...you

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children (NIV) Ephesians 5:1

“People should think less about what they ought to do and more about what they ought to be. If only their being were good, their works would shine forth brightly. The ground upon which good character rests is the very same ground from which man’s work derives its value, namely, a mind wholly turned to God” …Meister Eckhart (1260?-1327?)

Are you more caught up in your status? or in your stature? Do you want people to see all your acts of service and commend you? or do you consider God knowing what you do to be enough? Are you more focused on success than on sacrifice?

When we each meet God face to face one day, all the success and accolades, and even good deeds, will mean little. . . it will be our relationship with Christ and our measure of character that will count. Which are you more concerned with today. . . what you do?. . . or who you are becoming?

-marji kruger

truth

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (NIV) John 8:32

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (NIV) John 14:6

According to the Doubleday Dictionary, truth is: “The state or character of being true, that which is true.” Jesus said that He is Truth. In knowing what is true you are freed.

Freed from. . .

Expectations of others

Entanglement in the world’s vices

Enslavement to the past

Exhaustion from life’s busy pace

Estrangement with God

Excessive habits and addictions

Endearment with money and possessions

Entrapment in society’s standards

Instead you have been set free to be a child of God, set free to be who He created you to be!

-marji kruger

love

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  (NIV) John 13:34-35

God created us to be in relationship with Himself and with others. In eternity there will only be 2 things apart from God. . .God’s Word and God’s children. The reality of this should challenge us to seek to have more God-honoring relationships now. There are over 50 references in the New Testament about how we are to relate to “one another.” Most of these passages address our behavior, not just our attitudes.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  John 13:34-35

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. Galatians 5:13

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24

Keep on loving each other as brothers.  Hebrews 13:1

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart.  1 Peter 1:22

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.  1 Peter 3:8

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.  I John 3:11

And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. I John 3:23

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. I John 4:7

Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. I John 4:11

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. I John 4:12

And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. II John 1:5

How can you better extend your love to one another?

-murji kruger

...impossible

Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed. . . (NIV) Romans 4:18

Abraham is 100 years old. His wife, Sarah, is 90. God has told Abraham, “Look up at the heavens and count the stars– if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be” (Genesis 15:5). Not a big deal if Abraham is already a great grandfather. The problem with the scenario from a human perspective, is that Abraham and Sarah are childless.

If you were Abraham would you have given up hope decades ago? Not Abraham. . .”Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed. . .Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead– since he was about a hundred years old– and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised” (Romans 4:18-21). Did you catch that? Abraham was totally convinced that God had the power to do what He had promised!

Are you convinced of God’s power? Do you believe that God will be faithful to His promises found in the Bible? God will be faithful to His Word because God’s character is unchanging. So what’s your impossible situation? Do you believe that God has the power to turn it around? Or have you given up hope? Are you losing patience in the midst of your impossibility? Imitate Abraham’s faith. . . even though all logic said, no way would Sarah get pregnant. . . trust in God, allow Him to strengthen your faith. . . and in the end you will see He is faithful to His promises!

By the way, Abraham and Sarah were the oldest at the maternity ward, but were proud of their son, Isaac, who was the first of their countless offspring who became the Jewish people.

When has life looked impossible for you? How has God come through for you?

-murji kruger

deeper

“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. (NIV) John 5:24

This week I am reading 3 chapters of John each day. I’m marking it up but, not stopping to study anything indepth…but rather getting an overview of each chapter. I encourage you to do the same thing. As you read look for repeated themes and words. Keep a list of them so that you’ll be more attentive to them in the future. Here are some of the words or themes that I’ve seen in John:

Believe

“I tell you the truth”

Eternal life

“Father (or One) who sent me”

Testify or witness

Will of the Father

Miraculous signs

-murji kruger

power

And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. (NIV) Matthew 14:19-21

Jesus just did the impossible. . . at least impossible in human terms! With 5 small loaves of bread and 2 fish, He fed a crowd of people that was estimated to be somewhere between 10,000-15,000 people. His disciples couldn’t even come up with a plan with how to feed that many people. . . but then again, they were calculating without God’s power.

When have you seen God’s power demonstrated in your life? What situation right now seems impossible? Are you calculating without God’s presence of power in that situation? Watch today for God’s power at work. . . it may be seen in the sunset or sunrise. . . in the sound of a child’s laughter. . . in a good report from the doctor after a biopsy. . . in the answer to a long awaited prayer. . . in the changed character of your spouse or child. Where will you see God’s power today? And will you recognize it and give God the glory for how He’s working around you?

-murji kruger

believe

As I’m journeying through the gospel of John, I’ve been attentive to themes and words that are repeated. John used the greek word for “believe” 98 times throughout the book! Talk about wanting to get your attention! John used it first in John 1:7.

He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. (NIV, John 1:7)

John’s last use of “believe” sums up his purpose for writing.

But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (NIV, John 20:31)

The varied episodes and teachings in John all help to develop the idea of “belief.” I guess that the question I have for you is: “Do you believe?” Do you believe that Jesus is the Word? Do you believe that in Him is light and that He is the life? Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ? Do you believe that He is the Son of God, who was to come into the world? Do you believe that Jesus is the bread of life? Do you believe in Him and so you have crossed over from death to life? Do you believe in the Holy One of God? Do you believe in Him, as the Scripture has said, and therefore have streams of living water flowing from within? Do you believe in Christ and therefore worship Him? Do you believe He is the resurrection and the life and therefore have eternal life in Him?

-murji kruger

following

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (NIV) Matthew 11:28-30

When the Bible speaks of “following Jesus”, it is proclaiming a discipleship which will liberate mankind from all man-made dogma, from every burden and oppression, from every anxiety and torture which afflicts the conscience. If they follow Jesus, men escape from the hard yoke of their own laws, and submit to the kindly yoke of Jesus Christ. But does this mean that we can ignore the seriousness of His command? Far from it! We can only achieve perfect liberty and enjoy fellowship with Jesus when His command, His call to absolute discipleship, is appreciated in its entirety. Only the man who follows the command of Jesus without reserve, and submits unresistingly to His yoke, finds his burden easy, and under its gentle pressure receives the power to persevere in the right way. The command of Jesus is hard –unutterably hard — for those who try to resist it. (from The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

Are you overwhelmed with commands? Are they man-made commands or of God? Do you seek to follow Jesus with all your heart? How have you experienced the sweet fellowship with God when you’re in sync with Him? Don’t you want that to be a moment by moment experience? Then open His Word, the Bible, read it and learn how much He delights in you. . .and see what He expects of you and from you. . . follow Him with reckless abandon. . . then and only then, will you find freedom and rest for your soul!

-murji kruger

promise

The LORD Almighty has sworn, “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand. (NIV) Isaiah 14:24

Last year we heard candidate after candidate make promises about what he or she would do if elected to office. The elections in the US change the future of individual candidates, of communities, of states, and of our nation. Some who thought they would be spending 2 to 6 years in Washington disappointedly stayed home. Others who did not think they would win an elected position, are serving in new offices. Communities and states are experiencing changes as their elected officials determine policies and laws for their citizens. And our country experiences change as well. With every election, the future changes. Isn’t it comforting that our eternal future is not determined by votes!?! And isn’t it comforting to know that our future in Heaven is secure in the unchanging promises of God.

** Jesus said: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on him.” (NIV) John 3:36

** And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession– to the praise of his glory. (NIV) Ephesians 1:13-14

** Jesus said: “And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” (NIV) John 6:39-40

** Jesus said: “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.” (NIV) John 10:28-30

** Jesus said: “For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.” (NIV) John 17:2

I don’t know about you, but when it comes to my future. . . my eternal future. . .I’m banking on the unchanging promises of God!
-murji kruger

...scenes

The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. (NIV) Proverbs 21:1

The book of Esther begins with King Xerxes throwing the party of parties to display his wealth and glory. For a full 6 months Xerxes and his guests revel in indulgent eating, excessive drinking, and admiring the vast wealth of the empire. At the end of the party King Xerxes decides to show off another of his prizes. . .the physical beauty of his queen. The brave queen refuses. She chose to not degrade herself before the king’s drunken guests.

The king consults his wise men to determine what should be done to her. After discussing the matter, one of the seven nobles, Memucan, advises the king that Queen Vashti has not only done “wrong” to the king, but also to all the nobles and all the people throughout all the provinces of the kingdom. Their fear? If left unpunished, Vashti’s rebellious attitude toward her husband would influence all the other women in the kingdom to rebel against their husbands’ authority. Uh oh!!!! The wise men anticipate that there could be no end to the disobedience, disrespect, and discord in their own homes. Wooooops!

Memucan advises the king to take immediate and drastic action to deal with the situation. He advises the king to issue a “royal decree” forbidding Vashti from ever again entering the presence of the king. Her position of queen would be given to someone more worthy.

Just another day in Persia? I think not! God is on the move in mysterious ways. He is sovereign. He is working behind the scenes. He is rearranging events and changing minds until His perfect plan is in place.

God is always at work. He is at work today in your life. You may not recognize His activity in the mundane aspects of life, but He is always at work. Even now, He is rearranging events and changing minds until His perfect plan for you is in place. Just watch.

How is God rearranging your life right now?

-murji kruger

...prevail

“If it pleases the king,” she said, “and if he regards me with favor and thinks it the right thing to do, and if he is pleased with me, let an order be written overruling the dispatches that Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, devised and wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king’s provinces. 7 King Xerxes replied to Queen Esther and to Mordecai the Jew, “Because Haman attacked the Jews, I have given his estate to Esther, and they have hanged him on the gallows. 8 Now write another decree in the king’s name in behalf of the Jews as seems best to you, and seal it with the king’s signet ring– for no document written in the king’s name and sealed with his ring can be revoked.” (NIV) Esther 8:5, 7-8

Haman, an official in the Persian Empire, receives the authority from King Xerxes to destroy all the Jews in kingdom. When Mordecai hears of the plot, he sends word to Queen Esther. It seems that they are backed into a corner. But, never underestimate the significance of one trying to make a difference!

After 3 days of fasting and praying Esther approaches the king. “On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance. 2 When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. 3 Then the king asked, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you.” (Esther 5:1-3). Esther requests that the king and Haman come to a banquet that night and the following evening.

The first evening the king is sleepless. He has the official court records read to him and realizes that Mordecai has never been honored for discovering an assassination plot against the king. And then the plot intensifies at Esther’s second banquet.

Esther 7:1 So the king and Haman went to dine with Queen Esther, 2 and as they were drinking wine on that second day, the king again asked, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted.”

3 Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, O king, and if it pleases your majesty, grant me my life– this is my petition. And spare my people– this is my request. 4 For I and my people have been sold for destruction and slaughter and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept quiet, because no such distress would justify disturbing the king.”

5 King Xerxes asked Queen Esther, “Who is he? Where is the man who has dared to do such a thing?”

6 Esther said, “The adversary and enemy is this vile Haman.” Then Haman was terrified before the king and queen. . . .9 Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said, “A gallows seventy-five feet high stands by Haman’s house. He had it made for Mordecai, who spoke up to help the king.” The king said, “Hang him on it!” 10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s fury subsided. (NIV)

Don’t ever question who is in control! Whether you see God’s hand visibly at work or not, His plans and purposes always prevail!

-murji kruger

incarnation

According to the “World Book Dictionary,” the definition of the verb incarnate is “to embody; to put into an actual form; realize.” The “Doubleday Dictionary” defines it as “to give bodily form to.” The idea is to bring a person, a trait, or a truth to life. The principle of incarnation applies not only to Christ, but to every Christian. God chose to reveal Himself through the life of Jesus Christ. He also intends to bring His character “to life” through the godly lives of Christians (John 17:18; 2 Corinthians 4:7, 10)!

Application of the Incarnation for our lives:

** Incarnation demands godly conduct – to continue in sin is a contradiction to the character of God and a gross misrepresentation of God!

** Incarnation means taking the Word of God seriously – it’s more than accumulating knowledge about the Bible, it’s putting it into practice! (James 1:22)

** The Incarnation Is Truly Miraculous – there’s only one way that we can demonstrate the character of God in our lives and that is by keeping in step with the Holy Spirit that dwells within all Christians!

Just before Jesus was arrested and then died on the cross, He said: “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” (NIV John 17:18)

May the incarnate Christ shine brightly through you so that others will experience the life of Christ through you!

-murji kruger

purpose

Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you. (NIV) Exodus 25:9

God instructed Moses to construct the tabernacle, a center for worship and a place where the Israelites could focus on the presence of the Lord. God gave Moses specifications down to the smallest detail. Nothing was left up to Moses’ discretion. God gave the people the opportunity to participate in its construction by giving an offering of the needed materials, including rare and beautiful fabrics as well as precious metals.

Moses told the people, “From what you have, take an offering for the LORD. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the LORD an offering of gold, silver and bronze (Exodus 35:5). . .and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments (Exodus 35:21). . .Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the LORD had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work. (Exodus 36:2). . . The people brought more than enough for doing the work . . .Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: “No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work (Exodus 36:6-7)

Then the LORD said to Moses: “Set up the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, on the first day of the first month (Exodus 40:1-2). . .Then Moses set up the courtyard around the tabernacle and altar and put up the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard. And so Moses finished the work. Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out– until the day it lifted. So the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels. (Exodus 40:33-38)

-murji kruger

applause

In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (NIV) Luke 15:10

I love watching the Olympics. The games appeal to my competitive nature…and they bring out my national pride. But, what I enjoy the most are those come from behind, against all odds victories. Sometimes it’s the bigger than life favorites who are dethroned. Other times it’s little known winners in obscure sports. It is the moment when the crowd stands in unison and cheers the winner. Family, friends, fellow teammates, dignitaries and strangers stand to applaud.

What an incredible moment for those athletes! But, it pales compared to the celebration in Heaven when someone comes to Christ. “Count on it – that’s the kind of party God’s angels throw every time one lost soul turns to God” (The Message). Count on it. It’s a done deal. Although athletes are never 100% assured victory, there is assured victory for every new Christian. What about you…will you be a part of the celebration in Heaven?

-murji kruger

incomparable

The waters saw you, O God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed. The clouds poured down water, the skies resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth. Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked. Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen. (NIV) Psalm 77:13-19

O Lord,
Through this Psalm, we know that You are holy and incomparable. We know that You are the One who performs miracles and displays Your power among the people. You are the One who has the power and the desire, to redeem Your people. Your power is displayed as incredible power over nature. . the waters obey You. . .the skies resound with thunder. . .Your lightning lights up the world. . .the entire earth trembles and quakes in Your presence.

You were the One who lovingly cared for Your people by parting the waters of the Red Sea to provide deliverance of the Israelites from the Egyptians. Although You did not leave a visible mark through Your footprints, the people knew You were the only One with the power to deliver them!

O Lord, if You can do all that, why do I doubt Your power at work in me? or Your power at work in others? Help me to see Your power at work around me today. . .and may I continually acknowledge Your glory and dominion over all Your creation! 
-marji kruger

I

God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” (NIV) Exodus 3:14

As I re-read the Exodus story I was more in awe as I saw. . .

God’s kindness in giving the obedient midwives families of their own (1:20)

God’s sovereignty in the preservation of the Jews and in the preservation of Moses’ life (2:6)

God’s patience as He molded Moses for 40 years in the desert

God’s faithfulness to His purposes in remembering His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. (2:24-25)

God’s listening ear that hears His people’s cries and is concerned about them (2:24-25)

God’s power over nature with the burning bush (3:2-8)

God’s holiness symbolized in the fire (3:2-8)

God’s presence turning an ordinary place into “holy ground” (2:5)

God’s personal touch as He communicated with Moses (2:6)

God’s redemption as He brings the people out of Egypt

God’s purposes and plans which prevail

My faith is increased when I remember that God has not changed! He is still kind and patient and personal with me. He is still sovereign and powerful with plans that prevail in my life. He is still holy and hates sin and yet, redeemed me. He is still faithful to His promises for me. He is still present and listening and active in my life and my world. How about you? When you take the time to reflect upon God, what do you see? And how is He increasing your faith today?

-mike kruger

gods

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. (NIV) Acts 17:16

After trouble in Berea, the Christians immediately send Paul to the coast and then on to Athens. While Paul is waiting for Silas and Timothy to join him in Athens, he becomes greatly distressed because the city is full of idols. The Greeks worshiped many gods. Diversity was tolerated within their culture. There were male and female deities, high and low gods, and temples and sacrifices. gods like Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and sexual desire. . .Artemis, goddess of childbirth, of nature, and of the harvest. . . Hermes, the messenger of the gods and the protector of travelers, thieves, and merchants. . .Poseidon, the god of the sea. . . and Zeus, the ruler of the gods.

Before we're too quick to judge, who are the gods in your life? Who or what do you really worship? If we were to look at your checkbook and your calendar, what gods would they reveal?

Although we may not have modern day temples dedicated to gods, we have manufactured our own gods.

• gods like the pursuit of money. . .the accumulation of possessions. . . the obsession with shopping. . . the desire to have more than your neighbours.
• gods like the pursuit of getting the next promotion. . .the accumulation of honors and recognition. . . the obsession with being the best. . . the desire to be successful.
• gods like the pursuit of finding a mate to meet all your needs . . .the accumulation of people around us to quench the loneliness. . . the obsession with trying to "fix" someone you love. . . the desire to have relationships that fill unmet needs.

gods, or idols, are anything or anyone that replaces God Almighty as the highest priority in life. Stop and ask God to reveal to you what gods are in your life. Then run to the foot of the cross, confess them, and allow Him to have the rightful place that only He deserves in your life.

-marji kruger

passion

We must never become people who worship with our lips, but have hearts which are far from God (Isaiah 29:13). We need to be careful not to stray from the path of devoted love to become entangled in the weeds and thorns of selfish convenience.

But how can we guard against such wandering? How can we recognize when we are beginning to stray? And how can we return to the place we truly desire?

The answer to these questions will always be found in a deep and passionate love! Our relationship with God is not based on an exercise of our intellect, but on a transformation of our heart. Our relationship began with a work of the Spirit as our heart became His. It must now continue as we walk so closely that our only desire is to give Him ALL our heart - to give Him what is already His.

After years of successful rule, David's kingdom was now in total rebellion. His son, Absalom, was attempting to become the new king and had forced David to flee into the desert. With his life's work falling apart, and far from his home and place of worship, David turned to God and gave us a clear picture of Godly passion.

Psalm 63:1-4

"O God, You are my God, earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You, my body longs for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen You in the sanctuary and beheld Your power and Your glory. Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You. I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands."

Although it may be difficult to maintain this level of passion every moment of the day, this IS the relationship to which we have been called. This is worship! We must realize that this world is a "dry and weary land" when compared to walking in His presence. We must long for God's love more than life itself and seek to glorify Him in all we do.

If this type of relationship sounds foreign - maybe even a little radical - then I invite you to "taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34:8). He will pour out His blessings on those who step out in faith and truly give Him their heart. If you already understand this relationship but realize the passion has faded, then I boldly exhort you to return. Return to what you know will truly satisfy - to what you know is eternal, imperishable. Let's all return to the place of true worship. Let's all draw near and worship with a heart full of passion. 

-steve troxel

?...like

A little old Jewish lady is flying out of New York City on her way to Miami

Beach. She looks at the businessman sitting next to her and asks him,

"Excuse me sir, but are you Jewish?"

The man responds politely, "No, ma'am, I'm not Jewish."

After a little while she again queries him. "You're really Jewish, aren't

you?"

Again he responds, "No, ma'am, I am not Jewish."

Barely 10 minutes later, the little old lady asks him once more, "Are you

sure you're not Jewish?"

To which, in exasperation and in a final effort to shut her up, he replies,

"OK. Yes, ma'am, I am Jewish."

"Funny," she says, looking puzzled. "You don't look Jewish!"

Makes me wonder. If anyone approached me and asked me, "Are you a

Christian?" and I answered, "Yes", would they be inclined to say, "Funny,

you don't look like a Christian"?

I'm not talking about looking like the world's stereotype of a Christian --

a sour-looking guy with a scowl on his face, not enjoying life at all. I

merely wonder if my Christianity is something that can be seen by the

people who see me every day. I know what I believe, but is that belief

translating into action? Can anyone tell?

"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be

hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a

lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light

so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your

Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)

Do you look like a Christian?

-alan smith

peace

A wise old gentleman retired and purchased a modest home near a junior high school. He spent the first few weeks of his retirement in peace and contentment . . . then a new school year began. The very next afternoon three young boys, full of youthful, after-school enthusiasm, came down his street, beating merrily on every trash can they encountered. The crashing percussion continued day after day, until finally the wise old man decided it was time to take some action.

The next afternoon, he walked out to meet the young percussionists as they banged their way down the street. Stopping them, he said, "You kids are a lot of fun. I like to see you express your exuberance like that. Used to do the same thing when I was your age. Will you do me a favor? I'll give you each a dollar if you'll promise to come around every day and do your thing."

The kids were elated and continued to do a bang-up job on the trash cans. After a few days, the old-timer greeted the kids again, but this time he had a sad smile on his face. "This recession's really putting a big dent in my income," he told them. "From now on, I'll only be able to pay you 50 cents to beat on the cans." The noisemakers were obviously displeased, but they did accept his offer and continued their afternoon ruckus.

A few days later, the wily retiree approached them again as they drummed their way down the street. "Look." he said, "I haven't received my Social Security check yet, so I'm not going to be able to give you more than 25 cents. Will that be okay?"

"A lousy quarter?" the drum leader exclaimed. "If you think we're going to waste our time, beating these cans around for a quarter, you're nuts! No way, mister. We quit!" And the old man enjoyed peace and serenity for the rest of his days.

A wise man indeed! He discovered something that most of us spend our whole lives searching for -- a way to make peace. Granted, his peace was a "peace and quiet", while we seek to bring about a deeper level of peace, but the principle is the same.

In the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:9), Jesus included peacemakers among those who would be blessed. I stand in awe of those who have the ability to reconcile people who have been fussing and fighting.

Allow these words of Paul to speak to us:

"If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.....Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another." (Romans 12:18; 14:19).

May God bless us with wisdom to find ways to do just that.

what

"Most people assume WWJD stands for 'What would Jesus do?' But according to Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle, the initials are shorthand for 'What would Jesus drive?'

"For centuries, theologians have squabbled over the type of transportation the Lord would use: Public transit or private car? Stick shift or automatic? A sport-utility vehicle roomy enough for all 12 apostles or an economy model?

"One of Ostler's readers theorized that Jesus would tool around in an old Plymouth because the Bible says God drove Adam and Eve out of the garden of Eden in a Fury.

"But our research department found several other scenarios. In Psalm 83, for example, the Almighty clearly owns a Pontiac and a Geo. The passage urges the Lord to 'pursue your enemies with your Tempest and terrify them with your Storm.' (We're not sure how a Geo Storm could be considered terrifying, unless it had those scary shooting flames painted on the sides.)

"Another scripture indicates that Yahweh favored Dodge pickup trucks. Moses' followers are warned not to go up a mountain until 'the Ram's horn sounds a long blast.'

"Some scholars insist that Jesus drove a Honda, but didn't like to talk about it. As proof, they cite a verse in John's gospel where Christ tells a crowd, 'For I did not speak of my own Accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say.' However, there is debate over whether the vehicle had bumper stickers such as 'Save the Humans,' 'My other car is a flaming chariot' or 'Honk if you love me.'

"Ostler has uncovered several other religious theories: [One of them is that] Moses rode an old British motorcycle, as evidenced by a Bible passage declaring that 'the roar of Moses' Triumph is heard in the hills.' "

Someone else has suggested the apostles following Jesus' lead and carpooled in a Honda because Acts records that "the apostles were in one Accord".

I found it interesting that the phrase "one accord" appears 12 times in the book of Acts. Most of those passages refer to the unity of the early Christians. There was a harmony that existed in the early church, the result of Jesus' prayer in John 17. We all know the value of such unity. As David said long ago, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1). But seldom do we know the reality of that unity.

One thing I have noticed over the years is that unity is often the result of great adversity. We all saw it vividly in this country on a grand scale on September 11th. A nation divided quickly became a nation united. Petty squabbles were set aside and the people of the United States stood hand in hand -- "one nation under God."

I've seen the same things happen in families, and in churches. Sadly, sometimes it takes a disaster to help us to put things into perspective, to help us to realize that the insignificant things which we tend to argue about are not nearly as important as the things which bind us together. Wouldn't it be great if we could come to that realization without having to go through disastrous times?

"Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind." (Phil 2:2)

-alan smith

future

I thought you might enjoy listening to these people who tried to predict what the future held: "That rainbow song's no good. Take it out." - MGM memo after first showing of The Wizard Of Oz. "You'd better learn secretarial skills or else get married." - Modeling agency, rejecting Marilyn Monroe in 1944. "Radio has no future." "X-rays are clearly a hoax". "The aeroplane is scientifically impossible." - Royal Society president Lord Kelvin, 1897-9. "You ought to go back to driving a truck." - Concert manager, firing Elvis Presley in 1954. "Forget it. No Civil War picture ever made a nickel." - MGM executive, advising against investing in Gone With The Wind. "Can't act. Can't sing. Slightly bald. Can dance a little." - A film company's verdict on Fred Astaire's 1928 screen test. "The atom bomb will never go off - and I speak as an expert in explosives." - U.S. Admiral William Leahy in 1945. "Television won't matter in your lifetime or mine." - Radio Times editor Rex Lambert, 1936. "Everything that can be invented has been invented." - director of the US Patent Office, 1899. "And for the tourist who really wants to get away from it all, safaris in Vietnam." - Newsweek magazine, predicting popular holidays for the late 1960s. Predicting the future is a difficult thing to do. And yet we often wonder, what does the future hold for me? What does God have in mind for my life? Who will I marry? What will happen to me when I grow old? How can I make it through the pain or sorrow I'm experiencing right now? Will things ever get better? "Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings." (Psalm 61:1-3). I like this quote (author unknown): "Christians don't know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future." May you take comfort in that knowledge this day. -alan smith

if

The story is told of ten-year-old Johnny, who rushes home from school one day. He invades the fridge and is scooping out some cherry vanilla ice cream when his mother enters the kitchen.

She says, "Put that away, Johnny. You can't have ice cream now. It's too close to supper time. Go outside and play."

Johnny whimpers and says, "There's no one to play with."

Trying to pacify him, she says, "OK. I'll play with you. What do you want to play?"

He says, "I wanna play Mommy and Daddy."

To appease him, she says, "Fine, I'll play. What do I do?"

Johnny says, "You go in the living room and sit down."

Mom goes into the living room. Johnny, feeling a bit bold, swaggers down the hall and opens the utility closet. He dons his father's old fishing hat and overcoat. He goes into the living room, sits down, picks up the remote and starts changing channels.

His mother says, "What do I do now?"

In a gruff manner, Johnny says, "Go in the kitchen and get that kid some ice cream!"

Having three children, I hesitate to think what they might do if given the chance to be Mom or Dad for a while! But, suppose you could be God for a while. Ever played the game, "If I were God........"? If I were God, I suspect I would be tempted to be a bit like Johnny -- "Get that boy some money! Whatever he wants, you make sure he gets it! And take away all of those problems that make life difficult for him!"

Since that's what we think we would do, we don't understand it when God doesn't act that way. But like a ten-year-old who doesn't understand the wisdom of his parent's decisions, we seldom understand the wisdom of an Almighty God. That's really the point of the book of Job. Job spends chapter after chapter saying, "God, I don't understand why these things are happening!" God's response is, in essence, "You don't need to know why; you just need to know me."

"I will extol You, my God, O King; and I will bless Your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable." (Psalm 145:1-3).

Have a great day!

Alan Smith

rule

Last night, while watching the Woman's Softball Tournament, I was remined of one of the most touching moments in women's sports history.  It took place at a women's softball game on April 26, 2008.  Central Washington and Western Oregon faced off against each other, with the winner to receive a bid to the NCAA's Division II playoffs.

Sara Tucholsky, a Western Oregon player, came to the plate in the second inning with the score tied 0-0 and two runners on base .  Sara had never hit a home run in her lifetime.  However, things were about to change.  She connected on a pitch and hit the ball over the center field fence.  Due to her excitement, she missed first base.  So she stopped and turned to go back to the base.  But when she made the sudden stop and turn, she collapsed to the ground, having torn her ACL.

Her first base coach wanted to run out and help her, but if she touched Sara, she would have been counted out.  As Sara lay on theground, umpires conferred and determined that the best thing to do was to allow Western Oregon to substitute a pinch runner at first base (which would have canceled the home run).

The coach prepared to make the substitution when she heard a voice:  "Excuse me, would it be OK if we carried her around and she touched each bag?'"  You see, in softball, a teammate can't touch a player while running the bases, but there's no rule that says the opponents can't touch her.  So Mallory Holtman and Liz Wallace, two players on the opposing team offered to carry Sara around the bases so that her home run would not be counted as a single.  These two players gently picked up Sara, and carried her around the bases, allowing her to tap each base along the way.  After reaching home plate, these two girls handed Sara off to her own teammates.

When asked later why she did it, Mallory Holtman said, "Honestly, it's one of those things that I hope anyone would do it for me..."  In other words, she was practicing the "Golden Rule" - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

There's not much I can add to a touching story like that.  

May it serve as an inspiration to find ways in your own life to look for people who could use a hand.  When we are less concerned about "winning" than we are about helping others, we can truly begin to reflect Jesus Christ in our lives.

"Therefore, whatever you want men to do for you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 7:12)

soldier

I am a soldier in the army of my God.

The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding Officer.

The Holy Bible is my code of conduct.

Faith, Prayer, and the Word are my weapons of Warfare.

I have been taught by the Holy Spirit,

    ...trained by experience,

    ...tried by adversity,

    ...and tested by fire.

I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity.

I will either retire in this Army or die in this Army;

But, I will not get out,

    ...sell out

    ...be talked out

    ...or pushed out.

I am faithful, reliable, capable, and dependable.

If my God needs, me, I am there.

I am a soldier.

I am not a baby. I do not need to be pampered,

    ...petted,

    ...primed up,

    ...pumped up,

    ...picked up,

    ...or pepped up.

I am a soldier. No one has to call me,

    ...remind me,

    ...write me,

    ...visit me,

    ...entice me,

    ...or lure me.

I am a soldier. I am not a wimp. I am in place,

    ...saluting my King,

    ...obeying His orders,

    ...praising His name,

    ...and building His Kingdom!

No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy, or give me handouts.

I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for, or catered to.

I am committed. I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around.

   I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside.

   I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit.

When Jesus called me into this Army, I had nothing.

If I end up with nothing, I will still come out even.

I will win.

My God will supply all my needs.

I am more than a conqueror.

I will always triumph.

I can do all things through Christ.

Devils cannot defeat me.

People cannot disillusion me.

Weather cannot weary me.

Sickness cannot stop me.

Battles cannot beat me.

Money cannot buy me.

Governments cannot silence me, and

Hell cannot handle me!

I am a soldier.

Even death cannot destroy me.

For when my Commander calls me from this battlefield,

He will promote me to a captain.

I am a soldier, in the Army, I'm marching, claiming victory.

I will not give up.

I will not turn around.

I am a soldier, marching, Heaven bound.

Here I stand! Will you stand with me?