Two lives changed forever

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For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Psalm 139:13-16

Surely the writer of Proverbs was a grandfather! He nailed it when he wrote, “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged!” Parents have the responsibility to provide, nurture and disciple their children. Grandparents get to love, spoil and send them home! Grandchildren are the bridge that connects one generation to the next.

1973 marked a turning point in our nation. I was a sophomore college student when the infamous Roe v. Wade decision was handed down by the Supreme Court. Life for me was going to class, trying to understand the subject material, making sure I had studied for my exams, and working to pay for my college classes. However, this one split decision by the U.S. Supreme Court changed the course of history. Over time this one decision created a ripple effect that now threatens to become a tsunami with the potential reversal of Roe v. Wade.

The Supreme Court leak has dominated the news cycle for several days. Politicians have seized upon the story as a way to supposedly energize their base. Media commentators on both sides of the spectrum have interjected their opinions without offering wisdom. Anger has spilled into violence forcing fences to be erected around the Supreme Court building to keep the justices and staff safe. Verbal abuse has been thrown by each side against the others.

Norma McCorvey, the real person behind the name Jane Roe of Roe v. Wade, was a young pregnant woman in Texas in 1970 who sought an abortion. Texas law prevented her from having an abortion when two attorneys filed suit on her behalf. McCorvey later said, “I wasn’t the wrong person to become Jane Roe. I wasn’t the right person to become Jane Roe. I was just the person who became Jane Roe, of Roe v. Wade. And my life story, warts and all, was a little piece of history.” Yet McCorvey never had an abortion and gave the child up for adoption. However, it was her case that attorneys used to file suit against Texas and ultimately paved the way to legalize abortion in the United States.

McCorvey’s life could have been a character in a Shakespearean tragedy. She grew up in an unstable home with an alcoholic mother and her parents divorced. She was pregnant and married at 16, gave three children up for adoption, and was hopeless and manipulated.

For a decade after the ruling, her identity was hidden from the public, but once revealed, she became the face of the pro-abortion movement. McCorvey later professed to become a Christian and rejected abortion. Almost immediately she became the face of the anti-abortion movement for two decades. After her death, a documentary was made and aired last year on FX. McCorvey claimed, on a deathbed confession, that she was basically pro-choice all along and only became a pro-life activist for the money.

Abortion advocates make their case. Anti-abortion advocates make their case. Yet both sides are deaf to each other, seeking only to win their argument. It is in the deafness that God hears the cry of the aborted and listens to the pain of the woman. Two lives changed forever. One will never breathe life, the other will never hold this life. God, who sees the little one being wonderfully woven, weeps at her death. God who loves unconditionally weeps with the woman as she lays on the abortionist’s table. “Abortion kills twice. It kills the body of the baby and it kills the conscience of the mother.”—Mother Teresa

Jesus felt the humiliation of the woman caught in adultery as he sat with her in the dust offering his hand of mercy and grace. Jesus felt the rejection of the woman at the well as he sat with her in the noontime heat offering hope and redemption. Jesus felt the scorn and mockery of the woman who bathed his feet with her tears offering her encouragement and love. Jesus felt the belittlement of children as he calls them to sit on his lap in acceptance and laughter. Jesus felt the plight of his mother as he looked down from the cross offering her compassion and care.

“How do we persuade a woman not to have an abortion? As always, we must persuade her with LOVE, and we remind ourselves that love means to be willing to give until it hurts.”—Mother Teresa

Followers of Jesus, we have a unique and pivotal role to play in this emotionally charged, passionate driven, and divisive season. The unborn children cry out in their vulnerability and innocence, for us to protect and keep them safe. For the sake of the women who are driven out of despair and hopelessness to abortion clinics, we must come alongside them in love and compassion. For the sake of our nation’s soul, we must be courageous and stand against the tide of evil. For the sake of our children and grandchildren’s future, we need to be men and women of prayer that plant hedges around them daily.

Lord, we cry out in desperation. We desperately need you to pull back the curtain of darkness that has engulfed our land. We desperately need you to help navigate the societal issues that have forced women to accept abortion as an acceptable alternative. We desperately need you to help men to stand strong and courageous against evil and temptation. We desperately need you to protect the unborn and care for these little ones you love so very much. Lord, in our desperation, forgive us, restore us and use us to make a difference.

God is great

EXALT THE LORD, WHO HAS ESTABLISHED US

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As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. Colossians 2:6-7 (NASB)

“Do it again, Lord! Lord, would you do it again?! And would you do it again with me?!”

Such was the prayer of a young student during a 1940s field trip in England. Visiting the home of John Wesley, a group of theology students touring various places of leading historical church figures had stopped at his home. The students were shown Wesley’s bedroom and on the floor were two knee imprints where Wesley had prayed for hours on end for God to send a revival to England and the United States.

As the students boarded the bus, Dr. Orr realized one of the students was missing and went back to look for him. Going into the bedroom, he found the young man kneeling in the same place praying fervently, “Do it again, Lord!”. The professor touched the young man’s shoulder and said it was time to go. Billy Graham stood to rejoin the students on the bus. I believe even then Dr. Graham understood fully what Oswald Chambers had written years before. “Prayer does not equip us for greater works—Prayer is the greater work.”

It was with that same passion and determination that Dr. Graham stood on the Capitol steps on Feb 3, 1952, challenging the political leaders to pray for spiritual revival in the United States. On April 17, 1952, Congress passed a bill designating a National Day of Prayer which President Harry Truman signed into law.

Thursday, May 5 will mark the 71st anniversary of the “National Day of Prayer.” The day was designated by an act of Congress and has been routinely acknowledged by the sitting President through a proclamation. The theme this year is “EXALT THE LORD, WHO HAS ESTABLISHED US,” based on Colossians 2:6-7.

Throughout the nation, various events will commemorate the proclamation through times of public prayer gatherings and private times of intercession. However, A.W. Tozer asked a powerful question years ago that is still relevant and worthy of pondering deeply on May 5.  “Do we really want God to intervene in our nation? Are we really ready to pay the price of fervently praying for God to intervene in our nation? To desire revival . . . and at the same time to neglect prayer and devotion is to wish one way and walk another.”

To answer yes to this question will require a deep transformation in our prayer lives. What would we have to give up to see God intervene in our nation? Can you imagine the difference in our nation, our churches, our families and our personal lives if we genuinely sought God’s intervention? Kanita Benson-Rutley with the National Day of Prayer Taskforce wrote, “Love looks like Jesus. While the natural response to the issues we encounter everyday would be to escape, God is calling His church to engage.”

We are facing unprecedented times of spiritual darkness, both in our nation and globally. Now is not the time to “neglect prayer and devotion” but to pay the price that John Wesley and others have done throughout history. We are reminded by Paul, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:10-12)

Billy Graham will always be known for his great crusades and his passionate invitations to come forward to accept Jesus Christ.  Equally important however was his call on the steps of our nation that cold, February day challenging our nation’s leaders to pray. It is a challenge desperately needed in this season of our nation.

“Friends, we are continuing to experience the Holy Spirit’s conviction for the need of prayer, repentance, and revival. As I’ve shared in the past, before every major outpouring and awakening of God, prayer has preceded and paved the path for revival – and God is using the National Day of Prayer Task Force to mobilize prayer and multiply collaboration; growing even stronger in the days of isolation during the pandemic.” Kathy Branzell, President, National Day of Prayer Task Force

Let’s pray this Thursday for revival to sweep the United States. For those of you who live in another country use this day to pray for spiritual awakening in your country. Then on Friday morning, we start all over again praying for spiritual awakening. Together, let’s pray as Billy Graham did decades ago, “Do it again, Lord! Lord, would you do it again?! And would you do it again with me?!” 

Spirit of the Living God,

Fall fresh on me

Spirit of the living God,

Fall fresh on me.

Break me, melt me, mold me, fill me.

Spirit of the living God,

Fall fresh on me. –chorus by Daniel Iverson

 

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:17 (NASB)

God is great,

How are things with your heart?

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You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

How are things with your heart? This question is not original to me. However, it is a question that speaks volumes to me and hopefully to you as you think about it. I think we all can agree that it is too easy to let busy happen, causing us to forget to focus on our hearts.

An often-neglected part of the Great Commandment in Matthew 22:36-40 is yourself. There is no question that our priority is to love God with all our hearts, soul and mind. This is the only way to really get to the second part of the commandment, to love your neighbor in the same way you love yourself. As you love yourself, it is not a self-centered, ego-focused love, but a love that seeks to grow in faith, care for our souls and seek to live a life centered on Christ.

David, the major contributor to the Book of Psalms, understood the depth of caring for his soul. Growing in his love for himself and others could only be possible as he focused on God. The collection of 150 Psalms are inspired and honest prayers; containing songs of praise and prayers of lament, hymns celebrating God’s steadfast love and prayers for vindication against enemies. The Psalms cover the full range of emotions of our ups and downs on our spiritual journey

“The psalms are more than language. They contain within themselves the silence of high mountains and the silence of heaven…and become the Tabernacle of God in which we are protected forever from the rage of the city of business, from the racket of human opinions.”—Thomas Merton

How do you answer this simple question, how are things with your heart?  It forces us to stop and reflect on our inner soul. Reflecting on the question requires us to slow down enough to meditate upon our relationship with God. It may be a time when we ask, how we can grow in our love for Him?  The Psalms provide words that go beyond our superficial responses, especially as we encounter the major recurring theme in the Psalms that God’s path is a way of life.

I don’t hesitate to follow the Google map when I am driving, trusting that the voice on my phone knows the best route to take.  I know for the most part I will be on the right path if I listen and respond to the directions. Occasionally, I will fail to follow directions and Google has to re-route me to get back on the right path. The same is true in our life when we let God ask us the question, how are things with your heart?

“The life of prayer, like life itself, is not always happy and peaceful. Into prayer we take our anxieties, loneliness and discouragement along with our joy, awe and celebration. In order to deepen any intimate relationship, we must be honest about our feelings.” — author unknown

To truly love God requires us to answer the question, how are things with your heart? Has our focus shifted from God to other things? If we are to relate well to others it will require us to answer this question from our relationship with God. If we are to relate well to ourselves it will require us to answer this question from a daily encounter with God.

“Daily problems that are common to life can be just as formidable as the literal opposition of an adversary. They create self-doubts and a feeling of futility that there is no solution or way of deliverance. Writing assignments, school lessons, or travel schedules may pile up, eliminating balance and margin in life, imposing frustration and robbing us of a sense of peace and well-being. But the psalmist gives assurance that when we cry to the Lord, He hears us and saves us, not just in the sense of redeeming us from sin but from situations and attitudes that would rob Him of His glory.”—Jerry Rankin

Maybe today you feel vulnerable: God says, take refuge in me. Psalm 16:1

Maybe today you feel abandoned: God says, let your heart rejoice in your salvation. Psalm 13:5

Maybe today you feel overwhelmed: God says, I am your stronghold, a stronghold in times of trouble. Psalm 9:9

Maybe today you feel lonely: God says, I am near to all who call on me. Psalm 145:18

Maybe today you feel hopeless: God says, my steadfast love will hold you. Psalm 94:18

Maybe today is a good day to ask the question of yourself, how are things with your heart?

Lord, I may be struggling but I trust you today as I have done yesterday and will do tomorrow. Regardless of my current situation, I know you are the Giver of Life, the Strong Foundation on which to stand, and the Beacon of Light to guide me on this path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

God is great,

Easter Legacy – Jesus Praying

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But he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:24-25

“Help, O LORD” — Psalm 12

“How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever?” –Psalm 13

“Hear a just cause, O LORD; attend to my cry; give ear to my prayer” –Psalm 17

These heartfelt cries from deep within the Psalmist’s soul reflect how he understood the blessing of knowing that God listens and responds. God desires to hear from us and we desperately need to hear from Him. The most important lesson that the disciples wanted Jesus to teach them was how to pray and it was a lesson He most willingly taught them.

“Conscious communion with God through intentional prayer is vital for our Christian life. Only through regular conversations with God will we experience his vision for life and be effective for his glory.” –Dallas Willard

The church is rich with doctrines that help us understand our salvation, justification, and sanctification but one of the most powerful, yet often neglected, is the doctrine of intercession. “The atonement accomplished our salvation; intercession is the moment-by-moment application of that atoning work.” –Dane Ortlund

Jesus prayed in the garden for those who would come after him. Jesus’ prayer was in the midst of the greatest war for our souls. He prayed that we would not be lost but experience eternal life. It was on the cross Jesus completed the task of atonement, but the task of intercession continues daily. It is in this intercession that Jesus sees and hears our prayer requests and goes before God the Father.

Peter didn’t understand the significance at the time when Jesus told him, “I have prayed for you that your own faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” –Luke 22:3 Jesus’ prayer of intercession would make the difference in Peter’s life as he would work through the shame and guilt of betrayal. Similarly, Jesus prays for us today in the face of our own shame and guilt that our faith will not fail.

The disciples didn’t understand the significance at the time when Jesus told them, “I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one.” –John 17:15 Jesus’ prayer of intercession would give them the courage to face the trials they would eventually endure, just as he intercedes for us today in our trials.

I often wonder amid the chaos, turmoil and divisiveness we find today if we fully understand the significance that Jesus is making intercession for us. “Since then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” –Hebrews 4:14-16

We rejoice at Easter in the gift of eternal life that Jesus made possible for us. Let us rejoice also in the intercession that Jesus makes for us daily. There is no burden, no problem, no challenge that God can’t handle as Jesus intercedes for us. “Since he always lives to make intercession” is a solid foundation on which to stand and place our hope, today and for eternity.

God is great,

 

Is Easter chocolate-covered bunnies or new life?

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Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:21-22

 

The crowd ecstatic! The stadium reverberating! The noise deafening! Surely this is the Kansas Jayhawks returning to Lawrence, Kansas as NCAA basketball champions. The descriptors are correct but no, I am referring to Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Sunday marked Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. Jesus’ entry brought crowds so thick you could barely move. Jesus is the hero of the hour but many in the crowd that welcomed Jesus with such enthusiasm will be the same ones yelling for his crucifixion in a few short days.

Last year marked the first time that American church membership fell below 50%. Recent statistics reflect some improvement yet fewer and fewer Americans identify with the church. Gallup first measured this statistic in 1937 when membership that year was at 73%. Over the following decades, there was a slight drop each year but still maintained a majority of the population until 2010. It was then a significant decline that began until last year when membership fell below 50%.

There is an abundance of statistics, reasons, and rationale as to why the decline is happening. I think we can agree that membership has never been a guaranteed barometer of church health.  Church membership doesn’t necessarily imply someone is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ and in some ways, this number may actually represent a positive trend as the church rids itself of in-name-only Christians. The church is growing leaner but hopefully not meaner. Could it be that we are on the verge of a new awakening?

As we approach Easter Sunday, I mourn those who have walked away from the church, yet I am hopeful the day will come after the world has beaten them down, robbed them of hope, and left them empty, that they can hear Jesus lovingly call, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, 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.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

The message of Easter isn’t about a spectacular past event celebrated once a year nor is it about waiting to live a blissful life after death. “The message of Easter is that God’s new world has been unveiled in Jesus Christ and that you’re now invited to belong to it.” –N. T. Wright

The Resurrection was and is bodily, a transformed body. The transformed, resurrected body of Jesus brings life and hope to a fallen world.  The power of Easter must be put into effect to “transform at a macro level and to the intimate details of our daily lives.” In the midst of changing cultural norms, increased social divisions, and rampant violent actions, it is only through the power of Easter that this world has hope. Easter as a once-a-year event gives us bunny rabbits and chocolate-covered eggs, but it doesn’t transform lives, doesn’t impact nations, nor bring hope to those in need.

“Christian holiness consists not of trying as hard as we can to be good but of learning to live in the new world created by Easter, the new world we publicly entered in our baptism. There are many parts of the world we can’t do anything about except pray. But there is one part of the world, one part of physical reality, that we can do something about, and that is the creature each of us calls, “myself.” –N. T. Wright

 

How do we live in this post-Easter world?

 

We live in the world with our focus on “a new heaven and a new earth.” Rev 21:1

We live in the world as different people because God said, “I am the LORD your God…Be holy, for I am holy.” Lev 11:44

We live in the world in light of Matthew 4:17. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

We live in the world letting “the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.” Col 3:15

We live in the world for we “are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one In Christ Jesus.”  Galatians 3:26,28

How do we live in the world created by Easter? Our answer is pretty simple, Jesus. This will be the only answer that will make a difference for those walking away from the church. This will be the only answer for those beaten down, rejected, and hopeless. This will be the only answer that makes any sense.

I hope in the days leading up to Good Friday and then Easter Sunday, you will spend time reflecting on what Easter means for you. Let it be a time leading to renewed hope, passionate grace, and an eternal outlook.

Lord, awaken in me the joy and excitement of Easter morning. Let me reflect on the morning that broke the chains of sin for eternity. Let me rejoice in the morning that brought hope and redemption as I believed in You. Thank you for the morning that shattered the gates of death. Amen

 

God is great,

 

 

What a sweet aroma are your prayers before God

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Moses said to Aaron, take your censer, put fire on it from the altar and lay incense on it, and carry it quickly to the congregation and make atonement for them. For wrath has gone out from the LORD, the plague has begun. Numbers 16:46

The sounds of rebellion echoed throughout the camp. The mob was fed up with Moses and Aaron. It was a battle for control; a spiritual war against God and His anointed. God told Moses, “get away from this congregation, so that I may consume them in a moment.”

Moses knew the rebellion would be short-lived and would not end well for the people. I wonder if the thought ran through his mind, “Finally, God will get rid of the trouble makers in one sweep of His hand. He will get a much-needed reprieve from the rabble-rousers”.  Deep down, did Moses hope to get rid of the problem makers? Would we like to see a little more justice instead of mercy? Fortunately for the world, God’s grace-bearers don’t get to turn away from the battle. Like Moses, we must intercede on behalf of others. Like Aaron, we pick up our censers to intercede for the people.

Aaron recognized the danger of running into this angry mob. Those people didn’t care. Those people didn’t obey God’s laws. Those people wanted Moses and Aaron dead. Yes, those people are still around and will always be since we are those people without Jesus.  It doesn’t take long to name those people in our lives. Aaron could have played it safe and ran the other way. We could play it safe and run the other way. Yet like Aaron, we are called to run toward the fire of hatred, anger, rebellion carrying the flame of mercy and redemption, standing “between the dead and the living; and the plague was stopped.” 16:48

Why risk our life for those people?  The same reason that “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son…in order that the world might be saved through him.” –John 3:16-17

We carry the censers of intercessory prayer for those dying from the plague of sin and offer the hope and grace of God’s mercy to trapped people. We are the intercessors standing “between the dead and the living.” Daily we watch as the plagues of materialism, sexuality, greed, corruption, racism, abuse, violence and countless others ways destroy the lives of those made in God’s image.

“Jesus Christ carries on intercession for us in heaven; the Holy Ghost carries on intercession in us on earth; and we the saints have to carry on intercession for all men.” –Oswald Chambers

Chambers’ words from a previous generation challenge us today with the overwhelming task of interceding for others. The role of intercession calls us to run into a battle that few of us can even fathom. The intercessor’s role pushes us into a spiritual battle that we are unable to wage through our power.

The fragrance of mercy from Aaron’s censer finally begins to cover the stench of death. What does the fragrance of mercy smell like? The fragrance of God’s mercy is those who were hungry and you gave them food, for the thirsty and you gave them drink. You made the stranger feel welcome, clothed the naked, and visited the sick and the prisoner. The fragrance of mercy smells like hope, faith, peace and grace. It is the fragrance of grace from an empty tomb as we celebrate Easter morning in a couple of weeks.

“Another angel with a golden censer came and stood at the altar; he was given a great quantity of incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar that is before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.” Revelation 8:3-4

Moses prayed for the people. David prayed for the people. The prophets of old prayed for the people. Jesus prays, even now, for the people. Now we pick up our censers and pray for the people. Our prayers are offered up as beautiful fragrances for those who are running from God. Our prayers are offered for those hurting, lost and desperate to find grace and salvation.

“Reflect the glory of God with your life. God pours out love on us who are naturally unloving and unlovable. So, why would we refuse to offer it to others? Because we have the spirit of Christ, we, too, can reflect the glory of God by showing His love to our enemies. Show the world the grace God has bestowed upon you. We are to be like God, extending love aggressively in the face of hostility.”  (author unknown)

Easter awakens us to intercede for neighbors, co-workers, family or the person on the street. Jesus stood in the gap “between the dead and living.” Now we stand in the gap to become the incense that will rise “before God from the hand of the angel.”

What a sweet aroma are your prayers before God.

God is great,

 

What comes into your mind when you think about God?

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Let us live life “without murmuring and arguing, so that we may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, that we may shine like stars in the world.” Philippians 1:15

Can you make a difference “in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation?” A recent poll revealed that 72% of Americans feel the country is headed in the wrong direction. If we answer the question based on the poll, then the answer might be no. We can easily become discouraged and feel hopeless trying to make a difference in moving the moral compass.

William Wilberforce probably felt the same way as he battled the beastly horrors of the slave trade industry. Mother Teresa probably felt the same way as she walked the filthy streets of Calcutta caring for the outcasts of society. Missionary Lottie Moon probably felt the same way as she sought to show the love of Jesus in her adopted country of China. Billy Graham probably felt the same way as he stood inviting those to come who wanted to know the freedom that Jesus offered.

A.W. Tozer asked a previous generation a penetrating question that I find still relevant today. Tozer wrote, “were we able to extract from any man a complete answer to the question, “What comes into your mind when you think about God?” We might predict with certainty the spiritual future of that man. Were we able to know exactly what our most influential religious leaders think of God today, we might be able with some precision to foretell where the church will stand tomorrow.”

“What comes into your mind when you think about God?” This question helps define the reality of how to make a difference in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. Jesus said in Matthew, “But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this is what defiles. For out of the heart comes evil intentions, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander.” (15:18-19)

Unfortunately, we see the results of Jesus’ words in our culture today. Followers of Jesus seek to impact the world’s culture. How you answer the question helps determine the impact you have on others. Jesus’ words are powerful and true.  In our daily lives, life actions could be life-giving instead of life-taking if time had been taken to answer this simple yet profound question “What comes into your mind when you think about God?”

God your deeds are extraordinary! Who is a protector besides our God? God the deliverer. The great, mighty, and awesome God. He is not the God of the dead but of the living. Sanctified by God’s word and by prayer. For nothing will be impossible with God. I thirst for God. God is our defender forever. For the LORD is a great God. God reigns over the nations. Confidence in God. Be imitators of God. (various scripture verses)

How we answer the question defines much of the course of our spiritual life as well as our natural life. It is heartbreaking when many answers that God is irrelevant or non-existent. How could a good God let this happen? If God is real, why doesn’t He answer my prayers?

Satan has been planting seeds of doubt since the beginning of time. In the book of Job, we read how Job was slandered by the accusation that Job’s thoughts about God were for what he could get for himself.  Satan even challenges God when he says, “Have you not put a fence around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.” (Job 1: 10) Satan goes to confront God and that if He would only, “stretch out your hand now, and touch all that he has,” then the reaction of Job about God will be “he will curse you to your face.” (1:11)

However, Job didn’t curse God since he had spent time through the years thinking about God. He didn’t particularly like what was happening to him in life but “in all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrongdoing.” –Job1:22

What comes to mind when we think about God? The answer will come from what we have allowed being planted in our hearts and souls. “Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.” –Psalm 1:1-3

Farmers and gardeners work in the blazing sun planting seeds. At the end of the day when they look out over the cultivated field it might feel like the day was wasted with nothing to show for the hard work. Yet the seeds planted will eventually sprout into a bountiful harvest. The same will be for you as you spend time thinking through your answer to the question.

Peter planted seeds knowing that God is Savior with the declaration, “The Messiah of God.” (Luke 9:18).

Paul planted seeds that revealed the weakness of any culture “for the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”—I Corinthians 1:18

John planted seeds knowing, “God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God and God abides in them. I John 4:16

James planted seeds resulting in, “every act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights”—James 1:17

I planted these life-defining seed verses:  God is merciful and gracious…abounding in steadfast love, –Psalm 86:15 Do not let those who hope in you be put to shame because of me—Psalm 69:6 Let those who love your salvation say evermore, “God is great.” –Psalm 70:4 Love the LORD God with all of heart, soul, mind—Matt 22:36-40 The LORD is in your midst…singing over you Zeph 3:17

“From the beginning, God’s desire was that we would exist in an everlasting relationship with him. Sin gets in the way of that relationship, especially laziness that sidelines praise and prayer. May we never be too busy for both.” –Brennan Manning

How will you answer, “What comes into your mind when you think about God?” What seeds are you planting to help you think about God?

Father, I confess my often-lazy attitude of being with you, letting sin harbor thoughts that prevent fellowship with you. Restore the joy of prayer and praise that will permeate every fiber of my heart, mind and soul for you that I may shine like stars in the world.

God is great,

 

 

Mountain-moving Praying

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Jesus said to them, Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, if someone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. For this reason I tell you, whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. —Mark 11:22-24 NET

What mountain do you need to move? Mountain-moving praying is critical these days since we are surrounded by mountains. Over the last few days, stories have dominated the news with the plight of over 3.2 million refugees in Ukraine fleeing the vicious onslaught of Russian troops, tens of thousands of Afghans hiding from the Taliban and record-breaking inflation and gas prices. You can turn off the news but your mountain is still looming in front of you. It might be a mountain of personal tragedy, physical sickness, financial or a multitude of other challenges. Whatever mountain you are facing, it is a mountain that God cares about because He cares for you.

Michael Klassen and Thomas Freiling gave a great illustration about mountain-moving praying in their book, Battle Prayers. The story is about a small congregation in the Appalachians who faced an insurmountable mountain. The congregation had built a new building on land donated by a deceased church member. They had pooled all their resources to build a new building but ten days before the first service, they found out the parking lot was too small. The building inspector said he couldn’t approve the permit unless more parking was added.

The pastor responded, “we have no more room to expand. Every square inch of land is utilized except for this hill that stands directly behind the church. Our people just don’t have the money to level this hill and then have it paved. “The inspector replied sorry but there wasn’t anything he could do.

The pastor explained the situation to the church on Sunday. “Tonight, there’s going to be a special prayer service. We’re going to ask God to remove this mountain behind our church and somehow provide enough money to have it paved and painted in time for the dedication service next week. But I only want people with mountain-moving faith to come.”

Twenty-four of the church’s 300 members came to pray that night. At 10:00 the pastor said “Amen”. “We’ll open next Sunday as scheduled. God has never let us down before, and I believe he will be faithful this time as well.”

“Monday morning as he was working in his study, the pastor heard a loud knock at his door…The door opened and in walked a rough-looking construction foreman who removed his hard hat as he entered.

Excuse me, Reverend. I’m from a construction company over in the next county. We’re building a new shopping mall and we need some fill dirt. Would you be willing to sell us a chunk of that mountain behind your church? We’ll pay you for the dirt we remove and pave all the exposed area free of charge, if we can have it right away. We’re at a standstill until we get the dirt in and allow it to settle properly.

The next Sunday the church was dedicated as originally planned. There were far more members with mountain-moving faith on opening Sunday than there had been the previous week!”

Klassen and Freiling didn’t reference the name of the church or location, so it may simply be a great urban folklore. If the story is true you may be thinking the church should have done a better job of knowing the building codes before building.

Folklore or poor planning, either way, the story reminds us of how often we get into situations that force us to turn to God. We know some of our mountains are due to our own making but many have been created outside of our control.  Regardless of how the situation happens, we still face an insurmountable mountain.

God is not a short-order cook waiting to prepare whatever we ask. Mountain-moving praying comes out of a deep, intimate and consistent relationship with God. Richard Foster says, “for those explorers in the frontiers of faith, prayer was no little habit tacked on to the periphery of their lives; it was their lives. It was the most serious work of their most productive years. Prayer—nothing draws us closer to the heart of God.”

Through the course of my spiritual journey, I was never excited about the reason for needing mountain-moving prayers but I am thankful God walked with me. God has taken my mountains or what I thought was a mountain and made a parking lot out of it, though seldom how I thought the parking lot would look!

E.M. Bounds understood the importance of mountain-moving prayer as he wrote, “The more praying there is in the world the better the world will be, the mightier the forces against evil everywhere…. God shapes the world by prayer.”

I don’t know if you are at the bottom of a mountain looking up not knowing how you will climb it, or at the top looking down rejoicing in how God has answered your prayer, or if you are still climbing. One thing I am confident of, God is with you as you face the mountain.

I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Psalm 121:1-3

God is great

 

Ask for the Ancient Paths

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Thus says the LORD: Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies, and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, “We will not walk in it.” Jeremiah 6:16

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about taking a few dirt roads in life. One finds that when driving on dirt roads there are a lot of crossroads. Now, if you are familiar with the upcoming crossroad, you will know which way to turn. However, since very few of the crossroads on dirt roads have sign markers, unfamiliar roads can create some anxiety. You question what direction to go, knowing if you take the wrong turn, you could end up lost.

Imagine you are approaching a spiritual crossroad; not a crossroad about a decision on which job to take, where to live, or any other life question. You find yourself burned out, weary and overwhelmed, needing to care for yourself. Does this crossroad turn toward God or the other direction that will take you far from Him?

If you “ask for the ancient paths” as Jeremiah wrote, you will find yourself on God’s way. This path will go through green pastures as well as dark valleys. On the ancient paths, you will always be assured of God’s companionship for the journey. The other turn is what the world offers. Yes, it can look very attractive and inviting at first but it ends with emptiness and hopelessness. It is a road that may take you where you never intended to go.

Soul care may be a concept new to many but it is as old as the ancient paths. Jesus recognized everyone will eventually get to some crossroads where life is difficult and you find yourself attempting to try this method or that technique simply to find hope, encouragement and rest. What is Soul Care? The best definition I have found is “an adventure of learning to care for your soul for the sake of others.”

Foundationally your soul is all of you; your identity, passions and oneness with God.  David Hansen has a great illustration of the soul. He writes, “the soul is more like a river than a street, more like a forest than a city, more like a wild trout than a laboratory rat.” Hansen’s definition is the imagery of freedom and joy.

So then, what is a person worth? Normally you think in terms of your bank accounts, the size of your home, the type of car you drive, or career accomplishments. However, if you define value in physical terms, 99% of a human being is composed of oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus – valued at about $100, depending upon inflation. All of this is worthless unless you remember that the body is simply an address for the soul to reside.

Jesus redefined dignity to those he encountered. The dignity of the soul is found because you are created in the image of God (Gen 1:27), valued to the point of every hair being counted (Matthew 10:30) and so loved that he gave up His only Son (John 3:16).

“When human beings are devalued, everything in society turns sour. Women are humiliated and children despised. The sick are regarded as a nuisance and the elderly as a burden. Ethnic minorities are discriminated against. The poor are oppressed and denied social justice…labor is exploited in the mines and factories. There is no freedom, no dignity, no carefree joy. Human life seems not worth living because it is scarcely human any longer…people matter…because every man, woman, and child has worth and significance as a human being made in God’s image and likeness.” –John Stott

To care for your soul for the sake of others requires time-space–community. Jesus knew the need for time-space-community and lived it. He took time to be with the Father daily, found time to be silent, and got away from the crowd in solitude.

Jesus understood the foundations needed for life when facing a spiritual crossroad. Jesus gave us the priority in which to live. “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” — Matthew 22:37-39

Soul care doesn’t happen overnight. It will require time with God where you can be alone and listening. Soul care will require setting aside a place that becomes your sacred place of worship and reflection. We need the same passion for God that Brother Lawrence wrote about in The Practice of the Presence of God, “It helps little to pray if I do not know the God to whom I pray.”

As you care for your soul, it allows you to care for others, nurture others, become a trusted listener and pray deeply. Soul care is a rhythm where “as we comfort and teach and encourage, we will be comforted, taught and encouraged in turn.” (unknown author)

As you care for yourself and others, you will begin to impact a messy and out-of-control world. “Learn this great lesson: as the sun on a cold day shines on us and imparts its warmth, believe that the living God will work in you with His love and almighty power. God will reveal Himself as life and light and joy and strength to the soul who waits upon Him.”—Andrew Murray

Jesus offers an invitation to you to walk the ancient paths. Care for your soul, for the sake of others. “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” –Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)

God is great,

Jesus wept

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Jesus wept. – John 11:35

A little kiss, a little coffee
A little moment to pray
Our Sunday mornings always started that way
Make up in the mirror
Humming a gospel song
When I came down the stairs I knew that something was wrong

He was lying on the floor
He was in a better place
And I could tell for sure by that sweet look on his face

He saw Jesus. He saw Jesus
And He took his breath away

source: https://www.lyricsondemand.com/k/kathieleegiffordlyrics/hesawjesuslyrics.html

Kathie Lee Gifford in her song, He Saw Jesus captures a beautiful image of her husband’s death. “He saw Jesus. He saw Jesus and He took his breath away.” This is a powerful reminder that there may only be a moment between our earthly body and our heavenly home. We are no longer confined to the limitations of one’s body but free to experience life with Jesus.

As I write this week’s devotional blog it is in the context of my father-in-law’s death and all the preparations for his funeral. James Westmoreland could sing that song as well – if he could sing! When he saw Jesus, he got so excited that Jesus took his breath away.

For me, one of the most moving verses in the Bible is found in John 11:35. Granted, it is not a lengthy discourse on some theological issue nor a verse confronting division between his disciples nor a verse teaching the masses some great spiritual lesson. Actually, maybe it does teach a powerful lesson about life! The King James Version translation of verse 35 uses two words, “Jesus wept”. This little two-word verse paints a beautiful portrait of Jesus.

“Jesus wept.” It is in this two-word verse we encounter the tender and raw emotions of Jesus as he stands at the foot of his friend Lazarus’ gravesite.  Jesus doesn’t rebuke those around him for weeping but can weep with a hope they didn’t have.

Jesus will never minimize our feelings or emotions. He knows about our grief and he stays with us in the midst of it. Matthew Kelly in his book, Life is Messy writes, “Feelings are visitors of the heart. Welcome them. Each feeling comes to teach you something very specific. Be hospitable to these guests. They are only passing through. Unless you ignore them. This detains them unnecessarily. You cannot get them to leave by ignoring them, avoiding them, or pretending they don’t exist. They will stay until you attend to them. And when it comes time for them to leave, thank them for visiting.”

I can only speculate when Robert Estienne in the 1500s developed the verse numbering system for the Bible that he decided this verse simply couldn’t be combined with the other surrounding verses.  Even as “Jesus wept” he didn’t weep like those around him because they were weeping out of hopelessness, tradition and despair.  “Jesus wept” because of his great love for those around him. “Jesus wept” since death was never part of God’s original creation plan.

Jesus uses this heart-wrenching moment to share the great truth that brings hope for eternity. It is a truth for those dying and those standing at the edge of the grave. Jesus challenged the darkness of death with the light of hope in John 11:25-26 when he said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” After he makes the statement, he goes on to ask Martha a question that is still relevant for each of us living today. “Do you believe this?”  It is a question that if we answer yes, allows us to live our life knowing Jesus loves us, cares for us, died for us and gives us hope for eternity.

My father-in-law lived his 91 years of life fully committed and believing the truth of verse 25. It was in this hope of resurrection that he preached through the years the simple but life-changing news of Jesus Christ, our Savior.

In the sweet innocent and trusting of children, his 8-year-old great-granddaughter was talking with her Mother about death. One of her questions was about who would be the first to meet Granddad in heaven after Jesus. Her mother asked her, who do you think? Hattie said,” I think it will be his mama.”

Hattie is learning that heaven is real, a place of great joy and love. We weep at the death of our loved ones, but because Jesus told us he is “the resurrection and life” we are never like those without hope. “And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope.” I Thessalonians 4:13 NLT

Is your perception of the future determined by the certainty of your death or by your faith in Jesus? Is your life determined by the ability to make life happen or by the power of Jesus’ presence within you to give you life? I hope you listen to Kathie Lee Gifford’s song and find the words a gentle reminder that seeing Jesus will be so exciting that He will take your breath away. What will you do with Jesus’ hope-filled but definitive statement that he is the resurrection and the life?

God is great