Monthly Archives: July 2014

The only bible some will read

It’s been said that you are the only bible some people will ever read. That the wisdom, truth, and grace that you absorb from its pages and apply to your life, may speak to others in a divinely ordained way. But what will they find?

If we read but do not understand, how can our life be transformed by its truth and grace? If we say, “Faith is such a personal and controversial matter, I really don’t want it to influence my public life,” then what kind of ashamed faith do we have? The ‘hypocrite’ label is quickly affixed to Christians. The truth is, we are all hypocritical in some ways. But what is the very core of your life based on? On what tenets are you consistently, if not perfectly, aligned? So much so, that your life actually ‘speaks’ them without words.

That is what God’s Word is intended to do, to transform the mind and soul in a way that it cannot help but escape into our daily lives. Read the Word daily.

Learn from it. Love it. Live it out.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16

Firm Foundation

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Do you ever read anything that disagrees with your belief? I do. Sometimes I learn some truth they discover but maybe don’t fully recognize; sometimes the futility of their thinking sharpens my own perspective. Take Bertrand Russell for example. The acclaimed anti-Christian believed there is no God, just physical matter. His beliefs as he stated them:

“That man is the product of causes which had no prevision of the end they were achieving; that his origin, his growth, his hopes and fears, his loves and his beliefs, are but the outcome of accidental collocations of atoms; that no fire, no heroism, no intensity of thought and feeling, can preserve an individual life beyond the grave; that all the labors of the ages, all the devotion, all the inspiration, all the noonday brightness of human genius, are destined to extinction in the vast death of the solar system, and that the whole temple of man’s achievement must inevitably be buried beneath the debris of the universe in ruins. . . . Only within the scaffolding of these truths, only on the firm foundation of unyielding despair, can the soul’s habitation henceforth be safely built“(Why I Am Not a Christian, editor Paul Edwards [New York: Simon and Schuster, 1957], p. 107).

Only on the foundation of unyielding despair?! Is that how you would like to build your life, on hopelessness and despair? You might as well accept the motto: “Life is hard and then you die.” But we have a quite different conviction. As John Piper shares:
“The vision of life revealed in the Bible explains more of what we experience than the materialism of Bertrand Russell. It makes more sense out of the material and immaterial, the impersonal and the personal, and puts a solid foundation under the soaring eloquence of Russell’s contradictory despair.

Yes, we die. And there is darkness and sorrow. For those who see only that, there will be something much worse than Russell’s “extinction in the vast death of the solar system.” That is not what hell is.

But for believers, the despair and futility are swept away in the dawn of Easter Sunday.” John Piper, Strange Collocation, October 2009.

What is the foundation on which you base your life? I mean your daily life. What is the firm foundation that holds you safe no matter what storms rage around you?

“Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”” 2 Timothy 2:19

Be steadfast – stand firm

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Pushed against the wall, seemingly oppressed on every side, exhausted and yet we so often automatically look to what strategy we can employ to resolve the problem. But often the strategy that bests serves us is not to dive forward, not to launch a new attack in our own effort, but to remain steadfast and stand firm.

“Stand firm,” we are told, once we are fully protected by God’s armor (Ephesians 6:10+). “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong (1 Corinthian 16:13). “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10).

What does it mean to remain steadfast in the middle of a battle? To be steadfast is to be a different kind of victor. Using dictionary terms a steadfast victor is loyal, faithful, dependable, steady, true, constant and trustworthy. S/he is determined, resolute, relentless, single-minded, unwavering, unhesitating, unfaltering, unyielding, and uncompromising.

This is our job, to have the courage to stand firm and remain steadfast in the face of seemingly overwhelming odds. Great courage is born out of great hope. And great hope is placed in a great, powerful, and faithful God.

“Be strong and of good courage. Do not fear or be afraid…for the Lord your God, He is the one who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.” Ephesians 1:18-21

Are you tired and weary?

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We live in a busy world. In fact, by the way we fill up our lives with so much activity, you would think our goal is a tombstone that reads, “Sure kept busy!” Of course, that is not our goal in life, but it is often our pursuit. All this activity, albeit sometimes necessary in some seasons of life, is tiring, isn’t it? It robs us of energy for contemplation, meditation, prayer – for drawing close to God…and each other.

Being a rather ‘Type A’ personality with a high metabolism, much of my life has been driven by goals and activities. “Idle hands are the devil’s playground,” I was taught. While there is some truth to that, the constant weariness of Leukemia has taught me that only idle hands can be offered to God when seeking His presence. “Stop striving. Be still and know that I am God,” He calls to us (Psalm 46:10). “Come to me all you who are weary, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) The world tells us “no pain, no gain – push to the limit.” But Isaiah counsels us, “The Lord gives strength to the weary. Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:29-31)

Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out? Give it a rest. Stop striving. Stop worrying. Give it up to God – again and again. Practice resting in His presence. Find His grace and rediscover your light.

The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:25-26

Patience – Perseverance – Prayer

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We all want to be patient, but we want it right now! Folks have probably warned you, “Don’t pray for patience because God will give you trials to bring it about!” Trials can be an effective way to bring us to consider patience, but how many times in your life do they bring grumbling and resentment instead?

The truth is, our life was not designed to be one of self-indulgence and comfort. This short span on earth, relative to all eternity, is full of trials. Read through the New Testament and find that every book deals with some aspect of trials, suffering, or other woes! Beyond just a learning experience, it is part of our call to follow Jesus: “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21

But that doesn’t leave us to despair, but to hope, because when we are squeezed by all sorts of trials, it brings the opportunity for God’s power to be revealed in us. That is James’ encouragement to us in chapter five. We’re called to be patient. Not just to wait until we get what we want, but to be patient for the Lord’s coming, when our trials and sorrows end.

We’re called to patient with each other. It is how we express our love to God Himself. Jesus said our purpose in life is to love God and love others, that others will know we are His disciples if we love one another. And so James confirms this: “Don’t grumble against one another.”

Patience and perseverance are twin sisters. We can persevere because we practice patience. Likewise persevering helps us to be patient – with ourselves and with others. Perseverance keeps on loving, keeps on hoping, keeps on waiting with expectation. Hope is for the future but faith is revealed in the moment. Perseverance reflects our real faith.

Where do we get such a persevering, patient faith? We pray. If your prayer seems like a waste of time or a mundane routine to be endured, don’t believe it. The prayer of one fully committed to God, is effective. Ask for wisdom, strength, and courage to draw closer to Him so you can persevere. He will show you the way, one trial at a time, one moment at a time. It’s a daily cycle: pursue patience, perseverance, and effective prayer.

“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” James 5:7-11 (excerpts)

BEING the light of the world

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“You are the light of the world.” – Jesus, to His followers (Matthew 5:14)

We may be tempted to think being a light bearer, the light of the world, is all about doing all sorts of grand things. Or, like the random act of kindness movement, doing all sorts of small things to randomly brighten a person’s day. It’s not a bad thing to do. But there is a way to shine even brighter.

Light is not only revealed by what it does.

What it does IS what it is.

That is the message of James to us. It shines because that is its nature. It doesn’t hide under a bushel and then once in a while jump out to shine. Being the light of the world is to let your everyday character reflect your God-given hope with others. It illuminates darkness by shining truth, love, grace, and peace.

James tells us in the fourth chapter that this kind of light submits to God (period). After all, He IS light. Just as two candles, when drawn together become brighter, so our light is brighter when we draw close to God. Our light doesn’t quarrel with others, especially over petty things. It doesn’t consider itself friends with the world’s ways. Unlike my old flashlight whose lens is scratched and obscures the light, our light seeks to be pure. That is, we must submit our thoughts, motives, actions, and even our life ambitions before God and ask Him to make us pure. How otherwise can our light shine clearly when it is dulled by our worldly ways? We are either friends with the world’s ways or friends with God. We can’t have it both ways.

Acclaimed researcher George Barna repeatedly finds that the thoughts and ways of many Christians in the United States are not very much different from those of unbelievers. If that is the case with you and me, how can our darkness bring light to others?!

James warns us that our life plans are futile, “like mist that vanishes”, if they are not submitted to God. He also reminds us that it is not just the way we live selfish, self-absorbed lives, but the fact that we ignore the needs of others – our sins of omission – that drag us down. Perhaps we just don’t care enough about others who walk this path with us. God will give you the desire if you ask Him to give you eyes that see as He does.

BEING the light of the world reveals the nature of God’s love. THIS is the light that shines into the darkness of a twisted world that is filled with darkness. BE the light of the world today by becoming who you were meant to be!

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ” James 4:7-8

Gatekeepers of the tongue

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A mother confronted her young daughter about some hurtful words she had said to a friend. To teach her an important lesson, the mother told her girl to take the feathers from her pillow and toss them as she skipped along the country road. After doing this, the little girl returned to her mother asking, “What now?” “Now, you must go back and pick up all the feathers,” replied the mom. The girl protested, “But by now the wind will have blown them all quite far away so I can’t get them back.” And the wise mother warned her daughter, “So it is with your words, dear one. the tongue has no bones but it is strong enough to break a heart. Be careful with your words.”

According to the old nursery rhyme: “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” But it is such a lie. Words DO hurt. And it seems they can’t be forgotten… only forgiven.

James reminds us that the tongue, though small, is boastful and fiery, the cause of much destruction and corruption. Unable to be tamed by human power, it is full of poison. The same tongue that praises God one moment, curses our fellow human beings the next; how wrong is this! Should we ridicule and make fun of those with whom we disagree when God commands us to love and pray for them? Can you find anywhere a sermon on the mount of sarcasm? (Something to think seriously about in and out of political season!) Should not kind and helpful words be matched by our actions?

What if these three gatekeepers always guarded your tongue:

Is it true?

Is it kind?

Is it necessary?

Be careful little tongue what you say. Let your words also shine light and give glory to God.

Adapted from James 3:5-12

Faith AND action

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“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”

Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” James 2:14-19

What good is faith without works? James sums it up; “Faith without action is DEAD!” While good deeds alone are not the mark of a follower of Christ, true faith is always moved to action.

Faith loves and comforts. It heals and encourages. Faith reaches out to bring light into darkness and hope where there is only despair. Faith checks up on people to see how they are really doing. Faith doesn’t just say, “I’ll pray for you.” Faith prays with others. Faith is humble. Faith gives and gives. It gives generously and cheerfully and not under compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7). It gives generously out of its own poverty condition when others think there is not enough to go around (Acts 2:4-3). Faith doesn’t wallow in self-pity; faith perseveres and rejoices (James 1:3) even in the middle of trials of many kinds.

Faith keeps its eyes on the goal.

Like love, faith doesn’t give up. Faith demonstrates what it believes by what it does.

Faith sends encouraging notes. It invites people for a walk, a cool drink of water, for dinner. Faith shares truth with grace. Faith brings unexpected flowers. It pays the bill for someone in need. Faith smiles when others rejoice; it holds the hand of those who mourn.

Faith rises above an intellectual ascent to a truth. It goes way beyond most people’s concept of ‘religion.’ It exceeds the drive to just do good works. Good works are the result of true faith. Faith is intentional in its actions. It reaches out to others and speaks value to their life. True faith is always moved to action and those good deeds are always done with the intent of bringing glory to God, not ourselves.

Marcia and Deysi, Bolivia

Got faith? Let it shine in the lives of others so they too can see God’s glory.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Jesus, in Matthew 5:16

Living the life we were meant to live

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Summer at the acreage is a colorful event. Wildflowers and other perennials bloom to celebrate the beauty and creativity of God’s creation. Of course, the blooms don’t last forever. Some last only for a day, others for weeks, and gradually replaced by other blooms.

Such is an illustration of our life. We too are like wildflowers. We bloom for a while and then the richness of our beauty dies away. Imagine, if you knew the end of your life was near how you might live differently between now and then. What priorities might change and how might you live each day to better reflect your life goals? Wouldn’t you expect to find greater appreciation for the time you have?

We have this choice each day: to wander through it rather mindlessly, consumed with the planning of some future season of our life or to live THIS day fully and with purpose and passion. Choose to live resolutely and faithfully, becoming as we were intended – the first fruits of God’s creation (James 1:18). Reject ‘worthless religion’ (that which has no effect on our lives) and embrace that which is beneficial to us and others and is pleasing to God. What does this look like? “…to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1:27)

We were designed to help others and to keep pure. “If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.” (Isaiah 58:10) If we really want to be the light of the world as Jesus challenged us, we have to go where there is darkness, to become involved where there is hurt and pain.

But where does such selfless desire come from? And how is this done? It’s impossible if we are polluted by the things of the world. If we let the smog of distraction and public opinion impede our light and the sludge soil our living water, what use will we be? God warns us, “keep from being polluted by the world.” In what ways has pollution entered your life?

Let your light shine today, where you are and across the world. The intent of Go Light Our World, is to encourage each of us to be light bearers through this daily blog; but also to support missions around the world ‘on behalf of the hungry and to satisfy the needs of the oppressed.’ YOU can help shine the light: check out the Ministries Link on our website www.GoLightOurWorld.org, Pray for those who bring light and those who receive it. Become a partner with any size financial gift, knowing that all your gift goes to directly support ministry efforts. BE a light that shines. Bloom while there is time.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22

Give thanks…when?!

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“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

It is easy to thank God when times are good and things are going smoothly. But we are instructed to give thanks in ALL situations. Why? Because it is God’s profitable will for us. Now, I admit giving thanks was not the first thing on my mind the day I received my cancer diagnosis. My body was already broken down and I was so exhausted I didn’t know what to think, but I know giving thanks wasn’t at the top of my list. And yet, with the passing of a few weeks, it was easier to give thanks in – and for – revealing the cancer in my life. Why? Because it also revealed the cancer in my spiritual life. Depending too much on myself and ‘my rights’, lacking more discipline in my prayer life, and pride were as much of a cancer as the Leukemia that was killing me. Furthermore, my physical cancer revealed God’s protection over me. Had I pushed ahead with my plans to relocate to South America right away, I likely would not have been diagnosed, and that would have been a death sentence. If diagnosed, I likely would not have received the expert level of care that I received here. Not only did I find God’s protection but also His provision. He provided a platform for reaching others with His truth and grace in the hospital environment, patients and staff. He provided time for me to grow up (to mature as James writes in the below passage). He provided opportunity to draw Marcia and me even closer together. He provided opportunity to learn and practice humility.

As you look back on the tough times in your life, can you see how those difficulties yielded benefit to you? Maybe you would still choose to have avoided them if you could. Maybe the pain of those memories continue to scar your life. But haven’t they also provided some good? It is the intent of our Great God to bring good out of distress. We are so used to weighing goodness on a scale of our own feelings, our comfort, and our personal gain, that it becomes so difficult to see how tough times can play out on the grander scale. Yes, there are seemingly senseless and completely unjust acts. Yes, the rain does fall on the just and unjust alike. But if we cannot find any reason to give thanks and pray continually even in those times, what can we hope to become? If our faith is only tested to be strong in the easy times, of what real use to us is it?

Whatever happens today, practice giving thanks, with continual prayer and petition to God. Know that He will not abandon you and He desires to redeem goodness from bad situations. Ask Him for strength and wisdom to respond well, to persevere, and to finish His good work in you, so that you lack nothing.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7