Wisdom and Knowledge

Researchers have concluded that there is more information in a single issue of the New York Times than a citizen in London during Shakespeare’s time would have had access to in a lifetime. We live in an age with over 600 million websites... billions of facts... and 24 hour access to all of it. Information is easy to find... but is it something we should dedicate our lives to gathering? Maybe there’s something more...

Proverbs 4:7 says “Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” The Bible tells us that it’s wisdom, not just facts, that we should pursue. Information is wonderful... but when it’s acquisition becomes the only goal, it tends to invite pride into our hearts. When we know more... we sometimes think we’re more valuable or important. Not so. Scripture tells us that head knowledge is great but moving it down to the heart and using it to change the world is far better. Seek wisdom not just facts... and you’ll be well on your way to reaching your God potential.

Fight the Good Fight

Let's start the week with some reminders about God:

God is there -- “I will never fail you.  I will never abandon you.” (Heb. 13:5)

God will protect you -- [to Abram] "I will protect you, and your reward will be great." (Gen. 15:1)

God walks with you -- "Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.  Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God." (Isa. 41:10)

God is there to help -- "I will strengthen you and help you.  I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." (Isa. 41:10)

God knows the way -- "After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice." (John 10:4)

God has a purpose for your life -- "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." (Jer. 29:11)

God provides rest -- "Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." (Matt. 11:28)

God forgives -- "But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” (1 John 1:9)

God gives grace to the undeserving -- "For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory.  The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right." (Psalm 84:11)

God is faithful -- "The Lord will not abandon his people, because that would dishonor his great name. For it has pleased the Lord to make you his very own people." (1 Sam. 12:22)

God’s ways are the right ways -- "He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way." (Psalm 25:9)

God’s has a plan -- "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." (Rom. 8:28)

When the world is whispering to you... to give up... to quit...

When they say that you don’t have enough talent.
That you aren’t beautiful.
That you’ll never rise above it.
When they say that winning is an impossibility...

If you ever hear any word that makes you feel like less than the masterpiece that God created you to be.

Never forget... if you are a Christ-follower... you have God.

Fight the good fight.  Run the race with confidence.  Because you belong to God...

and He is enough.

The Table

“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.”  Romans 3:23

I read of a small boy who had been consistently late for dinner. One particular day his parents had warned him to be on time, but he arrived later than ever. He found his parents already seated at the table, about to start eating. Quickly he sat at his place, and then noticed what was set before him--a slice of bread and a glass of water. There was silence as he sat staring at his plate, crushed. 

Sometimes we make mistakes.  Sometimes we repeat the same mistakes.  Again and again and yet again.  Our plate sits in front of us... and we feel far more than hunger pains….regret.  sorrow.  guilt.  shame.  sadness.   We hurt.  

We stare at disappointment and realize that we caused it... We sinned... we did the wrong thing.  Will we hurt forever?  Will they ever forgive?  Will God ever see us the same way?  Am I broken?  Unloved?   If only we had one more chance...one last conversation...one opportunity to wind the clock back and make things right.

This young boy’s story wasn’t over...

Suddenly he saw his father’s hand reach over, pick up his plate and set it before himself. Then his dad put his own full plate in front of his son, smiling warmly as he made the exchange. When the boy became a man, he said, "All my life I’ve known what God was like by what my father did that night.

What is God like?

Sacrificial and unconditionally loving.

Full of grace...not condemning judgment

Full of hope...not unending despair 

Full of forgiveness...not relentless blame

God reaches across the table and replaces what we deserve with what we haven’t earned.   As Christ-followers, when we ask for forgiveness, He takes our bread and water... our sin... our punishment... our condemnation... our mistakes... and allows us yet another chance. 

Grace from a loving Father.

Love from a graceful God. 

Feeling discouraged by past failure?   Afraid to show your face around God’s table?

Don’t be.  

There will always be a chair waiting... plenty of food... and a warm embrace from the One who knew that you would sin and created you anyway.   

Just a Reminder...

“With your unfailing love you lead the people you have redeemed.

In your might, you guide them to your sacred home.”   -  Exodus 15:13

God is active, engaged, and present in your life.  

He leads those He loves.

He leads the people that know Him as Savior.

He leads them to a better place.

And He loves you.  

He will guide you, provide for you, and strengthen you as you battle through what kept you awake last night. 

There is not one moment of one day that you aren’t on His mind.  

God is love.

God gives love.

And He loves you.

When you need His wisdom...His grace...His peace...His strength...His protection...

He will be there.  Not a second before the perfect time.  You may not feel Him or think He’s there...

But at the right moment...when you don’t know where else to turn...

He will intervene.  

And He loves you. 

God loves and protects His own.  You are precious to Him.  And when He steps in... you will be reminded once more of His goodness and unending passion to see His children succeed.  

He knows what’s best for you to do.

He knows the right time.

He knows how to get there.

He knows that you’re hurting.

He knows what it’s like to sacrifice.

He knows every tear you’ve cried.

He knows that blessings are coming.

He knows you.  

And He loves you. 

Boulder

In an earlier century, there lay a large boulder in the middle of the roadway. Traveler after traveler walked past the boulder, veering off the side of the road to get around it. All the while, they were shaking their head and muttering, "Can you believe that? Someone should get that big thing out of the way. What an inconvenience!"

Finally, a man came along and, seeing the boulder, took a branch from a tree and pried the boulder enough to get it rolling and rolled it off to the side of the road. Lying underneath the rock, he found a small bag with a note. The man picked up the note and read it. It was a letter from the king and it read as follows:

"Thank you for being a true servant of the kingdom. Many have passed this way and complained because of the state of the problem and spoken of what ought to be done. But you have taken the responsibility upon yourself to serve the kingdom instead. You are the type of citizen we need more of in this kingdom. Please accept this bag of gold that traveler after traveler have walked by simply because they didn’t care enough about the kingdom to serve."

So many complain.  So few do anything.

You’ve seen it at your child’s school... in your workplace... maybe even where your bed is.  Problems as big as boulders sitting square in the middle of progress... and nobody does anything to make the necessary changes.  It’s frustrating isn’t it?  They may yell at the problem.  Gossip about the problem.  Write Facebook posts about the problem.  Talk to their spouse about the problem.  Maybe even pretend the problem isn’t there. 

Truth is... ignored problems don’t go away.  Side-stepped issues don’t solve themselves.   

We know that there is a difficult conversation that needs to be had... or a really nice person let go from a position that they simply can’t do... or a relationship issue that needs to be dealt with...Or maybe it’s something simpler...

...providing assistance to someone who no longer can help themselves.

...preparing food for the homeless in the area

...lending a shoulder to cry on 

...sharing the Good News of Christ with a hurting community (or a judgmental family)

The Bible talks specifically about the role of the Christ-follower regarding acts of service:

“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”  Acts 20:35

God doesn’t tell us to step around it... avoid it... ignore it... or dismiss it.  He tells us to dive into it.  Get our hands dirty.  Own it.  Jesus gave each one of us gifts, abilities, and talents.  The catch is... they aren’t for us.  They are for glorifying God, removing boulders, mending fences, enhancing lives, and serving those that can’t return the favor.  “Christian” isn’t a word describing those that believe... it’s a directive to be the one to act.  

Believers do - not just say... 

Move forward - not around... 

Get involved - not lost...  

God-followers are servants.  The minute we forget that, we slip from disciple to disobedient.  I want to challenge you today... if you see a problem...step in.  Get involved.  Share the love of Christ.  Serve those God puts in your path.  Help people who haven’t earned it.  Stand out and be counted as the person who always puts themselves second. And someday, when Jesus says “well done”... you can smile knowing you always put Him first.  

Just One More

What does it take for us to say we have enough?  Many who struggle with this answer the question of “enough?” with “just one more.”  But where does it stop?  When does thankfulness begin?

To those that struggle with contentment... there will never be enough.  It will always lie one arms length beyond their ability to sleep at night.   Those that live in this camp wonder when the next one will be and never cherish what is.  Their entire existence is based on what they might miss out on by not having more. 

Today’s verses help with this.  

“Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.”  1 Timothy 6:6

“Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.”   Philippians 4:11 (Paul)

Godliness with contentment, Paul says, is of great value.  In fact, he goes on to tell the churches in Philipi that he has “learned how to be content with whatever I have.” [sic].  

What was Paul’s secret?  What helped him move from greedy to grateful?  It’s simple.  Perspective.  Paul saw that his needs were met and that was enough.  He probably had wants...things that he’d like to have in his life... but he realized that these were superfluous to his mission.   Paul was sent to spread the Gospel... and help those around him find Christ as Lord.  He knew that God would provide whatever he needed to fulfill his calling.  

What’s your calling?  To grow, learn, love, support, partner, develop, share Christ, and become the person God created you to be?  Great!  I promise you… to do all of those things.. God will give you exactly what you need exactly when you need it.  All the other stuff that ties up your heart in the bonds of dissatisfaction are unnecessary… and only lead to stress, sadness, and the false feeling that you are missing out on something.  

Ready to move from greedy to grateful?  From wanting to worshiping?   From pouting to praise?  Make the commitment today to do so.   It won’t take long before you realize that Paul had it right… It’s not about having stuff…it’s about knowing it’s enough.  And thanking God for his graciousness in allowing us to hold onto it for awhile.  

Wonder

I found this story and I want to share it with you today... I’m praying it inspires you as it did me...

“A friend of mine opened his wife’s bedside drawer and picked up a silk paper wrapped package: ‘This,’ - he said - ‘isn’t any ordinary package.’  He unwrapped the box and stared at both the silk paper and the box. 

‘She got this the first time we went to New York, 8 or 9 years ago. She has never put it on. Was saving it for a special occasion.  Well, I guess this is it.’  He got near the bed and placed the gift box next to the other clothing he was taking to the funeral home.  His wife had just passed away.  He turned to me and said: ‘Never save something for a special occasion. Every day in your life is a special occasion’. 

I still think those words changed my life. 

Now I read more and clean less.  I sit on the porch without worrying about anything. 

I spend more time with my family, and less at work. I understood that life should be a source of experience to be lived up to, not survived through. I no longer keep anything. I use crystal glasses every day. I’ll wear new clothes to go to the supermarket, if I feel like it.  I don’t save my special perfume for special occasions, I use it whenever I want to. 

And, on each morning, I say to myself that this could be a special day. 

Each day, each hour, each minute, is special. “

Some people live life wondering and some people live life wonderfully.   

The wonderers can’t decide what to do.  Should they use it or store it away for later?  Have the conversation or pretend something never happened?  

They wonder what could have been.

They wonder if it ever will be.

They worry while they’re wondering about things that are out of their control.

Wonderers spend their entire lives counting on a tomorrow that they aren’t guaranteed...borrowing trouble from a future that’s hasn’t come yet...waiting on life to be perfect before they start living it.  

There’s no need to wonder what God’s plan is for us...

Luke 9:62 - “Jesus said, ‘No procrastination. No backward looks. You can’t put God’s kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day.’”  

Get after it!  Live a wonderful life!   When life puts puddles in your path... don’t let them drown you... splash in them!  You are part of God’s family!  The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords paid the highest price, His own life, for you to live in freedom!

God’s word tells us to not hesitate... to not look back... to go after life with a renewed sense of passion and focus.   We should be so busy getting the maximum out of today that we don’t have time to even think about what may happen tomorrow!  We aren’t guaranteed another sunrise... but we do have this one.. this breath.. this chance.. this time.. and this day to make a difference.  

Waiting for the clouds in your life to part before going back outside?  Don’t.  The world is a beautiful place... and you are a beautiful part of it.   If you stay inside too long, you’ll miss the rainbow that’s coming.

Live wonderfully... joyfully... expectantly... 

Hold nothing back for tomorrow.

Today is a special occasion.  

Your heart is still beating.

Get out there and live.

Hang On

A family was out vacationing at the lake one summer. Dad had been relaxing out by the boat house. Two of his sons, a 12-year old and a 3-year old were down playing along the dock. The 12 year old was supposed to be watching his little brother, but he got distracted. The 3 year old, little Billy, thought that would be a good time to check out the shiny aluminum fishing boat tied up at the end of the dock. So he went to the dock and put one foot on the boat, and one foot on the dock. He lost his balance and fell into the water, which was about 5 or 6 ft deep. The splash alerted the 12-yr old who let out a piercing scream. Dad came running from the boat house, jumped into the water, swam down, but unable to see anything, came up for air. Sick with panic, he went right back down into the murky water, and began to feel everywhere around the bottom. He couldn’t feel anything. 

   Have you ever felt panic like that?  Helpless? Hopeless? Maybe you’ve had a child go missing... or maybe for you it was something else.  Your spouse was caught cheating...  Your medical tests come back postive... Your boss has to let you go and you are the only income... The kind of thing that “only happens to other people” has happened to you... and you panic.  

I’m not just talking worry... I’m talking about full-fledged shake-in-your-boots panic.  Your heart races, your knees weaken, your ability to think clearly leaves you...

This can’t really be happening.

Where is God?

Will I ever feel better?

Why does this always happen to me?

Where is God?

Why do I hurt so badly?

Make it stop.

I can’t take it anymore.

Where is God?

We’ve all asked questions like that.  We don’t want to admit that we’ve panicked but it happens.  What does God do when my life turns upside down?

Look at today’s verse... 

“But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again.  The LORD himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.”  Exodus 14:13-14

Here you have the Israelites being chased by the Egyptians.  The latter were far more prepared...equipped...and organized.  Moses’ crew didn’t have much, but he reminded them of the size and strength of their God.  I love the first thing Moses tells them to do.

Be calm.  Moses says, “Don’t be afraid.  Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today... The Lord Himself will fight for you.  Just stay calm. “

All too often, tranquility and patience are not our first reaction to crisis.  Panic seems to fit better.  Worry, fear, and dread are much more comfortable companions... as if any of those could improve the situation.  No, they are what our flesh tells us we need to do.     They’ve never helped us before but there’s always a first time, right?  Our story doesn’t end with panic... let’s read the rest... as the dad dove down for the last time...

On his way up, he felt little Billy’s arms locked in a death grip on one of the posts of the dock, about 4 ft under water. Prying the boy’s fingers loose, they burst up together through the surface to fill their lungs with life-giving air. 

Finally when the adrenaline had stopped surging, and nerves had calmed down a little bit, the father asked his son, “What on earth were you doing down there hanging onto the post so far under the water? And little Billy’s answer was a classic, laced with the wisdom only a toddler could give. He said, "I was just waiting for you, Dad. Just waiting for you." 

The little boy didn’t give up.  He just hung on and stayed calm.  He knew his dad was coming for him.  Today, I want you to remember the same thing.  Is your life in crisis?  Feeling tossed around...beaten up...forgotten?  Have you been waiting for rescue for so long you’ve begun to doubt?   Your Dad is coming for you, too....

Today, commit to wait on your Heavenly Father... He’ll be there.  You will be lifted up, pulled out, and brought back.   Rescue is on the way.  God Himself will fight for you... just keep hanging on.

Still

“Be still, and know that I am God!”  Psalm 46:10a

There may be no greater killer of happiness that stress.  Busyness and fatigue lead to discouraging thoughts and eventually affect your health in adverse ways...

But this is unavoidable, right?  Stress is just built into everyday life...isn’t it?

Is there any hope for peace?  Is a stress-controlled life possible?

Take some time during your week to pray... meditate on scripture... take a deep breath... get alone... 

Even Jesus did this.  He knew the value of getting away and regrouping.   I can already hear you screaming at your iPad... “Pastor.. my day is WAY too hectic for meditation or solitude”  

Then I would say that your day is way too busy.  

I have found in my 20+ years of ministry that people do what they want to do.  If they think it’s valuable enough, they’ll make the time no matter what they have to adjust.  You must first value “being still” before you’ll make it part of your day.  Trust me... once you start, you’ll wonder what took you so long.   Remember, as I’ve said before in my teachings, life is rhythmic.  There are notes and rests... and if you only play all fast notes... the music of life becomes just noise.  Rests are as important in beautiful melodies as tones... play both.  

Take some time today to “be still” and listen for God... you’ll hear things from Him that only patient and expectant silence will allow.  

The Chute

“A friend is always loyal, 

      and a brother is born to help in time of need.”  Proverbs 17:17

     I’ve never jumped out of a plane.  Never actually wanted to.  Sure it looks like fun, but why jump out of a perfectly good aircraft?  I have been in one of those wind tunnel free-fall sky diving simulators though.  I put on the flight suit, got my “pre-flight” briefing and entered the chamber.  There are certainly a lot of things to remember when you’re in the air!  The angles of your legs matter... your arm position matters... if you make a mistake, your body speeds up its descent toward the ground and you sink like a stone.   

    While I was in the simulator I couldn’t help but think that if this were a REAL jump from a plane, we’d need someone even more important with us.  Someone who, besides the pilot, would have an impact on my experience in a profound way.  That person?  The parachute packer. 

Yes... the one who would put that nylon piece of cloth into my backpack just right.  He would literally have my entire life in his hands.  If he mis-packed it... or didn’t check the releases... or neglected to close the bag correctly... I was in trouble.  My parachute tech would need to be there for me and make sure my jump was a successful one.  

When I successfully landed on the ground, he’d be the first hand I’d like to shake.   

Why?  Because he was there for me when I needed him.  He had allowed me to get through a scary time simply by being there for me and doing what he needed to do for me to be successful.

So here’s my question for you today... who is packing your parachute?  Who is it that is there for you when you need them?  Who is making sure you are ok when life scares you or makes you wonder.  Do you have someone in your life that is taking care of you?  Holding you up?  Ensuring you will land ok?  If so, count your blessings. That person is who the Bible is talking about in today’s verse:  “A friend is always loyal....”  Friends are to be treasured, appreciated, and loved.  People say that if you have 5 great friends over the course of your lifetime you are lucky.  I say think bigger.  Hang around with people that honor God with their lives, will be there for you, honor you with their words and actions, and challenge you (in love) if the need arises.  

Which brings me to my final question of the day.... Who’s parachute are you putting in the bag?  Do you have people in your life that trust you?  Is there someone counting on you to be there for them in crisis?   Honor that commitment!  Christ wants us to be that type of friend to others:  trustworthy, loyal, and loving... just like Him.

Rocks

Toward the end of the movie “Forrest Gump”, Forrest’s lifelong friend Jenny returns to the site of where she grew up.  Memories of her past abuse and neglect flood back into her mind... and she begins to pick up rocks and throw them at the walls of her old house.  Finally, Jenny quits throwing the stones and breaks down into sobs...  

Forrest’s response?  “Sometimes there just aren’t enough rocks.”

Some of you reading this today have been hurt.  Deeply.  The kind of pain that makes you cry out when nobody’s looking and withdraw emotionally when nobody seems to understand.  

God wants you to hear some words of comfort today.

Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

All the rocks in the world won’t solve the problem.  But God, the Savior, the Alpha and Omega hears your cries... and He wrote that verse for you.  You aren’t alone.  You do matter.  What happened in your past wasn’t something you deserved... it wasn’t something that you caused... and it wasn’t something you were meant to carry for the rest of your life.  

Today, I invite you to take that burden and lay it down at the foot of the cross.  Jesus is strong enough to handle it... and is calling you to do so.  Don’t turn back to get it... leave it there.  Take that scenario that has been playing over and over in your mind and replace it with the words of today’s verse.

Or this verse:  Phil. 4:13  “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Or this one: Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,”

Or lastly, this one:  Isaiah 40:31 “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles;  they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Take some time today, and allow God to comfort your soul, start to heal your wounds, and dry your eyes.  

He’s the only Rock you’ll ever need.  

Sold Out

Just when you think your day is bad... think of Ronald Wayne...one of three co-founders of Apple Computers.  In 1976, he sold his 10% share of the company for $800.  In addition, he waived his rights to any part of the company for an additional $1500.  As of this writing today, Apple Computers is one of the most valuable companies in the world.  Estimated worth?  Around $600 billlion.  In today’s market, that 10% share of Apple would be worth around $60 billion dollars.  

At first glance, we see Ronald Wayne as foolish.  He could have had so much more... but he sold out... and lost.   But let’s not be so quick to judge...

Fact is... so many people do the same thing with something far more valuable...

Let’s take a look at Matthew 16:26:

“For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?”

Instead of cashing out stock options and benefits like Ronald... people sell out the most precious thing they have:  themselves.   

They compromise their integrity to fit into a crowd...

Ignore Biblical wisdom for temporary pleasure...

Follow their own way instead of following the direction of Christ...

Try to earn Heaven instead of asking Jesus into their hearts...

Seek the applause of peers over Heavenly cheers...

Ronald Wayne only lost money.  So many people lose themselves.  They live their entire lives focused on climbing the ladder of success... only to find it leaning against the wrong wall.   They sacrifice their eternity at the altar of ego.  And in the end...when it’s all over...they tragically spend forever separated from their Creator.  Their once-important treasure left behind on Earth... inaccessible and useless. 

The objective of a Godly life isn’t to acquire possessions, fame, or fortune.  If we get them...great!  But keep in mind that those things aren’t the goal... they are simply tools to leverage and be used to bring people closer to Jesus Christ!  We’ve been given a precious soul...everything we are...to make a difference for God while we’re here on Earth. Value it.  Don’t vend it to the highest bidder or swap it for the short-lived.   The world will offer you tempting trades... but only give your life... your soul... to the One who knit it together.   God has a great plan for you... don’t sell-out to anything less.

Daredevil

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”  James 1:2-4

“…For nothing is impossible with God.” Luke 1:37

A little boy was leading his sister up a mountain path and the way was not too easy. “Why this isn’t a path at all,¨ the little girl complained. “Its all rocky and bumpy.¨ Her little brother kept on up the mountain, pausing just long enough to call out, “Sure, but the bumps are what you climb on.”

Ever faced a bump in your path?  We all do.  Many try to go around it... thinking that if they didn’t have it to deal with, they would be better off.  Not so.  Refuse to see challenges as inconveniences or barriers... they are tough but necessary steps leading you onward and upward toward a stronger faith and a fulfilled life.   

The troubles you faced in the past were tough... but you made it through them.

The troubles you are facing today are hard... some will tell you that what you want to do or where you want to go is impossible.  

God says nothing is impossible.  

Keep climbing… pushing yourself beyond what’s comfortable and easy… 

Stretch yourself to the point where fear gives way to faith… where a daredevil emerges… ready to take on the world not based on the opinions of others but on what God’s word says.  

And when you get to the peak of that mountain you are trying to climb... moving up and over all of those challenges... the view will be breathtaking.   

This weekend we kick off a brand new series that talks about this very thing… doing what others say is impossible.  I hope you’ll join us (and bring a friend)… 

Hope in the Pit

I know what the pit looks like.  I’ve been fired by a former church employer, been in and out of the hospital for various serious reasons, and seen my share of challenges that seemed insurmountable.   While I was going through the trials, I couldn’t help but wonder when they would be over...  Ever felt that way?  Ever wonder if you’d ever see the light again?  Ever been in a hole so deep that you just felt like you were doomed to stay there?  You aren’t the only one in that pit... but it sure feels like it.  Foreclosure... divorce... bullying... failure... illness... pride... shame...  

I don’t know what shape your pit is... but I completely understand the feeling of being in one.  

More importantly... so does Jesus.  The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords knows what the bottom of the pit feels like.  The smoothness of the walls... unable to be climbed. The dark so thick that your eyes feel closed even when wide open.  And the bottom of the pit?  Thick and filled with hopeless sludge... guaranteed to grab your feet and slow you down if you have any ideas about trying to climb out.  One step forward... 3 steps back.  Felt that?  

Death is a pit....  and Jesus experienced it for a brief time 2000 years ago.  The enemy did everything he could to keep Christ in that deep darkness forever.   But Jesus knew His stay was short.  He had a mission and there was nothing that would keep Him away from rolling back that stone and flooding the pit of death with the light from the sun His Father put there.   Jesus would overcome death’s perfect record and emerge victorious.  

It’s because of Christ’s escape from His pit that we have hope.  

And hope is a powerful thing.  

In his book Think on These Things, author and former-Pastor John Maxwell says this about hope:

Hope shines brightest when the hour is darkest.
Hope motivates when discouragement comes.
Hope energizes when the body is tired.
Hope sweetens while bitterness bites.
Hope sings when all melodies are gone.
Hope believes when evidence is eliminated.
Hope listens for answers when no one is talking.
Hope climbs over obstacles when no one is helping.
Hope endures hardship when no on is caring.
Hope smiles confidently when no one is laughing.
Hope reaches for answers when no one is asking.
Hope presses toward victory when no one is encouraging.
Hope dares to give when no one is sharing.
Hope brings the victory when no one is winning.

Hope is powerful.  And maybe you’ve been looking for it for a long time.  Day after day you’ve searched above your head for light... even a pinhole of light that simply hasn’t come.   You’ve struggled at the bottom of your pit... but I’ve got great news... Jesus has a VERY long arm.  Today He’s reaching for you and wants to pull you out... to step into a new light for the first time in a long time.   Jesus is hope.  

Romans 8:24-25 “For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”

You may not see Jesus today... but rest assured, He’s there.  I know it’s hard to see that beautiful arm in the blackness of the pit... but it’s there.   Ready to pull you up to the light.  Never give up that hope.  Christ hears you calling out in the darkness... and I don’t know what lesson you’ll need to learn in the trial that you are enduring... but cling to the hope and promise that His resurrection was powerful enough to get you through it.  

He’s reaching for you.

And when you finally feel that nail-pierced hand... grab onto it tightly and allow Him to rescue you.  Give your life to Him... read His word... serve in His church... grow by being more like Him.  Never give up hope in the One who promises to always be there.  Hope reminds you that things will get better.  But you know the greatest thing about hope?  It changes.  Jesus never changes... but the hope that got us out of that first pit...  becomes faith. We don’t just hope we’ll be rescued... we begin to know and have faith it will happen if we ever slip in again. 

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Hope keeps you going... It keeps you from not giving up looking for light in the bottom of the pit... 

Faith reminds you that you aren’t alone down there.. and won’t stay there for long.  

Never give up hope... 

live a life of faith...  

And when you are pulled out of that hole (and you will be).... give the credit to God who sent the rescue team of One.

Swim

It was a fog-shrouded morning, July 4, 1952, when a young woman named Florence Chadwick waded into the water off Catalina Island. She intended to swim the channel from the island to the California coast. Long-distance swimming was not new to her; she had been the first woman to swim the English Channel in both directions.

The water was numbingly cold that day. The fog was so thick she could hardly see the boats in her party. Several times sharks had to be driven away with rifle fire. She swam more than 15 hours before she asked to be taken out of the water. Her trainer tried to encourage her to swim on since they were so close to land, but when Florence looked, all she saw was fog. So she quit...only one-mile from her goal.  Later she said, "I’m not excusing myself, but if I could have seen the land I might have made it."

So close... but Florence quit early. 

Over 2000 years ago, Jesus’ disciples were ready to quit too.  Their leader had been crucified and placed in a tomb... and in their minds it was over.  

Might as well stop swimming.

Jesus had disappeared into the fog of an unmet promise.

Death had won.

Time to quit.

Or so they thought.

The Bible says it this way:

“That Sunday evening the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! ‘Peace be with you,’ he said.  As he spoke, he showed them the wounds in his hands and his side. They were filled with joy when they saw the Lord!  Again he said, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.’ Then he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.  If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.’”  John 20:19-23

Can’t you just see it.  Jesus’ own trusted men... huddled together trying to figure out their next move.   They were convinced that the One they’d put their trust in wasn’t who He promised He was.   What would they do now?  Can’t go back to fishing, tent making, tax collecting and the like... too risky.  What if somebody remembered they’d hung out with Jesus.  Surely they’d be captured and killed.The fog had rolled in.  They could no longer see what was coming and they were scared.  Time to pack it in and give up... 

Ever felt like that?  Have you wanted to quit because you weren’t sure of the future?  Many of us have.  We feel like the situation we’re in is hopeless, helpless, and over.  Where’s God?  Why isn’t the change coming?  Why won’t the situation improve?  

The disciples thought the same thing.  Jesus heard them... He knew His men were frightened so He showed up inside the room.  

“Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! ‘Peace be with you,’ he said.”

Notice what Jesus did first.  He calmed them.  His first words back could have scolded them for their fear... corrected them in their doubt... or been upset with them because of their lack of faith.  Instead, Jesus enters the room with affirmation and comfort...

Peace be with you.  

Terror became thankfulness... cynicism gave way to celebration!

Today...when you want to quit... read those words above again.  Peace be with you.  

Those four words mean so much.  Jesus tells his disciples (and us)... don’t worry, don’t fear, don’t fret, don’t cry, don’t wonder... and most importantly...Don’t quit.  Jesus is right there with you.  You may not see Him in the uncertainties of life... but He’s there.  

Are these words for you today?  Feeling lost in the fog with no idea what’s coming?  Don’t quit.  Don’t stop swimming.  Jesus is there.  The Prince of Peace came back from the dead so that you and I would live triumphant lives... persevering through whatever holds us back from becoming who we were created to be.   Even when it feels like you are just treading water... you aren’t drowning.  Jesus won’t allow that.  

Look up... see His face in the room... experience His peace.... and swim on. 

You’ve got Him... so you’ve got this.

Do Something

It has been said that “ "The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing."  We hear statements like that and nod our head in agreement.  We know that there is evil in the world... we condemn it on Twitter... we get into spirited discussions about it over dinner... but how many of us are doing anything to change things?  

The Bible tells us that we don’t have the option to stay indifferent.  In Romans 12:21 it says, “Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.”  We serve a big God... and He’s stronger than anything bad the enemy could throw at us. It’s our responsibility to remember that... and be bold enough to stand up to those that want to do harm to others.   It may not be easy for us... but through God’s power and our willingness to be brave... good will ultimately win.  

Getting Better

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:2-4

When I went to college, I played a lot of basketball... and believe it or not, our team didn't win every game. As you would imagine, those losses hurt... but I remember an important truth that our coach shared with us. He said that the wins were better for our reputation but the losses were better for our game. Why? Because we discovered what we needed to work on to become even better!

Sometimes in life, we have losses. Setbacks. Challenges that appear pointless. Many of us look to Heaven... asking God that age old question... why? The answer is simple...If we won all the time...if everything always worked...many would think they didn’t need God. Failure reminds us that we can’t do it without Him... it teaches us lessons that develop our character... and as James 1 reminds us... it allows our faith and endurance to grow! I challenge you... the next time you face a setback... see it as an opportunity to get stronger and better equipped for future success.

Kissing a Crooked Smile

“And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ...For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. And we are members of his body." Ephesians 5:21 & 25-30

Today’s devotional is for the guys... the married ones to be more precise... or those that this weekend may find themselves saying “I do” to a beautiful bride.

I encourage ladies to read this through as well...

Think back to the words you shared in your vows. More than likely, they included the familiar phrases... “in sickness and in health” or “through good times or bad” and ended with “till death do us part.”

Those vows are still in effect.

I talk to many men who tell me that they have a rough time with their wife because she “doesn’t understand” or is “too needy and emotional” or simply “won’t give me space.” I want to challenge you today to think back to that wedding day. You looked her in the eyes and told her that no matter what... you’d be there for her. If she needed a knight in shining armor... you’d find the perfect horse to ride in on. If she wanted a shoulder to cry on you’d offer both. Things got tough? You’d be tougher and provide security.

We didn’t get married to change our wives... we did so to celebrate the way they already are. Is your wife perfect? No. Are there differences between the two of you? Absolutely. But take a look at today’s verse... we are to love our wives like Christ loves His bride...the church!

Sacrifice, commitment, love, dedication, endurance, forgiveness, communication, trust... all given willingly... all provided without pretense or condition.

I know that when we are loving our wives in this way, the negative issues that come between ourselves and our spouse will decrease dramatically. When Christ is first and we are growing closer to God... we will, in turn, grow closer to each other.

I want to wrap up our time today with this story...
Richard Selzer, MD, tells of standing before a hospital bed where a young woman was recovering from surgery. Her mouth was twisted. A facial nerve connected to her mouth muscles had been severed, and her deformity was permanent. To remove a tumor in her cheek, the nerve had to be cut.

Her husband, also in the post-op room, stood on the opposite side of the bed. The young wife asked, “Will my mouth always be like this?” The reluctant answer was yes. She nodded silently.

But her husband smiled. “I like it” he said, “It’s cute.” He then bent down to kiss her crooked mouth, twisted his own lips to accommodate hers, to show her that their kiss still works. And the doctor remained silent, in awe, in the presence of this divine love.

That’s the kind of love I’m talking about. Unconditional and complete. This husband didn’t see brokenness...

He saw beauty.

That’s the way God sees your wife as well.


You won’t always understand her. The devil may tell you there’s better out there. You will get frustrated...challenged...and may feel at times like you should give up on your marriage.

Don’t. Just don’t.

Your wife is a daughter of the King of Kings... and there is nothing that you will face that can’t be mended through prayer, honest communication, trust, and a commitment to grow closer to God together.

Decide today to love your wife with that Christ-like level of love. Be flexible when life gets hard... be there for her when she doesn’t feel she’s at her best... and extend to her the same grace you receive from God daily. The whole world may be coming down on her, but be there... faithfully... guarding and honoring those vows you took all that time ago. Christ loves His church so much that He was willing to sacrifice His own life for it. It is my prayer that each of us that are married would be willing to do the same for the spouse God has blessed us with.

PS: Ladies... if you are unmarried and have read this far... don’t settle for a man unwilling to kiss a crooked smile. There are God-honoring men out there praying each night for you to arrive in their life (and they don’t even know your name yet).

Don’t settle. You are far too valuable for that.

This weekend, join us as we partner with couples who are getting hitched… and those renewing their vows. See the kind of love I wrote about today firsthand… rejoicing in the unions that God has brought together. It will be a historic wedding celebration that you won’t want to miss!

For times, locations, and more details check out our website at potentialchurch.com.

Two Sets of Footprints

A story was told about two couples in the 1950s... A husband and wife, married for many years, were driving down the road behind a young couple in the car ahead of them.  The young couple had a car with front bench seats and the girl was sitting right next to the young man who was driving and had her head on his shoulder. The woman in the car behind sighed and said to her husband, “Do you remember how we used to be like that?  Her husband who was driving looked across the front seat and said, “I didn’t move!”

Sometimes we feel like that with God.  Why did God stop drawing close?  What happened to the way it used to be?   The truth...God didn’t move.  Whenever we feel distant from God, it isn’t Him that does the moving... it’s us.  Problem is, emotions cloud things...  When we’re happy... we feel that God is right there.  When we’re sad... we think He’s moved away.  Fact is... God is always there.  He remains vigilant and steadfast.  Find peace in that truth... walk confidently... knowing that every step you take will have two sets of footprints!

The Rest

Psalm 46:10a

“Be still, and know that I am God!”

It has been reported that the average American gets 1 hour and 6 minutes less sleep than the 8 hours that they need each night.  When you add that up, that’s a 338 hour shortage... two full weeks!  Scientists have called this “sleep bankruptcy”... people walking around overtired and unaware of the risks to their health that lack of sleep poses.  

This definitely hurts our physical well-being... but there’s something that affects us far more profoundly:  A lack of spiritual rest.  So many exhaust themselves... wondering if God will come through.  Hours of time are lost to self-doubt, lack of faith, panic, and an overwhelming sense that worrying can help a situation.  God has other plans... He tells us in Psalm 46 to be still.  Rest.  Let Him be God.   When we do so, and we allow our minds and hearts to trust Him, we find ourselves refreshed and ready to enjoy the blessings that He has for us each day.

In Good Company

A student studies hard...gets her degree... graduates at the top of her class...and people call her a genius.  An athlete trains every morning without fail... climbs to the top of his game... and people call him a champion.  A person accepts Christ, studies their Bible, shares their testimony,  stands boldly for Christ, cries for the hurting, gives to the poor, and regularly attends church, they are called... religious fanatics or Jesus freaks.   

Something’s not right.  

If you’ve ever stood up for Christ and were ridiculed... you are in good company...  Matthew 5:11-12 says "God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way"   

Be bold... stand up for Christ... don’t allow people with labels to stick one on you... you may not hear much applause for your efforts down here... but I can assure you, Heaven celebrates your boldness and God will reward and bless you for your commitment to Him!

Sweeter

The other day, I read an article about the diet soft drink, “Coke Zero”... it talked about how pleasantly surprised people were to discover how close to real coke it actually tasted.  The story said that many loved that they could have the benefits and great taste of a refreshing coke without the guilt of the calories.  

I was thinking about this when I ran across this scripture from Mark 8:34 - Jesus said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me"  A challenging verse...but Jesus makes it very clear what He requires to be a disciple.   I meet many who are Christ followers... some want God’s blessings and provision but don’t want the obedience and sacrifice He requires.  They want the taste without the calories... the upside without the cost.  If we are going to walk with Him... we can’t leave our cross laying on the ground.  Let’s commit today to pick it up, and follow Him with our whole heart...  When we do... life gets so much sweeter.