Jesus

A father was being questioned by his little girl, Shelby. She wanted to know what the United States looked like.  Finally, he tore a sheet out of his new magazine on which was printed the map of the country. Cutting out all the states, he gave it to Shelby, and said, "Go into the other room and see if you can put this together.

This will show you our whole country today."

After a few minutes, Shelby returned and handed him the map correctly fitted together. The father was surprised and asked how she had finished so quickly.

"Oh," she said, "on the other side of the paper is a picture of Jesus. When I put all of Jesus back where He belonged, then our country just came together."

older

An elderly man went to the doctor for a visit. "Doc," he says," I am so stricken. I have chest pains, headaches, back pains, nausea, arthritis, constipation, stomach cramps, earaches, burning in the eyes, congested lungs..."

     "Sir," says the doctor, "you complain you have so many things. What don't you have?"

     The man answers, "Teeth."

Old age should be looked upon with honor and respect.  The Bible teaches us to respect and look up to those who are older.  God commanded the Israelites in Leviticus 19:32, "You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man."  In I Peter 5:5, Peter says to Christians, "Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders."  Now he's not talking about the office of elder here.  He's talking about members who are older.  Old age is something that should be respected and in most cultures of the world it is, but unfortunately not always here in America.

Here, youth is glorified, so age is something that you cover up and deny, not something seen as good or enjoyable.  One of the new concepts that our industrial world has brought us is "planned obsolescence" -- it's the idea that what isn't new isn't desirable.  And, so it follows, according to this reasoning, that when people wear out, they should be pushed aside and ignored.

The talents and skills of the elderly, acquired over a lifetime, are often ignored.  Older people often feel they've spent their whole life working to become good at something, only to find that nobody wants their skill.  And so they struggle with feelings of uselessness, loneliness and depression.

I think we need to do a better job (both in the church and in our personal lives) of making use of this vast resource of wisdom and experience.  I encourage you to sit down with the oldest person you know and simply ask the question, "What are some of the greatest lessons you've learned in life?"  Be prepared to take notes!

-alan smith

weakness

A 10-year-old boy decided to study judo despite the fact that he had lost his left arm in a devastating car accident. The boy began lessons with an old Japanese judo master. The boy was doing well, so he couldn't understand why, after three months of training, the master had taught him only one move.   "Sensei," the boy finally said, "Shouldn't I be learning more moves?"

 

"This is the only move you know, but this is the only move you'll ever need to know," the sensei replied.  Not quite understanding, but believing in his teacher, the boy kept training.

 

Several months later, the sensei took the boy to his first tournament. Surprising himself, the boy easily won his first two matches. The third match proved to be more difficult, but after some time, his opponent became impatient and charged; the boy deftly used his one move to win the match. Still amazed by his success, the boy was now in the finals.

 

This time, his opponent was bigger, stronger, and more experienced. For a while, the boy appeared to be overmatched. Concerned that the boy might get hurt, the referee called a time-out. He was about to stop the match when the sensei intervened. "No," the sensei insisted, "Let him continue."

 

Soon after the match resumed, his opponent made a critical mistake: He dropped his guard.  Instantly, the boy used his move to pin him. The boy had won the match and the tournament. He was the champion.

 

On the way home, the boy and the sensei reviewed every move in each and every match. Then the boy summoned the courage to ask what was really on his mind.  "Sensei, how did I win the tournament with only one move?"

 

"You won for two reasons," the sensei answered. "First, you've almost mastered one of the most difficult throws in all of judo. And second, the only known defense for that move is for your opponent to grab your left arm.

 

The boy's biggest weakness had become his biggest strength.

 

2 Corinthians 12:9-10  "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

i'm

I’m going to change. More than that, God is going to help me change. He is helping me grow and be a better person. My past ended a minute ago and I’m looking ahead to new beginnings and a new hope in all God is.

I’m going to be kinder and less critical. I’m going to be less vocal and listen more. I’m going to talk Jesus to every single person I meet.

I’m going to be more joyful and not operate so much on emotions and circumstances. I’m going to claim God’s blessing in my life and let him work a miracle in me.

I’m going to smile and see Jesus in every face I meet.

I’m going to stop and think before I open my mouth in order to ensure my words are uplifting, loving, compassionate and forgiving.

I’m going to share and give to those in need. I’m going to find joy in my life regardless of what happens or why.

I’m going to try harder to understand nothing is impossible for those who believe God is all he promises he will be. I’m going to spend more time with those I love and to keep a promise when I make one.

I’m going to remember and practice prayer. It is, after all, my chosen time to spend time with my Savior. I’m going to pray for the leaders of this nation despite disagreeing with them. I cannot change anything, but God can change everything.

I’m going to sit quietly and listen when others need a shoulder to lean on. I want to be supportive, sympathetic and encouraging to the cross others carry and not be so critical and judgmental. I’m going to try and grasp that I’m never too old to learn something new and remember that God works in unusual and strange ways. I’m going to be receptive and approachable and try to remember that we are all works in progress.

I’m going to be more forgiving and hopefully, with God's help, I can put it all behind me and learn from every single thing that happens. I’m going to remember I’m not perfect but through God I can do all things.

I’m going to change. Thank goodness God considers me a work in progress. I know I have a ways to go but God considers me valuable and wants me to meet my potential. He sees value in me and is willing to spend time on me and with me. His commitment to me is 100% and I’m placing all my hope on that.

Remember God doesn’t make junk and he is helping me change. He’ll help you change, too, if you will let him.

-melinda clements

investing

In 1858, a Sunday School teacher named Mr. Kimball led a Boston shoe clerk to give his life to Christ. 

The clerk, Dwight L. Moody, became an evangelist. In England, in 1879, he awakened evangelistic zeal in the heart of Fredrick B. Meyer, pastor of a small church. F. B. Meyer, preaching to an American college campus, brought to Christ a student named J. Wilbur Chapman. 

Chapman, engaged in YMCA work, employed a former baseball player, Billy Sunday, to do evangelistic work.  Billy Sunday held a revival in Charlotte, N.C. A group of local men were so enthusiastic afterward, that they planned another evangelistic campaign, bringing Mordecai Hamm to town to preach.  During Hamm's revival, a young man named Billy Graham heard the gospel and yielded his life to Christ. 

Only eternity will reveal the tremendous impact of that one Sunday School teacher, Mr. Kimball, who invested his life in the lives of others. 

Who are you investing in today? 

decided

There is a song I remember from the days of my youth that I still find running through my mind. The opening line goes, "I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back, no turning back."  Those were brave words for a young man in the early battles of life's struggles with Satan. They brought to mind shiny new uniforms and victorious  battles -- a hero of the Faith with medals of valor.

The second line was even more presumptuous. "Though none go with me, Still I will I follow. No turning back, no turning back." It never crossed my mind how lonely that boast might be. After all, if David could "Walk through the valley of the shadow of death" and "fear no evil," surely I could walk alone in the earthly shadows and be brave.

But, the years have passed and the battle is still engaged. The uniform is worn and tattered. While there are many scars from the wounds, there are no medals to attest to heroism. In fact, there has been precious little to point to with pride. There have been days of glory, but also days of shame. Wonderful moments when the Spirit has helped me "soar on eagle's wings," and days of deep darkness and despair.  I have come to understand the Psalms of King David much more clearly as he rides the roller coaster of the battle of life.

But, the song is still there... and though ragged and scarred, I find the words of decision no less true. I have learned that with all my strength I am a pitiful mismatch for the forces of Satan, but I serve in the army of a King who has assured the victory! I long for the faith of Job to cry out, "Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him" (Job 13:15), but I find "O God, be merciful to me a sinner" (Luke 18:13), much more appropriate. Still, the song hasn't gone away, "I have decided to follow Jesus!... No turning back, no turning back!"

-bill sherrill

hearing

"Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him." (1 Samuel 3:7)

Samuel was born to Hannah, a woman who had a deep commitment to God. She was barren, but she cried out to God for a son. The Lord gave her Samuel, whom she completely gave to the Lord for His service. After weaning him, she took him to the house of the Lord to be reared by the priests. Eli was the priest of Israel, but he was not a godly leader. He had allowed much corruption, including the sins of his sons, in God's house. God was not pleased with Eli and later judged him and his household.

Samuel grew up in the temple serving God. He also grew up seeing the hypocrisy of Eli's household, yet this did not change the young man. God was with him. We learn that even though young Samuel had a belief in God, he had not yet experienced a personal relationship with Him. God called to Samuel three times, but Samuel thought it was Eli, the priest, calling him. Finally, Eli told him to say, "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening" (1 Sam. 3:9b). This is what Samuel did, and God began telling Samuel important things to come.

Many of us grow up in religious environments. We go to church every week. We have a head knowledge of God, but we do not recognize God's voice in our lives. There comes a time when we must recognize God's voice for ourselves. God does not want us to have a religion; He wants us to have a two-way relationship with Him. Samuel was never the same after this encounter. He would know God's voice and would respond to Him in obedience.

Do you know God's voice? Can you recognize it when He speaks? In order to hear God's voice, you must be clean before Him and listen. Listen to God's voice today and follow His plans for you.

"His sheep follow Him because they know His voice."  (John 10:4b)

valentine

For God so lo V ed the world
       That He g A ve
            His on L y
            Begott E n
                  So N
                       T hat whosoever
        Believeth I n Him
              Shall N ot perish
        But have E verlasting life.    John 3:16 

reservations

My husband and I enjoy dining out, but he does so only under one condition. When I suggest a new restaurant to try, he says, "do they take reservations?" He absolutely hates to wait in line for a place to eat dinner!

We make reservations for a variety of things - renting cars, purchasing air line tickets or making hotel plans. We can do these for ourselves, or we can ask or travel agent to do so. Having reservations is a nice option; our plans are secure in the accommodations we are seeking.

Isn't it reassuring to know that Jesus made a reservation for each of us in heaven? He told is in the Bible that he would go to prepare a place for us (John 14:2,3), and I know he has! We won't have to wait in line or be unsure of the security of our plans.

Our life eternal will be spent with Jesus, in the mansions of heaven, once we ask Him to be our travel agent. He will make those reservations with a happy heart, knowing some more of His children are coming home - you and me, and everyone who has accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior!

-marion smith

discovery

Years ago, some prospectors were panning for gold when one of them found an unusual stone. Breaking it open, he saw that it contained gold. Working eagerly, the men soon discovered an abundance of the precious metal. With an unrestrained delight they shouted, "We've found it! We've found gold! We're rich!"

Before going into town for supplies, they agreed not to tell a soul about their find.  While in town, not one of them breathed a word about their discovery.  When they were about to return to camp, though, a group of men had gathered and were ready to follow them.  "You've found gold," the group said.

"Who told you?" asked the prospectors.

"No one," they replied. "Your faces showed it!"

It's much like that when a person discovers Christ. The joy of sins forgiven and a new relationship with Him show on that person's face and in His transformed life.

Those miners, of course, wanted to keep quiet about their find, but we as Christians should be eager to let people know about ours. Finding Christ is life's greatest discovery, and our joy increases when we share it with others. As believers, our highest delight is both in finding and telling.

now

One day a mother decided to take her three children to an ice skating party in a nearby town, but after several wrong turns and stops to ask directions, she pulled over to the side of the road and suggested they all ask God to help them find the rink. When they finally arrived, they were nearly an hour late.

The following week, as they got into the car to go skating again, her five-year-old son exclaimed, "Mom, let's pray now and save time!"

That little boy exposed one of the shortcomings in the prayer lives of many of us.  We pray to God whenever we get into trouble, asking God to help take care of us.  And there's certainly nothing wrong with that.  God wants us to turn to Him when we are in need.  As the Psalmist said, "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles." (Psalm 34:17)

But sometimes that's the only time we pray.  We don't feel the need to pray when things are going well in our lives.  But, as that little 5-year-old boy noted, perhaps we wouldn't be in need nearly as much if we prayed in advance.  If we prayed for wisdom.  If we prayed for God's guidance in our lives.  If we gave thanks for the many blessings we enjoy.  If we prayed for God's will to be done.  If we asked for God's presence.  If we gave God the honor due Him.

As a father, I didn't mind if my children came to me when they needed something.  I wanted them to do that.  But it would have bothered me if that's the only time they ever spoke to me.  I wanted a relationship with them that went beyond meeting their needs, a relationship of mutual love.  An attitude of constant prayer is a distinguishing mark of the mature Christian, which is why we are commanded to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17).  As someone once put it, "If you only pray when you're in trouble, you're in trouble."

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." (Col. 4:2)  Let's pray now!

-alan smith

grace

There is a great article that illustrates the concept of grace written by Charles Stanley.

“One of my more memorable seminary professors had a practical way of illustrating to his students the concept of grace. At the end of his evangelism course he would distribute the exam with the caution to read it all the way through before beginning to answer it. This caution was written on the exam as well. As we read the test, it became unquestionably clear to each of us that we had not studied nearly enough.

The further we read, the worse it became. About halfway through, audible groans could be heard through out the lecture hall. On the last page, however, was a note that read, "You have a choice. You can either complete the exam as given or sign your name at the bottom and in so doing receive an A for this assignment."

Wow? We sat there stunned. "Was he serious? Just sign it and get an A?" Slowly, the point dawned on us, and one by one we turned in our tests and silently filed out of the room.

When I talked with the professor about it afterward, he shared some of the reactions he had received through the years. Some students began to take the exam without reading it all the way through, and they would sweat it out for the entire two hours of class time before reaching the last page.

Others read the first two pages, became angry, turned the test in blank, and stormed out of the room without signing it. They never realized what was available, and as a result, they lost out totally.

One fellow, however, read the entire test, including the note at the end, but decided to take the exam anyway. He did not want any gifts; he wanted to earn his grade. And he did. He made a C+, but he could easily have had an A.

This story illustrates many people’s reaction to God’s solution to sin. Some people look at God’s standard - moral and ethical perfection - and throw their hands up in surrender. "Why even try?" they tell themselves. "I could never live up to all that stuff."

 

Others are like the student who read the test through and was aware of the professor’s offer but took the test anyway. Unwilling to simply receive God’s gift of forgiveness, they set about to rack up enough points for their works with God to earn it.

But God’s grace truly is like the professor’s offer. It may seem unbelievable, but if we accept it, then, like the stunned students who accepted the professor’s offer, we, too, will discover that, Yes, God’s grace truly is free. All we have to do is accept it.

 

"For by grace are you saved by faith; and that not of yourselves.  It is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

 

never

"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (Hebrews 13:5)

In my counseling training I was advised to tell the client, especially in marriage counseling, to avoid the words "always" and "never."   "You always say..."    "You never do..."    Use of those words creates a no-win situation. If you think, say or feel that a person "always" and/or "never" does a certain thing, there is not much room for grace, and not much for hope.   Although there is significant wisdom in that teaching, I am glad our Lord was above my training.

When I read, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." I find hope.

It gives me hope to know that no matter how afraid, confused, and forgotten I may feel, He is always with me.

When I read, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." I find peace.

It gives me peace to know that no matter how how fragile, foolish, and flippant I may be toward Him, He will never leave me.

When I read, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."  I find comfort.

It gives me great comfort knowing that although others will die, depart, and deny me, God will never leave me.

When I read, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." I find joy.

It gives me great joy when I ponder the fact that I do not have to worry how He my respond to me tomorrow because He will respond to me tomorrow the same way He responded to me yesterday and today, He did not leave me. He will not leave me.

When I read, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." I find strength.

It gives me are new and a renewed strength when I consider that no matter how fearful I am, no matter how big of a failure I may be, and not matter how fatigued I may become, He will not leave me and he will not forsake me.

When I read, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." I find relief.

Whew! What a relief I have when I accept the reality that not matter what, no matter where, and no matter why He will never leave me and He will never forsake me.

When I read, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."  I realize you and I are extremely blessed because we never have to doubt where He is or how He feels about us.  He tells us, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."  He made a promise we can trust and a promise He will keep.

He will never leave us; never forsake us. Thank You Father.

-tom norvell

moments

Happy moments, praise GOD!
Difficult moments, seek GOD!
Quiet moments, worship GOD!
Painful moments, trust GOD!
EVERY MOMENT, THANK GOD!
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

hesitant

I had an uncomfortable experience at a wedding recently. Everything was going along as planned until it came time for the minister to ask that all-important question of the bride, "Do you take so-and-so to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

Just then, for some unknown reason, there was an incredibly long and unbelievably awkward silence. No one, at the time, knew for sure if the bride had just zoned out for a moment, or if she was actually contemplating how she wanted to answer. I certainly hope it was the former, but not being a close friend, I never found out.

No groom deserves to have a hesitant bride on his wedding day.

This incident made me think of how the Church is the Bride of Christ, and how we can be reluctant in committing ourselves to Him. Just as it would crush a groom for his bride to have second thoughts about her commitment, it must be so disappointing to Jesus when we hesitate in our commitments to Him.

The good news, however, is that He doesn't turn and walk away. He waits patiently - however long and awkward our pause might be - always remaining at the altar, always waiting for us to say, "I do."

"Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to him. For the time has come for the wedding feast of the Lamb, and his bride has prepared herself" (Revelation 19:7, NLT). 

-thomas bevers

? learning

I read about a man in New York City who died at the age of 63 without ever having had a job. He spent his entire adult life in college. He had acquired so many academic degrees that they looked like the alphabet behind his name.

Why did this man spend his entire life in college? When he was a child, a wealthy relative died who had named him as a beneficiary in his will. It stated that he was to be given enough money to support him every year as long as he stayed in school. And it was to be discontinued when he had completed his education.

The man met the terms of the will, but by staying in school indefinitely he turned a technicality into a steady income for life--something his benefactor never intended. Unfortunately, he spent thousands of hours listening to professors and reading books but never "doing." He acquired more and more knowledge but didn't put it into practice.

This reminds me of what James said: "Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only" (James 1:22). If we read the Bible or listen as it is taught but fail to put to work what we have learned, we are as bad as that man with his string of degrees. His education was of no practical benefit to anyone.

-richard de haan

chair

A man's daughter had asked the local pastor to come and pray with her father. When the pastor arrived, he found the man lying in bed with his head propped up on two pillows. An empty chair sat beside his bed.   The pastor assumed that the old fellow had been informed of his visit. "I guess you were expecting me," he said. 

"No, who are you?", said the father.

"I am the new pastor at your church," he replied. "When I saw the empty chair, I figured you knew I was going to show up." 

"Oh yeah, the chair," said the bedridden man. "Would you mind closing the door?"  Puzzled, the pastor shut the door. "I have never told anyone this, not even my daughter," said the man. "But all of my life I have never known how to pray. At church I used to hear the preacher talk about prayer, but it went right over my head." 

"I abandoned any attempt at prayer," the old man continued, "until one day about four years ago, my best friend said to me, Joe, prayer is just a simple matter of having a conversation with Jesus.  Here is what I suggest. Sit down in a chair, place an empty chair in front of you, and in faith see Jesus on the chair. It's not spooky because he promised, "I'll be with you always."  Then, just speak to Him and listen in the same way you're doing with me right now'. 

"So, I tried it and I liked it so much that I have been doing it a couple of hours every day since. I'm careful, though.  If my daughter saw me talking to an empty chair, she'd either have a nervous breakdown or send me of to a funny farm." 

The pastor was deeply moved by the story and encouraged the old man to continue on the journey. Then he prayed with him and returned to the church. 

Two nights later the daughter called to tell the pastor that her daddy had died that afternoon. "Did he die in peace?" he asked. "Yes, when I left the house about two o'clock, he called me over to his bedside, told me he loved me and kissed me on the cheek. When I got back from the store an hour later, I found him dead. 

But there was something strange about his death. Apparently, just before Daddy died, he leaned over and rested his head on the chair beside the bed." What do you make of that ?" 

The pastor wiped a tear from his eye and said, "I wish we all could go that way". 

big

Two men went fishing. One man was an experienced fisherman, the other wasn't. Every time the experienced fisherman caught a big fish, he put it in his ice chest to keep it fresh. Whenever the inexperienced fisherman caught a big fish, he threw it back.

The experienced fisherman watched this go on all day and finally got tired of seeing this man waste good fish. "Why do you keep throwing back all the big fish you catch?" he asked. The inexperienced fisherman replied, "I only have a small frying pan."

Sometimes, like that fisherman, we throw back the big plans, the big dreams, the big jobs and the big opportunities that God gives us. Our faith is too small. We laugh at that fisherman who didn't figure out that all he needed was a bigger frying pan; yet how ready are we to increase the size of our faith?

Whether it's a problem or a possibility, God will never give you anything bigger than you can handle. That means we can confidently walk into anything God brings our way.

You can do all things through Christ who will be your strength  (Philippians 4:13).   Nothing is too big for God!

" Stop telling God you've got big problems. Tell your problems you've got a big God!"

...fast

"Meanwhile, Boaz went up to the town gate and sat there." Ruth 4:4

The town gate was the place in town where many legal transactions took place. Boaz wanted approval from the elders to marry Ruth, but he first had to clear any prior claims to her estate. Instead of running around, making things happen, Boaz went to the gate, sat and waited until the people he needed to speak with came by the gate. Boaz was secure in his purpose and knew he was in God's will so he trusted plans to unfold.

Are you rushing around trying to make things happen or are you waiting on God to lead the way? Relax, regroup, and let God lead the way.

PRAYER: Lord, let me learn to wait. Show me your plan for my life and give me the patience and the trust to let it unfold in Your way. Stop me from running around, trying to make things happen and let me rest in your peace.

 

23

The 23rd Psalm

The Lord is my Shepherd  -  That’s Relationship!

I shall not want  -  That’s Supply!

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures  -  That’s Rest!

He leadeth me beside the still waters  -  That’s Refreshment!

He restoreth my soul  -  That’s Healing!

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness  -  That’s Guidance!

For His name sake  -  That’s Purpose!

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death  -  That’s Testing!

I will fear no evil  -  That’s Protection!

For Thou art with me  -  That’s Faithfulness!

Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me  -  That's Discipline!

Thou prepareth a table before me in the presence of mine enemies  -  That’s Hope!

Thou annointest my head with oil  -  That’s Consecration!

My cup runneth over  -  That’s Abundence.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life  -  That’s Blessing!

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord  -  That’s Security!

Forever  -  That’s Eternity!
 

lost

Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian (Acts 26:28)

Years ago, Walter took his friend Arthur to see some land in open country where cattle were idly grazing. Walter explained about his dream for developing this area. He told his friend that in time the area would be surrounded by many restaurants, hotels and convention centers. He told Arthur that his plan would take all of his money and he needed others to develop the surrounding area. He wanted his friend to have the first opportunity to buy into this project.

But Arthur thought to himself, "Who in the world is going to drive twenty-five miles for this crazy project?"

He said to Walter that he would think about it and decide later on. "Later on will be too late," Walter cautioned Arthur. "You'd better move on it right now."

"And so Art Linkletter turned down the opportunity to buy up all the land that surrounded what was to become Disneyland. His friend Walt Disney tried to talk him into it. But Art thought he was crazy."

Life's like that. King Agrippa had the opportunity to accept Christ and become a Christian. He turned it down. Judas had one of the greatest opportunities in all history to become a follower of Jesus. Instead, he betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Unbelievable! The two thieves who were crucified with Jesus also had the opportunity to receive the gift of eternal life. One accepted. The other didn't.

Life offers all of us many opportunities. We all have the opportunity to become followers of Jesus.  That choice is ours.... Today!  We do not know what tomorrow holds.  

 

As God's Word says, "For he says, I have heard you in a favorable time, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.  Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2)

sink

"You can do it, Jolynne!" my son encouraged his little sister.

"Trust me," I urged. "The water will hold you up, but only if you stop fighting it."

Learning to float can be a frightening experience. Jolynne could never be sure that the water would uphold her until she became willing to trust and believe. I knew her fear would give way to joy as soon as she experienced the truth for herself. Back floating is easy for those who have learned to rest but utter foolishness to anyone who relies on their own efforts to keep them afloat.

"Trust God," we urge. "He will uphold you, no matter how deep your troubles may be!"

The world says we must "sink or swim", but the gospel offers a better option. When we depend on ourselves, we always miss the joy of resting in Jesus. The Christian life is not about doing things to gain God's favor and protection; it's about trusting the gracious work of the cross. If you are in Christ Jesus, you can be assured, in the midst of you trials, that God is forever at peace with you and on your side. Jesus can be trusted to uphold your righteousness, but you will continue to struggle and sink into despair until you forsake your own self-efforts and trust Him with your very life.

"If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own." (John 7:17)

You have heard the truth that Jesus is your only hope, but have you believed? Obedience to the truth is the only thing that proves God's ways are true ways. If you are unsure whether God's grace is sufficient, it is not from a lack of information, but a lack of obedience. How do you obey the truth that declares you are saved, not through what you do, but by what Jesus has done?

Jesus says the way to know whether His teaching is true is to be willing to obey Him. To obey His truth, we must stop struggling and accept the free gift of His righteousness with genuine faith in the truth. You can trust Him. God will uphold you. Dive in!--trust and believe. Joy will replace fear and hope will overpower regret as you discover for yourself the peace reserved for those "who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation" (1 Peter 1:5).

"For I will surely deliver you, and you shall not fall by the sword; but your life shall be as a prize to you, because you have put your trust in Me," says the LORD.'" (Jeremiah 39:18)

scars

Some years ago on a hot summer day in south Florida a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house.

In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went. He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the shore.

His mother, in the house was looking out the window, saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, she ran toward the water, yelling to her son as loudly as she could. Hearing her voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his mother.

It was too late. Just as he reached her, the alligator reached him. From the dock, the mother grabbed her little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two.

The alligator was much stronger than the mother, but the mother was much too passionate to let go.

A farmer happened to drive by, heard her screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator.

Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived.

His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal.  And, on his arms, were deep scratches where his mother's fingernails dug into his flesh in her effort to hang on to the son she loved.

The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs. And then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, "But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my mom wouldn't let go."

You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. No, not from an alligator, or anything quite so dramatic. But, the scars of a painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret.

But, some wounds, my friend, are because God has refused to let go.

In the midst of your struggle, He's been there holding on to you. The Scripture teaches that God loves you. If you have Christ in your life, you have become a child of God. He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way.

But sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations. The swimming hole of life is filled with peril - and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack. That's when the tug-o-war begins, and if you have the scars of His love on your arms be very, very grateful.  He did not - and will not - let you go.

 

"I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13;5)

 

stone

Jesus has finally arrived, but it was too late; Lazarus was dead! If only He had arrived earlier. Jesus made His way to the tomb with the grieving crowd following. He stood in front of Lazarus’ tomb weeping, revealing His heart to the crowd (John 11).

Then suddenly He instructed the people to remove the stone from grave’s entrance. They couldn’t believe their ears. Martha blurted out in her surprise, "But Lord, by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been dead four days."

The people obeyed. Jesus calls out to Lazarus and behold the creator of life gave new life to Lazarus.  Lazarus waddled out of the tomb still wrapped in His grave clothes alive! Jesus directed the people to remove the grave clothes.

This miracle catches us by surprise in several ways. We dare not miss the sign - the miracle of raising a person from the dead is primary. Yet we are surprised by other elements as well. Why did Jesus have the people remove the stone? Was He challenging their faith? Why did He have the people remove the grave clothes? This request seems more obvious.

Lazarus couldn't do it for himself. Whatever the reasons, one thing is abundantly clear – Jesus chose to involve the people in His work. Amazingly, astoundingly He involved His people in His work.

There are many obstacles that hinder people from coming out of their sin – their graves. There is the sin itself biding them. We cannot remove the sin. Only Jesus can do that. But we can work to remove stones. They cannot even hear the voice of God calling because these "stones" are so thick that they muffle His voice.

Though it is impossible for the church, for you and me, to remove all these stones, Jesus is instructing us, His people, to "remove the stone." Stones of ignorance; stones of apathy; stones of physical need; stones of misunderstanding; these are just a few of the stones we can address and help remove.

And the grave clothes; when people find new life in Christ Jesus they bring with them habits, experiences, hurts – grave clothes. They need to be discipled – to have their grave-clothes removed. It is our responsibility in partnership with the Holy Spirit to help them remove the excess baggage that they carried with them from their life in sin. This takes time, effort, patience, persistence, diligence and an extra amount of God's love, which He provides. But it Jesus is looking at us and telling us – "remove the grave clothes."

Let's not neglect our responsibilities. Let’s draw upon God’s limitless resources and accept the glorious gracious privilege of being involved in His work. He calls us and people's eternal lives depend on it!

overcoming

Then the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jephthah. ~ Judges 11:29a

We've all heard stories of individuals who have overcome extreme hardship during their childhood years. Children of alcoholics, orphans who never have parents, loss of parents to a fatal crash, childhood disease. These are all difficult circumstances to overcome.

Jephthah was a man who overcame his obstacles and refused to allow his circumstances to prevent him from becoming great in God's sight. He was born to Gilead, a result of his father's adulterous encounter with a prostitute. Gilead's wife, who had bore more sons, decided to reject Jephthah, and drove him away from their home saying, "You are not going to get any inheritance in our family because you are the son of another woman." Imagine the rejection this young man felt as he was cast away from his own family.

This experience taught Jephthah to become a hardened warrior. Today he probably would have been part of a street gang. As he got older, his reputation as a warrior became known to those in his country, so much so that when the Ammonites made war on Israel, the elders of Gilead went to Jephthah and asked him to be their commander. Jephthah had to fight off those feelings of rejection from previous years.

"Didn't you hate me and drive me from my father's house?" he responded. He overcame his hurt and pain, and responded to the call God had on his life.

It is said that if we were to help the butterfly remove itself from the cocoon, the butterfly would not be strong enough to survive. It is the struggle that prepares the butterfly to become strong enough to fly. Without the struggle in the cocoon, it could not survive as a butterfly.

The Lord prepares each of us in similar ways. Some of our childhoods may seem to have been harsh and born from a seemingly unloving God. However, the Lord knows our struggle and will make our life an instrument in His hand if we will follow Him with an upright heart. He does make all things beautiful in His time if we are willing to be patient.

obedience

"And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands" (2 John 6).

A distinguished Indian evangelist named Sadhu Chellappa was on a mission trip to a village north of Madras, when in the middle of the night he suddenly sensed God speaking to him: "Leave this house quickly and run away!"

Not exactly a convenient thing to do. But Chellappa was accustomed to accepting even strange instructions from the Lord without debate, so he dressed quickly and ran into the darkness.

After a while, he was in open country. As he passed beneath a large tree, he felt God tell him, "Stay here and start to preach!" Now, even for an experienced evangelist, this was puzzling--because there was no one to be seen. Why did God want him to preach to an empty field in the middle of the night? But he stopped under the tree and began to preach the gospel.

Finally, he reached the point at which he called on his unseen listeners to give their lives to Jesus. He was surprised to hear a voice from the top of the tree and see a man climb down, crying. The man tearfully gave his life to Jesus. When Chellappa asked why he was in a tree out in the middle of nowhere, the man admitted, "I came out here to hang myself."

How is your obedience quotient? God calls us to be obedient to that small voice inside that can direct us to sometimes do strange things. Jesus was obedient in ALL things. "For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous" (Rom 5:19). God can do exceedingly great things through one man or woman who is willing to be obedient to God's voice. Ask for His grace today to be obedient to His voice.

-os hillman