Pentecost Sunday! What else would you come to expect from God who so loved the world?

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And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. John 14:16-17 (NLT)

One of the harder words to tell anybody is goodbye but telling someone you love goodbye can be gut-wrenching.  You say the words and you feel the emotions and grief deep down, even if the goodbye will be short-lived. I still feel the emotions of that morning in January 1983 when we said our goodbyes to family and friends at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, walking down the breezeway knowing it would be almost five years before we would see everyone again. We had done our best to get ready for this day but when the moment came, all the preparation seemed to disappear and the tears came.

I could tell my aging parents that we would come back but I knew the separation would hurt. We would write regularly and keep them informed. We would pray for them daily. We would even send pictures of where we would be living. It wouldn’t be the same as being physically present but it would provide encouragement and comfort until we returned.

Jesus knew his departure was coming soon so he started preparing his followers for his goodbye. The Gospel of John records various exchanges between Jesus and his disciples about his role, their role, and the life ahead. Confusion, fear, doubt, and uncertainty marked the tone of his disciples. How could Jesus leave them? What will happen to them? Jesus gave them a promise that they wouldn’t be left behind.

Similar to a mother who reassures her little boy that she will come back for him, Jesus reassures His followers. “No, I will not abandon you as orphans.”  In all their confusion, knowing Jesus wouldn’t leave them made all the difference. Yes, the little boy left in the nursery doesn’t know when his mother will come back but even amid his tears, he believes she will come back for him.

How great the words must have been to the disciples when Jesus said, “I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.” –John 14:25-27 (The Message)

The days have passed quickly for the disciples since they watched Jesus’ death on the cross and then experienced the life-changing event of His resurrection. Lots of things have happened during these days since Jesus’ resurrection. Now the day came when they would hear Jesus tell them goodbye.

Over the years we have witnessed a lot of goodbyes at the airport – watched lots of airplanes taxi out to the runway for departure, stood at the window watching until the plane is no longer in sight. The disciples heard Jesus as he departed, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…”—Acts 1:8a They had no clue as to what all this meant yet. What kind of power? They would be witnesses at home and to the ends of the earth. Sounds incredible!

Yesterday marked Pentecost Sunday commemorating and celebrating the promise Jesus gave to his disciples and us.  It was a day that empowered a ragtag bunch of men and women to become the church that would change the world.

“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” –Acts 2:1-4,12

Pentecost Sunday reminds us that God is true to His Word. The day reminds us that nothing escapes His attention. At the end of their Pentecost Sunday, this little band of disciples who had been afraid of their shadows just a few days before now spoke with boldness and power.

The account in Acts 2 gives a list of the nations and peoples who experienced Pentecost firsthand. On that day they came to hear the Gospel in their heart language and 3,000 or so persons were added as followers of Jesus.  This first encounter birthed the unstoppable movement of God that is moving towards the day when Revelation 7:9 is fulfilled. “After this I looked, and there was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, robed in white, with palm branches in their hands.”

Pentecost Sunday! What else would you come to expect from God who so loved the world?

God is great!

Memorial Day reflections

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And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. –Revelation 21:23-27

 

 “From ghoulies and ghosties
And long-leggedy beasties
And things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord, deliver us!”

 

Strange sounding words from this old Scottish prayer. Yet it captures the long-held fear of the unknown. Throughout history, the night has been terrifying and unnerving as we waited for the morning dawn. The prayer ends with our need to seek God’s protection. It is in the darkness that we are reminded of our vulnerability and our dependence upon God.

Physically we hear the bumps in the night but we also hear them spiritually. With the advent of electricity and technological advances in the last few decades, the world is now flooded with light and 24-7 noise. We can now hide the physical darkness with artificial light, extending our day into the night. We extend the hours of light in hopes we can reduce the vulnerability that we feel in the dark. However, much in the same way as we try to hide the physical darkness, we attempt to hide our spiritual darkness with superficial light. Trish Harrison Warren writes. “Instead of sitting in the discomfort of vulnerability, we run to alcohol, work, social media, movies, entertainment, even political debate.”

In our need to keep away from things that go bump in the night, we do everything humanly possible to secure our surroundings and ourselves. Since 9/11, the United States has spent $7.6 Trillion on defense and homeland security seeking security. The increase in violence has caused projected revenue in the security segment to reach $5.82 billion in 2022.

The Psalmist writes in Psalm 77, “When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord. All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven, but my soul was not comforted. I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help.” Through the course of the night, as he prays and seeks God, the Psalmist comes to the realization, “But then I recall all you have done, O LORD; I remember…” At this point, he can finally move from the darkness to the light proclaiming, “O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you?

We will never find in our artificial spiritual light what gives meaning to our souls. Only in the pure light that radiates from Jesus will we find the light to walk without fear, face the unknown and rest in his presence.

“Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love’s sake. Amen.” (The Book of Common Prayer)

Memorial Day can be a beautiful time to meditate upon the hope of God’s Kingdom. Yes, there will come a day when the darkness is finally gone.  A time when the gates of the city are kept open and no evil will be in the city. No longer will we face the dark waiting for morning. For now, we rest in the calm assurance that, “The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade.” (Psalm 121:5)

Shortly after the Civil War, the deadliest conflict in our nation’s history, a time of remembrance was set aside to commemorate the lives of Americans killed in battle.  Since the revolutionary war, over 1.3 million men and women have died in war and armed conflicts. On this Memorial Day, we remember those who died fighting against darkness.

Take time this Memorial Day to reflect and give honor for the lives of young men and women who never made it home. Memorial Day was created to honor those killed in war. However, it can also be a day to stop and use as a time of deep reflection in these times of darkness.

Reflect and give honor:

  • As we mourn the loss of 19 beautiful innocent children and their teachers who fell victim to the demonic actions of a young man.
  • As we grieve the senseless violence that has spread across this nation creating chaos and pain.
  • As we pray for the peoples of Ukraine and Afghanistan who are victims of tyranny and injustice.
  • As we lament the spiritual condition of our souls and seek the fresh touch of God in our lives.

Father, we honor those who sacrificed their lives in battles for freedom and peace. We pray for families who gave up their sons and daughters as they never returned home. Today we mourn the death of innocent children who simply went to school, shoppers who simply went to the store to buy groceries, for worshippers who simply went to church. We know life is not simple and we desperately cry out to you for help. Would you awaken our nation and ourselves to your presence to receive your gift of salvation and hope? We long for the day when the city gates are open, when there is no darkness and no evil is allowed to enter the city.  Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

God is great

 

Every Generation Needs Peculiar People

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Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Titus 2: 12-14 KJV

I just attended a conference with over 800 peculiar people! Peculiar is a word we don’t use anymore to describe someone, especially in a positive way. However, I thought about the King James Version’s use of peculiar to describe this group of people.

Connie and I attended the IMB Emeritus Missionary Conference. Listening to the stories, watching the interaction of people, and focusing on their passion for God; peculiar just seemed to fit the group. They are people who deeply care about the nations.  The dictionary definition of peculiar is “unusual or eccentric; strange; odd. Standing apart from others; calling for special consideration or attention; distinct and particular.” (American Heritage Dictionary)

They are peculiar when you think about how they left their homeland for another country. Peculiar in how they accepted assignments in difficult places. Peculiar in how they gave up the chance to achieve financial success. Each person there chose a lifestyle considered peculiar in our world today. During one of the sessions, a new group of missionaries joined the ranks of emeritus missionaries. Together they served a combined 1750 years or, put another way, One Millennium, Seven Centuries, and Five Decades.

This is a lot of years of conversations, interactions, and frustrations, but joyful service in many different languages, cultures, and situations seeking to help others understand when Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

“Jesus didn’t say that any particular ethic, doctrine, or religion was the way, the truth, and the life. He said that he was. He didn’t say that it was by believing or doing anything in particular that you would “come to the Father.” He said that it was only by him—by living, participating in, being caught up by the way of life that he embodied, that was his way.” –Frederick Buechner

This group of peculiar people that we shared time with understood the challenges facing the world today. They fully grasp the reality and truth of John 8:12 and the difference Jesus makes in our world. The billions who live in the world daily without Jesus and the billions who live in the world daily with Jesus, all live in the same chaotic world. It is a world where injustice still impacts people, violence causes unrest and lack of peace and physical and spiritual hunger abound along with heightened mistrust of others.

Jesus spent a lot of time teaching about the Kingdom and helping us live a Kingdom-focused life. Jesus’ mission was to move people out of darkness into the light. His strategy was simple: “Follow me.” As we follow Jesus we avoid the darkness and can walk on his well-lit pathway. Those walking in darkness are constantly bumping into objects – objects of hatred, violence, and philosophical hopelessness.  For those of us who walk in the light of Jesus, we see the path ahead allowing us to avoid many of the pitfalls.

Dallas Willard, commenting on John 8:12 wrote, “Another important way of putting this is to say that I am learning from Jesus to live my life as he would live my life if he were I. I am not necessarily learning to do everything he did, but I am learning how to do everything I do in the manner that he did all that he did.”

CeCe Winans song, Believe For It might be a great theme song for peculiar people. The words of the song sum up well how peculiar people look at the world.  People who understand what it will take to change the world.

They say this mountain can’t be moved

They say these chains will never break

But they don’t know You like we do

There is power in Your name

We’ve heard that there is no way through

We’ve heard the tide will never change

They haven’t seen what You can do

There is power in Your name

So much power in Your name

Move the unmovable

Break the unbreakable

God we believe

God we believe for it    (CeCe Winans – Believe For It Lyrics | Lyrics.com)

Peculiar people will probably not win any popularity contests. Peculiar people will most definitely stand out in the crowd.  Yet it will be peculiar people that will move mountains, change the course of nations, break chains and impact the world.

For thou art a holy people unto the LORD they God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth. Deuteronomy 14:2 KJV

Every generation has needed some peculiar people. Could this be the time to bring this old KJV word back into common usage? Our nation, our world, desperately needs some praying, godly peculiar people. How about you?

God is great,

Let’s be that refuge for our children today!

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Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” And he laid his hands on them and went on his way. — Matthew 19:13-15

Have you ever grimaced while standing in the checkout line as the person next to you yelled at his or her kid? Actually, it may have been a reflection in the mirror behind the cashier.  Poor kid, surely couldn’t have done something so dramatic to deserve such a berating.

Matthew captures a similar scene when Jesus’ disciples yelled at some parents for bringing their children to Jesus.  You have to love the heart of God for children!  Jesus doesn’t just grimace, he sharply rebukes the disciples for putting up barriers that keep children from coming to him.

I can visualize Jesus getting up from where he was sitting and pushing aside his disciples to make a pathway for these little ones to get to him. Jesus takes the time to touch each one, maybe picking them up one by one and hugging them.  Jesus had an amazing and loving way of welcoming the marginalized of society, especially the children, into his kingdom. Jesus’ touch of love changed everything!

Unfortunately, the spirit of the disciple’s view about children hasn’t changed much through the generations. The English proverb, children should be seen and not heard dates back to the religious views of the 15th century. Our modern attitude towards children may now be closer to a not seen, not heard attitude.

The U.K. Care Quality Commission issued a report last year on child abuse and neglect. Part of their report stated, “Society has changed dramatically over the last 50 years, with leaps in technology and increased global mobility presenting new challenges. Children are groomed for sexual exploitation and radicalization on social media, and young people from certain communities can be at risk of trafficking and female genital mutilation. The number of children identified as having been abused or exploited is only the tip of the iceberg – many more are suffering in silence.” According to one poll, 60% of Americans know someone who has been sexually abused before turning 18 years of age.

The value that Jesus placed upon children is being lost in our “so-called” modern society. Children face major obstacles, even being born. According to Guttmacher Institute, 18% of U.S. pregnancies in 2017 ended in abortion. Once born, living is not a piece of cake. The American SPCC group estimate five children die every day in the United States from abuse. Even worse, 45.4% of children who die from child abuse are under one year of age.

The rapid advancement of technology and in particular the world of social media has created even more perplexity for childhood. Navigating this new world of social media will require lots of prayer and wisdom as we seek to identify the good and bad elements of social media. We have to constantly evaluate how media and technology benefit our children’s development, instead of harming it.

“Social media’s allure is undeniable, especially for kids. Within an instant, children can connect with friends, share thoughts in a blog, research a school paper, or scroll through posts from their latest celebrity crush—all from the comfort of their beds.” (article from Genomind)

Helen Keller said, “alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Wait Until 8th is an example of “together we can do so much.” A group of parents, knowing the pressure to conform to having a Smartphone yet recognizing the impact and dangers of social media on their children, formed an organization called Wait Until 8th. Their mission is to empower parents to rally together and delay giving children a smartphone until at least 8th grade. (You can check them out at www.Wait Until 8th.org)

When Jesus was asked the question, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” he didn’t hesitate in his answer. To help his disciples and others to understand, Jesus did a “show and tell” demonstration. “He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” –Matthew 18:2-5

It is easy to see Jesus’ heart and compassion for children. We are called to be prayer warriors against the evil that is seeking to destroy the lives of our children. The legion of influences being forced upon them daily through TV, social media or other countless avenues seems overwhelming until you remember who is ultimately in charge.

As a father and now as a grandfather, my heart breaks thinking of the challenges our children face. Yet I am reminded we have a powerful advocate for our children in Jesus. “It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little ones to stumble.’–Luke 17:2

Lord, hear us as we cry out to you today on behalf of our children. Restore to our children the tenderness and innocence of their childhood.  Help us to be a refuge for our children.  Use us to protect them from the abuse of predators, the misery of drug and alcohol abuse, and the lies of the evil one that are being promoted as acceptable.

In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence, and it will be a refuge for his children. Proverbs 14:26

Let’s be that refuge for our children today!

God is great,

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,