Standing For God

A legend of unknown origins, relates how the thumb and four fingers lived together on one hand. These friends were inseparable. One day, they past a bag of gold in the neighborhood and these digital friends began plotting how to get it for themselves.

The thumb warned his friends it would be wrong to steal the gold, but the fingers called him a moralist coward. They rejected his warning and refused to be his friends. The thumb was sad because he was losing friends. Yet he was glad because he didn't want any part of their evil plans. According to this legend, this is why the thumb is separate from the other digits on the hand.

This mythical story beautifully illustrates that sometimes we have to choose our own way in life. And sometimes our choice segregates us from the surrounding evil in our world. We see the benefits of individual choice in the story of Noah. In Noah's day, God came down to earth to verify the reports of evil and violence.

God found that mankind only thought evil thoughts and continually imagined evil schemes (Genesis 6:5). The earthly degradation grieved God and he decided to destroy his corrupted creation (Genesis 6:6-7). He also found a godly man and decided to exclude him from the divine retribution (Genesis 6:8). And finally, God was convinced the reports were true because "the earth was filled with violence" (Genesis 6:11).

Since Noah was consecrated to God, he was commanded to build a ship of safety, which he did faithfully. According to the author of Hebrews, Noah's choice of faith saved his family and he "became the heir of righteousness" (Hebrews 11:7).

From the first century until now God has revealed his grace for mankind in the life, death, and resurrection of his son Jesus, the Christ. Believers across the world have every reason to give him praise and glory. We have every reason to be faithful in our daily lives. He has promised to never leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), so even in our individual choices we are never truly alone.

Dear Father, thank you for sending Jesus Christ to the Cross alone for me. Empower me to stand for him even if I have to stand alone. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Everyone can follow the crowd, but it takes courage to stand alone.

 

A Shelter and A Rock

"Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings." (Psalm 61:1-4 NKJ)

We go through life focusing on our "overwhelming" situations. We focus on the times we cry. And in all cases, we want God to be there for us. "Hear my cry! Attend to my prayer!" And he never fails us.

Listen to the Psalmist as he promises God. From every place on earth I go, I'll pray to you. When my heart doesn't know what to say, I'll wait on you. Ands in those times, Lord, "lead me to the rock that is higher than I am."

Listen as the Psalmist worships God. You have always been my shelter. You have always been my tower of strength and safety. I'm going to stay in your house forever! You are my shelter! I'm going to trust you!

I'm reminded of Moses who said, "If you don't go with us we're not going." It reminds me of Ruth who said, "I am going where you go, but don't ask me to turn back." It reminds me of Saul of Tarsus who said, "What would you have me do?"

I am so blessed to have been reared in a Christian home . . . to have parents who taught me to go to God in times of stress and distress. He has the answer to all my questions and the solutions to all my problems. I confidently say with the Psalmist: "I will abide in your tabernacle forever; I will trust you!"

Dear Father, thank you for being my shelter and higher rock. Empower me with the confidence to always bring my overwhelmed heart to you. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Romans 8:31-39

 

Persevere In Christ . . . Be Steadfast!

"To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Colossians 1:2 NKJ)

We live in a day when literally every person in this world can voice his/her zeal on a subject. And of course, the zealous comments run the gamut from accurate truth to unmitigated deception and heresy. Zeal is good! We all need to be excited and zealous for our beliefs. Yet, a caveat is necessary. Biblical fact should drive our zeal, not the other way around.

In the first century A.D., Jewish zealots were going from church to church teaching that Christians must observe the ceremonial law taught by Moses. And Gentile libertarians were teaching philosophies that mixed idolatries with Christ's commands. Paul, the Apostle, taught truth and grace and faithfulness.

I hear a lot of Christians crying for radical Christianity today. Paul taught radical Christianity in the first century. Holiness in the face of unrestrained liberty. Faithfulness in the face of faithlessness. Peace in the face of chaos and persecution. Grace in the face of legalistic dogma. Truth in the face of deception, lies and heresy. In other words, radical Christianity is the only kind there is. Anything less is not Christianity!

It is Christ that transforms us from sinners to saints. We are transformed into faithful, steadfast disciples by obeying "whatsoever he has commanded" (Matthew 28:20). The first century saints at Colossae were not the only ones who can be faithful in Christ. You can be faithful. I can be faithful. The 21st century Church can be faithful.

The Church at Colossae blessed Paul by its firm commitment to Christ. He encourages the Colossians, and all "faithful brethren," to persevere in Christ. I want this transforming grace that stimulates me to live up to Christ's expectation and finishing work in my life.

Dear Father, thank you for your transforming grace. Empower me to be faithful to all your commands through Christ. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

We have not arrived but we are being transformed into the image of the Son of God!

Think On These Things

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-- meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8 NKJ)

 

Last week, my family and I were in Orlando, Florida. Bobbie and I attended the 2014 International Assembly of the Church of God of Prophecy. Our children and grandson went to Disney World and so forth. They came home exhausted, but claiming they had enjoyed the vacation of sightseeing, walking, waiting in line for the rides, and eating expensive meals.

 

Bobbie and I came home exhausted, but refreshed from fellowship with friends from around the world and from the challenges of powerful and anointed sermons. Physically, we were at least as tired as our children, but spiritually we are being renewed everyday.

 

When God's people assemble and attempt to discover his will and purpose, strange things occur. There may even be occurrences that we do not completely understand, yet a submissive, obedient spirit is the best reaction in every case. Patience is still a virtue and careful consideration is better than malice or mean-spirited words.

 

And so thinking on whatever is true. Our Assembly was a good one. It was enveloped with the Spirit of God. The prayer, praise and worship was outstanding. The business meeting was quiet, calm and peaceable. The sermons were powerful and anointed. The fellowship of the saints was deeper than words can adequately express. From beginning to end, it was good to be there!

 

I will need several weeks of careful consideration to unpack all the just things, the beautiful things, the noble things, the pure things, and the praiseworthy things that occurred at this wonderful, biennial event. But today, I simply want to encourage myself with a good report of the past week's experience. There is so much to think and meditate about.

 

Dear Father, thank you for your wondrous grace. I give you praise for the blessings of fellowship and the Word of God. Empower me to meditate on your goodness. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

 

What good thing are you thinking of today? I would welcome hearing about it in a comment or reply.

Trust Christ Daily -- Follow Where He Leads!

"If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor." (John 12:26 NKJ)

From time to time over the years, I have asked my children if they want to go with me. You know the routine. "Do you want to go with daddy?" And almost without exception, even as small children, they responded, "Where are you going?" They didn't want to commit themselves without knowing where the going with me would take them.

Following can be difficult, especially for those who lead. Serving can be difficult for those who normally get served. And both following and serving go hand in hand -- two sides of the same coin.

A part of the issue of following is that we commit without knowing where we will be lead. Jesus promised a reward for following him, but he didn't tell us what path our following him might take. He told us the destination, but not the path we would walk to get there. He did promise, however, that he would be with us all the way.

So, I conclude that this is an issue of trust. Not his trust in us, but ours in him. Now, really, would our Savior lead us down a path he wouldn't walk? Would he ask us to drink from a cup he refused?

I don't know. Maybe the issue is about burden and yokes. Is the burden I have devised for myself lighter than the one he gives me to bear? Is being yoked with him easier than being yoked with the world? "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30 KJV).

There is peace and calm in following him. He is a gentle and humble leader. Following where Christ leads provides rest in ways that are incomprehensible to those who don't follow him. And don't forget the promise of honor from the Father.

Where he leads . . . we meet people others have rejected; we do ministry others have refused; we see situations others didn't have time for; and on it goes. And somewhere in the process of picking up those beaten, bruised and wounded by the thieves of this world, we receive accolades and honors that isn't ours. We don't deserve the honor but the Father makes certain that we get it. Those who have been left for dead along the roadside of life, give honor to those who rescued them through the love of Christ. What an honor it is to follow Christ!

Dear Father, thank you for calling me to follow you. Empower me to faithfully follow and serve you all the days of my life. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Today reflect on how you follow Christ. Is it a burden or a joy to follow him?

 

Go Forward!

And the LORD said to Moses, "Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea." (Exodus 14:15-16 NKJ)


Sometimes we face difficult issues and situations. The obstacles we face are as real and daunting as the Red Sea was to the Tribes of Israel. It is decision time and we are unsure of our next move. We cannot go back, the enemy is on our heels. It is a huge challenge to cross the flooded sea before us. Oh for a miracle from God! If we've ever needed him we need him now. How we wish God would hurry up and deliver us.


Wringing our hands in panic doesn't help. Our eyes are tired and dry from our wailing before the Lord. Every prayer line from every church in the city has been notified. Every preacher we know has promised to pray. Yet, no deliverance. No miracle. What are we to do in such a dilemma?


Moses knew exactly what to do. He cried to the LORD and Jehovah replied. "Why are you crying out to me. Stop your panicky praying and act. Tell the people to go forward." I think that might have shook up Moses a little. It certainly seems to have gotten his attention. It is always proper to pray about our dilemmas and difficulties, yet there is a time to stop praying and act.


It would seem wise to apply God's command to Moses in our own lives when we are reduced to the narrow paths of difficult circumstances. When trouble comes, pray about it and act. When in a dilemma, pray about it and act. And God's always leads us to "go forward." He never says "turn back."


Charles Spurgeon wrote, "Despair whispers, 'Lie down and die; give it all up.' But God would have us put on a cheerful courage, and even in our worst times, rejoice in his love and faithfulness." The easy path is always strewn with those who give up and quit.


Courage points us to victory not to retreat. Doubters and skeptics claim we can't make it "in the real world." The world claims we have to relinquish our principles and faith. Yet, our Lord and Savior encourages us to go forward from faith to faith. At the next level, you will be stronger than in the last.


Life may look like a flooded, impassable sea to you just now. Some may insist, "Do something. Right or wrong, take action. Others may cry, "Look at the sea and march straight ahead expecting a miracle."  But faith doesn't listen to urgency or arrogant presumption. Instead, faith listens to God who first says, "stand still and recognize God's deliverance," and then tells us when to "go forward." And in every case we are confident that God will make a dry path through the sea for us.


Dear Father, thank you for your guidance by the Holy Spirit. Lead me in the path of victory for only you know the way through the sea and I trust you to get me to the other side. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN


Trust the Lord and go forward!

Be Faithful and Achieve God's Purpose . . .

"But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 3:14-15 NKJ)

Most people face very important battles everyday. No battle is a small one. Some people choose extraordinary issues to confront. They speak out on social ills. Others identify political and moral decline. Still others war against poverty and injustices.

And of course, preachers all across the world battle the satanic forces and spiritual issues to liberate enslaved souls. And almost daily, we are tempted to give up and quit the fight. Yet, we must remember: if it is worth a fight, it is worth a continuous commitment.

The Apostle Paul encouraged young Pastor Timothy in his pastoral battles. "You have learned some things in your life. You have confidence in those things. You confidence is strong because you know who taught you them to you. In addition, you have been taught the Scriptures from childhood. And you know you can trust the Scriptures, because they produce wisdom and salvation through Jesus Christ."

Courage comes from the fact that we know, and what we know can not be taken from us. And this is our confidence: we know the one who taught us. So, it should come as no surprise that we are called to be loyal and faithful as "hardened soldiers." And when we consider the Scriptures we have been taught from childhood, then our strength is regained and we never ask why we should continue.

We can trust the Scriptures. There's salvation through Christ Jesus in the Scriptures! That's worth fighting for.

Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Enable me to fight the good fight and achieve all that you plan for me. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

The Lord beside you gives you the strength to fight every battle.

Focus On the Shepherd . . . the Lamb Who Died

"They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:16-17 NKJ)

In Scripture, the ministry of Christ is described in various ways and by diverse metaphors. The marvelous word pictures they display for us vividly display the variety of his ministries to his followers.

One particular aspect of Christ's ministry was discovered by songwriter and pastor, Albert Simpson Reitz (1879-1966) as he visited in a friend's home. Reitz looked at a writing on his friend's wall and read the words, "The Lamb is my Shepherd." The pastor's first reaction was indignation until he realized the words were distorted by a smudge on his glasses.

Yet, Reitz could not get the Lamb as the Shepherd out of his thoughts. As he considered it in light of Scripture, he suddenly remembered those who "came out of great tribulation and had washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb." That same Lamb was the center of their worship. He had shepherded them and lead them to the eternal "living fountains of waters." Reitz realized that his misreading of this wall display had actually given him a rich blessing of understanding. The Lamb is my Shepherd and will always provide for me.

What a comfort to know that the Chief Shepherd leads us through this life and will continue to guide us for all eternity. He is my Shepherd, and my shepherd is the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world.

Dear Father thank you for your Lamb sacrificed on Calvary for our sin. Empower me to follow him with confident faith. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

The Lamb who died is the Shepherd who leads.

 

Use JOY as a Reminder . . . Presentation Day is Coming!

“Now unto Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25 NKJ).

Life in the fast lane can sometimes be overwhelming. It is easy to slip, stumble or even fall. Depending on the serious nature of our fall, we might have to go to a doctor or the emergency room. Sometimes there are broken bones and bruised bodies. Life is tricky, even taxing from time to time, but it is only preparation for a greater day.

We may not understand the "whys" in this life, but God "who alone is wise," knows it's about our presentation day.  Words cannot express the joy we will experience standing there before him knowing that we made it.

Fear may raise its ugly head, but we are confident of God's presence. We may walk in the shadow of the valley, but we are confident of God's power. When our faith is tested, the joy in our soul reminds us to look ahead to Presentation Day. Human minds cannot fathom the depths of that joy. It will be an excessive joy that exceeds any happiness we have ever known before.

And on that great and glorious day, our King will present us, individually and collectively, "to God our Savior!" No certificates. No diplomas. No sheepskins to hang on a wall. Just being presented to "God our Savior" will be enough reward. Oh, think how exciting that will be!

And in anticipation of that day we rejoice in this fact, here and now, Jesus keeps us from stumbling. We trust in him and he keeps us! And on that day -- Presentation Day -- he will present us faultless to the Father. Glory to his name now and forever!

Dear Father, thank you for Jesus who keeps us from stumbling. Empower us with the joy of his grace and the anticipation of our presentation to you on that day. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Expand the Joy in your life. Think Presentation Day!

There is Joy in the Journey . . . Eternal Joy!

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJ)

Forget the labels. I am an individual. You are an individual. We have our idiosyncrasies. We are unique, yet with a few commonalities. Courage and tenacity do not come from a label. Joy and peace do not come in a prescription or a self-help book. Attitude comes from our choices. The present diagnosis doesn't determine the future prognosis.

Victory is not determined by a few setbacks or what looks like defeat. Victory comes by our refusal to surrender. Speaking of persecutions, troubles and hardships Jesus said, "he who endures to the end shall be saved" (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Mark 13:13).

It is easy to shout for joy when the good times roll. Yet, the real value of joy and peace are experienced when the wolf is nipping at your heels and threatening to tear you apart. Joy comes in the morning that we discover this truth: When times are tough, it is not the tough who gains the victory, but the faithful who endure.

There is joy in the fact that every morning we get up, despite aches and pains, despite troubles and sorrows. No matter the situations we are facing, we pack our lunch and go to the front line refusing to give in or give up. We steer our lives through the traffic of heartache and affliction, through the streets of tragedy and confusion, and through the avenues of the ordinary, aggravating stresses and struggles.

No matter the pressure, we are not crushed because the life of Christ is working in us. No matter the confusing issue, we do not lose hope because the life of Christ is working in us. No matter the persecution, we are not forsaken because Christ walks with us and comforts us. No matter what knocks us down, we are not destroyed because Christ is our victory! And the joy of the Lord is our strength!

We are always on the edge between life and death, not so we can brag about it or boast "ain't nothing gonna keep me down." We live on the edge between life and death so that the life of our Lord can be seen and glorified in us.

What is our response to the issues of life? First, like Christ, I look beyond the sufferings "to the joy that is set before" me. Second, I remind the enemy: "If God is for us (me), who can be against us (me)?" And oh, what joy to know -- just to know -- that he is always present!

Dear Father, thank you for the joy that only you give. Enable me to always glorify your holy name in my life. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN 

Be Fully Engaged . . . Joyfully Offer Your Life To God!

"O LORD our God, all this abundance that we have prepared to build You a house for Your holy name is from Your hand, and is all Your own. I know also, my God, that You test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things; and now with joy I have seen Your people, who are present here to offer willingly to You." (1Chronicles 29:16-17 NKJ)

 

Israel's King David wanted to build Jehovah a temple, but God refused to allow it because David had been a man of war. God told David that He would allow the next king, David's son Solomon, to build  a house for the Lord (1 Chronicles 28:1-6). And David enthusiastically compiled all the materials needed for construction of God's house.

 

What a marvelous spirit and attitude David displayed. He maintained his joy and enthusiasm for God, even though he was not allowed to build God's Temple. He couldn't build, but he could gather the necessary finances and building materials. He could make certain the required skilled labor was trained and available. This project wasn't about the shepherd from Bethlehem who became King of Israel. This project was about glorifying the holy name of Jehovah in Israel.

 

The Apostle Paul taught us that, as Christians, we are God's building (1 Corinthians 3:9), and our bodies are worship houses where the Holy Spirit lives (1 Corinthians 6:19). Sometimes I wonder whether I am as enthusiastic about letting the Holy Spirit build his house in me as King David was about God's house in Jerusalem. I remind myself that it isn't about me, but about glorifying Christ's name.

 

Dear Father, thank you for letting me be your building. Empower me to be fully engaged and joyfully let the Holy Spirit construct me according to your design. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

 

Will you offer yourself willingly?

 

Be Responsible . . . Take Action!

"Arise, for this matter is your responsibility. We also are with you. Be of good courage, and do it." (Ezra 10:4 NKJ)

Responsibility! I wish someone else had it or would take it off my shoulders. Marriage, parenting, job, and on it goes endlessly. The fact is I am responsible and cannot escape my responsibilities. They engulf me. When I awake in the morning . . . responsibilities. When I go out and when I come in . . . responsibilities.

No, I'm not whining and pining. I simply recognize that responsibility is an inevitable and heavy reality. Leaders often dread having to face their responsibilities. And this is not a new leadership concept. In the eighth century before the Christian era, a Jewish scribe and priest named Ezra was faced with his responsibility to teach the Law to the people returning from Babylonian captivity.

Ezra had become an expert in Sacred Law and took on the task to teach its commands and ordinances. But what Ezra discovered in the Lord's Law disturbed him because it identified errors among the returning captives. This is what leaders face occasionally. We are so zealous for doing the right thing then we discover getting the right thing done goes far beyond what we had envisioned in our zeal. Mother used to say it was "biting off more than we could chew."

The enormous pain and sorrow involved humbled Ezra and broke his heart. He knelt before the House of God and wept in agony over the situation. And as he prayed aloud, others began assembling with him before the House of God. As they listened to his repentant prayers, they too began to weep and repent.

Finally, Ezra finished his prayer and Shechaniah stood up in the crowd and encouraged him to fulfill his responsibility. Evidently Shechaniah was a man of faith because he acknowledged the sins of the people and proclaimed, "yet there is hope in Israel in spite of this" (Ezra 10:2 NKJ). There is always hope for us when we take responsibility for our sins.

It was a bitter day in Israel, yet Shechaniah boldly submitted to the counsel given by Ezra and "those who tremble at the commandment of our God." I think it is marvelous that Shechaniah respectfully deferred to Ezra's office (some are responsible to lead), but Shechaniah also expressed his willingness to support Ezra's decision (some are responsible to support the leader). What a great salute to Ezra's leadership!

Dear Father, thank you for the leadership of Jesus Christ our Lord. Empower me with the fortitude of leadership and the boldness to act. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Take Full Responsibility for Your Life and Actions!

Make Your Life Count For Christ!

"And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it -- lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him" (Luke 14:27-29 NKJ).

All my life I have heard the following simple plan for success. Plan then work your plan. Over the years, the problem has been that I didn't plan as carefully as I should. And according to Jesus, success depends on careful planning.

This time of the year calls for a review. We now have five months before a new year begins. Reviews, by definition, are not happy experiences. Life is a battle between improvement and stagnation. Improvement requires that I review my weaknesses and failures and so forth. I have to look at my resources to see if I have enough of whatever it will take to improve and succeed.

But while July is an exciting month, by the time it rolls into view I have nearly forgotten what I promised myself to achieve while "bearing my cross." So, what is a good plan for staying on track all year? What should I keep on my radar that normally blinks off? Here is what I'm thinking as I read the Lord's words:

I need to be focused. Keeping my discipleship simple will enable me to stay focused. Focused simplicity will make my cross-bearing doable. Start where I am and grow from there.

I need to create a goal with small achievable steps. Improving my obedience to the Lord's commands will enable me to maintain my commitment. It is amazing how many people tell me: "I know I'm not doing what I should be doing." Create a goal to obey "whatsoever" he has commanded, but begin with a specific one where obedience is lacking!

I need to nourish my mind and spirit. My perspective is the key to my transformation. Paul, the Apostle, wrote, "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." And Jesus taught that the whole discipleship thing is about how well we think through critical issues.

When considering the cross I bear for Christ, it is important to consider what it will cost me to bear it. When deciding to be Christ's disciple, it is essential to decide whether or not I have the intestinal and spiritual fortitude to bear the cross for his glory.

Dear Father, thank you for the cross you have given me to bear. Empower me with confidence and determination to follow you wherever you lead me. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Count the Cost! Live For Christ!

Pray For America!

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1Thessalonians 5:16-19 NKJ)

In America, we have many citizenship blessings to always rejoice about. We have many issues to always pray about. We have everything to be grateful for. And as a Christian, my holy book teaches me to faithfully practice these three foundations of life.

Growing up in the 1950-60 era of elementary education, our teacher began the school day by "calling the roll" and three other practices. Of course, I can only verify what the teachers did in my elementary school.

First, she repeated this sentence from The Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Second, the teacher led us in repeating The Pledge of Allegiance: "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." We all faced the flag and placed our right hands over our hearts as a personal salute as we pledged our loyalty, even though we didn't understand what loyalty meant.

Third, she read a passage from The Bible and led us in repeating The Lord's Prayer: "Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."

Joy, gratitude and prayer are good foundations of life.  The immediate result of reviewing them every morning before school started was that our schools had no shooting sprees, no stabbings, and no bombs blowing up kids and teachers. Police officers weren't required either.

Of course, back in the 50s and 60s, there were some philosophical and moral and religious dissent to starting the school day with the pledge and prayer. It seems that many dissenters were afraid our minds were too young to be influenced in morality and patriotism. But, dissenters have the same "unalienable rights," under the Constitution, as the rest of us.

It wasn't enough that the majority made allowances for the dissenters' children to not participate in the citizen's pledge or Bible reading or prayer. The dissenters insisted, even to the Supreme Court, that no child should be influenced by such practices. And across American school districts, we are regularly confronted by the consequences of their fears.

We are all afraid of something. What happens though when we take action because of our fears? We destroy practices that support good citizenship. We become a society of demanding self-love. We become a society in which 80% of the population lives on government subsidized welfare, supplied from the 20% working citizenry.

And worse yet, we become a society of pagans who rejects any knowledge of the Divine Creator referred to by the framers of our Constitution. Finally, the ultimate consequence is a chaotic society of sectarian rebels who terrorize any and all who challenge their individual morality and loyalty.

And this is the tree that is growing from the seed planted by the dissenters who demanded their individual rights with seemingly no concern for the greater good of the nation. So what can I do about it? How can I get rid of the roots and remove the tree?

I'm going to pursue the will of God in Christ and be joyful. Joy is determine by the hope I have and not by the circumstances around me. I'm going to be grateful. Gratitude is seen in my actions, both as a citizen of heaven and in America. I'm going to pray. It is the greatest power on this earth. Prayer moves mountains and the root problems in any society. I'm going to pursue the will of God in Christ, confident that the Divine Creator has not forgotten America!

Dear Father, thank you for the liberties we enjoy both as your children and as citizens of this great nation. Forgive me, O Lord, for my sin and the sins of our local, state, and national governments. As Americans repent, bless us with your forgiveness and mercy. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Will you pray for America? If you are not an American, will you pray for your own country?

 

The Top Priority . . . Focus On the Gospel!

"For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1Corinthians 1:17-18 NKJ)

The world focuses on numbers of customers, numbers of tweets, numbers of fans, numbers . . . numbers . . . numbers. Sometimes, we Christian leaders get mesmerized by worldly success and begin to think numbers are the only measurement of success. And of course numbers are a gauge for acceptance, but they are not the focus of biblical Christianity.

Jesus evidently knew that numerical evaluations could be misconstrued and distract us from the real purpose and goal. When he saw the multitudes, he often escaped into the mountains to be free from the temptations fomented by the crowd.

For me, both as a pastor and a Christian, Paul's statement to the Corinthians teaches proper focus. He isn't interested in numbers of baptisms. While he certainly believed in and practiced reporting on his work, his principle here shows us that he wasn't interested in impressing anyone with numbers on a report.

Paul knew his mission, purpose, and goal. He knew what he was called to do and what he was supposed to be doing. His calling was "to preach the Gospel." And his statement is not complete without noting the results of distraction. If he didn't focus and faithfully perform his calling, then "the Cross of Christ would have no effect" in his ministry.

And Paul knew the power of Calvary's message. Of course, the message is considered to be "foolishness" by those who are "perishing" through unbelief. But to those of "us who are being saved," the message embodies "the power of God" continuously. That is why preaching the Gospel was Paul's top priority. I want it to be mine also.

Dear Father, thank you for the salvation power of the Gospel. Empower me to focus continuously on the message of hope in Christ and share it with others. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Every Christian's focus is the Gospel of Christ!

Chart the Goal of the Gospel!

And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation, but as it is written: "To whom He was not announced, they shall see; And those who have not heard shall understand." (Romans 15:20-21 NKJ)

Recently, the Lord has given me a vision of what he is leading our church to achieve in his Kingdom. We are planning and working toward that goal. It is our goal to achieve everything that God has placed in our hearts to do.

And we ask ourselves these questions. What do we next? And even as we ask it, the Gospel gets in our way. That's right. We have made it our primary goal to preach the Gospel to unsaved people. We have made it our goal to go after un-churched people. And everything else takes a backseat to the Gospel.

Then we realized -- what we already knew -- that the Gospel isn't some glorified church growth tool. The Gospel is God's vision for the Church in this world. The Gospel is the engine driving the harvest vehicle. The Gospel takes precedence over all our plans, our goals and our initiatives.

This is what our great Apostle has taught me. Every time he made plans, he would look around him and see unsaved Gentiles, so he would stop and preach the Gospel to them. When he wanted to visit the saints in Rome, he was hindered by his "aim to preach the Gospel." When he planned to go to Spain, he was hindered by his "aim to preach the Gospel." He explained it to the Roman saints like this: This is why I have been hindered so many times from visiting you.

Christianity in the Western hemisphere survives today because the Apostle Paul was hindered by his "aim to preach the Gospel" and refused to "build on another man's foundation." I have heard the Gospel because Paul preached it where it had not been announced. I understand the Gospel because he preached it where no one else had.

Dear Father, thank you for the grace of your salvation through Jesus Christ. Give me a double portion of Gospel proclaiming power. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

What goals are you charting?

Continuously Monitor Your Praise Quotient . . .

"How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You." (Psalm 139:17-18 NKJ)

I've counted blessings before. There is even a hymn that exhorts me to count them. I've never counted my thoughts about God though. And I'm not aware of any hymn urging me to count my them. There is a Scripture, however, that encourages me to do so . . . "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer" (Psalm 19:14 NKJ).

My days are spent thinking about God. It is the nature of my pastoral responsibility and work. Yet, as I consider this beautiful Psalm -- the Word of God, -- I realize that it is a praise Psalm. Praise to God because he searches my heart and knows me. Praise to God because he knows more about me than I know myself.

Praise to God for his "thoughts of me!" The number of his thoughts about me are like the sand and range beyond my ability to track. Such concern for my well-being is so precious to me. The real issue isn't how much I think about God, but how much he thinks about me.

When I sit down he's thinking. When I stand and move about, he's thinking. When I come in and go out, he's thinking. When I ascend to the heights of joy and heavenly thrill, he's thinking. When I sink to the hell of depression and anguish, he's thinking. When I'm flying high with the eagles, he's thinking. And when I'm drowning in the sea of despair, he hasn't forgotten me.

When I'm sleeping, he's with me and when I awake, I am still with him. I am so glad that he never leaves me nor forsakes me! Praise his name forever!

Dear Father, thank you for thinking of me. Empower me to keep my thoughts fixed on you. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Praise God today because he's thinking of you.

Recruit Helpers . . .

"Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch." (Acts 11:25-26 NKJ)

I wonder how much salary Saul of Tarsus asked for when Barnabas offered him a position as Teaching Pastor at Antioch. Good things were happening at the Antioch Church of God and Barnabas knew he needed expert help to teach and train the new believers how to be disciples.

So Barnabas went looking for the best help available and he knew just where to look. From childhood onward, Saul of Tarsus had studied at Jerusalem with Rabbi Gamaliel, the foremost theologian of their day. If he could get Saul to come to Antioch, it would be a huge blessing to the Church.

I wonder how difficult it was for Barnabas to recruit Saul. What stories did he tell about the Antioch church? How did he inspire Saul? What incentives did he use? Did he simply relate his problem and ask Saul to come on board? Did Saul resist? Did Barnabas have to "sell" Saul on the idea of teaching in Antioch? Did Barnabas share his vision for Antioch?

Over the years I have served smaller congregations. And I am convinced that it is more difficult to serve smaller congregations than larger ones. Why? There are two reasons. Volunteers and finance. Larger congregations have greater pools of volunteers and finance, providing greater opportunities for adequate staff. Smaller congregations are limited in both finance and personnel. In a small congregation, it is difficult  to gain skilled, anointed staff who have a vision for growing a small church.

So what is a pastor to do? A small church deserves good, anointed pastoral ministry just as much as a large church does. I finally decided that if I couldn't get talented people to join me in ministry, then I would recruit and train the people of the congregation. Oops! Isn't that what the pastor is biblically responsible for doing?

Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Empower me to recruit and train others who can both minister and train others in ministry. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Don't be a loner . . . seek help from others.

Create the Right Attitude and Achieve God's Purpose!

"So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building. (1Corinthians 3:-9 NKJ)

"Who is Paul? Who is Apollos?" My dad and mom called it "Preacher religion."  The great Apostle called it carnality because a ministry groupie is carnal. And preachers do not make the believer spiritual.

Paul went on to say that individual preachers are simply "ministers through whom you believed." He claims "the Lord gave to each one" his/her special gifting. And the individual ministers according to that gifting, either planting or watering.

I remember who planted the gospel in my heart and he will be forever embedded in my life. And there have been a multitude of ministers who have impacted my life over the years. But if I were to choose one as "my" preacher, a bit of carnality would already be creeping in.

As a pastor, however, I am concerned about whether I am planting and watering. There were times when I was concerned about the growth. Why isn't my church increasing as fast as the one down the street? And of course, the Apostle speaks to that issue as well. In all ministry, of every kind, it is God who gives the increase. So, let God worry about it.

I am the same as other ministers who plant and water. There is no difference in who we are . . . we all serve the Lord. We all labor with God. We are all cultivated as his field. We are all part of his building. And every servant "will receive his/her own reward according to his/her own labor." Someone else's labor won't affect my reward.

Me? I have decided that I want to be the best field-hand in God's field. I want to be the best I can be in his house. I want to be the best laborer on his payroll. Would I like to see growth and increase? You betcha! But while increase is coming, I am going to do the best I can in every way possible to plant and water the field.

Dear Father, thank you for the determination you give to me. Empower me with the spirit of planting and watering. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Only you can change your attitude.

Whatever It Takes . . . Be Committed!

He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And He said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will." (Mark 14:35-36 NKJ)

Reading  a traditional marriage covenant, I discover that the bride and groom mutually covenant to do whatever it takes. The words may differ slightly -- the prose beautiful and emotional, -- but the covenant meaning is the same: I'll do whatever it takes to stay married to you.

Growing up, I often saw my father make contracts with a handshake. A man's word was his bond. I have lived long enough, however, to see a time when "a man's word" no longer means very much. And signatures on contracts are temporary requirements to get what one desires.

In Psalm 15, the Psalmist ponders: "LORD, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill?" (v. 1). And we discover that one "requirement" for dwelling in God's holy hill is this: "He who swears to his own hurt and does not change" (v. 4). God loves those who are committed, no matter what it takes.

I sometimes speculate whether I am as committed to God's will as my Lord was. An unknown songwriter wrote: "I'll trade sunshine for rain, comfort for pain; That's what I'll be willing to do. For whatever it takes for my will to break, that's what I'll be willing to do."

It isn't a heavy burden but a self-examination issue. I am simply challenging myself about my personal commitment. Commitment is a reality of life. I'm either committed or I'm not. The question I put to myself is this: Am I willing to do whatever it takes in order to achieve the Lord's will for my life? If I pledge obedience to the Lord, will I maintain that obedience no matter what?

Dear Father, thank you for the commitment you have made to us. Empower me to maintain my commitment to you no matter what. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN

Christ is committed to me . . . I am committed to him!