paul’s advice is well worth following: “Don’t be selfish, don’t live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. Don’t think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing.” (Ph 2:3-4)

     What kind of leader will you choose to be? Are you committed to serving the welfare of others? Or will you use your God given authority for a self-serving agenda? If we desire to lead, we must be willing to follow the example and leadership that Jesus exemplified while here among us.

Prayer: Dear Lord, you modeled the kind of leadership that you want us to follow. Help me be a leader that shows compassion, humility, and grace. 

Prisoner in Chains

Prisoner in Chains

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:1-16

“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Eph. 4:1-3 NLT)

Paul was chained to two rotating guards in a Roman prison. He knew what it meant to be free and he understood confinement. Unbelievers are confined by the devil’s chains of sin, but when they embrace by faith the person and work of Jesus Christ they are forever set free.

     Paul considered himself a prisoner of Jesus Christ long before he became a prisoner of Rome. He pointed to his chains to draw our attention to the need for absolute surrender. Paul urges us in Ephesians 4:1-3 to follow five principles of holy living.

Humility – as Christians we are to put aside pride and haughtiness, and walk with modesty and meekness. In order to do this we will need to have the mind of Christ as set forth by Paul in Philippians 2:5-8.

Gentleness – a gentle person is mild-mannered and amiable. He is never harsh, stern, or violent. He recognizes authority, but never uses it wrongly. David treated King Saul with respect and kindness because he was the Lord’s anointed.

Patience – is the hardest path to follow. We live in an instant-mindset society where it is an inconvenience to wait more than five minutes for a meal or five seconds for a traffic light to change. If you’ve ever stood in line at an airport ticket counter, or followed a truck up a long hill, you know what I mean.

Love – is proof of a worthy walk. It is the mechanism that causes the wheels of progress to turn, and the glue that holds everything in place. There is no unity without the love of Christ flowing smoothly in the hearts of people.

Unity – the early church was vibrant and growing because everyone was in harmony. Unity is needed for spiritual growth, and a church without unity becomes stagnant and dissentious. Jesus said, “I in them and You in Me, that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me” (John 17:23 NKJ).

     These are the principles that guide my life. I can’t say that I have always been successful in following them, but I do know that with the Spirit’s help they are achievable.

Prayer: Dear Lord, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I want to follow these principles.

Pathway to Worship

Pathway to Worship

Scripture Reading: Revelation 7:9-17

“You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created everything, and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created.” (Rev. 4:11 NLT)

What does it mean to worship? How do I know when I am offering true worship? Does God really need my worship? Is there a right and wrong way to worship? These and other questions flood my mind as I contemplate the pathway to worship.

     Worship in its simplest form is assigning value to someone or something. When a person considers something valuable he or she will devote time, energy, material resources, and affection to that person or object. I’m that way with fishing and hunting. Some of my most meaningful times of worship have come while sitting in a boat on a quiet lake, or sitting in a tree stand waiting for the break of day.

     Everyone in the world is a worshiper of a person or thing. There is an inborn desire to reach out to worship something beyond ourselves. We all have relationships or objects that we consider valuable, and usually one person or object holds supreme worth. It is not a question of or if a person will worship; rather it’s who or what we will worship.

     The Bible declares that God is the one who deserves our worship. “You are worthy, O Lord our God to receive glory and honor and power. For you created everything and it is for your pleasure that they exist and were created (Rev. 4:11 NLT).

     It might surprise you to find out that God does not need your worship. He is complete, independent, and self-sufficient. He is perfect and lacking nothing. The heavens themselves shout the glory of God (Ps. 19:1) and angels shout holy, holy, holy twenty-four hours a day as they surround his throne (Rev. 4:8). Failing to worship God leads to a sense of un-fulfillment and emptiness. St. Augustine said, “You have made us for yourself, O God, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you.”

     Why do we worship our Creator God? What does worship provide? Worship brings to the forefront the presence of God. Regardless of your posture, worship recognizes the nearness of God. It should be a time of celebration, joy, gratitude, and reverence.

     The next time you enter into worship do so with anticipation, excitement, praise, and gratitude for all that your “God has done for you. Thank him for sending his son, Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for your sins. It is the pathway to true worship.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I want to express the joy of my salvation in worshipful praise all day long. 

Out of His Mind

Out of His Mind

Scripture Reading: Mark 3:7-21

When Jesus returned to the house where he was staying, the crowds began to gather again, and soon he and his disciples couldn’t even find time to eat. When his family heard what was happening, they tried to take him home with them. “He’s out of his mind,” they said.           (Mark 3:20-21 NLT)

What caused the family of Jesus and his fellow neighbors from Nazareth and Capernaum to react to Jesus’ teaching the way they did? Why did they doubt his Messianic claims? Was it simply a case of misunderstanding, fear of repercussions, community pressures, inability to grasp the idea of divinity, jealous, or were their eyes blinded by the evil one?

     They watched him grow up and couldn’t help but notice that he was different from the other Jewish boys. Everyone knew of his miraculous conception and birth. They no doubt heard of Joseph and Mary’s flight to Egypt to avoid Herod’s madness. They saw him at work in his father’s carpenter shop. He may even have made an item of furniture for their homes.

     Was it too much for them to believe that he was the Messiah when they saw him baptized by John the Baptist, and the dove descending from heaven, and the voice of God saying, “This is my beloved son, and I am fully pleased with him?” (Mt. 3:17) They falsely concluded that Jesus must be out of his mind (Mt. 3:21).

     It wasn’t that Jesus was out of His mind, but rather that he was out of their minds. How could they possibly understand Jesus’ mission when they only understood things from a human level? The unregenerate human mind is not capable of knowing the things of a divine nature. The Apostle Paul makes this very clear in 1 Corinthians 2:14, “But people who aren’t Christians can’t understand these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them because only those who have the Spirit can understand what the Spirit means.” (NLT)

     Don’t be surprised when God’s unfolding plan in your life causes people to think you are crazy. It happened to my wife and me when we decided to take our first mission trip overseas. Our grandson (bless his little heart) said to his mom, “Aren’t grandpa and grandma getting too old to be doing this?” (Matt. Was eleven and we were in our seventies) A few of our friends at church doubted our sanity too. When God opens a door of opportunity, and his call comes to go forward, we need to be ready and willing to respond.

     Has anyone ever thought you were out of your mind for stepping out by faith to join God in a mission adventure? There will always be doubters even among fellow believers.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to be willing to follow you regardless of what people think.

Our Security Blanket

Our Security Blanket

Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 22:1-7

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.” (2 Sam. 22:1 NLT)

How many of you remember Linus van Pelt who appeared in the comic strip Peanuts? He was always pictured with his security blanket and sucking his thumb. In the earlier strips Linus’s security blanket was viewed as an emotional attachment and depriving him of it caused physical distress. Lucy and Snoopy tried different tricks to rid Linus of his security blanket, but all of them failed.

     When my children were small they had their share of security blankets. It may have been a stuffed animal that they couldn’t go to bed without, or a favorite toy. My handicapped grandson, Jonathan, won’t go anywhere without a toy truck or a book in his hand. We laugh when we see these youngsters carrying their security symbols and say isn’t that cute? But, as adults, we too cling to our security blankets, and that’s not funny or cute.

     The security blankets that we tend to hang on to are relationships, job titles, status symbols, fancy houses, country club memberships, expensive cars, charms and even tattoos. Whatever our security blankets may be, the truth is that none of these things offer permanent security. They can be broken, stolen, lost, or ruined, and subject to failure.

     The only place we can find permanent security is and through the Lord Jesus Christ. As our Savior, Jesus said, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Mt. 28:19b)  He has also promised “I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.” (Heb. 13:5)  I love the way the Apostle Paul put it in Romans 8:38-39, “I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels can’t, and the demons can’t. Our fears for today, our worries for tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the Love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NLT)

     How about you? Have you claimed Jesus Christ as your security blanket? Do you turn to him in time of distress and need? Do you continue to trust him even in the midst of dire circumstances? He is right there beside you. Take courage and put your complete faith in him.

     David said, “As for God, his way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises are true. He is the shield for all who look to him for protection.” (2 Samuel 22:31 NLT)

     Build your future on the rock. Depend on him. He will not disappoint you.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for always being by my side when I need you. 

Nobody's Perfect

Nobody’s Perfect

Scripture Reading: Psalm 103:1-22

“The LORD is merciful and gracious; he is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love. He has not punished us as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.” (Psalm 103:9-10 NLT)

During my tenure as teacher of fifth and sixth grade boys and girls I found that some would get very distraught when they saw a red mark on their papers. I remember telling them “nobody’s perfect” that’s why they put erasers on pencils. I remember one day a student raised his hand and said, “Mr. D (that’s how they addressed me) why do you keep saying “nobody’s perfect?” His question gave me the opportunity to explain the problem of sin and its consequences. I further explained that only Jesus, who possessed a human nature apart from a sin nature is perfect.

     I think of all the great Old Testament patriarchs and can’t find one who was perfect. Abraham was called the friend of God, but he committed the sin of lying on two different occasions. Moses was God’s chosen deliverer, but he failed to enter the promise land because of a temper tantrum. By striking the rock instead of speaking to it as God directed, he impugned the character of God and forfeited his chance of entering the land that God promised. David, a man after God’s own heart committed murder. Samuel, a great prophet, failed to raise his sons in a godly manner. Elijah ran from Jezebel out of fear and doubt. Isaiah admitted that he was a man of unclean lips. Jacob was a schemer and deceiver. We could give example after example of godly individuals who were righteous, but not perfect.

     The New Testament is not without imperfect people. Matthew, one of Jesus’ early disciples was a tax collector and cheated his people. Peter, a spokesman for the twelve disciples, denied he knew the Lord and cursed his name. Judas, the one who kept the bag of money was a thief and betrayer of the Lord. Paul received a thorn in the flesh to prevent him from committing the sin of pride. Thomas was a doubter. The chief priests, scribes, Sadducees and Pharisees hated Jesus and plotted to kill him because he said he was God.

     All those who had received Jesus Christ as Savior are not perfect, but have been declared righteous. The Apostle Paul states it best in Romans 1:17; “The righteous shall live by faith.” Even though we are not perfect we do have a heavenly Father who is perfect. He understands our weakness; he knows we are dust. (Psalm 103:14)

     Are you striving for perfection? Even though we won’t reach a perfect state until we enter heaven’s gates, we can make every effort to live godly lives and practice righteousness.

Prayer: Dear Lord, you know I am not perfect, but you are willing to forgive my sins when I confess them to you. Help me to live a godly life before others in this imperfect world.