Simple Words – You can make a difference!

I must confess, I think I have the ‘FB’ bug. I really enjoy the connections I’m making with people and getting reacquainted with old friends through – dare I say it - Facebook. I’m finding FB a great way to touch people, even if it is only a cyber-touch. I know there is concern by many that people can begin living in a fantasy world through this but I plan watch myself carefully.

The other day I sent several simple notes of encouragement to friends and church members via FB. I was very surprised by the responses. One young man from our church who is normally very quiet and reserved responded with something that showed me the power of this form of communication. He wrote, “You're a great Pastor and thank you for teaching the word of God to me!”

When I read those words I realized how powerful FB and other Social CyberNetworks can be. As I’ve grown older (and I hope wiser) I think I’m past the need to hear praise from people about my service as a Pastor. In order for Pastors to be healthy and secure they need to learn early in their ministries not to count on a lot of praise, so that’s something I don’t look for. But when a simple sentence like that is expressed by a quiet teenager, it is powerful. I’m considering framing it to always remind me that a quiet teenager is possibly listening and watching.

The book of Proverbs gives us a glimpse into the power of words. Solomon wrote, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits”.(1) He also wrote, “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body”(2) and “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver”.(3)

When the right words role off of our tongues or are typed onto our message boards, they can release a wellspring of life! We can make someone’s day, week, year or even life. Each one of us has that awesome capability and we need to use it more often. We need to carve out time from our hectic lifestyles to send people simple messages of encouragement that can revive fresh life in them.

(1) Proverbs 18:21
(2) Proverbs 16:24
(3) Proverbs 25:11

Position Yourself for Victory - Part 2: Where are you looking?

This is the second part of a series of blogs I’m writing based on the Bible story of King Jehoshaphat found in 2 Chronicles Chapter 20. In part one I pointed out that even though King Jehoshaphat was right with God his nation faced the possibility of destruction from an overwhelmingly superior foreign army.(1) Through this we realize people should not automatically think something is wrong with their relationship with God when they face great challenges in life.

The next thing that stands out is the response of King Jehoshaphat to this tremendous challenge. Without hesitation the King looked to God for help.(2) Not only did he begin to pray but he also rallied the nation to also call on God through both prayer and fasting. This was not a lighthearted action. The King acted with a resolve that reflected the seriousness of the situation, it was a matter life or death.

Too often we try to handle the challenges of life on our own, which is how most of us were raised. Our thinking is something like, “If I don’t make it happen it won’t happen.” While I’m a great believer in hard work and self initiative, I’m also a great believer in dependence upon God. There are things we can do and that we should be doing about our challenges. At the same time, we need to invite God to work in every situation we face. God’s power can accomplish things we can never accomplish on our own.

King Jehoshaphat’s heart is unveiled in his public prayer which I believe reveals some powerful truths. He began by acknowledging God as the ruler of all things and there is no power greater than God’s power.(3) Since God doesn’t need anyone to remind Him that He is God, I believe we need to be reminded of that fact. When we pray like Jehoshaphat prayed, our hearts begin to fill with fresh faith. We realize God IS on the throne and He IS all-powerful.

With a heart filled with faith in God’s power, Jehoshaphat then presented the specific situation to God. (4) While doing so he also confessed his weakness.(5) For a King to publicly confess such utter inability was humiliating, but he didn’t let pride hold him back from doing what was right and necessary. People often don’t ask for help or confess their weakness because of pride. As a result of their pride, they open the door to defeat and destruction.

The last part of the Kings prayer is powerful. While continuing his confession of utter helplessness he said to God, “We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.”(6) The King decided to focus on God, not the enemy. When we are challenged in life it’s easy to let the problems we face captivate our minds and hearts causing us to loose true perspective.

The truth is - God is greater and more powerful than any enemy, challenge or difficulty. When we focus on that truth, our hearts can be at peace during the darkest and most difficult times. When we fill our minds with the never-failing love and grace of God – we have hope even when there seems to be no reason for hope. When we let our minds and hearts focus on the challenge we open the door to despair and hopelessness.

As we will continue to discover from this story, ultimately King Jehoshaphat defeated the enemy. Let’s learn from his example. When we have challenges, let’s immediately turn to God for help. Let’s praise Him and see Him as He truly is – the all-powerful ruler of heaven and earth who can do all things. Let’s be willing to humble ourselves through acknowledging our weakness. And finally, like a hawk, let’s keep our focus zeroed in on how great God is, not on how big the challenges are we face.

(1) 2 Chronicles 20:1-2
(2) 2 Chronicles 20:3
(3) 2 Chronicles 20:6-11
(4) 2 Chronicles 20:12
(5) 2 Chronicles 20:12
(6) 2 Chronicles 20:12

People are such a hassle, why bother!!??

Let’s be honest, relationships are hard. People are VERY different from each other. Everyone grows up with different experiences, in different environments, and with different training. Plus, God has masterfully created every person with their own unique thoughts, gifts and emotions that are completely different than anyone else on this planet. With all these massive differences – smooth, comfortable, understanding relationships are hard to find.

At some point in most relationships of substance, they can be described as messy and difficult. Close relationships take a lot of hard work, not just hours of hard work – years of hard work! And even after years of sacrifice and investment, sometimes relationships don’t survive.

As a result of relational stress and failures, people often become fearful, closed and cynical. Some people begin to withdraw from others feeling life would be much easier without having complicated relationships with people. Not only is this true in the world, unfortunately it’s also true among Christians, the church - the Body of Christ.

As I was preparing a message for my church last Sunday, a Scripture came to life in a way I had never seen it before. The Apostle Paul wrote this to the Corinthian church (I Corin. 12:19-21 The Message Bible);

“But I also want you to think about how this keeps your significance from getting blown up into self-importance. For no matter how significant you are, it is only because of what you are a part of. An enormous eye or a gigantic hand wouldn’t be a body, but a monster. What we have is one body with many parts, each its proper size and in its proper place. No part is important on its own. Can you imagine Eye telling Hand, “Get lost; I don’t need you”? Or, Hand telling Foot, “You're fired; your job has been phased out"?”

As I was in the middle of preaching my message Sunday, a new picture formed in my mind around those verses and a new understanding dawned on me. In the past I have often challenged people to be responsible members of the Body of Christ because they are needed. Without them, the Body is not complete and healthy. That is absolutely true and I will continue to trumpet that call.

Not only does the Body of Christ need us, WE NEED THE BODY OF CHRIST! “No part is important on its own”. If my finger is cut off from my body, my body will be in great pain, suffering and not complete, but it can survive. While my body can survive without my finger, my finger CAN’T survive without my body! Without being connected to the body properly, the finger is dead, without meaning and insignificant.

I see many people in the Christian world today who are withdrawing from the church – the Body of Christ. The stress and potential of failure have convinced many to close the door on meaningful relationships in the Body of Christ. They often think they only need Jesus. While Jesus is our complete source of salvation and access to God the Father, we also need the church, the Body of Christ.

So – why bother with people? We bother because we experience true life and significance when we are joined to others. WE NEED the Body of Christ in order to be alive! Let’s not let past failures, wounds and difficulties hold us prisoner to an insignificant, lonely life. Let’s trust God for relational protection and be willing to find those people God has purposed for us to connect with in His church.

PRAY for our next President!!!

As I write this blog, the inauguration of our next President is three days away. President-elect Obama just began his journey from Philadelphia to Washington D.C. As I listened to his speech I instantly realized the serious need he has for God's protection. 

As Christians, we have a responsibility to pray for people God has allowed to govern us whether we agree with their political positions or not. As I wrote in an earlier blog, if something sinister happens to our next President, it could spark major civil unrest in our nation and the world.

I urge every Christian to not allow their political agenda to hold them back from SINCERELY praying for the protection of our future President Barak Obama.

Father, I pray for your divine protection over Barak Obama. I pray that all evil plots to harm him will be stopped, exposed and absolutely fruitless. I pray that You will visit Barak Obama and place within his heart the desires You have for governing our nations. 

In Jesus' wonderful name, Amen!

Position Yourself for Victory - Part 1: Challenges

There's a powerful story in the book of 2 Chronicles that intrigues me. God's people, led by King Jehoshaphat, are about to be attacked by a massive army and are facing destruction.(1) The response of the King and then the answer God gave to him, are something I believe all believers and churches can learn tremendous lessons from. This is the first of a series of blogs I will write about this theme. Since there are so many truths conveyed in that story, I will simply start at the beginning and work through it one simple step at a time. 

The first thing that's important to know about Jehoshaphat is that he was in good standing with God. He had been faithful to God from the time he had been given charge of the Kingdom, bringing the people back to Him and away from the worship of false God's.(2) This is an important truth because many people today have the false impression that when they are right with God, they will not have problems in their lives or they won't face major spiritual challenges. Although Jehoshaphat was ruling properly and he was in right standing with God, he faced a tremendous challenge.

Every Christian will be challenged. A challenge is not an automatic declaration that things are wrong in someones life . Some challenges are tests that can make a person's faith stronger and more powerful. That said, people need to be careful not to make trouble for themselves by placing themselves in a wrong or bad situation. People need to realize they will receive the results of whatever they have and are planting in their lives.(3)

While people have no control over some challenges that come their way, there are other challenges that people bring on themselves. If a person is obese due to gluttonous eating habits and laziness - the health problems that person faces were brought on by themselves. That person needs to change their lifestyle and their eating habits (position themselves properly) in order to be healthy, otherwise they will suffer from their own irresponsible hand. 

For the challenges people face that are beyond their control, they don't have to walk through them alone. When people reach out to God, He is faithful to walk through the challenges with them. In fact, as difficult as it may be to understand, some of the challenges people face have been specifically arranged by God to accomplish a deep spiritual work in their lives. Jesus is a perfect example of that.

Luke wrote that Jesus, who was full of the Holy Spirit at the time, was led by the Spirit into the wilderness where he was tested for forty days by the devil.(4) After Jesus had successfully resisted doing wrong and had faithfully stood against the devil, Luke wrote that Jesus left that situation in the power of the Holy Spirit.(5) First, Jesus was FULL of the Holy Spirit, then He was tested and the result was that He walked out of that situation in the POWER of the Holy Spirit.

When a person desires to develop physical muscles, they must exercise in a way that stretches and challenges the existing muscles. As the existing muscles are challenged on a regular basis, they will grow larger. God wants to do powerful things in every person's life. Walking in God's power will require the stretching and challenging of their faith. In the same way bodies develop muscles, God will develop spiritual power in people as they walk with Him successfully through the challenges they face.

James was very clear when he wrote that Christians should not be discouraged if they find themselves in the middle of terrible difficulties. In fact, instead of being discouraged, James wrote that people should be filled with joy because God is at work changing and perfecting their lives.(6) 

Let's not believe the lie that something is wrong when we have all kinds of trouble in our lives. Instead, let's do what Jehoshaphat did, turn to God with our whole heart and then we will  experience the amazing victory God has for us.

(1) 2 Chron. 17   (2) 2 Chron. 20:2   (3) Gal. 6:7    
(4) Luke 4:1   (5) Luke 4:14    (6) James 1:2-4

The Gospel of JESUS not Moses

To be a Christian, in the true sense of the word, is to be a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ. It amazes me to see how many Christians today espouse beliefs that were not taught or promoted by Jesus. It's even more surprising to hear so many preachers and teachers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ presenting messages that Jesus would never have presented. 

I believe one of the reasons for this is a lack of understanding between the New Covenant and the Old Covenant. While Christianity was birthed by Jesus out of Judaism, there are many distinct differences between the teachings of Jesus and the laws received by Moses. 

It's easy for Christians and Christian leaders to mistakenly apply Old Covenant teachings to our New Covenant relationship with God. When Jesus was with his disciples at the last supper he handed them the cup and said, "This is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."(1) The writer to the Hebrews calls Jesus the mediator of "the new covenant" and describes it as a "better covenant."(2) The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, "(Christ) made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life."(3) 

When people open the Bible it's easy to read from the Old Testament and, without realizing it, think that the law and the way God operated under the Old Covenant also applies to Christians today. The thinking goes something like this, "Since the Old Covenant is part of the Bible and the Bible is the inspired Word of God, then all the things in the Bible must also apply to us today." As a result, there is a mixture of old and new which brings tremendous confusion. The letter to the Romans states clearly that, "Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one who believes."(4) 

Christians need to realize they are not under the curse of the law. The Apostle Paul made that clear when he wrote to the Galatians saying. "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for us..."(5)

Christians must be careful not to mix the Law and faith in Jesus Christ. Again writing to the Galatians the Apostle Paul said, "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." Then Paul added, "For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness came by the law, then Christ is dead in vain."(6) 

There is a huge difference between Old Covenant thinking and New Covenant thinking. Under the Old when someone sinned, often the punishment was immediate death. There were also times God ordered the Jewish people to completely destroy their enemy, including women, children and animals. But Jesus presented a completely different teaching. He didn't teach us to destroy our enemy or to execute a sinful person. He said we should love our enemy, forgive and pray for those who hurt us and are against us.(7)

Even the disciples of Jesus struggled with a law mentality. A perfect example of this is the response by the disciples James and John when some people opposed Jesus. Those disciples said to Jesus, "Lord, do You desire that we command fire to come down from Heaven and consume them, even as Elijah did? But He (Jesus) turned and rebuked them and said, You do not know of what spirit you are. For the Son of Man has not come to destroy men's lives, but to save. And they went to another village."(8) Those disciples acted in a way that was normal under the Old Covenant just like many Christians do today.

The Law and Old Covenant are important and there is much to be gained by knowing and understanding it. Paul said, "the law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith."(9) At the same time, it needs to be clear in our belief system that we are not under the Law but under grace.

The Galatians had come into relationship with God by grace through faith and then through the influence of false teachers they began trying to gain God's favor and acceptance through following strict spiritual rule-keeping (the Law).(10) When the Apostle Paul wrote to them about this he used very strong language saying, "You crazy Galatians! Did someone put a hex on you? Have you taken leave of your senses? Something crazy has happened, for it's obvious that you no longer have the crucified Jesus in clear focus in your lives."(11)

I value Moses and the law but I am not a minister of the 'Gospel of Moses' rather the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. We all need to remember to keep our focus on Jesus, whether we are leaders in the church or not. Let's all be pure Christians and ministers of the GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST and Him alone.

(1) Matt. 26:28   (2) Hebrews 8:6-8   (3) II Corin.3:6
(4) Romans 10:4  (5) Gal. 3:13   (6) Gal. 2:16, 19-21  
(7) Matt. 5:44  (8) Luke 9:54-56  (9) Gal. 3:24   
(10) Gal. 2:21 from 'The Message'
(11)  Gal. 3:1 from 'The Message' 

2009 - Are you in the game?

I just returned from speaking to between 250 and 300 passionate young German Christians. One of the questions I challenged them with was, "Are you in the game?" I spoke about the tendancy many people have to fear failure. As a result, they hold back from trying things that are challenging. 

The famous basketball player Michael Jordan reportedly said, "I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career, I've lost almost 300 games and 26 times I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again and that's why I'm a success." 

Did you catch that last sentance? "I've failed over and over and over again and that's why I'm a success."

In response to the difficulty he had inventing the storage battery, Thomas Edison is quoted as saying, "I have not failed, I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." He also said, "Many of lifes failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."

I love the San Antonio Spurs basketball team. They are coached by a future hall of fame coach named Greg Popovich (Pop). Often new or young players are nervous about missing shots so they hold back. That makes Pop angry. He tells them he doesn't care if they miss the shot, they need to shoot the ball or there will be NO CHANCE of making a basket. He best players miss half of the time anyway.

 

Unfortunately many people stop trying things that are challenging because they are afraid to fail. We need to believe that whatever God desires to do, no matter how impossible it may seem, He is able. But there is one huge catch. While God could do anything He wants on His own, He has chosen to work through people. The Apostle Paul said Christians are co-workers with God.

Coming back to the Soccer game analogy. God is the captian of the team. He is perfect, knows exactly what to do and how to do it. When we listen to Him, He will tell us exactly where to be so He can pass us the ball and we can score a goal. When we cooperate with Him we will win every time.

Are you in the game? Are you ready to take the pass and score a goal? Or has fear of failure gripped your heart preventing you from succeeding? 

FEAR NOT! Place your faith in God and move forward with Him into victory in 2009!

Prayer for President-Elect Obama

Yesterday Senator Obama was elected President of the United States. Once again, the country was pretty evenly split in their choice but this time the Democrats won some key States that decided the election. Whatever you're political views, Sen. Obama will soon be our President. With that, we have a responsibility to pray for him and ask God to protect and direct him.

Today my wife got her hair cut. The Berlin girl she uses likes to practice speaking English so Priscilla talked with her about the election. The girl then said something that immediately got her attention. While Germans like Obama, this girl was worried about him. In broken English and with a very worried look on her face she said, "He could be like Kennedy." Priscilla realized the girl was referring to the assassination of President Kennedy.

The United States has now elected the first African American to be it's President. While this is a huge step toward racial equality, if something sinister happened to our President elect, theUnited States could explode into unbelievable civil chaos. 

President-elect Obama and his family really needs our prayers! Let's not let him and our country down! Let's cover President-elect Obama with prayers of protect and let's ask God to expose any and all evil plots against him. Now's the time for all Christians to drop any politically oriented fever and join together in prayer as God has instructed the Church to do.

The Ultimate Bailout!

Today there's a lot of fear about the world economy. Most of the trouble began when house loans were granted to people who, in the long run, couldn't pay. There are millions of loan contracts that will now need to be discarded or changed. As a result many huge companies have failed and the government has had to step in to bail them out of this mess.

God made a contract with Israel. He explained the terms of the contract to Moses which we call the Old Covenant or Testament. But Israel was unable to meet the demands of that contract. In the same way people and companies today have contracts they can't fulfill and therefore need new ones, so to a new contract was needed in order for people to be in proper relationship with God.

God stepped into the human problem and offered the ultimate bailout by issuing a new contract. This new contract didn't depend on the actions and abilities of the people it was signed and paid for by the blood of Jesus. The Bible calls this contract the New Covenant or Testament. Unlike the old contract, man is now able to successfully relate to God and it is freely offered to everyone by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It's exciting to receive the new life, forgiveness of all wrongs and the fresh relationship with God the new contract provides. 

Unfortunately many Christians are still focusing on the old contract with God and don't seem to realize a new contract has been issued. They continue trying to fulfill the terms of the old contract and can't understand why it doesn't bring the results they expect. They need to realize the old contract is no longer in effect. Jesus came to fulfill (complete) the old contract and establish a new one that really works.

Here are some clear differences between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant:

Old Covenant 1) Presented by Moses for Israel 2) God’s presence lived in a Tent 3) People couldn’t make personal contact with God 4) It’s based on what you do for God 5) It focuses on your actions 6) It’s applied by keeping rules and regulations (The Law) 7) It depends on your love for God 8) It depends on your faithfulness 9) It is sin conscious 10) The motive is duty to God 11) It deals with outward conduct 12) It can’t bring in inward transformation 13) Lawbreakers were judged, some put to death  14) It produced servants and slaves to God

New Covenant 1) Presented by Jesus for the entire world 2) God lives in His people through the Holy Spirit 3) People can be in personal contact with God through the blood of Jesus 4) It’s based on what God does for you 5) It focuses on Jesus’ actions 6) It’s applied by Grace through Faith 7) It depends on God’s love for you 8) It depends on God’s faithfulness 9) It is Jesus conscious 10) The motive is love for God 11) It deals with inward heart 12) It brings in inward transformation resulting in outward change 13) Sinners are forgiven when they repent 14) It produces sons and daughters of God

Rescued

When I was young I was a skinny weakling. I didn’t know how to fight and was constantly picked on by bullies. While playing basketball in our neighborhood park one Saturday afternoon, an older boy picked a fight with me. Although I lost every fight I ever had, I wasn’t a coward so I stood my ground. My face soon became a punching bag for that mean kid. It wasn’t pretty and I needed help.

After being hit several times, someone finally came to my rescue. I wish I could say it was my macho big brother or a kind-hearted muscle man who stepped up to save me but unfortunately that wasn’t the case. It was someone who brings shame to every young man who needs help, it was my younger sister. She saw what was happening and came running to my rescue. She got right in the bullies face and started hitting him. He realized her fury and took off. I was thrilled that I was no longer being punched but I was also humiliated. There is nothing more embarrassing for a boy than to have his younger sister win a fight for him.

I’m so glad those years are past and I don’t have to stand up against bullies any more. But the battles of life rage on in much the same way as in my young life. I’m constantly faced with challenges both spiritually and naturally. Maintaining healthy relationships, walking pure before God, fulfilling the purpose God has for my life and maintaining my physical healthy – all these and more are daily battles I face. Just like a wicked bully, there is an enemy who wants to destroy me or at least make me ineffective and miss the goal God has planned for my life.

It’s reassuring to know I don’t face life’s battles alone. Jesus stands with me and helps me fight every battle. In fact, He is my strength and He is the one who fights the enemy on my behalf. The Apostle Paul wrote this about the tremendous challenges he had; “…in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” (Rom. 8:37) When King Jehoshaphat was facing an overwhelming enemy a prophet comforted him with these words, “Don’t be afraid, neither be dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (2 Chronc. 20:15)

Everyday we should renew our committment to the Lord. We should set our hearts to walk with Him and live in Him. When we do, He will fight our battles and He will be the one who rescues us.

Like Jesus

1John 2:6  Anyone who claims to be intimate with God ought to live the same kind of life Jesus lived. (The Message)

While reading through the New Testament during the months of July and August I was continually challenged with Scriptures that instruct Christians to walk and live as Jesus did. I see so many areas of my life that are definitely not like Jesus and need change therefore the main focus of my devotional prayers each morning has been the cry to be made one with God.

Often life becomes a blur. We rush along doing the things we need to do. We have responsibilities, people depending on us and work that needs to get done. Many times we loose focus of the truly important things in life. One of those things is being the person God created us to be. I’m not saying do the work He wants us to do (although that’s also important) rather be the person – have and demonstrate the character God desires from us, character that is in harmony with the life, ministry and teachings of Jesus.

Humans were originally created in the image of God but they were quickly filled with and embraced everything but His image. Reading through Genesis reveals the depth of man’s departure from God. Mankind was so wicked they were all destroyed except for Noah and his family. Then after Noah, even those God chose to become His people were deceitful scoundrels. Jacob (later named Israel) tricked his brother into giving him his birthright and then deceived his father into blessing him instead of Esau (which gave him all of Esau’s power and wealth).

Even after thousands of years, the story hasn’t changed much. People are still deceptive self-servers who seem to love darkness rather than light. If we’re honest, that’s us. But that shouldn’t be us. God has a different plan. He wants us to be filled with Himself, to walk in the light, to love one another and be willing to lay down our lives for His purposes. Not only does God want this, He has provided everything needed for us to experience it.

On the day of Pentecost something amazing happened to the disciples. They had been frightened cowards who ran when Jesus was arrested. Peter even denied Jesus with curses when asked by a girl if he was a follower of Jesus. But the followers of Jesus were transformed on the day of Pentecost. Peter’s boldness that day was remarkable. Without hesitation he proclaimed to thousands of people that they had crucified the son of God. Peter was remarkably transformed and so were the other disciples.

We too can be transformed. God desires to fill us with Himself. He desires us to walk in HIS ways, to love with HIS love and to express HIS character to those we contact in life. This isn’t some idealistic dream. It's truly God’s desire. Let’s open our hearts, cry out to God and believe for a transformation in our lives.When we do so, I have no doubt - HE WILL ANSWER!!! 

The REAL Goal and Purpose of Jesus

This is an article I wrote for an online Christian Writers forum. It wasn't written for a blog so it might read more formal than most blogs.

Have you ever been suddenly surprised with something you read in the Bible? I’ve been a Christian for decades during which I’ve been an avid student of Scripture. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Theology and preached my first sermon more than 35 years ago. I’m not often surprised by something I read in the Bible, but today I was very surprised!

To see Scripture from a fresh perspective, I’ve been reading through the New Testament using the paraphrased version written by Eugene Peterson entitled The Message. I think Professor Peterson has done a magnificent job using the modern English language, with crystal clear terms, phrases and idioms, to capture the heart and intent of Scripture. 

Today I was reading something Jesus said as recorded in the gospel of John in the last part of Chapter 14 verse 28 ”…the Father is the goal and purpose of my life.” I’ve read that verse in the Message many times before but suddenly it captured my attention. Jesus said His goal and purpose in life was the Father. While I know The Message is not a word for word Greek translation of the New Testament, still this wording intrigued me. Could there be something to it? 

I always thought Jesus’ goal and purpose in life was to redeem mankind from their sin, to restore fallen mankind into relationship with God. Suddenly I stopped to think. I found myself reviewing the Scriptures I knew so well stating the purpose of Jesus. Two of the many Scriptures that quickly came to mind were both written by the same person, the Apostle John. He wrote in Chapter 3 verse 8 of his first letter; “…For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” In his gospel Chapter 3 verses 16 and 17 John wrote; “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” 

So what is this? Jesus stating that His purpose and goal in life is the Father. Can a person have more than one purpose and goal in life?

Then I began to think about other Scriptures which support the idea that the Father was Jesus’ goal and purpose in life. The Apostle Paul conveyed the same attitude when he wrote to the Philippians in Chapter 1 verse 21; “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” He also wrote in Chapter 3 verses 8 through 14 of the same letter that his goal was Christ and that he was willing to lose everything to know Christ and to be in Christ. Clearly the Apostle Paul’s goal was Jesus Christ just like Jesus’ goal was the Father.

Jesus often explained to His followers that everything He did was at the direction of the Father. The things Jesus spoke, the decisions He made and the actions He took – everything, without exception, was directed by the Father. Several times Jesus strongly emphasized to His disciples the concept of beingone. He said He was one with the Father and that we should be one with Him.

As all of these various thoughts ran through my mind, things suddenly began to fall into place. The Father’s purpose for Jesus was to redeem mankind, while Jesus’ goal and purpose in life was the Father. Jesus kept the Father constantly in His mind and heart – the Father was His goal and purpose – not redeeming mankind. While that may sound like a contradiction I can see how they perfectly fit together. 

Jesus wasn’t focused on saving people He was focused on being one with His Heavenly Father - listening to the Father, visualizing (seeing) what the Father was doing and saying what the Father wanted said. Jesus’ goal and purpose in life was the Father - being completely in harmony and at one with the Father. Since the goal of the Father was redemption, by Jesus living with the Father as His goal and purpose, Jesus fulfilled the purpose of the Father, the redemption of mankind.

Upon realizing this about Jesus – that His goal and purpose in life was the Father and not the work of redemption – I began seeing how many of the things Jesus taught His disciples are in perfect harmony with this. Jesus stressed that His followers needed to be one with Him and to abide in Him. He taught His followers to lay down their lives and follow Him. He also taught that those who really love Him will do whatever He tells them to do. 

The things Jesus taught His followers clearly speak to me of His desire for full integration with Him in all aspects of life. Followers of Jesus need to have Jesus as the goal and purpose of their lives just as Jesus had the Father as His goal and purpose in life. When they do, then the work God desires to be accomplished through Jesus’ followers will be realized. 

While the work God has for people in this life is important, they shouldn’t focus on that work, rather on Jesus. Focusing on the work (or calling) is the natural and normal thing to do but focusing on the work can lead people to do things their own way, with their own wisdom and in their own strength. It’s very possible burn-out, breakdowns and failures are the result of people with good intentions trying to do the work God has for them on their own. 

The Apostle Paul used an interesting phrase when he wrote to the Corinthians in Chapter 3 versus 9 of his first letter; “For we are laborers together with God…”. People need to learn to work with God and not just for God. They need to realize how wise God is. If they abide in Christ and focus on Him, the Holy Spirit will lead them to do things that will supernaturally accomplish the work God has called them to do. He is the Master of the universe. He knows exactly what needs to be done and how it needs to be done.

If people focus on oneness with Him and obeying what He instructs them to do – nothing more and nothing less – then the work will be successfully accomplished and He will say to them, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

It's not Personal

Have you ever struggled when someone criticizes something you’ve done? I sure have.

One Sunday afternoon I found myself slipping into a light depression after a faithful member of our church shared with me some things I’m doing in our church he thought needed to be changed. Eventually I realized what he shared with me was true and needed to be changed, but the impact it had on me was troubling.

At first I found myself defending my actions. It was obvious I was a bit hurt so my friend stated what’s typically said at such times, “It’s not personal.” As I paused and thought about it for a moment, everything within me wanted to shout, “It sure feels personal, and how can it not be personal when I’m the person doing it?” Fortunately I’ve learned enough self-control and have enough wisdom to keep my mouth shut at times like that.

As my wife and I traveled home from church that afternoon there was an uneasy silence in the car. She had been in on the discussion and knew where I was and what I was feeling. She wisely decided to give me space to figure this out myself. From past experience she realized nothing would change in me through her attempts to help me understand things better. A somber atmosphere prevailed throughout the afternoon and into the evening despite the kind and gentle gestures I received from my wife.

My initial attempts to sleep that night were futile. I tossed and turned and felt heaviness and sadness in my soul. Finally I got out of bed and headed for my study. There I knelt before the Lord and opened my heart to share with him my pain. I tearfully expressed my need for Him - to be filled with Him and to live in Him. I gave the situation to the Lord and asked for His will to be accomplished. My heart was consumed with the Scripture from Acts 17:28 “for in Him we live and move and have our being…” I repeated it over and over, “My life is yours Lord. I want you and I want you to fill me completely, Lord.”

Soon a wonderful peace filled my heart. I realized things would be OK. If my brother was right and I needed to change, even if it was embarrassing and humbling, it would be OK. No longer was I feeling sad, disturbed and depressed about the situation. I returned to bed and had a sound night of sleep.

For the next few days I thought about the issues and asked others on our church leadership team what they thought.

Once again, during my devotional time I took this situation to the Lord. That time my concern wasn’t the suggested changes I should make, rather why I was hurt and why I take criticism personally. While I’m still in the process of discovering the answers, some things became clearer to me.

It is very difficult for me to separate what I do from who I am, especially as a minister of the Gospel. I believe strongly that the actions and conduct of a person are expressions of the 'real person'. Many times people say one thing about themselves but that really is not who they are - what they actually do shows who they are. Therefore, separating what I do from who I am is extremely difficult for me. When there is a criticism about what I do, it feels like a criticism about me as a person.

As I prayed about those concepts my eyes began to open a bit. The things I do in life won’t be perfect and continually need adjusting and evaluation. The things I do in life will at times fall short of the mark. But the person God has made me is always unconditionally loved, valued and fully accepted by God. As a person, I’m not looked at by God as one who has failed, even though at times my actions fail. I’m looked at by God as a loved son who is growing.

I thought about my friend who had shared his critique with me. He wasn’t trying to say something bad about me as a person. I know he loves me and values me (he tells me and shows me that all the time). He simply sees something I am doing, that he feels needs to be changed. That’s all. It’s REALLY not personal. Now I’m beginning to understand.

My prayer is that God will continue to open and heal my overly sensitive heart from the tendency to take criticism personally. I’m glad I’ve taken the first step and I know there will be many more as I travel the road of life.

BTW - A few weeks have now past since that encounter. The suggstion my friend made were right and the changes we've made have proven to be a real blessings to the church.

One Opportunity

…For what is your life? It is a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. (James 4:14)

In relation to eternity, the lifetime we spend on this earth is like a vapor that appears and then is instantly gone. We need to make the best of the opportunity we have here on earth, whether it’s 19 years or 99 years.  

I first met Ken during a workday for our church. We were roofing a house the church had just purchased next to the University of Santa Clara. Ken and his friend Tim had just moved to California after finishing a two year Electronics Trade College in Arizona. Somehow they heard about our church, joined us that day, worked hard and instantly became one with our young, primarily ex-hippy congregation.  

Ken had an infectious smile, was always seeing the best in people and knew how to listen with sincere interest. Being from West Texas he had an distinct Texas draw that went right along with his laid back personality. It was hard not to like Ken.  

Most of us were around 19 or 20 and without college educations while Ken was 22 and had finished a two year college. That made him one of the older, more educated guys in our troop. Ken was also a real servant with a clear pastoral calling. It wasn't long before he was invited onto the leadership team of our church.  

After about a year Ken traveled back to Arizona to retrieve something very special he left there, his future wife Debbie. Debbie had beautiful long blonde hair and a smile that matched Ken’s. She loved sports and had been a gymnast in college until she injured her knee and was forced to retire from competition. She also deeply loved God and was a perfect match for Ken.  

Within a couple of years Ken was asked to become the assistant pastor of our church. At that time my wife and I were serving as Elders in the church (by now we were about 22). The four of us quickly became friends and over the next couple of years we were best friends. Soon after we had our first child, Ken and Debbie did too. Ours was a girl, theirs a boy.  

As I said, Ken was hard not to like. Much different than myself. I would give people a hard time without cause simply because I was insecure and self-centered. I remember getting angry with Ken for calling me 'Bubba'. I hated it and I let him know it. He gently explained that in Texas 'Bubba' is a form of endearment but I wouldn’t have anything to do with it. Even so, he always smiled and was understanding with my childish behavior.  

One Christmas Ken and Debbie decided to spend the holidays with her parents in Arizona. They called us and asked if we would water their plants and take care of their Canary (which sang more than I could stand). 

We met with them and Priscilla went through the house with Debbie to learn about all the plants while I visited outside with Ken just before they left on their trip. I can’t remember what the argument was about, but I remember that I was angry with Ken and made it known in no uncertain terms.  

The next evening we had a Christmas musical production at our church. As I walked in I could tell something was wrong. Our pastor had a lost look on his face and nothing was being done or said. Then he slowly walked to the microphone and broke the news, “There’s been a terrible car accident. Our brother Ken and his son are now with Jesus and Debbie is in critical condition.” I immediately collapsed to the floor in shock and grief. I’m not sure how long I was on the floor and I don’t remember much else at the church after that.  

The next day my wife and I left for Bakersfield to be with Debbie while she lay in a hospital bed. We spent the next few days with her until she also slipped away to be with the Lord having never regained consciousness.  

For months I was in deep, deep pain. Not only had I lost my best friend, my last words with him were angry, unkind and self-serving. I remember one day lying on my living floor crying with remorse about my actions and the loose of my dear friend. Then I began to picture Ken in heaven. If there is any truth I knew about Ken it was his immense love and forgiving heart. I suddenly realized, no matter what I had done, Ken would forgive me and still love me. I then pictured Ken in heaven, I asked his forgiveness and I pictured him forgiving me. From that moment on, my heart began to slowly heal.

That situation taught me two extremely powerful life lessons. First, tomorrow is not guaranteed. Life is extremely fragile. It could be gone in an instant whether we are spiritual or not. We have no idea how long we have on this earth so we need to make the most of the short time we are given. I am determined to use the opportunity I have in this life to reach as many people as possible with God’s amazing love and grace.

Second, I need to be as kind and loving to every people as I possibly can at all times. There is no guarantee I will have a second chance to make things right later. Therefore, it's vital to maintain right relationships.

I must confess, as the years have gone by, I haven't been as diligent about those commitments as I could have been but as I write this story, recalling the details for the first time in more than 30 years, I am deeply moved again to make the best out of the ONE opportunity I have been given in this life.

Is Jesus MINE?

There's a wonderful hymn many Christian know well; “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine, oh what a foretaste of glory divine…” While I love that song, I’ve recently had questions about its words. This started when I read a poem which suggested people interested in a relationship with God should pray, “Jesus be mine”. While I know the poet was innocent and well-meaning, when I read the words of that poem something didn’t seem right to me. But what could possibly be wrong with people praying, “Jesus be mine”?

As I meditated on it, I slowly began seeing a subtle flaw in that beautiful phrase Jesus is Mine. Jesus is not mine - I am His. That might sound picky and insignificant, but I see a world of difference between the two. When we say ‘Jesus is mine’ we make ourselves the possessor of Jesus. Instead, we should be making Jesus the possessor (our Lord) by saying ‘Jesus I’m yours’.

Most Christians would be shocked to learn that the Bible doesn’t teach people to invite Jesus into their lives. The Bible instructs people to surrender their lives to Him - to make Jesus Lord of their lives. The Bible teaches Christians they are no longer their own, they are God’s possession.

Even though Blessed Assurance was written in 1873, it’s catchy phrase ‘Jesus is mine’, reflects a dangerous thinking among many Christian oriented people today. For many people, life is made up of various parts; profession, family, friends, recreation, God and country. They view Christianity simply as another part of their lives – the spiritual or God part. They may attend church, worship on Sunday and even give offerings but often Jesus not the Lord of their life, He’s simply a part of their life. It’s much easier for people to fulfill their weekly or monthly religious duty and then get on with their ‘normal’ lives than to make Jesus their Lord. Unfortunately they have made Jesus their possession instead of being His possession.

This realization has affected the way I now pray. I’m beginning to recognize how self centered much of my praying has been. Now, instead of focusing on prayers that benefit and serve my life, I’ve started praying that Jesus will have complete control of my life - that I will be His possession. Not my will, but His be done!