Everything is Temporary

“I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the Lord and seeking him in his temple.” (Psalm 27:4 CSB)

When David wrote these words he wasn’t a stranger to battles. He fought in many battles and many times his life was threatened.  In this Psalm he declares, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom should I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of life, whom should I dread”.  David trusted in the Lord and in the face of the enemy he was strengthened by his faith.  His eyes were squarely focused upon his Lord.  Regardless if he lived or died he longed to dwell in the house of the Lord.  He longed for the day when he would be able to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord. 

Paul while in chains said, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain”. (Phil. 1:21) We live in the world that is temporary.  Nothing here will last forever, it is always changing and eventually will no longer exist.  Jesus is forever.  We are not children of the temporary but we are children of eternity.  How does this play out in this life?  Nothing we face here on this little ball last forever, it may feel like it, but it will pass—pain, hurt, cancer, diabetes, hatred, betrayal, politics, presidents, you name it, it's temporary.  The only thing that last is God.  The only thing that is unchanging in this universe is God. 

This gives me a great sense of hope.  I am encouraged by this incredible reality—this truth.  I can face the day with confidence and I can have peace no matter the situation.  It also frees me to truly live.  It allows me to love those around me and to be thankful for the time I do have.  It gives my life purpose knowing I am living for a greater glory—the glory of the Lord!  Live free, live in peace knowing one day you will gaze upon the beauty of the Lord.        

Believe in the Lord Jesus

“Sir, what must I do to be saved” Acts 16:30b

The jailer had dosed off.  He had secured his prisoners, two Jewish men who had caused a disturbance.  They had been stripped of their clothing and beaten.  The magistrate ordered the jailer to make sure they were carefully watched.  These men were not like his usual clients, these two men were at peace.  They rejoiced at being beaten, they joyfully sang and prayed.  He shackled them in the most secure part of the jail and confident they were not going anywhere he rested his eyes. Suddenly and without warning the foundations of the jail shook violently.  Jolted from his rest the jailer ran out to see all the doors of the cells open, he drew his sword to end his life.  He knew the magistrate would kill him if the prisoners had escaped and he was going to take matters into his own hands. 

At the moment of desperation a voice called out of the darkness, “Don’t harm yourself, because we’re all here!” The jailer called for lights and rushed to verify what was said to him.  Seeing the prisoners still in their cells he fell to his knees in front of Paul and Silas.  Trembling he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”  They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved—you and your household.”  The jailer took them home and his whole household believed and were baptized. 

The jailer was in a hopeless situation and he saw no way out.  It was at that very moment God intervened through the apostle Paul and the jailer was rescued.  His life was never the same from that point on.  Where are you?  Have you reached the end?  I have a message for you, believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.  Turn to Jesus the living savior and he will forever change your life.  Join the jailer and his family and rejoice in the Lord.               

God Knew

“I know about their sufferings and I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and to bring them from that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey” (Exodus 3:7b-8 CSB)

The people of Israel had been in captivity in Egypt for many years and had grown in numbers.  So much so the Egyptians feared they may someday over throw them.  They enslaved the Hebrews and even went so far as to start killing all the male babies.  It was in the midst of their cries and suffering God heard them. He rescued the infant Moses from the water and had him raised in the palace of the Pharaoh.  He was educated and taken care of and yet seeing his people oppressed he lashed out and killed an Egyptian.  He had to flee everything he knew and became a sheep herder.  For 40 years he labored in the desert while his people suffered.

At the right moment God spoke these words to Moses out a burning bush.  He knew about the people's suffering and he had come down to rescue them and to bring them into a land where they would be taken care of.  Does this story sound familiar to you?  One of the absolutely wonderful thing about the bible is how God doesn’t change and he is fulfilling his plan.  We can read his promises and we can read about his faithfulness in fulfilling those promises.

Fast forward and God is still using the same game plan. He has heard the suffering of his people in the bondage of sin and he came down to rescue them and to deliver them to the promise land. Only this time he didn’t send a flawed man, he came down personally.  He took residence among us, humbled himself to the point of dying on the cross.  This time he would defeat sin and death, the real enemies—he would set his people free once and for all. Not only does he free them but he is preparing a place for them.  A place with no more sin or death.  A place with no more suffering and pain.  A place where he will wipe away the tears from his people and he will be their God.  The sun will no longer shine but the light of the Son will shine brightly and there will be no darkness.
I don’t know where you are in life.  Perhaps you find yourself in places you never imagined you would be in.  Maybe you’re suffering or cruising through life at light speed and want to stop. I want to encourage you this morning God knows.  He knows where you are in life and he wants you to know he has come down to free you and wants to walk you home through this life.      
     

Think before you speak...

“Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6 HCSB)

It’s concerning to read social media today and to hear how people talk to one another.  There seems to be little room for discussion or tolerance of different points of view.  How we talk to others matters.  Paul reminds us that our conversations are to always be gracious and seasoned with salt. 

Being seasoned with salt is thought to mean to be witty or winsome.  In other words, we should give well thought out responses.  We should talk to others with grace and not in anger—not "over charged" with emotions. We shouldn’t crush people to prove them wrong just to win the argument.  When we talk to others it should be with a heart to glorifying Christ. I see this also a “measured” response, from a life that is lived in Christ.  Is your heart is right, are you praying, to give an answer out love for the other person.  If you are not ready for a measured response be quiet, hit the delete button! 

On my desk I have a small sign under the monitor that simply reads “Be sure brain is engaged before putting mouth in gear”.  I have had this sign for years on my desk and it doesn’t point to people I’m talking to.  It serves as a reminder to me to stop and think before I speak.  I also think about Proverbs 5:1-2 which says, “A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive, but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.”

I hope as you reading this you’ll start to think about what you’re saying to others.  I hope for graciousness and wisdom will guide your heart before you engage your mouth or fingers on your keyboards.   

Shrewd Serpents

“Look, I’m sending you out like sheep among the wolves.  Therefore be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16 CSB)

Jesus is sending out the disciples to proclaim the kingdom of heaven is near to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.  They couldn’t take anything with them and were to be totally dependent upon God to provide for them through the kindness of others.  As they are leaving Jesus gives them this warning, how they would suffer.  As we read the book of Acts we know that is exactly what happened.  We know they were arrested, beaten and in the end killed for their faith.  He also told them not to worry about what they said when brought before magistrates and kings.  He told them in those moments “it isn’t you speaking but the Spirit of your Father is speaking through you”.   

How then are we to interact with the world that has entirely different set of values? How do we not compromise the gospel and still engage the world around us?  How do we remain sheep among the wolves?  Prayer—devote yourselves to prayer, as if your very life depended upon it.  Be alert to the needs of those around you and act—be thankful.  Act wisely towards those who are outside the faith, don’t waste your time, but live with a sense of urgency knowing the time is short.  Be gracious towards everyone, be wise when speaking to others.  Especially on social media where you have an audience watching and not responding.  Know how to explain and defend your faith—be able to answer people when they ask about the hope that is in you. 

We live among wolves and we have to be wise to that reality.  Because there is more at stake than some political agenda—like the eternal destiny of those we love.  We need to live dependent upon God, praying for those around us and those in ministry.  We need to live thankfully and graciously.  We need to be innocent as doves and as wise as serpents.   

Evil Plans

“You planned evil against me; God planned it for good to bring about the present result—the survival of many people” (Genesis 50:20 CSB) 

Jacob is dead and he has been buried.  Joseph’s brothers now fear what may happen to them with their father’s protection gone.  They had sold Joseph into slavery, ripping him from his home.  They had lied about his death to their father.  Joseph was falsely accused by his master’s wife and thrown in jail.  There he was forgotten about by the cupbearer and eventually was rescued by God.  By interrupting a dream of Pharaoh he saved Egypt from disaster and eventually saved his own family.  Years later Joseph sees the bigger picture of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness. 

This isn’t the only time God has used the evil plans of people in order to save them.  Jesus was innocent and without sin.  He did nothing wrong and yet the evil of man plotted and succeeded in killing him.  What they didn’t know was God was working out his predetermined plan to save man, using their evil hearts.  The men who were pounding in the nails into Jesus’ hands were the very ones whom Jesus came to save.  The religious leaders planned evil against Jesus and God planned it for good—to save his people.

What about you? Have you suffered at the hands of others?  Remember what God’s word says in Romans 8:28, “We know all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”  You are not forgotten, you are not alone, God is working all things to the GOOD of those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ.  Trust in Christ, walk with him and know he is with you.  Understand you are part of God’s bigger plan saving his people to bring Glory to his name.  Be encouraged and walk boldly in faith!    

Greatest Need

“Just then some men brought to Him a paralytic lying on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, "Have courage, son, your sins are forgiven.” (Matthew 9:2 HCSB)

A group of men who obviously cared for their friend brought him to Jesus.  He was a paralytic and unable to move on his own.  He had to have others care for him and his friends bring him to Jesus.  They were looking for healing and Jesus seeing their faith said, “Have courage, son, your sins are forgiven.”  Now that seems like a strange thing doesn’t it.  Why didn’t Jesus heal him first?  What is the bigger issue here?  Jesus was more concerned with the condition of man’s soul than he was with his physical well-being. “Don't fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28). 

Jesus knew the greatest healing we can receive is the forgiveness and freedom from the bondage of sin.  Also he knew the religious leaders were listening.  They accused Jesus of blaspheming God.  They believed only God can forgive sin and Jesus was claiming to be able to do what only God could do!  Jesus wanting to heal the man completely and to challenge the religious leaders told the man to get up and walk.  The man did just that, he got up, picked up his mat and went home.  By doing so Jesus declared he had the authority on earth to forgive sins.  This would have had a profound impact on the leaders and the people, because they associated sin with disease, in that God was punishing the person afflicted.  But here we see Jesus not only forgive the man of sin, but also restore him physically.  He freed him from bondage and set him free physically and spiritually.  The crowd was awestruck (3:8) and they gave glory to God.  Understand your greatest need is the forgiveness of sin and Jesus came to set you free!  

Doing Right

“But the Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him.  He granted him favor with the prison warden” Genesis 39:21

Wait a minute!  Let’s rewind and take a look at the story of Joseph to understand why I would want to pause.  Joseph was his father’s favorite and he let his 11 brothers know it.  He also shared dreams of his brothers and parents bowing down to him.  This caused his father to even question him and stirred his brothers to hatred.  His brothers wanted to kill him but instead sold him into slavery. Once Joseph is sold into slavery he does very well for God and his new master.  That is until his master’s wife accused him of trying to seduce her. Joseph did everything right and refused to sin against his master and especially against God.  His reward was to be thrown in prison!  Where God extended him favor with the prison warden!  Again Joseph does everything right in prison and is forgotten by a cupbearer for two years after helping him.  Only then God used Joseph to bless Pharaoh and Egypt and his family.  Let me ask you a question, have you ever suffered for doing the right thing?  I want to remind you of Joseph’s story and hope it encourages you to stay the course.  Doing right by God is never the wrong way and in the end, will have a greater impact on the kingdom for God’s glory.  Be encouraged today!

~ps 

Judging and Planks

The one bible verse everyone knows is Matthew 7:1 “Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged”.  But what is rarely shared is the rest of the verses that give this verse context. The very next verse is scary and should cause you to pause “For you will be judged by the same standard with which you judge others, and you will be measured by the same measured you use”

Did you catch the end? It didn’t say you would be judged by the same standard you LIVE but by the standard, you USED to measure others.  What is so scary?  The standard you use is most likely the standard you would like to live by but can’t and so you project that standard on others.  In other words it’s a standard you can never live up to and yet you expect others to reach it.  That is the standard God is going to use to judge you!  In the same set of verses, Jesus is addressing Hypocrisy, first take the plank of wood out of your own eye before you attempt to take a splinter out of your brother’s eye.  When we read this passage we should be greatly humbled by our own shortcomings and how far God has brought us by his immeasurable grace, before we look to judge others sins.  And when approach a brother or sister struggling you do so with gentleness and respect.  Galatians 6:1 “Brothers and sisters, if someone is overtaken in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual, restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourself so you won’t be tempted”  God bless and live for God’s greater glory!  

Connections, Connections!

“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.” (John 15:5 HCSB)

Connections, connections, connections—I’m thinking about connections and I hope by the time you finish reading this sentence you too are thinking about connections.  What kind of connections am I talking about?  The relational kind of connections all human beings have to have.  When I think about being in relationships I immediately think about Jesus’ and how he is the vine and we are the branches.  Jesus was focused on being relational and there is a reason for this.  Jesus is himself a relational being—he is part of the Holy Trinity.  God is a triune being, three in one and does nothing outside of relationship.  I know this is a difficult thought, but think about how we are made in his image we too must be in relationship.  Think about this in prison for punishment we place someone alone in solitary confinement.  We even punish our children by making them stand alone in the corner.  It is known isolating a person for long periods of time is detrimental to their mental condition.  I always think about the movie “Castaway” where Tom Hanks character is desperate for human contact and makes a friend out of a volleyball which he names “Wilson”.  We cannot live without connections.      

    

In our culture today we are connected more than any other culture in history.  We have “social” networks like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat just to name a few.  We send thousands of text message to one another and yet we are largely disconnect more than ever.  Here is what has happened, we have created “safe places to connect without all the emotional risk.  We pick and choose the time to connect, how we connect, who we connect with.  The truth is connecting with people is messy business.  Entering into a relationship with someone involves risk.  People will let us down, they will hurt our feelings and disappoint over time.  We a broken people making the best out of a broken situation—yet we need relationship—real connections with real people.    

Which makes a relationship with Christ all the more important—it has to start with Christ.  A relationship with Jesus starts by changing of your heart and is initiated by him.  He changes us, he extends grace and forgiveness, and he shows us mercy.  We were powerless and he took pity on us and recused us.  He draws us into a deep relationship with himself and gives us peace.  From our relationship with Jesus we can connect with others in an entirely different way.  We don’t have to connect with others to find our peace and to complete us—we have peace and completeness in Christ.  We are free to love people deeply despite the brokenness.  We love, because we are loved.  We extend forgiveness because Christ forgave us.  We connect with others because Christ connected with us in a deep and personal way. 

I want to challenge you to take the time to connect with Christ.  Spend time in his word, read the gospels and pray to him.  Next take the time to meet with someone you love.  Take your spouse out to dinner, put the phone away.  Do something special with your kids or just get up and make pancakes with them.  Connecting doesn’t have to be complicated—it just requires your time and attention.  Reach out to others face to face, take the risk and truly connect with someone.  Let’s make 2016 a year where we focus on truly loving God and others—fully connected