John 14:6

The late Elvis Presley was known for wearing three different religious symbols at all times:  A Christian cross... a Star of David... and a Hebrew Letter “Chi”.  When asked why, he commonly replied, “I don’t want to miss out on heaven due to a technicality.”

Many treat their faith the same way.  They want to cover their bases... believe a little of this... wear some of that... take this part of belief “A” and pair it with a section of religion “B”...  It simply doesn’t work that way.  John 14:6 tells us “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”   This statement leaves no doubt.  No technicalities... no loopholes... no workarounds.  If we want to spend eternity in Heaven with God... we need to believe in and have a relationship with His Son.    While we may be tempted to create our own path... we have to remember that our spiritual walk is not a buffet where we pick and choose... it is a faith in the One who loves us enough to show us the correct road for our journey back home.  

CLAP AND CHEER

Jamie Scott was trying out for a part in his elementary school play.  His mother said that his heart was set on it, though she feared he might not be chosen.  On the day the parts were awarded, Jamie rushed up to her, eyes shining with pride and excitement.  “Guess what, mom,” he shouted, “I’ve been chosen to clap and cheer!”

Needless to say, Jamie was not awarded the lead part in the play.  Instead, he would stay on the outside... cheering on those that had all of the lines.  The world would say this was a miss in life.. but scripture says differently.  In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, we read, “Therefore encourage one another and build another up, just as you are doing.”  Playing the role of encourager is huge in the Kingdom of God.   The world is full of those trying to drag people down.  Choose to be different.  Offer a smile rather than criticism.  Be a listening ear and empathize rather than ignore and judge.  I can promise you this, the role of encourager may never put you in a spotlight...but you won’t need it.  Instead, when you choose to become one, you’ll brighten every room you enter with the light of Christ.  

Angry?

Mother Teresa was once asked “Don’t you ever become angry at the causes of social injustice that you see in India or in any of the places in which you work?”  She thought for a long moment and replied, “Why should I expend energy in anger that I can expend in love.”

During the course of a day, we have a limited amount of both time and energy.  And decision by decision, we get to choose how we use it.   Should we become furious and yell... or be forgiving and loving?  Same amount of time.  Same amount of energy.  So which one is what God wants?  Scripture tells us in James chapter 1 that “the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”  And if our goal is to become more like Christ (which it should be), then the choice is clear.  Why waste time throwing our hands in the air and yelling... instead, why not use that same passion to calm a situation, extend grace, show mercy, and help people see Christ reflected in our love for them.  While this isn’t always the easiest choice, it is the most effective one as we strive forward to reach our God potential.  

Our Heel

“For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.”  Ephesians 6:12-13 

Maybe you’ve heard the ancient story of Achilles... a great warrior and hero of Homer’s Iliad.  As legend tells it, his mother dipped him into the magical river Styx when he was a boy.  Holding him by his heel and lowering him under, she knew that immersing him in this body of water would make him invincible.  It worked.... Achilles became a strong warrior that couldn’t be defeated in battle.  However, he did have one weak spot.  Where?  You guessed it... the only spot that didn’t get dipped... his heel.   The one spot that his mother failed to cover in the magical water would be the exact place an arrow would land and sink in... killing Achilles.  This fictitious hero of legend was felled by a weak spot he didn’t even knew he had.

In Ephesians 6:12-13, we read that we, too, are in a battle.  And the enemy that fires his arrows is relentless and has great aim.  His sights are set on the areas of our lives that aren’t covered in armor.  His goal?  To take us down... to neutralize us by exploiting where we struggle.  

Where is your achilles heel?  For many, the struggle is generosity.  

We hold tightly to what we have in fear of not having enough.  We give what’s left over because we don’t trust.  We forget that giving to the local church is an act of obedience… of faith… and reveals whether or not we trust what God says in His word about provision.  

Do we really believe the Bible?  Are we in love with the parts that make us feel good and skim the parts that challenge us to stretch?  Why did Jesus talk so much about money?  Because He knew that it would be the one area that exposes many to the attacks of the enemy.  And the devil is a good shot.

I know this.  When we are generous with what God trusts us with… we receive blessings from Him.  And maybe one of the biggest blessings of all is knowing that the enemy can’t take us down by the achilles heel of giving.  Are you ready to put on that piece of armor?  Let’s get stronger together…

God's Promises

“So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.”  Hebrews 6:18

There once was a man who was known as a major cheapskate.  All his life, every time he got paid, he took $20 and put it under his mattress.  After many years, he got sick and was about to die.  As he was dying, he said to his wife “I want you to promise me one thing.”  “What?” she asked.  “I want you to promise me that when I’m dead you will take my money from under the mattress and put it in my casket so that I can take it all with me.”  After the man died, his wife kept her promise... She took the cash, went to the bank, deposited the money, and then wrote a check for the full amount.  And with a smile on her face, placed the check in the casket with her dead husband.

Promises can be wonderful.  When properly kept, they can strengthen friendships and change lives.  But as in the case of this clever wife, promises can also be twisted, manipulated, and outright broken.  Not the case with God.  When He promises something... you can count on it.  Hebrews 6:18 tells us that He is honest and good on His Word.  Let’s live our lives confident of this... that when we trust Him, He is worthy of it.  When He promises He’ll be there... He will be. 

Believe it.  

Seeds

An anonymous writer once penned, “Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the apples in a seed.”  

Often we see life just like this simple statement.  We perceive what’s right in front of us: the pile of bills, the deadlines, the obligations, and the challenges.  It’s pretty easy to count what we have stacked up against us.   But God has a different field of vision.  Where we see trouble, He sees opportunity for growth.  When we feel pain, He provides  healing and breakthrough.  God’s view of our lives is much different than our own.  He watches our time on earth unfold from the finish line instead of the starting gate.  And it’s because of this that we can trust Him.   

God loves you.  He believes in you.  He has placed air in your lungs and started your heart beating for a reason!  If you ever feel the urge to count troubles... resist.  It’s an easy thing to do and causes more heartache than you were meant to bear.  Instead, stop and remember that God saw those same obstacles and created you anyway... because He knows that you have potential for greatness.  He put it there.  It’s simply a matter of remembering to view your life through God’s lens and not the world’s.

Calming Susie

A story is told of a woman whose little girl was throwing a temper tantrum as the two went up and down the aisles of a busy grocery store. The toddler sat in the cart screaming and flailing about. As she continued shopping, she could be heard calmly muttering, "Don't yell, Susie. Calm down, Susie. Don't get excited, Susie."   A woman passing by commended her saying, "You certainly are doing a great job trying to calm down your little girl."  The woman replied, “My little girl?  Lady, I'm Susie!”

When a situation gets loud and out of control, most people make the choice to try to calm who they consider to be the source of the chaos.  They place blame... present an argument as to why the other person should stop their behavior... and are quick to deny any wrongdoing.  The Bible wants us to think differently.  In 2 Thessalonians 3, we read that God wants US to have peace at all times.  Not our noisy neighbor.  Not our out-of-control child.  And not that angry boss.  Us.  When things get out of control... God wants us to calm ourselves.  Why?  Because when we get quiet...we can begin to think, pray, and focus on the actual causes of the problems.  In our newly composed state of mind, logic prevails and love and grace can be displayed.  So today, if you find yourself getting angry and feel like placing blame... just stop.  Ask God to calm your spirit.  And choose to be the peaceful one... you’ll avoid making it worse and will honor God’s intentions in the process.  

Messy

I once heard it said that there is nothing friendlier than a wet dog.  Why?  Because a cold and wet pooch is just looking for a friendly face to comfort them and help get them warm and dry.   

I would guess that no matter where you are today, you’ll run into people.  And while many will not openly admit it... some of them will be looking for hope.  A smiling face.  A friendly disposition... or maybe something more.  Some of them will be looking for the hope that only Christ can bring.   They’ll be seeking the warmth of His embrace.... the affirmation of His presence... and the clarity of His wisdom.  And the great part?  We get to represent Him to those around us.  

We must never forget that if we claim to have a heart for God...we must also have a heart for His people... even the “wet dogs.”  Those that inconvenience us...challenge our patience...and make our lives a little messy.  Remember, if God sends someone our way for help, it’s because He trusts us and our ability to represent Him in their lives.  Rather than spending our lives trying to stay clean, let’s embrace the messy.  Jesus did.   And that’s why we get to spend eternity in Heaven with Him.  

Joyful Heart

It’s been said that laughter is like changing a baby’s diaper... it doesn’t permanently solve any problems, but it makes things more acceptable for a while.   So true!  When we are upbeat, positive, and keep our sense of humor... good things happen.  Doctors tell us that happy people decrease their chances of heart attack, high blood pressure, and hypertension.  And those are just the medical benefits!  

The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 17:22 that “A joyful heart is good medicine”  But how can we remain happy throughout our trying days?  Psalm 16:11 answers that by saying that we can find joy in God’s presence.  So that’s the key!  Stay close to God... and He will give us the joy that allows us to laugh when others are anxious and have peace when the world seems dark.  When we deliberately stay in God’s Word, talk with Him consistently through prayer, and worship Him through our actions... we draw closer and become filled with more joy in the process.   Want to be happy and healthy but find yourself stressed and worried?  Get closer to the One who gave you both the reason and ability to smile!

4 Rings

The bewildered family removed and read the mysterious note from the envelope left at their door... it read: “I am truly sorry for any pain or heartache that my actions may have caused your family.  I hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive me.  As an adult, I realize how sentimental items like this can be.  Sincerely regretful, a dumb kid who wants to right a wrong.”  Inside the envelope was four gold rings that had been stolen from the family 15 years before.  Long forgotten.  

A letter from a remorseful thief that was a decade overdue...  Although the act of returning the rings brought closure... why the delay?  Far too often we act the same way... we wait before we seek forgiveness.  Sometimes too long.   The Bible tells us in Matthew 5 that if we have something hanging over our heads, we should reconcile the situation quickly.  Offer the apology... seek forgiveness...and then move forward.  Don’t let too much time pass between the offense and the opportunity to make things right.  Not only will our conscience be clean... we may save or even strengthen an existing relationship!

Art

Leonardo da Vinci spent hours in deep meditation and prayer as he worked on his famous painting of the Last Supper.  It has been said that he spent hours just reading God’s Word or days on his knees with hands lifted skyward in between his moments of genius with paint and canvas.  He spent so much time away from the project, at one point, the monks that lived in his community became concerned.  They asked him, “Why do you spend so much time with us in prayer when you have come here to work?”  His answer was simple:

“When I pause the longest, I make the most telling strokes with my brush.”

Today we’re are going to have a lot going on.  Deadlines, appointments, sandwiches to pack in lunch boxes, and tests to take.   If we’re not careful, busyness, fatigue, and worry will try to rob us of the joy that Jesus wants us to have.  How can we counter the frantic pace?  By following Jesus’ example (just as da Vinci did)... and take time out to pray.  Purposefully get by ourselves for a few minutes and talk with our heavenly Father.   These aren’t just moments of rest... but a time to reset.  To remember our priorities... think through our decisions... bring our troubles to the feet of the One who gave us our own.  And when we do, at the end of the day, we will look back and see the last twenty four hours of our life as the work of art that it was designed by the Lord to be.  

Breathtaking

It has been said that one of the greatest evidences of God is His breathtaking creation.  A sunset over the deep blue waters of the ocean... the smell of a colorful spring flower.... the way the earth glistens after an afternoon rain... All beautiful and all on purpose.  We serve a God who values magnificence.  “The beauty of the cosmos,” one writer penned, “is God’s signature.  He could have made an ugly world and a loathsome universe.  But He is a God of beauty, and we must worship Him in the beauty of His holiness.”

Maybe while you are reading this, you are in front of a mirror.  If not, take a second and find one to stare into.  Stare into the image you see.   You know what?  That face is beautiful.  Exquisite.  Those eyes... hand made and color tinted by God.  The hair... each strand placed (and counted) by the Lord Himself.  Ephesians 2 tells us that the image you are looking at right now is the best work God can do.  He says it Himself...You are His masterpiece...you are loved... and you are more stunning than the brightest star in His sky.  God made you beautifully (and he knows and values beauty!).  Today, if the world tries to make you feel less than exquisite, remember what you see now... and keep in mind that God’s words to describe you are far more accurate than those of your peers.  

Weak

“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”  James 4:7

I once heard about a man who was listening to a weather report on the radio in Kansas.  As he sat watching the gathering storm clouds outside, the man heard the radio report say that “weak tornadoes” were on their way through the area.  Weak tornadoes?  The man had never heard of such a thing...  The weather report went on to advise that these weak tornadoes would pass over and that they were nothing to worry about.

It almost sounds contradictory.  Weak tornadoes.  When most of us hear the word tornado, we run to the strongest area of our house to protect ourselves.  It’s kind of like when we hear about the devil.  The mere mention of his name makes many shake with fear and dread.  But the devil is just like a “weak tornado”.  His name might make people afraid... but his power is limited.  In fact, James 4:7 tells us that if we resist him... he will run away.   Don’t give the enemy that much emotional control in your life.   Stand up to his advances, fight his challenges with the truth of scripture, and remember... ultimately this “weak devil” is defeated.  

Boasting

Lee Dye, a columnist for ABC News, told a story about a rather interesting former colleague.   He said, “A reporter I once knew sashayed across the newsroom one day with his colossal ego draped across his chest, just as an old veteran mumbled, ‘I’d like to buy him for what he’s worth and sell him for what he thinks he’s worth.”

There’s a fine line between confidence and ego... in believing in yourself and believing yourself better than others.  And if left unchecked, we can begin to believe our own hype.  The Bible warns us against this in Romans 12:3 “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.”   Scripture tells us to check our arrogance.... and if we feel the need to boast, we should choose to do so about God’s greatness and not our own.  Why?  It’s not because He has a desire for affirmation...He is far from insecure.  Instead, we should praise God because He is worthy of our praise.  He gives us everything... every talent, opportunity, and resource... why not take those same hands we use to pat ourselves on the back... and lift them toward Heaven praising the One who makes all things possible.

Missing

In a recent USA today poll, 87% of U.S. adults believe in the existence of sin.  The paper defined sin as “something that is almost always considered wrong, particularly from a religious or moral perspective.”  The top two sins mentioned?  81% of the people said adultery followed up by 74% condemning racism.  What surprised me was the decline in other things once considered sin... only 45% said that sex before marriage was one... and just 30% said the love of money was a problem.  

What were once clear issues seem a bit clouded.  What used to be considered by most to be wrong is now much more accepted as “normal” behavior.  Problem with a poll like this... Fundamentally, we don’t get to decide what’s sin and what isn’t.  Scripture tells us in 1 John 3:4... “Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God.”  Sin is when we miss the mark... but not a mark drawn by us, society, or man-made law.  It’s missing God’s standard.  Regardless of what the world says is right and wrong... the only real measuring stick is the truth of God’s Word.  It’s one thing to believe in the existence of sin... it’s something else to remember Who defines it and why avoiding it is important.  

Silence

Chuck Swindoll tells a story about a Kansas newspaper where someone took out a one-line ad targeted at lonely people.  The ad read, “I will listen to you talk for 30 minutes, without comment, for $5.00”  Before long, the person was receiving 10 to 20 calls per day.  

Loneliness is a pain that many endure...and most will do nearly anything to make it stop.  Maybe you’ve experienced it.  Maybe you’re going through it right now.  Deafening silence... alone with thoughts that seem to have you feeling hopeless and helpless.  God wants you to know something... He’s there.  Deuteronomy 31:6 tells us that “the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  God understands when you don’t have words to express your feelings.  He stands by your side when others run out.  He is there to double your joy and take away your grief... and He promises that it will always be that way.   Feeling lonely?  Write down today’s verse and keep it with you.  And when the enemy tries to convince you that you’re by yourself... remind him that he’s a liar.   You are never alone.  God is with you.  And you are loved more than you will ever know.  

Pencil Line

A pencil (remember those...) with a hard lead will write about 30,000 words or draw a line 30 miles long before wearing out.  A 100 watt light bulb will burn about 750 hours before it is done for good.  That one dollar bill in your pocket?  It will circulate for about 18 months before it has to be destroyed.   It seems that nothing lasts forever... even us.  The average lifespan for a human being?  78.3 years.

Everything wears out.  But did you know that the Bible gives us several ways to lengthen our lives?  The first way is to fear God.  Psalm 34:11 and Proverbs 9:11 tell us that fearing the Lord leads to wisdom... and that wisdom helps us to live longer.  The second way?  Live obediently.  Deuteronomy 4:40 says that if we obey all of God’s commands... we will live a long life.  The last way to lengthen our life?  Honor our parents.  Exodus 20:12 gives us that insight.  Let’s not waste our time searching for the fountain of youth... everything we need is in God’s word... and when we follow it, He promises to give us more heartbeats to be with those we love. 

Wisdom

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.

Turning

If you’ve ever gone skiing before, you know how exhilarating and beautiful it can be.   However, strapping two pieces of wood to your feet and plummeting down a mountain is not for the faint of heart... so it’s important to learn how first.  The problem with beginning skiers isn’t the forward movement... it’s turning and stopping.  Many rookies wait until they want to move right and then try to turn hard with both feet.  That just doesn’t work and often frustrates them.  What they quickly discover is that they simply need to look to the right and their body will naturally turn that way.  Where they look is the direction they go.  

Scripture tells us similarly that what we see steers us toward what we will do.  In Matthew 6:22, we read ““The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light,”   Want to think Godly thoughts?  Put yourself in environments where Christ is seen and lifted up!   Need to steer yourself to a life of obedience?   Put things in place that visually remind you to prioritize your relationship to God over any other.  Keep your head up and your eyes focused on God and His direction for your life... and you’ll find yourself racing down the mountain toward greatness.  

Caged

The zoo is an interesting place.   Modern zoos have eliminated cages and replaced them with “natural” habitats... where the animals feel as though they are in a familiar place with every creature comfort they could ever want.  Twice daily, zookeepers come in and feed them perfect cuts of meat or high quality grain... their water supply is clean... and they sleep in man-made structures built to resemble nature’s finest.  It’s everything an animal could ever hope for... or is it?  

So often, real freedom is confused with the perception of freedom.  People spend their lives in luxury... all their needs and wants are taken care of... yet they still find themselves trapped.  So how do they get out?  The Bible tells us in John 8:36 that when we live in a relationship with Christ, we are truly free.  No more limitations.  When we give ourselves to Him and let Him take over, we get to experience His power, grace, strength, and provision.  No matter how comfortable we try to make it... a cage is a cage.  Find yourself still missing something?  Seek Christ and unlock the door to a life of  true liberty and purpose.  

Climbing

In 1924, two men set out to conquer the ultimate mountain climbing prize... to reach the summit of Mount Everest.  Their first attempt failed miserably... part of the team died along the way and those that returned home felt an overwhelming sense of failure.  Soon after, the same two men tried it again... and had the same result.  A press conference followed the second try and the men were asked if they’d ever try again.  Here was one of their responses: “’Everest, we tried to conquer you once, but you overpowered us. We tried to conquer you a second time, but again you were too much for us. But, Everest, I want you to know that we are going to conquer you, for you can’t grow any bigger, and we can!’”

As you listen to this today... there may be a mountain standing in front of you.  It might be finances, relationships, self-worth, debt... every mountain is different.  But let me assure you... every climber is not.  Every single person has the opportunity to connect with Christ... and in turn... has a power source that is unmatched.  Philippians 3:14 tells us that we can do ALL THINGS through Christ.  He is the source of our energy... the strength in our weakness... and is there to help us back up when we fall.  Feeling overwhelmed by the mountains in your life?  Stop trying to climb them without Jesus.  He knows the way to the summit and will carry you if you’re willing to let Him.