PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

This week I had the privledge of praying for a couple who were having trouble. The guy is middle aged and believes in God sincerely. He has a good work ethic and loves his family, but growing up he developed a dependence on drugs and alcohol. I sensed he was a genuine person but his problem was real, deep rooted and not easily dislodged. As we talked, his wife shared her longsuffering struggles and how much damage had been done to the relationship. Yet, she was not ready to give up. I told him about my experience with many, many people in similar situations. (My age group had and has a particularly hard time with the issue of escape). It was a powerful time of encouragement, building up hope and ministering to the hurts and wounds of this couple. Before we prayed, I felt the need to warn him against thinking God was going to do all the work. He had heard of people who said God immediately healed them of the desire to use. But I knew of many who had been prayed over and then thought it was all in God's hands. So, I told him that we could pray and ask God to intervene. My belief is that God will answer that prayer and intervene as He sees fit. He will always respond to healing of the soul. He will always respond to healing relationships. He will always attend to the prayer of a genuine soul. But I told him not to be shocked if the urge still came. God works but He always invites us to "co-labor" with him. This guy has to walk out a new way to make decisions. He has to choose to call people when he feels weak. He has to decide his wife and family are more important. Praying is a powerful tool but it does not absolve us of choosing. Deuteronomy tells us to "choose this day...life or death...blessing or curse." God is always willing and able to do "exceedingly abundantly more than we could ask or think." But that doesn't take away the immense confidence He has placed in us by giving us a free will.

WHAT HAPPENED TO OUR SCHOOLS

What follows was sent to me. I didn't write it but it rings so true...it can't be ignored or explained away. Our society and culture is corroding because we have asked God to step aside. That's how I see it and I have no doubt that we need Him involved more than ever...

Dear God:

Why didn't you save the school children at ?. ..Moses Lake, Washington, Bethel, Alaska, Pearl, Mississippi, West Paducah, Kentucky, Stamp, Arkansas,Jonesboro, Arkansas, Edinboro, Pennsylvania, Fayetteville, Tennessee, Springfield, Oregon, Richmond, Virginia, Littleton, Colorado, Taber, Alberta, Canada, Conyers, Georgia, Deming, New Mexico, Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, Santee, California, El Cajon, California and Blacksburg, VA ?
Sincerely, Concerned Student
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Reply:
Dear Concerned Student: Sorry, I am not allowed in schools.
Sincerely,
God
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How did this get started?...Let's see, I think it started when Madeline Murray O'Hare complained. She didn't want any prayer in our schools. And we said, OK. Then, someone said you better not: Read the Bible in school; the Bible that says "thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, And love your neighbors as yourself," And we said, OK... Then someone said Teachers and principals better not discipline our children when they misbehave. and the school administrators said no faculty member in this school better touch a student when they misbehave because we don't want any bad publicity, And we surely don't want to be sued. And we accepted their reasoning...Then someone said, let's let our daughters have abortions if they want, and they won't even have to tell their parents. And we said, that's a grand idea. Then some of our top elected officials said, 'It doesn't matter what we do in private as long as we do our jobs. And we said, It doesn't matter what anybody, including the President, does in private as long as we have jobs and the economy is good....
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And the entertainment industry said, let's make TV shows and movies that promote profanity, violence and illicit sex...and let's record music that encourages rape, drugs, murder, suicide, and satanic themes...And we said, it's just entertainment and it has no adverse effect and nobody takes it seriously anyway,So go right ahead.
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Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, classmates or even themselves.
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Undoubtedly, If we thought about it long and hard enough,we could figure it out. I'm sure it has a great deal to do with...
"WE REAP WHAT WE SOW"
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WHY IS IT OUR CHILDREN CAN NOT READ A BIBLE IN SCHOOL, BUT CAN IN PRISON!

WRITING

You don't have to be Ernest Hemingway to pick up a pen (or sit at a computer) and write. Writing is therapeutic. That's why most psychologists recommend journaling to their patients. There is a power in words that is undeniable. Genesis chapter one makes the case emphatically. God "spoke" and the world was formed. In one translation it is recorded that God said, "Light Be!". In essence, he commanded the light to come into being. I think you'd agree there was power in those words. Writing down your thoughts is another way to get to know yourself. I can hear the skeptics laughing. "I know who I am already." That may be true, but there is something about writing that connects thought with reality in a very unique way. I'm not talking about sitting down and trying to write the next great novel. I'm talking about writing down thoughts, impressions, feelings, questions and engaging in a dialogue in print. Sometimes I do it with myself. Sometimes I do it with God. (talking to Him through my words on a page...it's not prayer but it's close). This kind of writing is not meant to be critical. Sentence structure, grammar and all that stuff have no place in this kind of writing. It should be cathartic, not constraining. There is power in getting things out of your head and into a form where you can look at them—almost as though you were one step removed from them. And some very good ideas, solutions to problems, and creativity often accompanies this type of writing. No one has to see it. It's yours and yours alone. "A word well spoken," the Bible says "is like an apple of gold." Who says you can't speak it to yourself?

STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND

Someone once said, "we are all strangers in a strange land." The Apostle Peter called us "sojourners" or "travellers" just passing through. The body is a temporary shell and our existence a fleeting moment in eternity. I once wrote in a journal, "Now I know why it's so hard to fit the pieces of life's puzzle together—they don't fit." I was thinking about the fact that I am not made for THIS world. I'm just passing through. Quoting Peter again he says, "during the time of your stay on earth." It's pretty obvious he's referring to a "visit" not a permanent encampment. It does change your perspective when you think of it in those terms. If I'm really designed to exist in ANOTHER place, then I have to look at this place through a different lens. I know everyone doesn't share that perspective, but for those who do, some of life's mysteries begin to unravel. If I'm passing through then where I live is more like a tent than a fortress. If there's a place of eternal life, then my preparations for that place are more important than my vain attempts to make this place perfect. There's something in my soul that connects with that truth. We look around and we can see that nothing lasts very long. The interesting thing is I'm always choosing on two levels. One level impacts this world and the other impacts the next. The choosing shapes the being, which delivers the strength to weather the storms of life. The learning helps with humility which opens the door to understanding. It's like a slow motion blink of an eye nestled in a boundless eternity. With that in mind, I face the joys and sorrows of this temporary thing called life! A popular song in the sixties asked the question, "Is that all there is?". The song was about life and the things that promise joy but ineveitably fail to deliver. The answer to the question is no. That's not all there is. And that makes all the difference in how I face each day.

RESURRECTION (Starting Over)

Is there anyone who doesn't appreciate a SECOND CHANCE? I have had many occassions to need a second chance. Sometimes it was serious, sometimes it was trivial, but I needed a chance to "try again". To get a "mulligan" (golfers will get that one). A "re-do". Call it what you want, it means the one who has the authority to forgive and say "go ahead, try again" has done so. That can apply to something as small as I forgot to give you a call as promised, to I lost my temper and said things I didn't mean. It can be an act of dishonesty that requires amends and forgiveness. It can be a big thing like wronging another person and hurting them so bad you know you have to make it right. You feel it. You know it. YOU NEED A SECOND CHANCE. It's the day after Resurrection Day and I'm thinking about the numberless second chances God has given me. First and foremost, the forgiveness that restored me to Him. Let me say that in un-theological terms. I am part of a fallen world and I CAN NOT find my way back to my Maker without His help. Jesus provided that bridge when He extended His arms on the cross and said, "Forgive them Father." That statement went beyond the immediate sin of the cross and out through time to all sin. But I need SECOND CHANCES for other things, like taking things for granted. Like forgetting God's faithfulness at different times of my life. When I think of how willing He is to give Second Chances I get a glimpse of His true affection for His creation. Yesterday was the "holiday" but today—without the food, family, decorations and traditions—is a good day to stop and think about the Greatest Second Chance Ever Given. It will never be matched and never surpassed. I know our society compartmentalizes everything, so yesterday is over and we're on to the next thing. But once in awhile it's wise to look back, without all the noise, and say Thank You for the SECOND CHANCE.

THE MYSTERY OF "GOOD" FRIDAY

In a country that devours mystery novels every day, makes shows like CSI the number one show on television and has become more and more comfortable with some of the wieirdest theories about life ever imagined—many still struggle with the mystery of a supernatural Creator God. The funny thing is, it takes more imagination to believe the wacky stuff than it does to believe that we are the product of an intelligent plan and purpose. I recently heard a scientist talk about his faith...and this is no every day scientist. He is the director of the National Human Genome Research Project. His name is Francis Collins. He just released a book called: The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief. And he's not the first very intelligent person to believe in God. C.S. Lewis, Albert Einstein, Abraham Lincoln are just a few on the long, long, very long list of intelligent, accomplished people who believed in God. So, when people say "weak minded" people believe to explain away the pain of life...they are just not looking at the facts. Faith is not the product of a weak mind. It's the product of an OPEN mind. I'm not advocating that anyone believe because someone else does, I'm just saying the biblical invitation is personal...to the individual. Seek and YOU shall find...TASTE and see that the Lord is good. And many other invitations are sprinkled abundantly throughout scripture. Some people say, "I got burned by a pastor." Or, "I got burned by a church or a phoney christian." That may be true, but we're not invited to examine anything other than the truth of who Jesus Christ was, what He did, and what He is still doing. The older I get, the less comfortable I am with accepting things without checking them out for myself. Even well intentioned people can say some pretty off-base things. And, frankly, I hear some strange things coming out of churches today. But the mystery we're invited to examine is centered on the one and only man who ever died, was buried and rose again. TODAY IS GOOD FRIDAY. I remember as a kid looking for the sky to darken around three in the afternoon because I thought it would be a sign that God was mourning THE MOMENT. Now I think that's just meterological...but the great mystery of the love of God demonstrated in Jesus Christ is a mystery I continue to pursue. This mystery is not about plot twists, or sophisticated criminology—it's about the examination of my soul and the essence of life. In my opinion, it's the deepest mystery that holds the greatest reward. Even in the bit by bit, piece by piece discoveries along the way—there is illumination and inspiration that can be found no where else but at the cross.

TIME

The Rolling Stones used to sing about time being on their side. Take a look at them now. I hope they don't still include that song in their tours. The truth is that time is always on the move. I just celebrated a birthday that put me on the other side of the half way mark of the fifties. It's funny—I don't feel that much older "in my mind." (My body is another story) But I remember a quarter century ago saying, " I'll get more serious with my search for God's truth tomorrow." And "I am not going to waste another day." And a whole bunch of good intentions like that. The truth is, I have made an effort to search out God's truth but I could have done more. And I have not wasted as many days, but I have wasted plenty. Sometimes I pray, "Lord, pull me away from myself and draw me toward you." Peter called us "sojourners" which means those who are just passing through. We, in truth, have "another" home. I'm not against relaxing, enjoying downtime and just plain having fun. But when I get serious for a minute...I realize that time is a limited comodity. When the sand runs out of the hourglass...it's over. So, maybe today would be a good day to do at least one of the good things I have on my list. Maybe today is the day to experience God by helping someone else. "Give and you shall receive..." That's a "TIMELESS" principle.

YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE?

There's an old song by that name but it's really not true. The fact is we all walk through life alone. I'm not discounting the value and blessing of family, friends, fellowship and the rest...but in the end we each experience life as individuals. Even in the best church, the best marriage, the best circle of friends, we always come back to ourselves. I'm talking here about the physical experience of living out our lives. Jesus said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you" and that is great comfort. He resides and abides in our lives which means we are not completely "alone." But I think it's a mistake to cling too tightly to the earthly companionship and relationships that are so much a part of our experience of life. In the end, I love my wife, my children, my family and friends...but I also know that, but for the grace of God, any or all of those loved ones could be gone. I say this, not to be morbid. Rather I say it because I believe it's my responsibility to develop an understanding of the individual experience of life. I can contribute to others lives, but I can only live my own. In the end I will give account for my life. The choices I make will shape "my" life. And when I meet Him he will ask me about my thoughts, my actions, my decisions and my personal and individual walk. Jesus loved, laughed, healed and cared a great deal but in the end He walked His own road. Each one of us, in my opinion, must work toward getting used to that and accepting it. Ironically, when we do, we have so much more to offer to one another.

DESERT DAYS

There are times when life just seems overwhelming. I can say all the "spiritual sounding" things I want...but I just don't feel the Spirit. There are days when I just wonder what this whole "life" thing really is all about. Those times are very tough—and I see no point in denying it. There are days when everything seems to go wrong and my circumstances seem to be speaking to me. No...they seem to be screaming—SEE, LIFE IS A DRAG. Even the scriptures seem dry and lifeless. That's not blasphemy, it's truth. I didn't say they ARE lifeless. I said they appear lifeless to me at that point. And to be honest, I wrestle with this whole notion of circumstancial joy. When things are good it's easy to praise God and say how good He is. But when things are bad it's a different story. I start thinking; "What did I do wrong to be separate from God?" "Why is God whitholding His blessing and favor from me?" "Is He hearing my prayers?" All of which is very depressing because after examining and repenting if things still seem bad...then what? That's when, sooner or later, a still small voice from somewhere deep down in my soul whispers "I'm still here..." And that is good enough for me. I answer, through my frustration and sometimes through tears, "Okay, Lord. I'll wait on you...I'll wait on you...because you are trustworthy and everything else is not!

HE COMES IN MANY FORMS

There are times when we really need a touch from God. And since He doesn't show up in the flesh we encounter Him in the spirit. We worship him "in spirit and in truth." Often He chooses to reveal himself through other human beings. Someone I know was suffering very intensely. She couldn't get any "quick fixes" no matter where she turned. She needed medical help but more than that she needed the encouragement that only God can give. She prayed and prayed and though several people expressed their love and concern, she felt separated from God Then one night, a friend from church stopped over after Wednesday night service. He knew of her difficulty because of a close friendship with the family. At almost 10 he called to say he was stopping over. He came in with several plastic bags. In one of them there were six or seven pints of the very best ice cream on the market. He said he didn't know what kind she liked so he "bought a bunch." He then pulled out a book about prayer, and some magnets to play with. The young lady is twenty five years old but he knew she needed to be encouraged so he brought her stuff to make her smile. Finally he pulled out a teddy bear and said one of the funniest things I've ever heard. He said, "Here's a little bear you can hug when things are going good." Then he pulled out a plastic gun that shoots little darts and said, "And here's a gun so you can shoot the bear when things are going bad." She laughed and then she hugged him. As he drove away, she said, "that's what church should be all about." She felt the love of Christ draw near in the form of a true friend who went out of his way, to help someone who was struggling. I'd say that's a pretty good picture of the heart of God...and His heart is contained in many of His servants. So when His servants obey the door opens and in HE COMES IN MANY FORMS!

GOOD GOD

With all the reminders of my failures and how many times I miss the mark, I was really encouraged this morning by one of my all time favorite authors—A.W.Tozer. In his book The Attributes of God he writes: God takes no pleasure in human tears. He came and wept that He might stop up forever the fountain of human tears. He came and bereaved His mother that He might heal all bereavement. He came and lost everything that He might heal the wounds that we have from losing things. And he wants us to take pleasure in Him. Let us put away our doubts and trust Him. It reminded me of how much God loves me. Yes, there are principles and precepts that, in His Fatherly way, He has handed down. But they are to keep us from harm not to hold us up as failures. If I dwell too much on my inability to be all that He wants me to be I lose sight that it is by "grace alone" that I have been saved. My righteousness is through faith. And it's good for my soul, every once in awhile, to be mindful of that fact that I REALLY do have faith in Christ. I may fall short. I may resort to selfishness. I may rebell. But the truth is I never lose faith in Christ. He is the one who has bestowed the robe of righteousness. Yes, I must co-labor. Yes, I must obey. Yes, I must sacrifice and operate in discipline. But every once in awhile...it's just plain nice to bask in the thought of His infinite love and the fact that I am important to Him. Tozer finished up that section of his book this way: "Did you ever stop to think that God is going to be as pleased to have you with Him in heaven as you are to be there? Thank God, thank God! Let us praise the lovingkindness of God forever, for of His goodness there is no end. Amen! Amen!"

MOUTHIN' OFF

This is not a news flash...but PEOPLE REALLY HURT EACH OTHER WITH THEIR WORDS. And it's not an occassional thing. Jeremiah put it this way in Chapter 9 verse 8: With his mouth one speaks peace to his neighbor. But inwardly he sets an ambush for him. The expressions "two faced" and "fork tongued" are a few of the ways it's been described. What a shame that the church is just as guilty. In fact, it's worse in church because we should know better. There was a song in the sixties called "Backstabbers." Part of the lyric went like this: They smile in your face, all the while they want to take your place. I think it starts with the way we look at one another. If we value the person we tend to watch what we say. If we devalue or look down on the person we use less care with our words. And the question I have to ask myself is "Who am I to devalue ANYONE?" There should be no "in crowd". There should be no caste system. We are one in Christ and my goal has to be to value everyone—and that begins with the way I address them when I'm in their presence and when I'm not. James warns of the dangers of the tongue, yet leaders routinely use it to denigrate others and in so doing set a bad example. I know I have to do better. I know that I must pray with David in Psalm 39...I will guard my ways that I may not sin with my tongue...

WHAT IS TRUTH

That's the question Pilate asked Jesus. I used to look at that question with an arrogant spirit. "He's standing right in front of you," I'd think with a smug, superior mindset. But now I find myself, APART FROM MY LORD, JESUS, asking the same question. All around I see men building towers of "truth" that suit their own agenda. Nothing more than 21st century Towers of Babel. I ask the question (some would say naively), "Can there be a pure community of love for Jesus without all the structure that erodes relationship to Him and puts men in bondage to one another. (I know scripture calls for order, so don't throw that one at me. Order does not have to supercede love.) Why do so many communities of faith major on the system, the structure and the format. Don't they understand that road leads to the creation of modern day Pharisees. Oh, these Pharisees don't wear fancy garments and they "put on humility" but then they act with little regard for the person as long as "the system" is upheld. I ask the question, "Does that enhance or hinder the mighy encounter with our sweet Savior and does it enhance or hinder the touch of God. Many are sure they have it figured out and would dismiss my questions as foolishness. I would echo the Holy word of God, "Be careful when you think you stand, lest you fall...