Guarding the Treasure

On the Menu

2012-01-24T14:12:00.000-06:00

In the summer of 2007 I had the opportunity to go to China for two weeks. It was my first trip overseas, my first time literally running to catch a flight, and my first time singing in a karaoke bar. Being there was almost surreal. Everything was different. Sounds, smells, sights. As one of our team members was fond of saying, “I’ve been to a couple of county fairs and a hog killin’, but I ain’t never seen anything like that before.”

Stop by my office sometime and I’ll show you some pictures and tell some stories. I never get tired of talking about it. Some of the details tend to get fuzzy if I don’t! And yes, I’m eager to go again. I hope to!

It was also my first experience tasting some real Chinese food. Going to the Supreme Buffet or Panda Express doesn’t count. Of course, steamed rice was a staple, as were noodles. Every meal, and you ate everything with chopsticks. At a couple of restaurants the wait staff saw us struggling, so they offered us forks. Not me, though buddy. I was determined to make a go of it no matter how awkward or clumsy I looked.

One of the stories my boys enjoy most is about me eating a bowl of noodle soup. The weather was pretty hot and we were eating in an outdoor patio. They had a fan on the floor trying to keep their customers cool. But as I lifted out some noodles dangling from my chopsticks ready to slurp down a bite, the fan blew them all over my chin and neck. It caused quite a mess, and not a little bit of embarrassment.

Personally, I really did enjoy the food. Lost about 10 pounds in two weeks, but I was still bigger than most of them. Care to know some of what was on the menu?

Frog porridge. Okay, that one was as bad as it sounds. That’s probably where I lost the weight. Some of our other team members experienced such dishes during that lunch as fermented egg porridge and eel porridge. We only ate there once.

Have you ever had pig’s feet? It was interesting. Chewy, but interesting. Shrimp was served whole – antennas, eyes and all. You just kind of closed your eyes and opened your mouth and went for it. We ate octopus twice. Once it was pretty good. The other time it was served as an hors d’oeuvre at the karaoke bar. It was raw. That left an aftertaste for a couple of days. Never once did we find those sugary donuts you see at the American Chinese buffets. And not a single fortune cookie in sight.

Then there were the “meat sparklers.” At some point we learned to not ask too many questions. Sometimes it’s better to just not know. On another note, we didn’t see many dogs or cats wandering around.

Anyhow, let me take this opportunity to invite all the men in our community to our wild game dinner this Saturday night, January 28. It will be held in the basement fellowship hall at the First Baptist Church at 6:00 p.m. It should be a fun night together. Just the men! Some of the guys in the church are pretty accomplished hunters. There’s no telling what they might bring or what kind of stories they’ll tell. If you have some wild game you’d like to share, or some wild hunting stories, please do! As for me, I’ll probably bring a salad or dessert. I didn’t bring home any Chinese leftovers.

I’d also like to invite you to join us this Sunday morning at 10:45 for a “Men’s Day” worship service. Everyone’s invited to come, but we’re enlisting men to lead out in various ways – through testimony, song and Scripture reading. Should be a great day.

Then Sunday evening at 6:00, come for our “Singspiration” worship service. If you have a song of praise, an uplifting poem or favorite verse, you’re welcome to come and share it. We’d love to hear from you! Maybe you’ll experience something you ain’t never seen before! And I promise we won’t make you eat any mystery meat sparklers.

Is 2012 the End of the World As We Know It?

2012-01-17T11:20:00.000-06:00

They say the world will end in 2012. You buying that?

The ancient Mayan calendar ends with December 21, 2012. Prognosticators and prophets are firing up all sorts of predictions about how it’s going down. Solar flare produced by Planet X. Rare planetary alignment creating massive polar shift. Meteor. Asteroid. Disease. Biological warfare. Aliens! Yikes!!

Whatever it is, they say some kind of cataclysmic event will bring the end of the world as we know it in 2012. I wonder if R.E.M. had this in mind when they wrote their hit song back in the day? Seriously, you’re not buying into this junk, are you?

Of course, predicting the end of the world is nothing new. Remember Harold Camping from May 21 last year? Then again on October 21? How about the Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1874, 1914, 1925, 1975, etc.? Joseph Smith of Mormon fame predicted the world would end by 1891. Pat Robertson in 1982. David Koresh claimed the end would come in 1995. The Hale-Bopp comet of 1997. The Y2K scare! Just to name a few. If this column makes it to print and you’re reading it, then they’ve all been wrong so far.

Many people get caught up in the hype. The media and tabloids love this kind of stuff. So do movie producers and book publishers. And survival gear companies. Behind any good doomsday prophecy you know somebody’s making some cash.

What I’m saying to you, dear sound-minded friend, is don’t be suckered into believing this garbage. In the Greek New Testament language there is a word that describes such false predictions. It’s pronounced “ba-lon-ey.”

So what does the Bible say? First of all, it says Jesus will indeed come again. In Acts 1:11 two angels appeared to Jesus’ disciples as they watched Him ascend into heaven and said, “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Re-read John 14:1-6, too, when you get a chance, among others. There’s no question about it: Jesus will come again.

But Scripture also states clearly that the time is unknown. In Matthew 24-25 Jesus explains this in no uncertain terms. He talks about the signs of His coming and the end times. He talks about the suffering His church will face. He even says specifically that many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. Read these two chapters and see how foolish it is for anyone to claim to know specifically when these things will happen.

And if I could make a third point (don’t all good sermons need three points?) it would be that Jesus’ return will be a day of judgment. You’ll see this in Matthew 24-25, but let me also take you to 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10: “…when the Lord Jesus Christ is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed…”

In a nutshell, that means that Jesus’ second coming will be a great day of salvation for those who believe and long for His appearing, but it will be a terrible day of judgment for those who have spurned Him and despised His church.

The fact of the matter is that it’s utter absurdity to be predicting times and dates that are not meant for us to know. But we should always be alert and ready.

So, are you ready? Have you repented of your sin and received the forgiveness that only Jesus can offer through the cross? Are you trusting Him now for your salvation, living in holiness and godliness as you await His coming? We’d better be buying that!

Watching Tebow Proclaiming Christ

2012-01-10T11:54:00.000-06:00

Well, in case you’re wondering, I did get to see the BCS championship game Monday night. Jim and Sue Holler invited me over to watch on the big screen. It wasn’t really much of a game, but the conversation and fellowship was terrific. And man, can Sue make some brownies!

The game of the weekend, though, had to be the Steelers – Broncos. I’ve never been a fan of either team, but I can’t help but root for Tim Tebow. His touchdown pass to win the game in overtime has been all the buzz in the sports world this week.

I’m not writing this to proclaim the praises of Tim Tebow. But I am happy that someone who is unapologetically and unashamedly a follower of Jesus Christ is getting a national spotlight to proclaim his faith. Tebow never fails to give glory to God whether he wins or loses. He never fails to thank his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the gifts and opportunities he’s been given. I’ll cheer for that all the way to the Super Bowl.

It’s interesting to see people’s reactions to Tebow. Most are not indifferent. Either they love him or they hate him. And it’s not primarily for his performance on the football field. We could debate whether or not he’s really a star NFL quarterback. He’s no Tom Brady, that’s for sure. He’s not your fantasy league all-star, and how effective he’ll be in the league remains to be seen.

But the reason there’s so much animosity toward him is because he’s bold in his faith in Christ. A lot of people don’t like that. Our culture has a mind-set that basically says it’s fine for you to believe in whatever you want to believe in – or nothing at all – but just keep it to yourself. Don’t try to tell me what I should believe.

I’ve never heard Tebow preach through the media. I don’t recall any post-game interviews where he’s told anybody what they should believe. I can’t remember him giving any altar calls in the press room. What he does is simply testify to his love for the Lord. You may have seen from his college days that he inscribed Bible verses in his eye black, such as John 3:16. Tim’s a witness of the salvation of Christ Jesus, and he can’t help but tell others what God has done for him.

Tim’s parents were missionaries in the Philippines, where he was born. His mother’s pregnancy was extremely difficult from the start, and the medical team thought they had lost the baby a number of times. In fact, the doctor bluntly told Tim’s parents early on that the only way to save her own life would be to terminate the pregnancy.

Abortion wasn’t an option. They chose to trust in God, and His peace sustained her through the pregnancy. When Tim was born the attending physician told his father, “Mr. Tebow, your child is a miracle baby.” They know God answered their prayers.

I’m not in the least surprised that people get as worked up about him as they do. Tebow’s very existence is pro-life. He’s not a secret admirer of Jesus, but a sold-out follower. His character backs up what he believes. When the media takes swings at him or other players diss him, Tebow always seems to respond with humility and blessing.

People don’t know how to take that. They don’t know how to take Jesus either. Didn’t Jesus tell His disciples that they should expect such malicious treatment? “If the world hates you, know that it hated Me first,” He said. “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:18, 20).

Not every believer will get the kind of platform Tim Tebow gets to witness for Christ, but we all should be so bold no matter what the cost. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” That’s a Savior worth proclaiming!

Looking for Love?

2012-01-03T12:19:00.000-06:00

I rarely watch television unless it has something to do with sports. Maybe the occasional evening news or the Storm Riders on the Weather Channel. Even caught a little bit of political info from C-Span recently. How exciting. We have a very basic “local only” cable package, so aside from the shopping channels, PBS and the locals, there’s not many options.

But if you’re a sports fan who enjoys college football bowl games, and don’t have ESPN, the bowl season is quite a bummer. Hardly any games are on the main networks, so unless a good friend or caring church member invites me over to watch the championship game next Monday night, I guess I’ll just have to read about it in the paper.

Anyway, so last night we had a free evening at home. We’d been procrastinating on taking our Christmas tree down by playing Scrabble, (don’t ask me who won), watching “Facing the Giants” on video and taking care of our new puppy, which basically meant trying to keep him from chewing the legs off the furniture. Later my wife starts flipping through the channels and we land on this comedy called “The Bachelor.”

It was hilarious! If you’re not familiar with it, let me explain. There’s this single dude, dressed all up in a nice suit on the set of this huge mansion. And one by one there’s like 25 beautiful women who show up, introduce themselves as potential brides and start fawning all over him. He’s like a kid in a candy store! All he has to do is sample the ones he wants the most, while “dating” whomever he chooses. At the end of the season he will have found the love of his life and they’ll ride off into happily ever after land.

And the drama of it all along the way! Put 25 women together who all want the same guy and you’re rivaling the best of pay-per-view championship fights.

It was so funny I couldn’t bear to watch. And sad. Pathetic, really. Is this how it works these days? Seriously? Men, can you even imagine if while dating your future wife you were also courting several other gorgeous women? You think she’d be okay with that? There’s no way.

I’d like to tell the bachelor dude to think through this for a moment. You’ve got all these ladies who obviously have been unable to maintain a steady relationship with anyone else so far. Same for the guy. You think that under the spotlight of cameras capturing your every move, the fabricated dramatic environment and a few fairytale date scenarios that suddenly you’re going to find a relationship that will last for a lifetime?

The fact that these “beautiful people” can’t seem to attract or find a husband or wife ought to be enough of a warning sign that this is not a very good idea. If you can’t find love in real life, it’s sure not going to happen in prime-time television. And don’t even get me started on the whole fictitious concept of “reality TV.”

Somewhere during the course of this show I started humming the 80’s country song, “Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places.” Many men and women have no clue about love. Some have never received it, many have never given it. They’re looking for it, all right, but they’re looking in all the wrong places.

If you’re looking for love, my friend, let me introduce you to Someone who already has proven His great love for you. Someone who will never let you down, never disappoint and never put you to shame. His name is Jesus, and He laid down His life for you on the cross. You’ll never find a greater love than this; I don’t care what promises the bachelor or bachelorettes make. Receive His love today, and respond by loving Him with all that’s within you. I guarantee you’ll discover a love that is forever true and faithful.

They ought to make a show about that!

...and a Happy New Year

2011-12-27T10:28:00.000-06:00

Yes, we got the puppy. And, yes, the look on the boys’ faces when they realized he was ours was priceless. There are a couple of pictures on Facebook if you’d like to look me up and see.

And no, when I dashed to the window early Christmas morning to see if there was a Harley Davidson parked in the driveway with a huge orange and black bow tied to it, I was again this year disappointed. I did end up with a blue PORTA hoodie, so I guess I’m an official Blue Jays fan. Can’t wait to see some high school basketball this winter.

I have to admit, the puppy is really cute. A little whiny, but it’s a sweet whine. He just likes to be with people and needs lots of love. Who doesn’t? I think the Hollidays spoiled him and his siblings from the day they were born. Nothing wrong with that at all.

And while I’ve been the one getting up when he needs to go out at night, I also have to admit that our boys have handled much of the responsibility of caring for him. They’ve helped clean up messes, played outside in the cold and loved on him right away. It’s been a great connection for man and dog. And fun for Dad to watch them together.

Toby’s trying to teach him how to dance. Tyler can’t wait for him to learn to catch Frisbees. Amy’s a sucker for his charm, and I’m gathering as many sermon illustrations as possible. In fact I should probably forewarn you that my Sunday morning preaching may contain an abnormally high number of pet references. Which is probably welcome relief from those who think I use too many sports illustrations.

After two days of animated household debate, we finally came up with a name: Nicolas. Being a Christmas gift we made the connection with jolly old St. Nicolas. Toby had long had in mind to name his dog “Max,” but apparently he imagined a brown dog, and since ours is blonde “Max” just didn’t work. My suggestion of “Tebow” didn’t fly, but after he threw four interceptions Sunday it’s probably for the best.

It’s been a good Christmas.

And speaking of good Christmas, I have to say we had a great week of church. Last Wednesday we sent three groups of carolers out in the community to deliver some Christmas joy in song. As usual for such things, I’m not sure whether the greater blessing belonged to those whom we visited or us.

On Saturday we gathered together for a special Christmas Eve candlelight service. Christmas morning brought us back to praise and worship the One without whom there would be no Christmas, no reason for hope of greater things to come, no lasting joy, no perfect peace and no life filled with abundance and assurance of heaven. Jesus is the not the main reason for celebrating Christmas; He’s the only reason.

Let me also say to all the guests who’ve worshipped with us this week – thank you for joining us! It’s always a delight to welcome any and all who want to come. I hope you experienced something of the love of Christ and the joy of Christian fellowship. And I pray that the message of “good news of great joy that will be for all the people” resonates deeply in your heart.

Indeed, Jesus is the Savior of the world who came to save us from our sins and save us to eternal life. And “whosoever will” may come to Him. So come, walk away from everything else and follow Jesus wholeheartedly. Maybe your life’s not a Christmas wonderland postcard, but when you come to Jesus He’ll make you a new creation and give you new life.

It’s always a good Christmas when Christ is your life. Hope to see you New Year’s Day to worship the One who makes all things new!

The Greatest Gift Forever

2011-12-20T11:46:00.000-06:00

By the time you read this [scheduled to be printed in this week's Petersburg Observer which comes out Wednesday evening...so don't say anything about the following if you read this beforehand!!!] my wife and I will have probably picked up a puppy for our two boys for Christmas. It’s going to be their best Christmas present ever! And it may be the end of my world as I know it. I think I’ve finally lost my mind.

They’ve been asking for a long time. I mean years. Up till now I’ve always stood firm against their sugary pleas and shameless begging. Like a certain American Idol judge refusing to be swayed by the sensitive tears of the newest teen sensation wannabe whose story of rising from the projects to the primetime stage melts the hearts of America. Or the middle-aged guy who never really grew up and got a real job because he always dreamed of being a star. Who cares if they can’t even sing? But I digress.

Our youngest, Toby, has these really big puppy-dog eyes. He’s hard to resist. He knows how to turn on the charm. Parents, keep your girls away or he’ll break their hearts.

And Tyler’s so logical and calculated. He has a counter-argument for every reason I’ve said no (and there are many of them). He could probably create a spreadsheet detailing the advantages of why a boy needs a dog.

Of course, they’ve both made all kinds of promises about how they’ll do all the work in taking care of a puppy. This from one who forgot to wear his glasses to school yesterday, and from the other who spilled his Sunny-D all over the breakfast table just this morning!

I have a feeling I know who will end up taking the dog out in the rain, scooping up poop all over the yard and getting yelled at by the neighbors when he barks up a storm. If I may, allow me to apologize in advance for whatever nuisance we’re about to stir up on Sunny Acres Rd. While I’m at it, maybe I should also apologize to Toby’s teacher, Mrs. Hance, and to Tyler’s 6th grade teachers for any lack of attention the boys may display due to thinking about their new puppy.

But it’s Christmas. And while I realize the weight of responsibility (and financial obligation) involved in pet ownership, as a father I want to give this gift to my children. I can’t wait to see the look on their faces when we bring home the puppy!

I’m excited for them about playing with their new friend, growing up together and creating lifelong memories. I’m anxious to watch them running and chasing and jumping around in the yard. I’m looking forward to hearing their laughter and squeals of delight. I’m eager to see the bonds of companionship and friendship dig deep roots.

I know they’re going to absolutely love it. And I’m going to love providing a little extra joy in their lives.

When you think about it, isn’t that something like the gift of God which we celebrate at Christmas? Our heavenly Father loves His children immeasurably more than I love my own boys. His love is perfect, unfailing, undeserved and unending. He delights in delighting His people with the joy and fellowship of experiencing a personal relationship with Him.

To demonstrate such love, God gave His one and only Son, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life. He didn’t have to do it, but He did. To show us His love, to give us joy, to bring us peace and to save us from our sins. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

A puppy will be a great gift for our family. But the best gift ever is not a furry, four-legged friend. It’s a merciful and gracious Savior whose name is Jesus. Receive the gift of life in Christ Jesus today. It’ll be your best gift forever. Merry Christmas!

Wise Men Still Seek Him

2011-12-13T11:48:00.000-06:00

I’ve done some dumb things in my life, from the mildly ill-advised to the really stupid. When the Bible speaks of the “wise men” from the east, it doesn’t list my name.

Last year I hung up the icicle lights on the front of the house (after finally getting them untangled) before I checked to see if they worked. My thinking was that since they all worked just fine last year, they ought to light up nice and pretty this year. Some did, some didn’t. It looks pretty bad when only a few random sections light up. So after much labor and frustration in trying to figure out a fix, I gave up altogether and we had the only house on the block that looked like we boycotted Christmas.

Failing to check the lights before you hang them up falls in the ill-advised range.

Under the really stupid, well I don’t have nearly enough space to describe them. However, a few years ago my wife started keeping a journal of all the really stupid things I’ve done, so when the book comes out you can read it for yourself.

I’ll share one, for fun. Just over a year ago I was out riding bikes with my two boys. For some unknown reason once in a while I get the urge to try to show off. Which is really stupid, because I was never any good at doing bike stunts when I was 12, let alone doing them at 39. Nobody’s impressed anyway with a grown man popping a wheelie or doing a bunny hop on his Wal-Mart special mountain bike.

But on this particular occasion I was pedaling down our gravel driveway with a pretty good head of steam. Maybe I wanted to see how far I could skid when I hit the brakes. That’s pretty cool to a couple of young boys, right? But instead of applying just the rear brake I hit both front and rear together. Not sure what I was thinking on that one.

There wasn’t much skidding when that front brake locked, and I found myself flying over the handlebars and crash landing headfirst in the rocks. Wasn’t exactly what I’d planned. Thankfully I was able to walk away with only minor cuts, scrapes and a bruised ego. But walking into our church association’s annual meeting that night with taped up hands and scratched face while being introduced as the new moderator was a little embarrassing. And to top it off, the kids were not impressed in the least.

That one went in the journal.

We’ve all done some dumb things in life. Some reckless, some foolish, some that didn’t matter much and some that leave us with lifelong regrets. You can’t undo what’s already been done. But you can choose to live from this day forward in the way of wisdom or in the way of foolishness.

The Bible spells out the two paths we can take. Consistently the Scriptures describe the wise man as being one who fears the Lord and walks faithfully in His commands. The fool is the one who says in his heart, “There is no God,” and who does not follow the ways of the Lord.

Jesus makes a statement in Matthew 7 concerning these two ways to live. He says, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock…And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand” (Mt. 7:24, 26).

Both endured severe storms, but only the wise survived. When it comes to your life, are you living wisely or foolishly? That is, are you living in obedience to the Word of Christ, or not?

Even the “wise men” from the east followed the star they were given to find Jesus. The light’s shining now for you, dear friend. Follow it! Maybe you’ve done some really stupid things, but Jesus offers you new life. Wise men still seek Him.

Christmas Mysteries Untangled

2011-12-05T22:28:00.000-06:00

Seriously, how in the world do Christmas lights get so tangled up? I know for certain that when I took the lights down last year that I did not just jumble and stuff them into the box. I did my best to carefully, neatly coil them in such a way that I should have been able to free each string and easily lift them out.

But what happens in the tote while they hibernate in the attic all year long is a mystery. Somehow they entangle themselves like a, well, like a string of Christmas lights. I can almost hear them laughing as I try in frustration to separate them.

I shared a little of this experience with the church on Sunday. That evening Sally Sutton brought me a comic she clipped from the newspaper that described the situation. There’s a billboard in a family’s front yard that reads: “World’s Largest Knotted Ball of Christmas Lights.” An arrow points to a perfectly tangled, huge mess of lights. A family poses for a photo in front of the ball. Traffic is backed up to see it. A guy, who I assume to be the homeowner, stands perturbed in front of the billboard. He kind of looks like me.

Like I said, it’s a mystery.

Part of the wonder of Christmas is the mystery of it all. How does a virgin conceive a child? How does the angel Gabriel make a visit to Mary? How does Joseph keep getting angelic messages in dreams? How are the wise men guided by the star? How do reindeer really know how to fly? And how is it that any item of clothing I buy for my wife at Christmas never fits right?

And here’s something to think about. How are all of the ancient prophecies concerning the Messiah fulfilled in one birth, in one person?

Some 700 years before Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the prophet Micah foretold the location of the Savior’s birth (Micah 5:2). Isaiah spoke of the virgin birth, and that He would be heir to David’s throne (Isa. 7:14, 9:7). Hosea prophesied that God would call His Son out of Egypt (Hos. 11:1).

Later, Jeremiah foretold of Herod’s murderous rage against the babies in the region of Bethlehem (Jer. 31:15). Going further back, the patriarch Jacob referred to the coming Messiah saying that He would descend from the tribe of Judah. (Gen. 49:10).

All of these things and more were fulfilled when Jesus was born. Coincidence?

In his book, More Than a Carpenter, Josh McDowell observes that the Old Testament records for us over 300 references to the coming of the Messiah. All these prophecies were made at least 400 years before His birth. Using the science of probability, McDowell figures the chances of even just 48 of these prophecies being fulfilled in one person is 10 to the 157th power. That’s an unfathomable number, unless you’re a super math geek, and then it’s even bigger.

The point is that the coming of Jesus as the Messiah is the fulfillment of ancient prophecy and the revelation of divine mystery. What had long been hidden is now made known, “so that all nations might believe and obey Him” (Rom. 16:26).

His life on earth, His sacrificial death on the cross for the forgiveness of sin and His resurrection from the grave all prove Him to be the one and only Savior. And His promise to come again will also be fulfilled without fail.

Friend, you can absolutely trust the Word of God. You can absolutely rely on the promises God makes. Be assured, dear believer, the best is yet to come. But be warned, ye disobedient, that the worst is also yet to come.

I may never figure out why my lights get so tangled. But you can let the truth of Scripture unravel far greater mysteries this Christmas.

Standing in the Gap this Christmas

2011-11-30T15:11:00.000-06:00

So, are you one of those Christmas crazies? You know, the brightest house on the block. Lit up with everything from Santa and reindeer to the angels and elves gathered around the manger. Maybe even some of those huge inflatable snowmen hanging out on your front lawn.

Crazy may not be the right word, but you do tend to go a little overboard. You have a different Christmas sweater for each day of the week, snowflakes on your socks and a wreath on the grill of your SUV. You had your tree up three weeks ago and you think the radio stations that started on Thanksgiving Day playing Christmas songs exclusively waited too long.

Add in the blow-the-budget shopping excursions, holiday baking extravaganzas and a little too much tipsy in the eggnog and you might be a Christmas crazy.

Not that there’s anything wrong with you, per se, but not everybody gets it that way. For many people the holidays don’t bring tidings of comfort and joy, but loneliness, depression and grief. For some, this is certainly not the most wonderful time of the year.

A couple of weeks ago one of the dear, faithful ladies in our church suggested we set up a way for people to call in with prayer needs. Those who might need someone to talk to, or simply ask for someone to pray for them or with them ought to know there’s somewhere to go. Someone who cares.

The only thing wrong with this idea is that I didn’t think of it myself.

So here’s what we’re doing. If you want someone to pray for you this season, call our Prayer-Line at 217-632-5937. That’s a number for the First Baptist Church of Petersburg. You can leave as much or as little information about your situation as you wish. If you’d like for someone to contact you and pray personally with you, give us your name and phone number and someone will call you back.

Whatever you’re going through, major stuff or minor. We will pray for you. And we will keep confidential information confidential. Sealed like a vault. Unless you unload something on us that we would legally be required to report. Then we’ll pray extra hard for you!

The holidays can be tough. You may be missing your deceased husband or mother or child or friend like never before. Maybe you’re dealing with a relationship problem that’s tearing you up. It could be a physical illness that’s got you down. You may be under such a financial strain that you feel you’re about to snap.

Perhaps you see everybody else in the world (seemingly) skipping merrily along humming “White Christmas” while carrying Macy’s bags in both arms as they sip a Starbucks Peppermint Mocha on their way to another party you weren’t invited to, and it just makes you sick. You want to experience some of the joy of the season (without being a Christmas crazy), but you can’t.

We’re here for you, friend. We’re standing in the gap for you this season. Ready to take your name, your need to the throne of Almighty God in heaven. The One whose heart aches for you to find rest for your soul in Him. The One who laid down His life so that you could have a new, abundant and eternal life. The One who wants you to know His joy, His peace, His hope and His salvation for yourself.

We want you to know that you are loved! There’s nothing wrong with you for not decorating like you’ve got stock in Illinois Power. It’s ok that you don’t have any desire to see “Miracle on 34th Street” this year.

Call our Prayer-Line. 217-632-5937. Anytime, day or night. We will pray for you.

When Life's Billows Rock Your World

2011-11-21T14:06:00.000-06:00

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. - Psalm 136:1

When was the last time you used the word “billow” in conversation? It doesn’t come up often with me, either. Except when my wife gets a cold during the night and asks me to get her another “billow, blease.”

A billow is defined by dictionary.com as a great wave or surge of the sea, which must be true because it was on the internet. It could also be used to refer to any surging mass, such as a billow of smoke. You probably knew that. It’s just not a word we use very often. We’re not really sea people around here.

But we can all understand the metaphor of the tumultuous experiences of life being like the great billows of the sea. You may be sailing along just fine upon the surface of quiet waters, when suddenly a storm arises that rocks your world and threatens to throw you overboard. Ever been there?

The death of a loved one. Divorce. Cancer. Depression. The company’s downsizing. Your son calls you from the county jail. The list could go on. The coffee pot’s on the blink.

How do you handle such billows in your life? Where do you go for answers? In whom do you find comfort? Can you make it through the next wave?

There are at least three great hymns of the faith that remind us of God’s goodness and power in the midst of the billows we all face.

One is called “Love Lifted Me.” The third stanza reads:

   Souls in danger, look above
   Jesus completely saves
   He will lift you by His love
   Out of the angry waves
   He’s the Master of the sea
   Billows His will obey
   He your Savior wants to be
   Be saved today

The billows are no match for the might of the Lord. No matter how high the storm surges, its waves can never overwhelm those whose trust is in the saving power of Christ Jesus. Remember the storm the disciples faced on the open sea? And you remember what happened when Jesus literally rebuked the wind and spoke to the waves saying, “Peace! Be still!” Immediately there was a great calm. Billows His will obey.

Another is the moving story penned by Horatio G. Spafford in 1873. I don’t have room to flesh out the details, but in the wake of the drowning deaths of Spafford’s four daughters, the Lord inspired him to write:

   When peace, like a river, attendeth my way
   When sorrows like sea billows roll
   Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say
   It is well, it is well with my soul

Somehow in the midst of this unimaginable tragedy, God flooded Spafford’s soul with a peace that passes all understanding. The Lord never says we won’t face sorrows like sea billows, but He promises He will be with us even through the valley of the shadow of death. And the power of His very presence provides peace for our soul.

Then there’s the song we often sing around Thanksgiving entitled, “Count Your Blessings.” This has always been for me a tremendously encouraging hymn. It’s easy to get down, discouraged, frustrated and burdened with the cares of the world, whether they be thrust upon you or self-inflicted. But when we stop even for a moment and think about the blessings God has poured out upon us, we wonder why we should grumble at all.

   When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed
   When you are discouraged thinking all is lost
   Count your many blessings, name them one by one
   And it will surprise you what the Lord has done

So go ahead and start counting! This Thanksgiving remember that the answer for dealing with life’s billows lies in the power and goodness of Almighty God.

Defining Church

2011-11-15T09:10:00.000-06:00

Church. Just the very word brings all kinds of ideas to peoples’ minds. Good, bad or ugly, most people have an opinion about church. You probably have some thoughts on the matter yourself. What do you think about when you hear the word “church”?

For most people, a church is a building. It’s the place you go for weddings, funerals and Sunday morning services, at least at Christmas and Easter. If I were to ask you, “Do you belong to a church?” you would probably answer by saying something like, “Yes, I go to the one with the tall steeple on the corner.” It’s the building, the place.

For others, church is religion. Church is mass or communion or baptism or confirmation. Saying your prayers, giving an offering, bringing in some canned goods for the food pantry. It’s what you do to be religious.

Some conjure up images of dusty old songbooks, long, boring sermons (no one at FBC, of course), Christmas pageants, potluck dinners, Vacation Bible School, revivals, stained glass and wooden pews. It’s the activity and events and stuff they think of first.

Can I challenge your thinking for a moment? The Bible doesn’t describe church as a building, as religion, activity or stuff. Jesus defines church as those who give their lives to follow Him. Not just the Sunday morning crowd, but the 24/7 followers. Not just the ones who stick around while the music suits their taste or while the preaching is entertaining, but those who stick with Jesus no matter what and whatever the cost.

In the sixth chapter of the gospel of John, there’s a huge crowd hanging around Jesus. Why? Because they saw the cool stuff He’d been doing, like healing the sick and turning water into wine. Man, that’ll draw a crowd! And so there’s all these people waiting to see what Jesus will do next. And He doesn’t disappoint.

With a gathering of about 5,000 men plus women and children, Jesus starts handing out free food. The people go crazy. Kind of like the celebration in St. Louis after the Cardinals won the World Series. They’re ready to coronate Him as Israel’s king right then and there. Down with the Romans! The Messiah’s finally here!

Except that’s not the kind of kingship Jesus came for. Not yet, anyway. And these weren’t the kind of followers Jesus was after, either. They were only interested as long as the fish fry was on. As long as the bread sticks kept coming to their table. Oh, and could You do that thing where you turn some water into more wine for us, Jesus?

But when Jesus started saying some hard things, the people didn’t stay. When He started teaching them about His Father in heaven who sent Him to be the true bread from heaven, they didn’t like it. When He told them they must feed on His flesh and drink His blood in order to have eternal life, they got a little creeped out.

What Jesus was saying was that to “eat” His flesh meant to believe in Him. And to “drink His blood” is not to be taken literally either. It means to trust in the shedding of His blood on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. Jesus died and rose again so that all of our spiritual hunger and thirst would be fully satisfied in Him. And when we receive His sacrifice for our sins, we also receive the abundant and eternal life He alone can give.

Many of His “followers” walked away that day. They weren’t sold out to Jesus. Just interested in the show. Jesus looked at His closest Twelve disciples and asked them if they wanted to leave, too. Answering for the group, Simon Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68-69).

That’s the church Jesus has in mind. Why not come and truly follow Jesus, and join us in the journey at Petersburg First Baptist Church?

Hope for Anybody!

2011-11-08T08:55:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite bands has a song that speaks clearly about the compassion of God. Here’s the chorus:

There is hope for the helpless
Rest for the weary
Love for the broken heart
There is grace and forgiveness
Mercy and healing
He’ll meet you wherever you are
Cry out to Jesus

I bring this up, because, well, I think that every man and woman, boy and girl ought to have Third Day projects in their music library and on their regular play list. And because this song fits perfectly with what I’ve been preaching in Jonah for the past few weeks. You want to talk about a people who did not deserve God’s compassion, it was Ninevah. They were an evil, wicked and violent mess of humanity. And if you’ve seen the VeggieTales movie, you also know they went around slapping people with fishes.

Did God owe them even a chance to turn away from their sin and believe in Him? No! But He gave it to them because He is a compassionate God. Even for Ninevah there’s grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing. God warned them what would happen if they didn’t repent, and it wasn’t going to be pretty. Like Sodom and Gomorrah not pretty. But when they humbled themselves before God and turned from their wicked ways, the Lord showed that mercy triumphs over judgment.

Speaking of Jonah, did God owe His disobedient prophet a second chance? The one who defiantly shook his puny little finger in the face of Almighty God and said, “No, I will not go to Ninevah! Not gonna happen. I’m outta here.” Hardly. But He gave Jonah another chance to obey. By the way, aren’t you glad that your disobedience to God’s command doesn’t land you in the slimy belly of a great fish? Me, too.

Did the father in the parable of the prodigal son owe his rebellious child a great feast, a pair of new sandals for his feet, a ring for his finger or the best robe he could find for him? The one who took the cash and bolted for a far away land, then wasted it all on sex, drugs and rock n’ roll? No!

Did the woman in Luke 7, the one with a reputation as being (ahem) “a woman of the city,” deserve God’s compassion? Uh, no.

Did the much despised, tax-collecting thief Zaccheus deserve to have Jesus come under his roof and eat with him? Did he deserve Christ’s love and forgiveness?

Did Saul from Tarsus, the self-described “worst of sinners,” a violent persecutor of the church in any way deserve the compassion of the Lord?

I’m telling you – there’s hope for anybody! And let me assure you that there’s not a single person on the planet who is in the least bit deserving of God’s grace and forgiveness. None of us are worthy. There is no one righteous, not even one. Sorry to break it to you, but we all deserve death and hell because we’ve all sinned against a holy and righteous God.

But God is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in love. He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. He proved His love in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. And whoever humbles himself before the Lord in repentance and turns in faith to Jesus Christ will be saved. Saved from sin and its wages of death, and saved to abundant and eternal life in Christ.

Maybe nobody’s ever told you this before, so you might want to listen closely: There’s hope for you! Jesus saves! When you cry out to Jesus from wherever you are, you’ll find rest, love, grace, forgiveness, mercy and healing – and so much more!

Of course, if you’d have been listening to Third Day, you’d have known that already! Why not call upon the Lord of compassion right now right where you are?

Feeble Saints, God's Grace and Pastor Installation Service

2011-11-01T07:52:00.000-06:00

I had the privilege of preaching at the First Baptist Church in Brownstown, IL, this past Sunday morning. The church was celebrating 25 years having my uncle Olen Evans as their pastor. In case you’re keeping score at home, that’s about 22 years beyond the average tenure of pastors in one church these days.

My uncle has been a hero of the faith throughout my life. Right up there with the men and women of God in Hebrews 11. He has been through the fires and trials, the pains and the sorrows, and the persecutions and sufferings that often accompany the way of Christ. And he’s persevered faithfully through it all. Or maybe I should say that the Lord has been faithful to deliver him through it all.

You didn’t think that following Jesus was all candy and roses, did you?

Some seventeen years ago the doctors said there was nothing else they could do for Olen. Kidney failure. Bone marrow disease. You name it, he’s endured it. At one point his weight plummeted to 79 pounds. They gave him six months to live. But rather than destroy him, the disease led him to a deeper dependence upon the Lord. And God delivered him. The result was a greater longing for heaven, a bolder witness on earth and passionate pursuit of holiness.

In his book, Journeys of a Feeble Saint, Olen also chronicles a period of intense spiritual warfare in his life. His family would often receive threatening phone calls. Doors would slam shut when no one else was around. Their dog’s neck had been sliced open. A family portrait was discovered with all their faces blacked out and a slash mark across my uncle’s throat. They found countless signs of intruders in the house with no forced entry. His family often felt the presence of evil around them. They came home once to find the words “Satan Lives” spray painted in large black letters on their house and occult symbols on the inside.

You didn’t think pastors were immune to danger, did you?

It’s not for no reason that the Bible admonishes us to “put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). It’s not in vain that we’re warned that our “adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

Jesus assured His disciples that just as the people of His day hated Him, they would hate His followers also. He told them plainly that the day would come when they would be put to death on account of His name. No wonder He says that anyone who wants to follow Him must deny himself, take up his cross and follow. “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it” (Mark 8:35).

You didn’t think the narrow road that leads to life would be a picnic, did you?

And yet God gives us the grace and the power for victory over the adversary. My uncle is a living testimony of faith in the Lord, and of God’s mercy, goodness, power and faithfulness to deliver him through it all.

I wish I had more room to tell you about how he has personally been an encouragement in my life. Maybe some other time.

I am excited to tell you that he will be bringing the message this Sunday afternoon, November 6, at 3:00 for the Pastor Installation Service at Petersburg First Baptist Church. I’m not real sure what an installation service is. I know what it means to install a microwave oven or a water heater, but how to install a pastor? Guess I’ll find out this Sunday. You can, too. Come and be our guest!

Adjusting to Life in Petersburg

2011-10-25T12:04:00.000-05:00

Note: The following article has been submitted for publication in this week's Petersburg Observer.

I want to say thank you to the community of Petersburg for welcoming our family into town. You have received us warmly and have helped us settle in. Wish I had room to tell you how the First Baptist Church has gone out of their way to make our move smooth. We are grateful for the kindness and love they’ve shown us already.

I’ll also say that the school administrators and teachers have been helpful in getting our boys transitioned into a new school. I hope it’s OK to send a special shout out to Mr. Kesler at PORTA Central. He and I are both products of Robinson High School from the 80’s – long hair, short basketball shorts and all. Go Maroons!

Other local pastors and just plain old everyday people have also dropped by or sent a note in the mail to welcome us. Even Petersburg’s “Citizen of the Year” brought over some food on the day we moved in. I think it was Judy’s casserole that sealed the nomination.

On top of all that, Petersburg, you truly have a beautiful town. The picturesque view that greets traffic coming in from the east is nothing short of brilliant.

We’ve been here since mid-August and have enjoyed the various events, activities and businesses Petersburg offers. Compared to the rural farming village from which we came, we’re actually quite impressed with such a smorgasborg of eating options in town. The nearest Pizza Hut or Dairy Queen was about 20 miles away. The nearest Leo’s Pizza or Gillmore’s was about 230 miles, so it’s like we’re big city all of sudden here. Sure beats the QuikMart gas station sandwich – no offense to Casey’s or Ayerco.

By the way, I knew we were arriving in the world when I saw on the Petersburg First Baptist Church website that they were located “one block west of the only stoplight in town.” The only lights in our entire county were the flashing stop sign at the crossroads, and the strobe light flickering from one of the taverns on Saturday nights.

Now, before all the warm and fuzzies fade, I think it’s important to mention the name of the town from which we moved. It’s Ridgway. While that may be of no significance to most readers, some of you have already recognized the connection and that’s why your brow has furrowed and your upper lip is snarled.

Honestly, I wasn’t there in 1973, and I had nothing to do with the fact that the Ridgway Eagles defeated Petersburg PORTA 85-79 in the state basketball tournament. So please don’t hold that against me. I am bound however by the folks in Ridgway to be sure to let you know that they said “Hi.”

Seriously, that was almost 40 years ago. You have gotten over it, haven’t you? If you ever do go to Ridgway, be sure to see the large painted mural on the side of the old grocery store building reminding its residents and visitors alike of their 1973 championship season.

So anyway, thanks for giving us a kind reception into Petersburg. I truly believe the Lord has brought us here for a purpose, and that somehow He’ll use us to glorify His name, to strengthen His church, and to reach our neighbors and the nations with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

If you’re looking for a church home, come see us at Petersburg First Baptist Church. Jesus calls His church “the light of the world” and compares her to a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. That’s who we are and want to continually live up to be. Join us for Sunday morning worship at 10:45. We’re pretty easy to find, just one block west of the only stoplight in town.

Our Only Hope for Healing

2011-09-07T12:19:00.000-05:00

"...if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land." - 2 Chronicles 7:14

This was God's response to King Solomon's prayer on behalf of Israel. Solomon understood that the nation was solely dependent upon the mercy and grace of God, and if they came under attack or found themselves suffering due to their sin and rebellion against the Lord, that their only hope for healing rested in Him.

Pres. Abraham Lincoln also understood that the only hope for America's healing during the horrific Civil War rested in the hand of Almighty God. See the text of his proclamation for national humiliation, fasting and prayer below. His bold and desperate call for the people of this land to turn to God for help would be largely ignored or ridiculed today. But, oh, how we need to turn to God in repentance and renewal of faith!

As we approach the 10th anniversary of the events of 9/11, may we who claim the name of Christ lead out in truly humbling ourselves before the Lord, praying and seeking His face, and turning from our wicked ways. We are facing desperate times in our land. We are suffering from the righteous judgments of God against our rebellion toward Him, and we are on the fast track to national ruin.

Let us call upon the name of the Lord. He is still our only hope for healing.

By the President of the United States of America. A Proclamation.

Whereas, the Senate of the United States, devoutly recognizing the Supreme Authority and just Government of Almighty God, in all the affairs of men and of nations, has, by a resolution, requested the President to designate and set apart a day for National prayer and humiliation.

And whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.

And, insomuch as we know that, by His divine law, nations like individuals are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world, may we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war, which now desolates the land, may be but a punishment, inflicted upon us, for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole People?

We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown.

But we have forgotten God.

We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us!

It behooves us then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.

Now, therefore, in compliance with the request, and fully concurring in the views of the Senate, I do, by this my proclamation, designate and set apart Thursday, the 30th. day of April, 1863, as a day of national humiliation, fasting and prayer. And I do hereby request all the People to abstain, on that day, from their ordinary secular pursuits, and to unite, at their several places of public worship and their respective homes, in keeping the day holy to the Lord, and devoted to the humble discharge of the religious duties proper to that solemn occasion.

All this being done, in sincerity and truth, let us then rest humbly in the hope authorized by the Divine teachings, that the united cry of the Nation will be heard on high, and answered with blessings, no less than the pardon of our national sins, and the restoration of our now divided and suffering Country, to its former happy condition of unity and peace.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the City of Washington, this thirtieth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty seventh.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln

William H. Seward, Secretary of State.

Source: The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, edited by Roy P. Basler.

Praise from A to Z

2011-08-31T14:55:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite chapters in the Psalms is 145. I preached from this chapter my next to last Sunday in Ridgway, then (don't tell anyone) again in Petersburg this past Sunday. The more I read it and meditate on it, the more my heart rises in praise to and adoration of our mighty and compassionate God.

This psalm is an acrostic poem, using the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet to begin each verse. In an attempt to express my own praise to the Lord, I've come up with this offering modeled after the psalmist's poetic work.

Able, God, You’re able
There is nothing You can’t do

Blessed Lord, my Father
Hear my song of praise to You

Compassionate forever
O, how caring toward all men

Deliverer eternal
How You’ve saved me from my sin

Everlasting, evermore
Your kingdom shall endure

Faithful God, so faithful
All Your promises are sure

Gracious God, in Jesus
Blessings pour out from Your heart

Holy, Holy, Holy
Lord Almighty God Thou art

Incomparable, unparalleled
O, who is like You, Lord?

Just, in perfect justice, God
You give each his reward

King of kings, in glory
In majestic, wondrous fame

Lord of lords, one day will
Every tongue proclaim Your name

Merciful and mighty
You are loving, yet so strong

Near to those who cry out
You’re the Help for whom we long

O, the One and Only
Son of God, my Savior, Friend

Prince of Peace, Almighty God
Your praise will never end

Quickly to my rescue
Lord, You come and satisfy

Rock of my salvation
God, Your name I glorify

Savior, blessed Savior
Jesus, stronghold for the weak

True and truly lovely
You’re the treasure that I seek

Unfailing is Your love, O Lord
You never lead astray

Victory is sure to those
Who follow in Your way

Wonderful Your counsel
By Your Word I walk in light

Excellent Your Spirit
Your sweet presence day and night

Yahweh, at Your holy name
I’ll bless You all my days

Zealous for Your glory
May the whole world sing Your praise

Hiatus

2011-08-25T14:58:00.000-05:00

If you follow this blog at all you've noticed that I've taken a little hiatus from posting. My family and I are still transitioning / getting settled into our new home and ministry assignment in Petersburg, IL. Hope you'll stayed tuned for some updates on our move and reports on how the Lord is working.

There's no shortage of material to write about.

"All the Way My Savior Leads Me"

2011-08-04T15:05:00.000-05:00

Thankful for this assurance! Is there ever any reason to question our loving Lord's leading?

All the way my Savior leads me
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy
Who through life has been my guide?
Heavenly peace, divinest comfort
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know whate'er befall me
Jesus doeth all things well
For I know whate'er befall me
Jesus doeth all things well

All the way my Savior leads me
Cheers each winding path I tread
Gives me grace for every trial
Feeds me with the living bread
Though my weary steps may falter
And my soul athirst may be
Gushing from the Rock before me
Lo! a spring of joy I see
Gushing from the Rock before me
Lo! a spring of joy I see

All the way my Savior leads me
Oh, the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father's house above
When my spirit, clothed immortal
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages
Jesus led me all the way
This my song through endless ages
Jesus led me all the way

Words: Fanny J. Crosby

It's Been Good

2011-08-02T14:36:00.000-05:00

To Ridgway and the good people of Gallatin County: It’s been good knowin’ ya.

I want you to know that God has blessed us through you. We came to Ridgway seven years ago from Kansas City, making the transition from city life to small town living. And, yes, it was something of a culture shock. And sometimes outsiders ‘round these parts don’t fit in real well.

But you made our adjustment smooth. You welcomed us with kindness and made us feel at home. From the guys at the coffee shop giving me a seat at their table (and enough good sermon material to fill a book), to the wonderful teachers and staff at Gallatin County Schools, and from our friendly neighbors to the friends we’ve made through summer baseball, and many others we’ve encountered along the way, I say thank you for making Ridgway a great place for us to live and work and raise a family.

Let me also say a word of gratitude to God for the friendships and partnerships I’ve had with fellow pastors. Bro. Jack Hall in Shawneetown has been a trustworthy friend, encourager, mentor and co-laborer in the Lord. Bro. Roy Dale Orr at the Junction First Baptist Church has also been a great friend and brother in Christ. Bro. Randy Davis, Director of Missions for the Saline Baptist Association, not only helped pave the way for my arrival in Ridgway when he served as Interim Pastor here in 2004, but has been a constant help ever since.

There’s also a group of pastors from our association who have been meeting for prayer on Wednesday mornings whom I want to acknowledge. I’ve grown more through our prayer times together than in many hours of Bible study on my own. I will miss these men dearly. You need to know that these pastors persevere passionately in prayer for God to bless Southern Illinois with a great outpouring of His presence.

And I’m going to amp up the praise for the Ridgway First Baptist Church. The Lord has truly blessed us through His people here. They have encouraged us greatly, supported us generously, and loved us unconditionally. In short, they’ve taken great care of their pastor and his family in every way, and we’re utterly grateful.

Not everything’s been easy. We’ve enjoyed times of joy and celebration, but we’ve also walked together through seasons of sorrow and hurt. We’ve laughed with one another and cried with one another. That’s what a family does. That’s what the family of God does – the body of believers who comprise the church. And we’ve been blessed to be a part of it.

One of the guys in town jokingly said something about maybe in our new church I won’t have to put up with the likes of J.W. Rider and George Hise. There’s some truth in that! One lesson I’ve learned here is that you never go down in the crawl space of your house when your neighbor is watching. Let’s just say that the openings don’t close and lock themselves.

But honestly, I can only hope that there are men like that in Petersburg. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of men and deacons surrounding me here like J.W. and George, like Mike Moye, Robert Wilson and Ron Woods, and like two giants who have gone on to their heavenly reward, Edgar Sork and Tom Mitchell. These are men who have each made temporal and eternal investments in my life, and whom I believe would literally lay down their lives for me if need be. I pray I’ll find men like that in Petersburg.

And I’m expecting to. God has blessed us richly in every church we’ve ever belonged to. I could easily boast of the people at Trimble Bible Church where I grew up. I could tell some great stories about the saints at College Avenue Baptist Church in Normal, my wife’s home church, and where I attended during college. I could go on and on about Calvary Baptist Church, which became our family in Rockford for eight years. I could brag about the godly people at Loma Vista Baptist Church in Kansas City, where we served for three years while in seminary.

So there’s no reason not to believe that the Lord will keep blessing through His church in Petersburg. In fact, I can’t wait to see what God has in store! And I can’t wait to see what He has in store for His church here in Ridgway. The riches of His grace in Christ Jesus are boundless.

If you’re not experiencing the abundant life Jesus came to give you, then yield your life completely to Him today, and you will! And if you’re ever in Petersburg or around the Springfield area, look us up. We’d love to get together again. God is good, and it’s been good knowin’ ya.

"I Stand Amazed in the Presence"

2011-07-29T14:11:00.000-05:00

Here's a song that echoes my own wonder at the amazing love of God in Christ Jesus.

I stand amazed in the presence
Of Jesus the Nazarene
And wonder how He could love me
A sinner, condemned, unclean

How marvelous! How wonderful!
And my song shall ever be
How marvelous! How wonderful!
Is my Savior's love for me!

For me it was in the garden
He prayed, "Not my will, but Thine"
He had no tears for His own griefs
But sweat drops of blood for mine

How marvelous! How wonderful!
And my song shall ever be
How marvelous! How wonderful!
Is my Savior's love for me!

He took my sins and my sorrows
He made them His very own
He bore the burden to Calvary
And suffered and died alone

How marvelous! How wonderful!
And my song shall ever be
How marvelous! How wonderful!
Is my Savior's love for me!

When with the ransomed in glory
His face I at last shall see
'Twill be my joy through the ages
To sing of His love for me

How marvelous! How wonderful!
And my song shall ever be
How marvelous! How wonderful!
Is my Savior's love for me!

Words: Charles H. Gabriel

Raising Children in Love and Faith

2011-07-26T13:02:00.000-05:00

Last week the Lord blessed us with a great Vacation Bible School! I want to thank all of the parents who entrusted their children to us. Your children are precious, and I pray that you’ll continue to instill in them love and faith in the Lord.

We as a church want to do whatever we can to help you raise your children in a way that’s pleasing to God. Listen, I have two boys at home and know how challenging parenting can be. There are all kinds of pressures and temptations and dangers and snares out there. Parenting is hard work. Sometimes it seems overwhelming. I believe we’re battling spiritual forces of darkness that seek to tear families apart. Bringing up your children to become healthy and strong and wise young men and women is no easy task.

But we can help you. If you’re needing a warm, caring church home, then let me encourage you to come and check us out. We have Sunday School classes at 9:30 for all ages, and our worship service starts at 10:40. I know you want what’s best for your children, and if you’ll let us, we can help teach them the ways of the Lord. And God’s ways are always the best ways, even when they fly in the face of the current cultural tide.

And, parents, let me urge you to set the example your children need to see. As a church we can have something of a positive influence upon them, but seriously it’s you who overwhelmingly will set the course for their lives. If they see you treating people with respect, they’ll treat people with respect. If they see you dealing honestly and truthfully, they’ll learn to be honest and truthful. If they see you going out of your way to serve and show love, they’ll learn to serve and love.

Unfortunately, they also pick up on our mistakes in the same way. When we react angrily about situations, they’ll learn to react to things in anger. When we are lazy, they’ll be lazy. We we mismanage our money, they’ll do the same thing.

I don’t have to tell you that children learn more from what they see us do than what we tell them. For example, if you’re a smoker and try to tell your kids not to smoke, I hope that works out for you, but don’t bet on it. If you tell your children it’s good to go to church on Sundays, but you don’t go, then that shows them how unimportant it really is to you.

Parents, I not only want to see your children grow in knowledge and faith in Jesus, but I want the same for you! You don’t have to be a Bible scholar to come to church. We’re not going to put you on the spot, administer any tests or ask you to give an account of your life and confess all your sins publicly.

Rather, we want you to discover the unfailing mercies and riches of God’s grace. We want you to marvel at His sacrificial love for you, to stand in awe of His power and to humble yourself at His holiness. We want you to be assured in His faithfulness, to rest in His provision and to trust in His goodness.

That’s the best thing you can possibly do for your children. If you turn away from sin and start trusting in Jesus, following His ways according to His Word, then you’ll become a better parent. You’ll become a better person. Because here’s what He will do for you – He’ll fill you with His Holy Spirit, who will produce in you things like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control.

And if these characteristics are increasingly evident in your life, then your children will be blessed by them. I’m not saying everything will be perfect or easy. Remember, there’s an adversary we face in this world called Satan whose purpose is to kill, to steal and to destroy. And his aresenal against children, families and the church is vast.

But there is a greater power in Christ than anything this world can throw at us. In His strength you can stand firm. Trust in Jesus. Obey His Word. Yield your life to Him wholeheartedly. And walk this journey of faith together with fellow believers in the church. You need the church, and the church needs you. See you Sunday!

"How Great Thou Art"

2011-07-21T09:28:00.000-05:00

If you really pressed me on it, I would probably say this is my favorite hymn.

O Lord my God!
When I in awesome wonder
Consider all
The worlds Thy hands have made
I see the stars
I hear the rolling thunder
Thy power throughout
The universe displayed

Then sings my soul
My Savior, God, to Thee
How great Thou art
How great Thou art
Then sings my soul
My Savior, God, to Thee
How great Thou art
How great Thou art

When through the woods
And forest glades I wander
And hear the birds
Sing sweetly in the trees
When I look down
From lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook
And feel the gentle breeze

Then sings my soul
My Savior, God, to Thee
How great Thou art
How great Thou art
Then sings my soul
My Savior, God, to Thee
How great Thou art
How great Thou art

And when I think
That God, His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die
I scarce can take it in
That on the cross
My burden gladly bearing
He bled and died
To take away my sin

Then sings my soul
My Savior, God, to Thee
How great Thou art
How great Thou art
Then sings my soul
My Savior, God, to Thee
How great Thou art
How great Thou art

When Christ shall come
With shouts of acclamation
And take me home
What joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow
In humble adoration
And there proclaim
My God, how great Thou art

Then sings my soul
My Savior, God, to Thee
How great Thou art
How great Thou art
Then sings my soul
My Savior, God, to Thee
How great Thou art
How great Thou art

Words: Stuart K. Hine

Going Where the Lord Leads

2011-07-19T13:38:00.000-05:00

If you haven’t yet heard, the word on the streets is that Bro. Rob and his family are moving soon. For some this may be unhappy news, but for the rest, please try to contain your excitement at least until we’re gone. LOL!

Let me say first of all that we have truly, truly enjoyed our time in Ridgway. The community has treated us with warm, neighborly kindness and has welcomed us as friends. Ridgway has been a safe and caring place for us to raise our boys, and we have made close connections with many of you. Thank you for making us feel at home in your town for these past seven years.

I also want to emphasize how grateful we are to the Lord for the opportunity to serve at the First Baptist Church. The church has been so gracious and loving toward us – spoiling us, really – that it makes our transition so difficult. If you don’t belong to Ridgway FBC, you need to know that this body of believers took us in with great faith and became family to us. I wholeheartedly encourage you, if you don’t have a loving church home, to come and experience the fellowship of God’s people here.

For the record, our move comes about not because of any problems in the church, but simply in our desire to be faithful in following the will of God. The Lord has opened a door for me to serve as pastor at First Baptist Church in Petersburg, IL, and though I’ve given Him plenty of opportunities to close it, He hasn’t. And so it is by faith, as best as we can discern the Lord’s will, to go where He’s leading.

We often sing the song, “Wherever He Leads I’ll Go.” The chorus ends with this line: “I’ll follow my Christ who loves me so // Wherever He leads I’ll go.” That’s a song, if you sing it sincerely, you’d better be willing to put into action. Otherwise, you’re just offering lip service to God, and He knows your heart. If He calls us to go – wherever that may be – we must be willing to go. And since we know that He loves us with an unfailing, steadfast love, He makes it easy for us to trust that He will never lead us astray.

With that said, I hope it’s clear that I’m not interested in trying to climb any corporate or church ladder, nor are we making this move to be closer to family. Again, it’s simply a matter of faithfulness and obedience. Yes, we will be closer to my wife’s parents, but further away from my side of the family. It’s a trade-off in terms of geography. But the Lord could have called us to North Dakota or New York City and we’d have gone. Our preference of location has nothing to do with it.

The truth is that every believer must be willing to go wherever the Lord leads. He calls us to deny ourselves, take up our crosses and follow Him. If we’re not willing to give up anything and everything for the sake of His name, if we’re not willing to leave comfortable homes, if we’re not willing to leave our families and our farms, if we’re not willing to sell off all of our possessions and give to the poor, if we’re not willing to die to our own ambitions, then we cannot be His disciples.

That’s a tough call to heed, but sometimes Jesus asks that we do hard things. And it shouldn’t be that difficult for us to give our lives to Him. After all, He endured the agony of the cross for us. He suffered and bled and died as an innocent man so that we could be reconciled to God. Our sin demanded such a sacrifice, and apart from the forgiveness Jesus offers to us by His blood, we would face God’s righteous wrath as the penalty for our sins, which is death and hell.

But God loved us so much that He has made the way possible for us to be saved – if only we’ll believe in His Son, Jesus, yielding our lives wholeheartedly to Him. Why not repent from your sins and trust in Christ as Savior and Lord today?

My last Sunday here will be August 7. I want to invite you to come to church that morning. I’d love to see you there.

"I Love to Tell the Story"

2011-07-15T11:35:00.000-05:00

As Christians - those who have been born of God, brought from darkness into light, from death to life, from enslavement in sin to victory in Christ...those who have an unshakeable hope of everlasting life, a heavenly inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled and unfading, the unfailing promises of God's word - the theme of our lives ought to be telling the story of Jesus and His love.

We are ambassadors of Christ, sent by the Lord to represent Jesus to the world. We are witnesses of His salvation, empowered by His Holy Spirit.

It's a great story, and one that we're compelled to tell. If you know it, you love to tell it.

I love to tell the story
Of unseen things above
Of Jesus and His glory
Of Jesus and His love
I love to tell the story
Because I know 'tis true
It satisfies my longings
As nothing else can do

I love to tell the story
'Twill be my theme in glory
To tell the old, old story
Of Jesus and His love

Words: Katherine Hankey

Big Apple Adventure, and Praying for America

2011-07-12T10:02:00.000-05:00

I’m excited to remind you that our Vacation Bible School starts this coming Sunday! This year’s theme is “Big Apple Adventure.” I’m not real sure what that means, other than the fact that we’re busy transforming the church building into something that looks like New York City.

That would explain all of the large cardboard boxes decorated as skyscrapers and the yellow taxi cab parked out by the door. I understand that if you step onto our main platform area in the sanctuary you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of Times Square. And our missions offering will be received by feeding the parking meter. It should be a fun week.

If you have children from ages 4 through those who have just completed 6th grade, we invite you to come and join us for this Big Apple Adventure. Again, it starts this Sunday, July 17, and goes through Thursday, July 21. We’ll serve a light meal for the children and workers at 5:30 each evening, and VBS goes from 6:00-8:00. Friday, July 22, at 6:00 p.m. will be our Family Night. Hope to see you there!

As I pray about what to write this week, I feel compelled to urge you to pray for our nation. We are facing some challenging times, unprecedented times, and our leaders and our people need prayer more than ever. Our economic crisis could easily and suddenly become a nightmare. Our global peace-keeping mission keeps meaning the loss of more and more of our young men and women in uniform. Our moral descent is picking up speed.

We need to pray for America. And I’m not talking about a “God, bless America” kind of prayer. I’m talking about praying that His name will be honored by this nation. I’m talking about praying that His kingdom’s purposes will become our desire. I’m talking about praying that God will turn the hearts of this stubborn people back to following His ways.

Now, where have we seen this pattern of prayer before? Oh, yes! “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Are we really praying like this? Or are we just mouthing words in vain repetition?

If we really pray that God’s name will be “hallowed,” that is, to be made holy or revered among men, then we need to honor Him as Almighty God and Lord. We’re not doing that as a nation. How can sing “God Bless America” on the Capitol steps or during the seventh inning stretch while not possessing the slightest desire to truly honor Him in the way we think and live?

If we really pray for His kingdom to come, then we need to submit to His reign. The band MercyMe had a song out recently with this line: “How can I further Your kingdom / When I’m so wrapped up in mine?” In order to allow our Father’s kingdom to come, we need to stop building our own. We must be willing to lay down our personal agendas, our self-centered ambitions and our inflated arrogance and seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

And if we really pray for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, then we need to make some radical changes in our lives. How is God’s will done in heaven? It’s obeyed perfectly, completely, gladly, joyfully, without hesitation, without question, without doubt. How is His will done on earth? Not so much. We must repent of insisting on doing our will, following the stubborn, sinful desires of our hearts and living like obeying our Father’s will is optional.

These are perilous times in our nation’s history. I believe we’re on the brink of receiving a swift measure of God’s judgment for our failure to honor Him and follow His ways such as we’ve never seen before. It’s high time to pray, and pray hard and pray in truth. I’m not asking you to pray to try to convince God to do things your way, but to humble yourself and allow Him to conform you to His ways.

Even wicked Ninevah was spared when they believed God, called upon Him for mercy and turned from their evil ways. Perhaps He will relent and turn from His anger against us if we get down on our knees and pray.

"Without Him"

2011-07-08T06:00:00.004-05:00

From time to time the Lord reminds me of the truth in this song. The truth is that I need constant, moment-by-moment reminders of this truth. Maybe a string on my finger, a sticky note on my forehead, or just the freshness of having His Word written on the tablet of my heart.

Jesus said in John 15:5 - "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

Without Him, I could do nothing
Without Him, I'd surely fail
Without Him, I would be drifting
Like a ship without a sail

Jesus, O Jesus
Do you know Him today?
Do not turn Him away
O Jesus, O Jesus
Without Him, how lost I would be

Without Him, I could by dying
Without Him, I'd be enslaved
Without Him, life would be hopeless
But with Jesus, thank God, I'm saved

Jesus, O Jesus
Do you know Him today?
Do not turn Him away
O Jesus, O Jesus
Without Him, how lost I would be

Words: Mylon R. LeFevre

What Makes VBS Special

2011-07-07T12:20:00.000-05:00

So maybe what makes Vacation Bible School special are the teachers.

VBS at Ridgway First Baptist Church is right around the corner. We’ll start on Sunday, July 17, and go through Thursday night, July 21. Friday will be our family night. Let me take this space and invite you to bring your children (ages 4 through grade 6) each evening. Or bring your grandchildren, or your neighbor’s kids or whomever you can find. Go out among the highways and the hedges and compel them all to come. We’re planning a light meal at 5:30 every night and VBS will go from 6:00-8:00.

Oh, and don’t miss our Kick-off Party event / registration night! It will be Thursday, July 14, from 5:00 – 7:00. This will be a great opportunity to come and meet some of our VBS workers, enjoy some popcorn and Sno-Cones, hotdogs on the grill, and fun activities. We’re borrowing our association’s Party Trailer, which also includes a large jump house for the kids. Last year we nearly got everything set up for our event when the rain began to fall and we had to close up shop. We trust the Lord will give us a fantastic evening this year.

In an earlier column I mentioned some of our workers in areas such as music, snacks, recreation and crafts. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for all who assist in any way. And even for those who can’t come, many give faithfully to the mission of the church to help promote ministries like VBS. I say thank you to all.

Now I want to recognize those who have volunteered to teach. I think there’s a special bond that develops very quickly between teachers and their students during VBS. It’s amazing how love works like that.

Parents, I want you to know that our teachers have already been praying for your children. By the time VBS rolls around, they will have spent many hours reading and studying the Bible stories, preparing lesson plans and activities, and decorating their rooms to create a warm, friendly environment for your children. Our teachers, and all of our workers, truly care about your children, and we trust that the love shows clearly in everything we do.

That love is the reason we do this in the first place. And it’s not even so much that in love we want to do something nice for the children, but it’s more like a compulsion. Seriously, putting together a week of Vacation Bible School takes a ton of work from a lot of people. It’s a huge time investment. It’s a significant financial investment. If we weren’t compelled by love to do it, we probably wouldn’t. Or if we did without love, then our efforts would be worth nothing.

But love is a tremendous motivator! And the love I’m talking about is the love of God that reached down from heaven and somehow touched our hearts. God in His great mercy put His love on display in sending Jesus to this earth. We want to pour that love into others.

And it’s not like any of us were worthy of it. No, we were sinners in rebellion against God, hostile to Him. We were His enemies. And not only that, but we as sinful people were incapable of doing anything good to merit God’s love.

That’s what makes His love so captivating. God loved this world so much (and that’s you!) that He willingly, mercifully, graciously gave His one and only Son, that whosoever (that’s you again!) believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. Think about it – life and death are on the line, but in Christ we can have ultimate and eternal victory! That’s a message worth telling over and over and over again. It’s a message we’re compelled to tell. We love to tell the story of Jesus and His love.

And so, we invite you to come and be part of our Vacation Bible School this year, where your children will hear the good news of salvation in Christ Jesus.

Here are our teachers, and I hope I haven’t left anyone out! 4’s-K: Becky Mitchell, Aimee Sparrow, Carrie Abell, Tara Funk. Grades 1-2: Becky Seely, Kristi Seely. Grades 3-4: Amy Gallion, June Siler. Grades 5-6: Helen Abell, Marsha Moye, Derek Catiller. And roaming the field and filling in any gaps will be VBS Hall of Famer Theda Miller. Maybe they’re why Vacation Bible School is so special.

"To God Be the Glory"

2011-07-01T09:43:00.002-05:00

Here's one of my favorite hymns. The message of the gospel is clear, the glory goes to God, and the call to praise in the chorus sounds like something straight out of the Psalms.

So, sing it out and sing it loud. Let the whole earth hear the song of our praise and come to the Father by His grace through faith in Jesus.

To God be the glory, great things He hath done
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin
And opened the life-gate that all may go in

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son
And give Him the glory, great things He hath done

Words: Fanny Crosby

Under God

2011-06-28T11:46:00.000-05:00

Did you hear about the flap over NBC editing out the words “under God” in a piece they did last week?

In their coverage of the U.S. Open Golf Tournament, the network aired a patriotic video segment with school children reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Interestingly, the phrase “under God, indivisible” was left on the cutting room floor.

Should we make anything of this? NBC executives offered an apology for what they said was a “mistake.” Was it a simple mistake (it was actually omitted twice), or was this a calculated decision to further a liberal agenda that has no tolerance for God, wants nothing to do with God, doesn’t like God and doesn’t like people who do. Hmmm…you decide.

To me it’s obvious that the mainstream media is fueling an increasingly atheistic culture. And the majority is buying into it hook, line and sinker. We’re living like Israel during the time of the judges, when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). This cultural tide has more or less swept away all things godly. We’re doing whatever we want, whatever we think is right in our own eyes with nary a glance toward following after the ways of the Lord, and often in deliberate defiance against Him.

We’ve taken prayer out of schools and started handing out condoms. We’ve devalued God’s gift of life and legalized the killing of babies in the womb. We’ve spit in the face of the One who ordained marriage. We’ve gone overboard to protect the “rights” of pornographers and producers of violent and graphic video games while failing to protect our children and citizenry. We’ve worshipped the gods of money, fame and pleasure while spurning the God who made us and sustains us.

Our founding fathers must be reeling in their graves. Never in a million years would they have dreamed of the lengths to which this nation has gone to remove all references to Christianity in the United States of America. Read some of the founding documents and you’ll see how readily they recognized God’s sovereign, providential hand birthing and shaping this land.

You may even remember when Pres. Eisenhower signed into law the measure which added the phrase “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance. In an accompanying congressional report, the measure read: “From the time of our earliest history our people and our institutions have reflected the traditional concept that our Nation was founded on a fundamental belief in God.”

Yet now we want Him out.

But, listen. My real concern is not with the media or the culture. It doesn’t surprise me in the least that NBC would drop “under God” from the Pledge. I’m not shocked to hear that New York has legalized same-sex marriage. Ungodly people doing ungodly things bothers me, yes, but it doesn't startle me.

My real concern is with the church. We are simply not being the salt and the light in this world as we are called to be. Our witness is silent. Our testimony is weak. Our faith is little. Our compassion is pathetic. Our love is cold. Our righteousness is wretched. Our worship is lip service. In short, our lives are not much reflecting the light and the glory of our Savior Jesus Christ in a dark and twisted generation.

The Lord still has his faithful remnant, to be sure, but the majority of those who claim to be Christians in this nation have been far more influenced by the worldly culture for Satan’s purposes than they have influenced the culture for the Kingdom of Christ. And I am convinced that we are now and will continue to experience the judgment of God for ours sins.

Church, I’m pleading with you (with us) to repent and return to the Lord with all your heart. It’s time to get rid of the foreign gods among us, confess our sins and cry out to God for mercy. It’s time to come before the Lord with fasting, weeping and mourning, and rend our hearts in His presence. It’s time for us to truly come together as one nation under God. For He indeed is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. And “who knows whether He will not turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind Him…?” (Joel 2:14).

Honoring Our Fathers and Teaching Our Sons

2011-06-21T10:40:00.000-05:00

Having just celebrated Father’s Day on Sunday, I hope you took the opportunity to honor your father. Do you remember some of your father’s best lines? Dads are famous for their pearls of wisdom.

“I brought you into this world, and I can take you out of it!”

“If you fall off that rock and break your leg, don’t come running to me.”

“What do you think I am – a bank?"

“Who ever said life was supposed to be fair?”

“You call that a haircut?”

“This is gonna hurt me a lot more than it’s gonna hurt you.”

“This is your last warning.”

“As long as you live under my roof, you live under my rules.”

“No, I do not need to stop and ask for directions.”

And one of my favorites: “I’ll tell you why – because I said so, that’s why.”

If you have a good relationship with him, then make sure he knows how much he means to you. A simple word of thanks or appreciation for his investment in your life goes a long way. And by the way, if you have (or had) a good father, then praise the Lord for such a blessing.

If your relationship with your dad has been rocky at best, then why not do whatever it takes to try to mend some fences? Ask his forgiveness for the ways you’ve messed things up, and be willing to forgive the wrongs you’ve suffered. Or start with smaller steps, but start somewhere. Even broken relationships are not impossible for God to fix. Plead with the Lord for help, and follow His guidance. Maybe things won’t ever be perfect, but the effort will be worthwhile.

For many of you reading this, your father has already passed on. I offer to you my sincerest sympathies and encourage you to honor your dad by living in the way of wisdom and righteousness. “The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him” (Proverbs 23:24). On the other hand, “To have a fool for a son brings grief; there is no joy for the father of a fool” (Proverbs 17:21).

With Father’s Day in mind, thought I’d share two quick pearls of wisdom from the Proverbs. These are time-tested and timely principles for any man, but ones my own dad has modeled and taught me, and which I’m hopefully living out and teaching to my sons, as well.

One – Take a stand for what’s right. Proverbs 1:10: “My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them.” Men, how many missteps and falls could be avoided if our sons followed this wisdom? How many of our own tragedies would we have not suffered if only we would have not given in to the enticement of sinners?

Instead, teach them with your words and your ways to take a stand for what’s right. Instill confidence in them that doing what’s right is always the right thing to do. Even if it means going against the tide of popularity. Even if it means standing alone when everyone else chases after ungodliness. Even if it means being mocked, ridiculed or shunned. You know that doing what’s right has its own reward, and your sons and daughters will be better men and women for it.

Two – Be faithful to your wife. And by faithful, I mean faithful, which includes not only being physically faithful to your wife, but mentally and emotionally faithful, as well, contra Congressman Weiner, et al. The writer of Proverbs speaks emphatically against the ways of the adulteress. “Keep your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house…He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself. He will get wounds and dishonor, and his disgrace will not be wiped away” (Proverbs 5:8; 6:32-33).

Rather, “Rejoice in the wife of your youth…be intoxicated always in her love” (Proverbs 5:18-19). It’s been said that the best thing a father can do for his sons is to love their mother. When you show your wife the faithfulness and love you promised at the altar, you’re teaching your children the way to love and to cherish and to respect others.

I’m not saying these are easy instructions to follow, but the blessings of living in the way of wisdom are spelled out clearly in God’s Word. To live out this kind of wisdom, start with a healthy “fear of the Lord,” revering Him in His holiness and submitting to His will. “The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace” (Proverbs 3:25).

A Nation Off Course (And How to Right the Ship)

2011-06-14T10:22:00.000-05:00

Put out a nationwide APB! Call in the Guard! Hold a press conference! Do whatever it takes to get the word out. We’ve lost something in America, and we need to find it quick.

I’m talking about ethics. Our national moral compass has gone haywire. Somehow we’ve lost the values that made this nation great. We need to find it, fix it and steer this ship back on course.

Yes, Virginia, there is still such a thing as right and wrong, truth and falsehood, goodness and evil. I know we’re living in a day where the national motto seems to be: “If it feels good, do it.” I know we’re living in a time when tolerance of anybody and everybody’s ways is the buzzword. I know we’re living in a culture of relativism, where what’s right and true for me may not be right and true for you.

There seems to be no standards anymore in the modern-day mindset. But there are still some things that are moral and some that are immoral. And unless we figure this out, the good ‘ole US of A is in danger of crashing, and crashing hard.

Take, for instance, the issue of marriage. What used to be clear to everyone is now strangely confused. Marriage is the union of one man and one woman who devote themselves to one another for a lifetime of faithfulness and love. It’s always been this way. The biological nature of things teaches this. God’s Word makes this absolutely clear.

Yet our country, as others have done, has lost sight of this foundational fact. We’re bending over backwards trying to change the definition of marriage. We’re doing everything we can to accommodate and legitimize the sinful lifestyle of homosexuality. We glamorize it in the media. We’re teaching its acceptance in the schools. We pounce on those who object labeling them “homophobic.”

No matter what the current laws of the land may say, no matter which way the tide of public opinion may roll, there is still a higher standard that has declared homosexuality to be a sin. God’s Word is neither silent nor ambiguous on the matter. It’s not our place to define what’s right and wrong. God has the word on such things, and for man to ignore God’s truth and create his own is nothing but foolishness. In doing so we’re digging our own grave.

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death” (Proverbs 14:12).

But let me be quick to say that there is no sin that cannot be forgiven by the blood of Jesus, not even the sin of homosexuality. His mercy extends to whosoever will turn away from sin and trust in Christ, committing to following His ways and yielding their lives to His control.

And so that you don’t think I’m railing on this one issue, let me assure you that homosexuality is not the only sin destroying marriage and families. Many couples are choosing to live together rather than getting married at all. That’s wrong, too. In fact, any sexual activity outside of marriage goes against the way God designed this intimate expression of married love to be. Our culture laughs at the idea of waiting until marriage, and does all it can to encourage sexual promiscuity.

The prophet Isaiah issued a stern warning to Israel, and one that we desperately need to hear today: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight” (Isaiah 5:20).

The Bible also declares: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).

Listen, there are many other issues beyond marriage and sexual immorality that are disgracing this nation. I’m out of space to address them now. But I appeal to those rebelling against God’s ways to repent and come to Christ before His judgment falls. I pray for that our nation might find the godly, moral resolve we’ve lost. I appeal to the church to follow the Lord’s prescription for healing in the land: “If my people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Post-Vacation Random Thoughts (City visit, Locusts, Youth Event, Baptism and the Cubs)

2011-06-07T10:04:00.000-05:00

I’m feeling some random thoughts coming on. Getting back after a week of vacation will do that to you.

Speaking of vacation, I maintain that Chicago is a nice place to visit. We navigated the Metra train system into downtown (and back!), hopped aboard a CTA bus to Shedd Aquarium (or close, anyway), and hailed a taxi back to the train station. So we’re broke now, but really enjoyed our city visit. Just wouldn’t want to do it every day.

Is it just me, or is this the year of the locust? I’m talking an invasion of biblical, eighth plague proportions. Maybe not quite that bad, but still. At the base of our back yard trees, empty locust shells lie abandoned by the thousands. Their late evening crescendos have drowned out normal conversations. The children are afraid to go outside. Where have all the cicada-killers gone?

Note to all Jr. High and High School youth: Starting on Wednesday, June 15, and on Wednesdays throughout the summer, you’re invited to come and hang out, play some games, munch on some goodies and hear about the goodness of God. Gallatin County 2011 graduate Derek Catiller has a heart to reach our community’s young people with the love of Christ, and is putting plans in motion to do that. Help us get the word out – Wednesdays at 6:30 at the Ridgway First Baptist Church.

Baptism! This coming Sunday, Lord willing, my son Toby will be making a public declaration of his faith in Christ Jesus in the act of baptism. He’s only six, but he’s pretty sharp on understanding God’s salvation. He has that “child-like faith” that believes in the Lord without putting limits or boundaries on what he believes God can do. He knows that he has sinned (like everyone else), and he knows that Jesus died on the cross to take away his sin. He’s received His forgiveness and he wants to live in a way that pleases Christ.

I’m planning on saying more about the meaning of baptism Sunday, but hear our position from The Baptist Faith & Message: “Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord's Supper.”

I want to be as clear as the Montana sky in saying that getting baptized saves no one. Salvation is a gift of God’s grace through Jesus Christ our Lord which we receive by faith. There is nothing we can do to earn it, not even getting baptized. In fact, I fear that many on our own membership rolls as well as in other churches mistakenly think that because they were baptized at some stage in their life, they have done what it takes to go to heaven. As they arrive at the pearly gates they’ll hand their baptismal certificate to St. Peter and he’ll usher them on in.

The real question is this: Have you been born again? Have you repented of your sins and turned in faith to Christ? Are you trusting in what Jesus did for you on the cross, or are you trusting in your own works to be saved? Are you following His ways, or are you doing what seems right in your own eyes? Do you love the Lord with all your heart, all your soul and all your strength? Is His love for others evident in your life? Does His Spirit control you, and are you increasingly being marked by the fruits of the Spirit?

If yes, you’re also welcome to come this Sunday at 10:40 and publicly testify of your wholehearted faith in and unending allegiance to Jesus Christ through baptism. If you have any questions or would like to talk to someone, feel free to call me at 272-5921 and we’d be glad to meet with you.

Final random thought: To my Cub fans friends, we had a great time at Wrigley Field, wore my Cubs hat, cheered for the home team and sang “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the 7th inning stretch. And watched them drop a 3-1 game to the last-place Astros. Oh well, there’s always next year!

The End of the World?

2011-05-24T11:34:00.000-05:00

Well, the world didn’t end on Saturday. I saw a post from a friend on Facebook that read: “To Harold Camping, don’t beat yourself up, dude. It’s not the END OF THE WORLD!” I had to LOL.

Can someone say, “False prophet”? If the man had actually read the Bible instead of trying to decipher some hidden code, he would have known that it clearly says no one knows when the end will come. The time of Christ’s return and the Day of God’s judgment are things not revealed to man.

Jesus told His followers that there would be certain signs that would point toward His coming, “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven nor the Son, but the Father only” (Matthew 24:36).

And yes, we can look to see that the signs are evident all around us. Read through Matthew 24 for yourself. People who claim to be Christ will come and lead many astray (think David Koresh, the wacko from Waco who claimed to be the Messiah, and who has followers still believing that he’ll return from the dead). Wars and rumors of wars. Nation rising against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

We’re certainly seeing this happen in our day. Don’t you think the escalating tensions in world governments ought to tell us something? Don’t you think the increasing intensity and frequency of floods and tornadoes and earthquakes and famines ought to open our eyes to biblical prophecy?

These, Jesus says, are just the beginning of birth pains. There will be increasing tribulation for God’s people. Christians will be delivered up, put to death and hated by all nations for His name’s sake. Are you reading the reports of persecutions against the church in places like China and Saudi Arabia and Sudan and many others? The United States is hated by many countries because they see us as a Christian nation. Whether we are or not is an article for another day, I suppose.

Jesus also says many so-called believers will fall away during such persecution and betray one another. Many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. Lawlessness will increase and the love of many will grow cold. All these things will happen as the Day of the Lord approaches. We ought to recognize these signs and know that the end is near. But to predict a date is utter foolishnessness.

The point Jesus makes in explaining these things is that we must be ready! Since we don’t know when the end of the world will be, we must live our lives at all times being ready for Christ’s return. “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44).

After Jesus rose from the dead, just before He ascended into heaven, His disciples wanted to know if this was the time He would restore the kingdom to Israel. Here’s His response: “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority” (Acts 1:7). In other words, He tells them not to be worrying or concerning themselves with the hidden things that belong to God alone. Instead, they needed to get on with the work they were given to do while there still was time. That work means living out the gospel of Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit for all the world to see.

So perhaps the question is: Are you ready for the return of Christ? If the world ended today, do you know that you would be saved from the wages of sin, which is death and hell? Do you have assurance of your eternal salvation? If Jesus came back today would He find you faithfully carrying out the mission He’s given you?

If not, you need to make things right before it’s too late. You can do that now by receiving God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ the Lord. “For by grace you have been saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8). Humble yourself before Him and plead for His mercy. Repent of your sins and receive His forgiveness by the blood of Jesus shed on the cross. Believe in His resurrection victory and yield your life to following after Christ as Savior and Lord.

The end of the world as we know it will come soon enough. “But the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13).

Thinking about VBS

2011-05-17T11:50:00.000-05:00

Thinking a little about Vacation Bible School today. Parents, please mark your calendars for the week of July 17-22 and plan to bring your children for a “Big Apple Adventure.” If you already have something going on that week, you’ll need to cancel those arrangements and make sure to attend VBS. We’re also planning a fun Kick-off / Registration event on Thursday, July 14, on the church grounds.

My favorite part of VBS when I was young was the recreation time. Of course, recess was always my favorite part of school, too. If there was a game of kickball going on, any kind of relay races or dodge ball, that’s where I wanted to be.

Last year Ben and Terra Moye were in their rookie season as rec leaders, but did a wonderful job of helping the children have a very enjoyable experience. I knew it would be good the day I saw Ben drive up with a water tank in the back of his truck. I’m already looking forward to what they have planned this year.

Another highlight of VBS is snack time. Karen Cathy, Becky Newton, Gladys Moye, Barb Casey, Claudette Raymer, Kim Kanipe and others go out of their way to make sure the treats are creative, delicious and always served with a smile. All I remember from my childhood days are cookies and Kool-Aid. We’re way out of that league now. Some of our kitchen folks could have their own TV show displaying their abilities. Maybe I’ll contact WSIL and see if we can make that happen.

Then there’s the music. I’ll admit that I miss some of the songs that we used to sing when I was young, but the new songs are pretty catchy. And the lyrics the kids learn always help reinforce the lessons they hear each day. Music is a terrific teacher. Chances are that you recall some of the songs you sang in Vacation Bible School even if you don’t remember a single Bible story.

It’s like when we go out to the nursing home every 4th Sunday to lead a worship service. There’s a great joy to see and hear some of the residents there singing and not missing a word to songs they’ve known all their lives, even though they may not remember much else! Music is a powerful, effective teaching tool! And we have excellent leaders in VBS who help the children sing with understanding. Apologies to parents whose kids drive them crazy singing the VBS songs at home and in the car for the next several weeks.

By the way, our VBS music leader, Jill Rhine, is also stage/set designer extraordinaire. In just the time I’ve been here we’ve seen such sights as airplanes soaring out from the baptistery, waterfalls sparkling over the choir loft, scoreboards lighting up the stage and an entire western ranch operation come alive. This year you’re going to feel like you’re walking among the skyscrapers of downtown New York City.

And who can forget the fun of making things in craft time? I remember the girls very carefully cutting out things and gluing their projects together, while us boys glued our hands and tried to gross out the girls by peeling off the dried glue. I guess with the invention of the glue stick that doesn’t happen much anymore. Probably for the best.

Annette Jones and her helpers always make sure the children create and bring home crafts that serve as visual reminders of the Bible stories and VBS experience. If your children have been in Vacation Bible School, you might still have decorations or pictures hanging on your refrigerator, as we do at our home, or proudly displayed on dressers or doorknobs.

Finally, I’m excited this year about the stories your children will be learning. You can be confident that our teachers teach their students the Word of God. They’ll hear about the compassion of Jesus for the hurting. They’ll learn about His forgiveness and love. They’ll hear about the salvation He offers to whosoever believes in Him. They’ll see His miraculous power to heal, His mercy for the outcast and despised, and His grace toward those who trust Him.

Our team of teachers is among the best you’d find anywhere. I’m grateful to work alongside them and thankful my own boys have the opportunity to learn from them. In a future article I’ll mention them individually.

And I’m grateful for our administrative help. Without the leadership of Sheryl Woods and Theda Miller we’d be in trouble. We’re just two months away. Who’s ready for a Big Apple Adventure?

Loving Like Jesus

2011-05-11T13:59:00.000-05:00

“You need to learn to start thinking like a mom!” This was spoken by my wife last Friday, and I’m pretty sure the exclamation point is the correct punctuation to include on the end of that sentence.

Our six-year-old son had just had surgery to remove his tonsils and adenoids that afternoon. While he was still recovering, my wife got sick. Not the best timing there, but we can handle this. At least I thought I could. My thinker, however, doesn’t exactly work like a mom’s. Thus the climactic line mentioned above uttered by my sweet wife out of exasperation over my ineptitude as a caregiver, frustration over her own sickness and compassion for our hurting little boy.

Yeah, that would be the key. If I could somehow learn to start thinking like a mom, maybe things would get better. Wasn’t there an episode in Star Trek once where they transplanted minds or something? Or maybe it was The Twilight Zone. Somewhere I’ve seen it done on TV, so surely it must be possible.

By the way, to those of you who provide care to those who need extra help on an ongoing basis, my hat’s off to you. Whether it’s your disabled child, an elderly parent or grandparent, or a spouse with physical or mental illness, you have my utmost respect and admiration for your compassionate-kindness, your patience and your endurance. God bless you for such love.

Love! Yes, there’s the real key. It’s not so much that I need to start thinking like a mom. I need to start loving! Loving like a Christian. Loving like Jesus loved, and like He told us to love. How did He love? He laid down His life for us! That’s how we know what love is, and that’s how we ought to love each other.

Jesus humbled Himself on our behalf. He left the glory of heaven to come to earth, to live among us, becoming like us in the flesh. He came not to be served but to serve, and He met the needs of the poor, the outcast, the despised, the hurting and the lost (which ought to cover just about all of us). He said it’s not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. And He Himself is the cure. He gave up His life on the cross so that we might have eternal life. That’s laying down His life for us in demonstration of what love really is.

And if I’m reading the Bible right, we who claim the name of Jesus must and will lay down our lives for one another. If you have the ability to help someone in need and close your heart toward that person, then you’re showing that the love of God does not truly abide in you. You cannot claim to love God and not love your brother. “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8). That’s biblical.

I read a quote recently from an unknown source that said, “Love will find a way; indifference will find an excuse.” To love like Jesus may not be easy. It might be messy and time-consuming. It probably won’t be convenient. And it may be quite costly. But there’s a world of hurting, broken people out there who need someone to love them. And love will find a way. Indifference could come up with any number of reasons to not help, but Christians love in deed and truth, not with empty words.

Loving like Jesus would be impossible for even the most kind and benevolent of people – except for the fact that He makes it possible. See, it’s really impossible for me to get a mind transplant from my wife. But here’s the thing about Jesus. When we come to Him in repentance and faith, receiving Him as Lord and Savior, He does this spiritual transplant in our lives. He implants His own Spirit into us. He dwells within us and enables and equips us to live and to love like Him.

The needs around us right now seem overwhelming. In our own county people are suffering the loss of homes and property. Things are even worse in the southern U.S. where they’re also dealing with loss of lives from devastating tornadoes. And it’s even worse in Japan and in many other places in the world today.

No one can do it all. But we can all do something. Let’s start by loving like Jesus.

Finding Refuge and Strength in Time of Trouble

2011-05-03T11:19:00.000-05:00

My heart goes out to those of you who have been impacted by the recent storms and floods. I’m praying and trusting that the God of peace will be with you. Indeed, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

We’re living in a world filled with trouble. You don’t need me to tell you that. If it’s not trying to save your home from floodwaters or salvage some of your belongings, it’s trying to save your marriage or salvage a relationship with your children. Or maybe you’re battling an addiction you can’t seem to overcome or struggling to pay this month’s bills. Perhaps a health issue has gripped you or you’re crippled with grief and sorrow.

As long as this great big ball keeps spinning we’re going to keep facing hardships and difficulties. And might I say that even while Christians know that God is in control of all things, not only are followers of Jesus not exempt from trouble, but they are sure to experience it in this life. Jesus Himself certainly faced it, and so will we.

Yet we know that God is our refuge and strength! We know that He is our ever-present help in the midst of all the trouble. And we know that in Him we will be ultimately and eternally saved while He brings forth justice on the earth.

Speaking to His disciples right before His arrest and crucifixion, Jesus prepared them for the troubles they would soon face. You can read His words of comfort and encouragement, promises and warnings in John 14-16. But here’s how He concluded this discourse: “I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

The key to peace in troubled times is trusting in Jesus. That’s it. No magic prayer to say. No seven-step formula to follow. No purchase necessary. He is our peace. Real, lasting, supernatural peace. In Him we have it. Without Him we don’t.

Jesus has overcome the world. He has overcome by His resurrection victory over sin and death. He is unstoppable. There is no force, no power, no scheme of man nor design of the devil that can defeat Him. And those who belong to Him share in His victory. He is building His church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.

Though Satan maintains a measure of power to steal, kill and destroy in this world, his bite is not incurable and his time is running out. He will soon be “thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever” (Revelation 20:10).

The great hymn penned by Martin Luther nearly 500 years ago says it well:

And tho’ this world with devils filled
Should threaten to undo us
We will not fear for God has willed
His truth to triumph through us
The Prince of Darkness grim
We tremble not for him
His rage we can endure
For, lo, his doom is sure
One little word shall fell him

Friend, I hope you know that our God is a mighty fortress! He is our never-failing defender. He is our banner and our shield. He is our faithful provider. He is our great deliverer. He is our light and our salvation. He is our strong tower. He is our rock of refuge and He reigns as King over all the earth.

Yes, we will face trouble in this life. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). But praise God, this world is not our home! Believers in Christ are strangers and aliens in this world longing for their heavenly home! That eternal home in heaven is promised by Jesus to whosoever will come to Him, repenting of sin and trusting in Him for salvation. It is they who find that no matter how severe the storm or how high the waters rise, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen, but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

The Difference Easter Makes

2011-04-26T10:29:00.000-05:00

What difference does Easter make? Only all the difference in the world.

Without the resurrection of Jesus, the so-called Christian faith would be the greatest sham in history. If Jesus were not alive and well today, Christians would be the sorriest bunch of people this world has ever seen. We would be losing-est, most delusional, deceived and duped group of religionists to have walked upon this planet.

But the truth tells a different story. The truth is that Jesus did, in fact, rise from the grave on the third day. Death could not keep Him bound. He rose from the dead – from a violent and horrific death on a cross – and now lives still, no longer to die again. This makes all the difference in the world.

The Christian faith is the greatest truth in history. Jesus is alive and well, and Christians are the most blessed bunch of people this world has ever seen. We are the victorious ones, the most satisfied and joyful and confident community to have walked upon this planet, and who will one day walk upon the streets of gold in heaven.

The truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, then, makes those who reject Him the foolish and ignorant ones. Here’s the deal: We’re all sinners and deserve to die and go to hell. And there’s not a thing (or a million things) we can do to earn or buy a ticket to heaven. Let’s face it – if heaven’s a perfect and pure place, then we don’t belong because we’re imperfect and impure.

But because of God’s incomparable love for mankind, He has made it possible that we don’t have to face the penalty for our sins. Instead, He gives us the perfection and purity of Jesus. He dealt with our sins when He sent His Son, Jesus, to take our punishment on the cross, and makes us righteous through Him. The Bible says that “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24). The One who lived the perfect and pure life that we never could offered Himself as the only acceptable sacrifice to God for sins, and through faith we are saved on His ticket.

And though Jesus was crucified at the hands of godless men, neither the Roman rulers nor Jewish religious authorities nor even death had the final say. God raised Him up on the third day in a glorious display of His power and in a triumphant confirmation of His purposes to eternally save those whom come to Him through Jesus. The resurrection of Jesus makes all the difference in the world!

Romans 6:23 makes this clear: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Friend, you can’t ignore the truth of Jesus’ resurrection. You can either embrace it or reject it. You can either live your life by faith in Jesus in view of heaven, or you can live life on your own terms in view of death and hell. There is no middle ground. Jesus said: “I am the way and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). There is no other way!

And the apostle Peter in Acts 4:12 spells out God’s gracious offer of life in Christ in no uncertain terms: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Let me say it again: There is no other way!

Will you turn from your sins today, receiving complete forgiveness of all your sins through the blood of Jesus Christ? Will you gladly give your heart and life to Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Almighty God lovingly waits with arms wide open to pour out His mercy and grace upon you, but you must come through His Son. Come to Him now and be saved from death to eternal life! Only a fool would reject such an offer!

Then let me invite you to come and be a part of God’s family at Ridgway First Baptist Church this Sunday. We’ll be welcoming special musical guests “Sons of the Father” during our 10:40 morning worship service this week (May 1). We’d love to see you there as we worship together! Jesus’ resurrection makes all the difference in the world!

What More?

2011-04-19T14:56:00.000-05:00

So what more could Jesus do for you to show you how much He loves you? Isn’t it enough that He took your place on the cross? All you have to do is look at the nail scars in His hands and feet. Look at the wound in His side. Look at the stripes upon His back. Look into His eyes and feel the compassion of His heart pouring out for you.

The cross is the ultimate expression of God’s love. He didn’t have to do it. But He did because He loves you. He didn’t have to endure the beatings. He didn’t have to wear the crown of thorns. He didn’t have to take the mocking or the shame. But He did it in love for you.

In the Garden of Gethsemane Judas came betraying Jesus. One of the Twelve, one of His followers, His friend, handed Him over to those bearing clubs and swords. One of His own turned Him in, betraying the Son of Man with a kiss. It didn’t have to be this way, but Jesus suffered it all out of the depth of His love for you.

His faithful disciple, Peter, was ready for war. When they seized Jesus to arrest Him, Peter drew his sword and started swinging. He sure wasn’t going to let things go down this way. This was the time to fight! This was the time for Jesus to establish Himself as the rightful King of Israel and take His place as Ruler and Messiah.

Yet Jesus did nothing of the sort. In fact, He rebuked Peter. Then He posed a question that drives me to my knees in wonder and amazement at His love. He asked, “Do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once send Me more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53). No, He didn’t have to do it. He didn’t have to suffer the excruciating pain and unthinkable humiliating of the cross. He didn’t have to die. But He chose to!

That’s love! His love is deep! His love is wide! His love is high! His love is long! That’s a love that goes beyond measure. It’s a love that surpasses knowledge.

So, what more could He do to show you His love? How about rising from the grave?!

When Jesus died on the cross, that was it for the disciples. It was over. Their hopes were crushed. Their dreams defeated. Their souls empty and broken. Jesus was the One who was supposed to redeem Israel. And now – it was over. Had all the events of the past three years as they followed Him been in vain? All the miracles and signs? All the healing of the sick? All the authoritative teaching? All the prophetic words? Was it all just for nothing?

But in the midnight of their sadness, confusion, disappointment and fear, Jesus came to them as the Living One, risen from the dead, and declared: “Peace to you!” He didn’t leave them hanging. He didn’t leave them hopeless. He didn’t leave them to waste away in worry, doubt or despair.

He proved that His love was stronger than death! The cords of death had Him bound, but His love broke through! The sting of death inflicted its fury, but His resurrection victory rendered it powerless! “God raised Him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for Him to be held by it” (Acts 2:24).

Friend, maybe you’re in a place of spiritual darkness today. Perhaps sadness, confusion, disappointment and fear are the norm for you. Let the love of Christ Jesus assure you that it doesn’t have to be that way. When you put your faith in Him, He gives you His joy. He gives you His peace. He gives you His power. And He gives you His life.

Will you receive the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ today? Turn from sin and come to Jesus, the One who forgives your sins by His blood and gives you a living hope through His resurrection victory. Oh, how He loves you!

And join us this Sunday at Ridgway First Baptist Church as we celebrate Jesus. We’ll have a Sunrise Service at 7:00 a.m., followed by a light breakfast fellowship. Sunday School for all ages begins at 9:30, and our worship celebration featuring a choir special entitled, “Hallelujah! Praise the Lamb” will be at 10:40 a.m. After the service we’ll have an Easter egg hunt for the children. Everyone is welcome and invited to attend!

God of the Impossible

2011-04-12T10:02:00.000-05:00

Is anything impossible for God? How could it be?

He is the sovereign ruler of all things. He is the maker of heaven and earth, the seas and all that is in them. He is the giver of life and breath. He is head of all things, and He is the One who holds all things together by the word of His power.

He is enthroned in heaven and His kingdom cannot be shaken. He is all-powerful, all-knowing and all-present. He is eternal, immortal and incomparable. He is glorious, majestic, wonderful and amazing.

He plants nations, and He uproots nations. He laughs at the schemes of the greatest rulers on earth. He directs the hearts of kings like a stream of water, turning it wherever He will. He establishes righteousness and justice, and His rule will never be overturned.

He is righteous and just, compassionate and gracious. He is faithful and true. He is forgiving and good. He is merciful and mighty.

He is holy, holy, holy. The whole earth is full of His glory. He is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. He is worthy to receive glory and honor and power, for He created all things, and by His will they existed and were created.

He is the conquering Lion of Judah, the Lamb who was slain yet is risen from the grave. He is worthy of the songs of the redeemed. He is worthy to pronounce judgment and wrath, and He is worthy to bestow blessings and honor. He is worthy of all praise.

“Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and True are Your ways, King of the nations! Who will not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy; For all the nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed” (Revelation 15:3-4).

Is anything impossible for God? Sarah was way beyond child-bearing years when the Lord told her she would have a son. Yet within a year Isaac was born to Sarah and Abraham, who became a father of many nations. A barren womb was no impossibility to God.

The Israelites were trapped between the sea and the approaching Egyptian army. There was no way out but God made a way. The Lord built a wall of water on the right and on the left, drying up the sea as a pathway through which His people would cross. The Red Sea was no impossibility to the Lord.

Jesus was cruelly hung upon a Roman cross where He suffered and died. His body was buried in a tomb. Hearts sank and hope faded. But on the third day God displayed His power and raised His Son to life, conquering sin and triumphing over death forever. Not even as fierce an enemy as the grave stands a chance against the power of the Lord Almighty.

And so I ask: Is anything impossible for God? Is there any foe who can defeat Him? Is there any obstacle too overwhelming for Him to overcome? Is there any problem too difficult for Him to solve? Is there any burden you’re bearing too heavy for Him to carry? Is there any pit too deep from which He is unable to lift you out? Is there any need too great for Him to meet?

Friend, our God is able! Perhaps today you’re facing a situation that seems impossible to you. And from a human perspective, no doubt it is. But from God’s view nothing is impossible.

I remember a song with these lines: “God will make a way / Where there seems to be no way / He works in ways / We cannot see / He will make a way for me / He will be my guide / Hold me closely to His side / With love and strength / For each new day / He will make a way/ God will make a way.”

When you come to Him through faith in Jesus, you will find that He will make a way out of what seems to be an impossibility. Why not come to church this Sunday morning and join us in worshipping this God of the impossible? And on Easter Sunday morning, April 24, you’re invited to come for our 7:00 Sunrise Service followed by a light breakfast fellowship, then Sunday School at 9:30 and our Easter choir cantata at 10:40. Jesus is risen and lives forevermore! Hallelujah! Praise the Lamb!

The Tragedy and Joy of Being "Used"

2011-04-05T11:08:00.000-05:00

Nobody wants to be “used.” That word has such a bad connotation. Normally we think of it in terms of being exploited, taken advantage of, or trampled upon for the wicked pleasure of another.

The idea of slavery comes to mind. How inhumane can one be to buy another human being off the auction block, as if purchasing a piece of property?! And of course one of the darkest stains on this nation’s own history is our treatment of African Americans. Read some of the accounts of the slavery days and you’ll see that many of them were treated by their owners with less respect than their cattle and fields. Sometimes I wonder if we’ve really made any progress at all in our race relations.

Another practice that exemplifies the word “used” has to be the modern day practice of human trafficking. I’m not sure why they don’t call it slavery. Does saying “human trafficking” soften the public perception of this vile deed? Why is there no international outcry on behalf of those being forced into servitude and prostitution?

From teenage soldier-slaves in Uganda to entire families forced to work in South Asian factories without pay to child prostitution in Thailand, reports indicate that 27 million people around the world are enslaved today. By the way, the United States of America was included in the June 2010 U.S. Department of State report as being a nation who is not only a destination but also a source country for this evil practice.

And you can hardly watch the evening news these days without seeing the way some cruel dictator in the Middle East oppresses his people for the sake of his own gain. Through excessive use of violence and control, countless millions of people are suffering unimaginable hunger, pain and shame while being “used” to build another palace for their ruler.

Is it any wonder then that in the Bible God speaks out so emphatically against those who pervert justice and oppress the weak? The Holy God, whose very throne is founded on righteousness and justice, lovingkindness and truth (see Psalm 89:14), must absolutely agonize in grief and anger over the way we so selfishly “use” other people for our own purposes.

Isaiah records the word of the Lord: “Woe to those who enact evil statutes and to those who constantly record unjust decisions, so as to deprive the needy of justice and rob the poor of My people of their rights, so that widows may be their spoil and that they may plunder the orphans” (Isaiah 10:1-2).

God also declares through the prophet Malachi: “So I will come near to you for judgment. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive aliens of justice, but do not fear me, says the Lord Almighty” (Malachi 3:5).

Make no mistake: there will be a day when ultimate justice will prevail. Isaiah prophesies concerning the time when Jesus Christ will rule victoriously over all things as the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. “He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever” (Isaiah 9:7).

The Holy Spirit spoke through Paul saying, “Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man [Jesus] whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:30-31).

That said, there's another thought about being used that brings joy instead of tragedy. My desire and my delight is to be so “used” by God for His good pleasure that I count my own life as nothing to me. For anyone who wishes to follow Christ, that must be our desire. To give our lives away for the sake of the One who gave His life for ours on the cross. To “do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). The King of kings beckons you with His loving-kindness. Do you want to be “used” in His glorious service?

Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee

2011-03-29T14:51:00.002-06:00

Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee
Take my moments and my days
Let them flow in ceaseless praise

Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee

Take my voice and let me sing
Always only for my King
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee

Take my silver and my gold
Not a mite would I withhold
Take my intellect and use
Every power as Thou shalt choose

Take my will and make it Thine
It shall be no longer mine
Take my heart it is Thine own
It shall be Thy royal throne

Take my love my Lord I pour
At Thy feet its treasure-store
Take myself and I will be
Ever only all for Thee

- Frances Ridley Havergal, 1874

Flaming Fire or Wet Wood?

2011-03-29T09:29:00.000-06:00

I had a pastor one time who was fond of saying, “Now if that don’t light your fire, your wood’s wet.” Grammatical issues aside, the point is that when the glories of God are proclaimed and unveiled from His Word, when testimonies of changed lives are displayed, when the power and the mercy and the grace and the wonders of God’s love are brought into view, how can our hearts not ignite in worship before the Lord?

When we recognize that in His boundless love God sent His Son to save us from our sins, how can we not burst forth in gratitude and praise? When we understand that we’ve been brought from death to life, from darkness into light, from slavery to sin to freedom in Christ, from hopeless despair to unspeakable joy and from the grave to glory, how can we not burn with passion for the Lord? When we think about the promises of the abundant and eternal life Jesus came to give all who follow Him, how can anyone not fall before the King of kings and Lord of lords in wholehearted devotion and glad obedience?

Unless your wood’s wet. Of course it’s possible for anyone to harden his or her heart to the realities and promises of God. The Lord will not force anyone to believe against his own will. He will not twist your arm behind your back until you cry out, “OK, OK, enough already! I believe in You, or whatever. Now get away from me and leave me alone!”

Look at Pharaoh in the book of Exodus. Almighty God was pouring out miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt, displaying incredible demonstrations of His omnipotence, and yet Pharaoh’s heart was hardened.

And sadly even God’s own people hardened their hearts against their God. The prophet Jeremiah records the word of the Lord for the people of Judah and those living in Jerusalem: “Thus says the Lord: Behold, I am fashioning calamity against you and devising a plan against you. Oh turn back, each of you from his evil way, and reform your ways and your deeds” (Jer. 18:11).

Here God was warning the people of what would happen if they did not repent and turn back to Him, though He was pleading with them by His mercy to do so.

Yet God knew what their response would be. “But they will say, ‘It’s hopeless! For we are going to follow our own plans, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart’” (Jer. 18:12).

Wow! Are you kidding me? To the One who could build up a nation or destroy it with a single word, to the One who had delivered them from slavery in Egypt, to the One who had led them through the wilderness, to the One who had brought them into a land flowing with milk and honey, His own people said, “Forget it. We’re going to do what we want to do whether You like or not. So get lost.”

Oh, the hardness of man’s heart! Today I ask you – What more could God do to show you how much He loves you than to send His Son to take the penalty for your sins? What more could God do to show His power than to raise Jesus up from the dead? What more could God do to draw you to Him than to promise you eternal life, inexpressible joy, unexplainable peace, unfailing love, unending comfort, undying hope and His continually abiding presence?

Listen, if you want to reject the grace of God available to you through faith and settle for the treasures and pleasures this world has to offer, that’s up to you. But I assure you they will all be gone someday and you’ll have absolutely nothing left. You’ll stand before the Lord God Almighty upon your death in judgment, and you’ll have nothing but regret and utter despair.

Won’t you come to Jesus now, before it’s too late?

The fire has been lit during our revival services this week. At least in my heart. And in every heart yielded to the Lord. If you haven’t experienced it, then you need to let your wood dry out by repenting of your stubborn heart and trusting in Christ Jesus for salvation. Is your life a flaming fire or wet wood?

Boldly Preaching to the Ends of the Earth

2011-03-25T06:00:00.002-06:00

Acts 28

You can’t top a good viper story. You can’t outdo a whole island cured of their diseases. You can’t surpass the story of a traveling man finally reaching his destination. And you can’t exceed the witness of a man in chains who’s still preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. This concluding chapter in the book of Acts has it all.

Following such a perilous journey, you can’t help but picture Paul landing in Rome overflowing with gratitude and joy. Yes, he’s still a prisoner, but not of Rome. Paul’s a prisoner of the Lord and, as he wrote during this imprisonment to the church in Philippi, his chains really served to advance the gospel.

And like he wrote to Timothy, Paul knew God’s Word can never be chained. So he keeps enduring this suffering for the sake of the elect. He keeps proclaiming the very truth about Christ which landed him in trouble in the first place. He keeps witnessing for Christ among the Jews as the hope of Israel while taking the message of God’s salvation to the Gentiles.

Never forgetting where he came from. Never getting over God’s mercy and grace. Never tiring of telling his story. Never relying upon his own ability. Never backpedaling on the scandal of the cross. Never losing sight of the empty tomb. Never taking his eyes off Jesus. Never ashamed of the gospel.

No chains can hinder the bold preaching of the gospel.

Adventure on the High Seas

2011-03-24T13:22:00.000-06:00

Acts 27

Paul could have written the line: “Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; ‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.” Indeed, I imagine an ongoing conversation in heaven between the apostle and ex-slave ship captain John Newton concerning which man could give God the greater glory for His grace!

The grace of the Lord permeates this exciting adventure on the high seas. You may recall that the Lord appeared to Paul in a vision assuring him that he would testify about Him in Rome (Acts 23:11). This dramatic voyage probably wasn’t the way Paul envisioned his travel agent to lay out the itinerary, but it was God’s chosen route to Rome nonetheless. And God never shortchanges on the adventure.

By grace God sent an angel to encourage Paul. By grace God confirmed His plans for Paul to stand before Caesar in Rome. By grace God said He would spare the lives of all the men on board. By grace God granted Paul faith to believe His word. By grace God used Paul to encourage and strengthen his shipmates. By grace God caused the centurion and the soldiers to at last heed Paul’s words of wisdom. And by grace God fulfilled His promise in protecting the men’s lives, even though the ship was battered to pieces by the waves.

God’s grace is always sufficient. But who ever said being a witness for Christ to the ends of the earth would be easy?

Clearing Out the Clutter

2011-03-22T08:02:00.000-06:00

Been doing some spring cleaning around the house. If you’re like us, clutter is an issue. Can someone please tell me why we keep kickballs that won’t stay aired up, cracked Frisbees that won’t fly and old grungy hats that nobody wears?

Oh yeah, and broken lawn chairs nobody sits in, broken picture frames nobody wants and broken toys nobody plays with. Cardboard boxes we must have been saving for a special occasion? Worn-out old throw rugs not good enough to use in the house, but for some reason we kept them in the garage?

I don’t really consider myself a pack rat, but it’s amazing how much stuff accumulates. Whether it’s broken-down junk or just odds and ends you know you’ll never need or ever use again, clutter sneaks up on you pretty quickly if you don’t do something about it.

We haven’t had to deal with this yet, but I know many of you have had the unenviable task of going through your parents’ home upon their passing. It seems some, especially those who lived through the Depression era, couldn’t bear the thought of throwing anything away. Even in their older, prosperous age, decades removed from impoverished conditions, many from that generation simply cannot get rid of stuff.

Spring cleaning is refreshing to the soul. It frees up space in your house, your yard, your attic and your garage. And it feels liberating. It helps you loosen your attachment to “things” and frees you to invest your time more productively.

When the Lord called Amy and me to seminary in 2001, we left our modest 3-bedroom home with a basement and garage to move into a 2-bedroom compartment – I mean apartment. Needless to say, we had to get rid of a lot of stuff. But in doing so we realized that most of it we didn’t really need anyway. And it actually felt good to live on less. The Lord provided for us in so many ways – but that’s another article for another day. Just don’t ask Amy about the kitchen table.

The arrival of spring is refreshing in itself, but I can’t think of a better way of being refreshed this spring than by being revived spiritually by the Lord. We’ll be hosting Spring Revival Services this Sunday through Wednesday, March 27-30, and would love for you to be our special guests. God wants to do a work of revival in His church, and He wants to bring His work of salvation to this community and throughout the world.

Just like the clutter in and around your house, there’s clutter in your life as well that needs to be removed. Without even realizing it, the clutter of sin sneaks up on you pretty quickly sometimes. And if you don’t deal with it right away, it begins to take up residence, crowd out the spiritual space in your life and ends up enslaving you.

It’s time to do some spiritual spring cleaning! Clean out those cobwebs of anger and jealousy. Wipe away the dust of lust and immorality. Remove the broken toys of bitterness and malicious talk. Discard the old clothes of disunity, dishonesty, despair and doubt. And take the garbage of pride, lies, greed, idolatry, cruelty, impurity, godlessness, drunkenness, arrogance, disobedience and self-sufficiency out to the burn barrel and set them ablaze.

If you’re a believer in Christ Jesus, it’s time to return wholeheartedly to the Lord your God! Remember His great mercy and grace toward you. Remember that His kindness leads you to repentance. Remember the stripes upon His back, the crown upon His brow and the nails piercing His hands and feet. Remember the sins He bore in His body for you upon the cross. Remember that you have been forgiven, redeemed, saved and born again. You are not your own, you’ve been bought with a price. Repent from your sins, return to His mercy and receive His grace.

If you’re not sure about salvation, or if you’ve rejected Jesus, then know today that you are loved by the Almighty Maker of heaven and earth. His offer of eternal life still stands by His grace through faith in Jesus. But if you don’t respond, you will face the day of judgment with no hope and no way out. I plead with you to come to Christ Jesus while you have the opportunity.

You’ll find that His forgiveness is the most liberating, refreshing, joyful and satisfying experience known to man. God’s bringing the revival to Ridgway. Don’t miss it!

Servants and Witnesses

2011-03-17T08:28:00.000-06:00

Acts 26

As we near the end of the book of Acts, allow me to make some observations from this chapter.

One, the purpose statement from Acts 1:8 flows throughout the entire book. In the power received from the Holy Spirit, the followers of Christ witness for Him throughout the world. Paul had personally proclaimed the gospel of Jesus in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and beyond, and was now telling the message of Christ in Caesarea.

Two, Jesus’ resurrection from the dead makes all the difference in the world. It is the climax of the gospel. It’s the fulfillment of the prophets. It’s why Paul so boldly preaches, and why he’s now in chains. It’s the hope of every believer for eternal life. It’s the power and victory of God on display.

Three, Paul never lost sight of God’s mercy and grace, nor did he ever miss a chance to tell his story. He remembered what a wasted life he led before Christ saved him, and he recognized God’s overflowing patience, mercy and grace toward him.

Four, the Lord fulfilled His promise to Paul. Indeed, he was God’s chosen instrument to carry the name of Christ before “the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.”

Five, the call to repent and turn to God is still urgent. And the gospel is still the power of God to save all who believe.

Seeing the Signs

2011-03-16T13:28:00.000-06:00

Now more than ever we need to turn to the Lord God. The signs are too obvious to ignore, and heaven is so available that only fools would reject God’s offer of salvation.

You’ve seen the coverage of the earthquake and resulting tsunami wreaking havoc on Japan. Does that not lead you to call upon the name of the Lord? Who’s naïve enough to think that such a disaster could not happen here? You might recall that we’re living on a pretty hefty fault line already.

You’ve kept up with some of the news concerning uprisings and protests and wars going on in countries scattered throughout the Middle East. Will there ever be a day where our Department of Homeland Security can dissolve because the threat of terrorism in the U.S. has vanquished?

And surely you’re aware of the meteoric rise of human depravity. Let’s start with sexual immorality of every kind – men and women living together apart from marriage, the “normalization” of the homosexual lifestyle, the instant access via the internet to pornography and so much more. What used to be called and commonly known as “sin” whispered about in the back room has now become openly accepted and applauded forms of behavior.

Then there’s the issue of violence. Do you sense there’s more anger and hatred toward each other in our own country than in a long time? We watch politicians fight bitterly. We see young people handle their despondency with weapons. We see television, movies, internet, music and video games feed off of and contribute toward this toxic craving for graphic bloodshed. And no wonder, when we have morally degenerated so far as to devalue human life by legalizing the killing of babies in the womb.

Natural disasters. Numerous wars. Nose-diving morals. Does the Word of God not say that these will be signs of the second coming of Jesus and of the end of the age? “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars…nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of birth pains” (Matthew 24:6-8). “And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold” (Matthew 24:11-12).

If you’re not hearing it by now, I say to you: Wake up! God is demanding your attention. What other signs do you need to persuade you that the time is short. The end of all things is near. You’re not guaranteed another breath on this planet. And if you’re not right with God, then the end for you is eternal judgment “in that place where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 24:51).

It’s past time to get right with God. And the way to get right with God is to come to Him on His terms, not your own. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you’re right with God because you’ve made a special deal with Him, because you’re attending church most Sundays or because you got baptized.

Instead, come to Him in repentance, broken for your sin against Him. Quit pretending that you’re good just because you’re at least not as bad as someone else. We’re all sinners in need of salvation. Even your most casual sin is enough to keep you out of heaven and deserving of eternal hell. God’s standard is perfection, and you’re not there.

You need His mercy and grace just as much as I do. But, praise God, He’s made a way for you to be saved from death. God loves you so much, friend, that He gave up His Son, Jesus, to die a torturous death on the cross so that your sins could be completely forgiven. No matter what you’ve done, who you’ve hurt along the way, nor what’s been done to you – the blood of Christ is perfectly able to cleanse you from every stain of sin and make you right with God. He bore all your sins on the cross, taking the brunt of God’s righteous and just wrath against sin, so that you don’t have to.

Won’t you come to Him today? Repent from your sins and put your faith in Jesus today, and you’ll be saved from death and brought to life abundant and eternal. It’s the fool who says in his heart, “There is no God” (Psalm 14:1). You don’t know when the Lord will return, but His return is near. See the signs, and stay awake!

God's Unfailing Purpose

2011-03-07T17:06:00.000-06:00

Acts 25

As you navigate the twists and turns of life, it helps to know that God is sovereign over all. His purposes will not – nor cannot – fail! His wisdom is faultless and His counsel beyond scrutiny. His strength is perfect, His grace sufficient, and His power immeasurable. His love reaches to the heavens, his faithfulness to the clouds. His righteousness is like the mighty mountains and His justice like the great deep.

I’m sure Paul rehearsed these attributes of the Holy One over and over while serving as an ambassador in chains for Christ. While locked in prison, while awaiting trial, how many times, I wonder, did Paul recite the 23rd Psalm? How many times did he remember the promise of Proverbs 3:5-6? How many times did he draw strength from Isaiah 40?

And how often do you suppose he recalled the Lord’s message to him through Ananias: “…he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name” (Acts 9:15-16)?

Paul had long desired to go to Rome (Rom. 1:10). Somehow, someway. Now God was making the way. It probably wasn’t how Paul envisioned, but by appealing to Caesar, God granted his request. There was something about the story of this man named Jesus, who was dead, but now alive, that still needed to be told. And it still does.

Resurrection on Trial

2011-03-03T09:53:00.000-06:00

Acts 24

Let’s get straight to the heart of the matter: Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. It’s a matter of life and death.

If Jesus did not rise from the grave then Christianity is the greatest sham the world has ever seen. Our so-called “faith” is worthless, and we are the sorriest, most misguided, hopeless and gullible people on the face of the planet. You may as well engrave a big “L” on our foreheads – Losers!

On the other hand, if Jesus Christ did rise from the grave, if He truly conquered sin and death forever, as the Bible declares, then the multitudes who reject Jesus are the real losers. The victorious ones are those who believe that Jesus died in their place on the cross, that He rose from the dead, and that by His grace through faith we’ll also live with Him forever!

So did He, or didn’t He? That’s the issue for which Paul stands on trial before Governor Felix. That’s the issue for which he was imprisoned, beaten, stoned, mocked and ultimately killed. That’s the issue for which Jesus’ disciples gave their own lives, as well. It makes all the difference in the world.

Despite far-fetched claims to the contrary, the resurrection of Jesus confirms Him as the Son of God and gives hope and joy and peace to all who trust Him for eternal salvation. “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25).

Our Hero to the Rescue

2011-02-25T09:29:00.000-06:00

Acts 23

The heat’s rising, but God’s not done with Paul yet. As in chapter 18, now again God speaks a timely word of encouragement to the battle-tested missionary. One can only imagine the sense of peace and power and presence Paul experienced as “the Lord stood by him” and spoke that night.

There’s an unsung hero in this story, as well. To fulfill His word to Paul, God brings a young man (Paul’s nephew) into the picture to save Paul’s life.

You have to understand the Jews were fuming by this time. They wanted Paul dead so desperately that they bound themselves with an oath to not eat or drink until they had killed him! Sure hope their last meal was a good one.

Our real hero in this story, though, is God, who foiled their plans through the courageous actions of Paul’s nephew. It would have taken a supernatural courage for this young man to approach Paul with the news he’d overheard of the plot against him. And it would have taken even more bravery for him to go to the Roman commander to inform him! He literally risked his own life to save Paul’s!

Amazing, too, is that this commander listened to the boy and accepted his word as true, and then acted in response. But surely by now we know that our Hero does some amazing things to fulfill His word!

Who's Got a Testimony?

2011-02-24T09:19:00.000-06:00

Acts 22

Paul never got over his salvation, and he never hesitated to tell people about it. We find Paul here in the midst of an angry mob that wants to kill him. Yet what’s on Paul’s mind? A chance to give his testimony!

He literally begs the Roman commander guarding him to let him speak to the crowd. And God, for His purposes, grants the request. Paul’s testimony provides a pretty good model for our own.

First he tells about his life before his encounter with Jesus, speaking of his upbringing, his misguided zeal for God and his persecution of those who followed the Way of Christ Jesus.

Then he describes his conversion experience. He explains how the risen Lord appeared to him, revealed Himself and led him into Damascus. He details the way Jesus sent Ananias to deliver God’s message and give Paul His mission. Paul says that he was baptized, that his sins were washed away and he called upon the name of Jesus for salvation.

Paul barely had a chance to begin telling them how the Lord was working in his life from that time forward before the crowds had heard enough and were ready to put him to death. Whatever the outcome, Paul never got over his salvation, and he never missed a chance to tell about what Jesus had done for him and what He could do for others.

The Ultimate Gain

2011-02-23T12:24:00.000-06:00

Acts 21

As the journey unfolds, Paul’s conviction to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit grows stronger. Even though dangers await him in Jerusalem, and even though his own friends urge him not to go, he’s more surrendered to the will of God than ever. Such is the passion of those who deny themselves and take up their crosses daily to follow Jesus their Lord.

Here’s how Paul saw it: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me” (Gal. 2:20).

Again: “As it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:20-21).

All this from the heart of the man who counts believers as “more than conquerors through him who loved us,” and was convinced that nothing in all creation, neither life nor even death, “will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38).

So then it’s not surprising to hear him say to his well-intentioned friends, “I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (v. 13). To Paul, dying for Christ would be the ultimate gain.

Tears with the Territory

2011-02-22T12:12:00.000-06:00

Acts 20

There have been a couple of times I’ve had to say tearful good-byes to dear friends. When my wife and I left Calvary Baptist Church in Rockford for seminary, while we rejoiced in the new direction the Lord set before us, we wept with those who had become so precious to us. It’s one of the hardest things in life to do.

This account of Paul’s final good-bye to the elders in Ephesus stirs up all those emotions afresh. Imagine the scene, as these beloved brothers in Christ with whom Paul had lived and ministered for three years gathered on the shore. They had formed a bond in the Lord, solidified through trials and tears. They had engaged together in the work of the gospel, proclaiming Jesus as Lord and establishing the local church.

Paul’s farewell address leaves their hearts in agony, and with much weeping, sorrow and embracing, they wave good-bye for the last time. They know they’ll never see his face again.

For Paul, it’s been his new way of life. The Holy Spirit has compelled him to go to Jerusalem, where the only thing he’s sure of is that imprisonment and affliction await. But, O, for the resolve of Paul’s heart! The only thing that mattered to him was to finish the course. His own life he counted as nothing. His sole desire was to keep testifying to the gospel of the grace of God, by which he had been saved, and in which he stood. Sometimes tears come with the territory.

Putting the Idol-Makers Out of Business

2011-02-21T22:23:00.000-06:00

Acts 19

Where the word of God is preached, trouble’s not far behind. The pattern continues for Paul, yet he is unfazed. His mission is to preach the gospel, and neither stones nor lashes nor prison nor mocking nor rioting would dissuade him from the high call of the Lord Jesus to proclaim His salvation.

In Ephesus the root of the rioting was the love of money. That’s the root of all kinds of evil, Paul would later write to Timothy – the love of money. Here, as the word of the kingdom of God is preached, as the Holy Spirit falls upon the believers, as extraordinary miracles are being done in the name of Jesus, lo and behold, the idol craftsmen start to lose some business!

God speed the day when the liquor store owners, cigarette manufacturers, pornographers, casino operators and immoral media producers raise a riot in this land against Christians because the word of God is being preached, multitudes of people believe the gospel, and start turning away from all these wicked idols they’ve poured their money into!

Paul never set out to put these idol-makers out of business. He did not organize protests outside of their shops or petition the local government to enact zoning ordinances against them. That wasn’t his calling. Preaching the gospel was! That’s our calling, too, dear Christian. Preach the word! That’ll change this world, and may even raise a riot.

God's Encouragement to a Faithful Servant

2011-02-18T09:31:00.000-06:00

Acts 18

Make no mistake about it: the way of the cross is hard. If it’s a life of comfort and convenience you want, then don’t try to follow after Christ. If your personal safety and ease are what you value most highly, the Christian life is not for you.

Sound harsh? Try explaining your version of Christianity to Paul. Everywhere he went he ran into opposition. Go back and reread Acts 9:16. This was Paul’s experience. And he rejoiced in it! For the sake of knowing Christ he endured all kinds of hardships and sufferings and persecutions. For the sake of the church he persevered so that others may too obtain salvation.

It was certainly no different in Corinth, as we see in this chapter. I love the description in v. 5 that says “Paul was occupied with the word.” He kept on carrying out the work God had given him to do, even though his witness for Christ brought more trouble. With all that Paul experienced, it would have been easy for him to give up. But God built him up!

The Lord introduced him to some new friends – Aquila and Priscilla. Silas and Timothy rejoined him. God kept giving him new converts. And the Lord himself spoke to Paul in a vision.

Maybe you’re following the Lord, denying yourself and taking up your cross, but you’re in a funk of discouragement. Hear this and take courage: “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you…” (vv. 9-10).

The Message of Salvation

2011-02-17T10:16:00.000-06:00

Acts 17

The message of Christ Jesus never changes. The gospel of salvation in Christ is the same for every generation throughout the ages and for every nation under heaven. The good news is that Jesus died in our place on the cross to bear God’s wrath against our sin, that He was buried and rose from the dead on the third day, and now lives forevermore. And all who repent of sin and turn in faith to Christ will be saved from death and receive abundant and eternal life!

The method of communicating this message to the world, however, changes. Speaking in the synagogue with the Jews, Paul “reasoned with them from the Scriptures…” Jesus as the Christ. They would have understood and acknowledged the authority of Scripture. And many did, in fact, believe!

With the Greeks in the marketplace and before the philosophers, Paul tailored the method to their spiritual level. They were worshipping idols made of material things by human hands. Paul proclaimed what they worshiped as “unknown” the God of heaven, the Creator of all things, and His righteous judgment against the world through His Son whom He raised from the dead! And some believed!

These were “strange things” Paul was bringing to their ears! And not only did Paul simply present the information, he was persuading them to repent as God commands of all people everywhere. That’s still the message our world needs today.

He Leadeth Me

2011-02-16T06:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 16

There are times when I desperately wish God would write out His directions for me in the sky, or at least send a text message detailing what He wants me to do. I know His will is made clear in His word, but wouldn’t it be nice to get the specific directions once in a while?

If you feel that way, too, it may be encouraging to know that even the great apostle Paul and his protégé Timothy had to learn to follow the Spirit’s guidance. They had wanted to take the gospel east to Asia, but were forbidden by the Spirit. So they decided they’d go north to Bithynia, but again the Spirit closed the door.

The Bible doesn’t say exactly how the Spirit worked to prevent them from going where they thought they were needed. It’s not like their motives were wrong. Could it have been lack of transportation, weather-related issues, illness, or some prophetic word spoken to them? Did they not sense the peace of the Spirit as they prepared to go?

Whatever happened, God had other plans. He revealed His direction to Paul through a vision, and the missionary team obeyed immediately. There was a woman named Lydia who needed to hear the gospel in Macedonia. There was a slave girl who needed to be freed from an evil spirit. There was a Philippian jailer who needed to be saved. And as they followed, no doubt the song they sung was, “He Leadeth Me.”

Better Than I Deserve

2011-02-15T06:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 15

In response to the question, “How are you doing?” my Granddad would usually reply, “Better than I deserve.” He understood something of a grace given to him of which he was unworthy. God’s grace goes even further. Because of sin we’re all unworthy of His favor, yet He pours out His goodness and mercy upon us in Christ Jesus, even though what we really deserve is His wrath!

In this chapter there’s a hardcore group of Pharisees insisting that the Gentiles who come to faith in Christ must be circumcised according the custom of Moses. Paul and Barnabas had been preaching the gospel of God’s grace to the nations, and many had become disciples. But some objected and caused quite a dissension over the matter of circumcision.

The primary argument comes down to this: Is salvation a free gift of God’s grace available through faith? Or, must one also keep the law of Moses in order to be saved? Paul deals with this repeatedly in his letters to the churches in Rome, Galatia, Philippi and others. Emphatically, the answer comes down to God’s grace in Christ Jesus! As Peter addresses this pivotal Jewish Council in Acts 15, God’s own activity takes center stage. As you hear his speech (vv. 7-11), listen for the gospel of the grace of the Lord Jesus to break the chains of enslavement to the law. Then lift your heart in praise to the One who gave Himself on the cross to save you from sin and death. You’re doing much better than you deserve!

Through Many Tribulations

2011-02-14T09:48:00.000-06:00

Acts 14

One of the things you see clearly in the book of Acts is that the message of the gospel divides. When the apostles preached Jesus, people weren’t usually neutral about it. Either they embraced it as if they had been waiting for this all their lives, or they got so angry they wanted to kill the messengers.

Of course, Jesus had warned His followers that they would be hated by the world on His account. Christians ought never to be surprised when suffering comes for the sake of His name.

Makes you wonder if we’re really preaching Christ the way He ought to be preached. I know there’s a growing tide of opposition to the gospel of Jesus in our day, but I don’t really see the message dividing people the way it divided the world in Paul’s day. Many believed, but the rest wanted to throw stones. Is our culture so less passionate about spiritual things, so “tolerant” of everyone’s views that they don’t really care? Or are we not “speaking in such a way” that draws a line?

Now more than ever we need the boldness of Paul and Barnabas to preach the uncompromising message of salvation in Christ Jesus alone. We need their courage in the face of mounting opposition. We need their perseverance in the midst of increasing persecution. We need the grace of God to strengthen us in the call to preach and make disciples of all nations, knowing that “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”

Filled with the Spirit

2011-02-13T07:48:00.000-06:00

Acts 13

Check out the activity of the Holy Spirit in this chapter. He speaks to the church in Antioch, instructing them to set apart for Him Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for the work to which He has called them (v. 2). By the Holy Spirit, the church sends them out (v. 4). In the power of the Spirit, they proclaim the Word of God. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Paul calls out Elymas with stronger words than I’ve ever even thought about saying to anyone (vv. 9-10). The Spirit is at work in a big way!

I have to laugh a little in verse 15. Paul and Barnabas are in attendance at the synagogue when the rulers ask them if they have any word of encouragement for the people. If? I only wonder if these rulers had any idea what they were asking for!

Needless to say, Paul accepts the invitation and preaches a bold Spirit-filled message of God’s plan of redemption through the nation of Israel culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ, emphasizing His death and resurrection. This is the “good news” of God’s promises now fulfilled, and, yes, a word of encouragement to the people!

Paul then warns them of the danger of rejecting this message and the incredible work that God is doing in their midst. They beg him to come back next week, which he does, much to the displeasure of some of the Jews. Even though the crowds are incited against them, they leave the city filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. O Lord, fill us today with Your Spirit!

To God Be the Glory

2011-02-12T06:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 12

There’s a lot of emotion wrapped up in this chapter. You feel the weight of sorrow as Herod’s hatred for the church intensifies, and he puts James to death by the sword. And you feel the anger of injustice as the Bible records that this action “pleased the Jews.”

But you also feel the anticipation of God’s power. Herod arrested Peter and kept him in prison, “but earnest prayer was made for him to God by the church.” I love that statement! Even before you read what happens next, you get the sense that God’s going to come through in a mighty way in response to the earnest prayers of His people! And He does!

The account of Peter’s rescue is awe-inspiring, and at the same time, somewhat humorous. The angel has to poke Peter in the side to wake him up, like trying to rouse a six-year-old boy to get up for school. Of course, Peter thinks he’s seeing a vision. The chains simply fall off his hands. He follows the angel out of the prison in a daze. They pass the first and second guards completely undetected. The iron gates opens on its own. Peter’s half-way down the street before he realizes this is no dream at all, but God’s deliverance!

You also have to smile at the scene where Peter knocks on the door of the house where the church is praying for him, yet they don’t realize God’s already answered their prayers! Bottom line, as Herod’s death shows: To God be the glory!

Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone

2011-02-11T11:14:00.000-06:00

Acts 11

I’ll admit that I enjoy comfort. Things that are safe, secure, familiar, predictable. The house I live in is comfortable. My community is comfortable. My job is comfortable. The only thing is – I’ve yet to read in the Bible where God calls us to a comfortable life.

The thought of the Gentiles receiving salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit was a foreign concept to these card-carrying Jews. In fact they criticized Peter and his friends for taking these despised Gentiles out to lunch at Applebee’s. The Jewish nation knew they were special in God’s eyes, but going to the Gentiles was way out of their comfort zone.

But when they heard how God was at work to bring “repentance that leads to life” even to these outsider nations, well, they had nothing else to say except to glorify God. Their comfort zone was just about to explode.

As Peter and the rest learned, and as we must learn, we had better not stand in God’s way when He wants so much to bring repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus to the nations. That must become our heart’s desire, as well. It’s what we’re commanded to do. It’s what we’re empowered to do. It’s what we ought to want to do, even though it will mean getting out of our comfort zones and getting into the real world where people are hurting, messy, broken, proud, self-sufficient, lost and lonely – all needing hope and peace and joy and salvation.

God's Missionary Heart

2011-02-10T06:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 10

Perhaps you remember when the Berlin Wall came tumbling down in 1989. For many years the wall stood as a barricade cutting off West Berlin from surrounding East Germany and East Berlin. Following a series of political changes in the Eastern Bloc, the weakening pro-Soviet governments in nearby Poland and Hungary, and weeks of civil unrest, the East German government finally allowed its citizens to cross into the West. As people climbed the wall and began chipping away at it, the fall of the Berlin Wall symbolically paved the way for the reunification of Germany, and, interestingly too, for the advancement of the gospel into the Iron Curtain.

Even more significant was the tumbling down of the barricade that separated Gentiles from Jews. The Jews saw the Gentiles as common, or unclean. They would not even associate with them, lest they be defiled by being in their very presence.

But God was about to knock the wall down. Through divine visions given to Cornelius and Peter, God was fulfilling His plan to bring about the reconciliation of all men to Himself through Jesus Christ. Peter learned that God shows no partiality, but will accept anyone from any nation who comes to Him through faith in Jesus. “Everyone who believes in [Jesus] receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

The wall came down, and so did the Holy Spirit. And the road was paved to preach the gospel to the world.

God's Chosen Instrument

2011-02-09T06:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 9

It’s impossible to overstate what happened to Saul on the way to Damascus. This was such a dramatic event not only in his own life but in the entire course of church and world history.

The man who came to destroy the church ended up doing more to build up the church than anyone apart from Jesus Himself. The man who hated the followers of Christ with a passion found himself passionately loving them instead. The man who was living full of self-righteousness died with Christ and received new life in Him.

Saul got saved! His life took a 180 when Jesus encountered him on that road. He left the old behind and embraced the new. As zealous as he had been to bring the church down, he was now a thousand times more zealous to lift her up.

God had a plan for Saul all along. He would be the Lord’s chosen instrument to carry His name before the world. And has anyone ever preached the name of Jesus more boldly? Has anyone ever suffered as much for the sake of His name?

We’ll see much more of Saul, who became Paul, in the chapters ahead. For now think about this: Has your life changed because of your own encounter with Jesus? Maybe not so dramatically, but has it been made new? If not, receive Him by grace through faith today! If so, then know you’re also His chosen instrument to carry His name into the world!

Persecuted But Not Destroyed

2011-02-08T06:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 8

What strikes me in this chapter is what happens when persecution breaks out against the church in Jerusalem. Although the believers are scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, far from silencing their witness, “those who were scattered went about preaching the word.”

The church didn’t cower in fear, they didn’t hide away in a holy huddle and they didn’t compromise their message. They proclaimed the word of Christ boldly as they went. In much of the world today where persecution against the church intensifies, the results are similar.

I’m not saying that I’d ever wish for it, but I wonder what would happen if violent persecution arose against the church in America. Would we fall away or would we fall to our knees in prayer? Would we keep quiet or would we keep preaching Christ? Would we retreat under intimidation or would we rise up under the banner of our Lord Jesus to press on to win the prize for which He has called us heavenward?

The Holy Spirit’s activity through Philip is highlighted in this chapter, as he preaches to the crowds in Samaria, then to the Ethiopian eunuch on the road to Gaza. As you read, praise God that people still believe in Christ when the gospel is preached, and remember to pray for those who are being persecuted, that the message might continue to go forth.

Martyrs for Jesus

2011-02-07T09:50:00.000-06:00

Acts 7

Remember the key verse in Acts? It’s the one where Jesus tells His followers that they will be His witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth, once they receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them (Acts 1:8), which happened in Acts 2.

The Greek word for “witness” is martus, from which we get the word “martyr.” That’s how closely the early believers become known for witnessing for Christ to the point of death. Stephen was the first to be martyred for His witness.

The Bible describes Stephen in glowing terms, literally. He was full of faith and full of the Holy Spirit, full of grace and full of power. He was doing great wonders and signs among the people when opposition arose. False witnesses were brought in to speak against him, but as Stephen faced the council they all saw that his face was like the face of an angel (Acts 6:15).

In chapter 7 Stephen makes one of the most comprehensive speeches of Israelite history recorded, and one of the most convicting. Essentially he argued that in the same way the people’s forefathers had rejected the will of God, now this generation did likewise. In a rage, the mob dragged him out of the city and stoned him to death.

In his martyrdom, Stephen witnessed faithfully for Jesus, died like Jesus and will also live eternally in the presence of Jesus!

Longing for Revival

2011-02-06T06:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 6

One of the things I long for as a pastor and as a follower of Christ is revival. Like the kind you read about in days of old where the people of God cry out to Him for the salvation of souls and multitudes come to faith in Jesus. The kind of Great Awakening, preceding by the church getting all things right with God and pleading with Him to move mightily in their midst, where sinners run to the Lord in repentance and faith, and even the church members who thought they were saved really get saved!

I read recently of a pastor in England who’d been preaching for years and years, when finally the Holy Spirit opened his eyes to the truth of his own message and he at last truly believed and was converted. This sparked something of a revival in the congregation and community, and a once orthodox but cold church grew flaming hot for Christ!

In verse 7 of Acts 6 we read one of the several “summary statements” Luke records about what God is doing in the church. That’s what I yearn for to be said about what God is doing in us today. Right here. I rejoice that this statement is true in many areas of the world even as we speak. People in some nations are turning to Christ as never before. Hallelujah!

I want to see it here! Where the number of disciples multiply greatly, and even the “priests” become obedient to the faith.

Preaching and Teaching Jesus as the Christ

2011-02-05T06:00:00.001-06:00

Acts 5

This chapter begins on a frightening note. As the church is enjoying unprecedented grace from the Lord at the end of chapter 4, we now see this harrowing account of how God desires to keep His church united and pure.

Bottom line: Don’t lie to God! Simple. Dishonesty is not a good policy. No wonder the young church was seized with the fear of God’s intense hatred of sin. By the way, the church would be much more holy today if God chose to act that way against us. Then again, there wouldn’t be anyone left.

The emphasis of the chapter moves from there to the power of the Spirit once again poured out into and through the lives of the apostles. They’re shown performing great miracles, and God keeps adding believers to the church.

This brings out the envy and fury of the religious leaders, however, and the apostles are arrested. But never doubt that God’s mighty hand far exceeds the feeble attempts of His enemies to silence the gospel. The persecution serves as a platform for the gospel, and the apostles take the stage and hammer it home. This almost gets them killed, but God spares theirs lives using a Pharisee, and the chapter ends with the apostles beaten and threatened but rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering for the name of Jesus. And far from keeping quiet, they kept on preaching and teaching Jesus as the Christ. May that be our passion today!

No Other Name

2011-02-04T06:00:00.004-06:00

Acts 4

The opposition arises, just as Jesus forewarned His followers that it would (see John 15:18-16:4, et al). I’m sure the Lord’s words served as a great comfort and encouragement to Peter and John when they were arrested for preaching the gospel.

In fact, through the Spirit of God, who works in, with and through the Word of God, bringing the truth to light in the hearts and minds of the people of God, Peter and John were filled with boldness as they stood before this council. Even in the face of threats and chains, these two “uneducated, common men” astonished the rulers and elders with their proclamation of Jesus Christ as the crucified and risen Lord.

Peter’s line in v. 12 cuts to the chase: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Friend, that’s as true today as it ever has been and ever will be. Are you confident in His name alone for salvation?

When these servants of Christ were released, they returned to the fellowship of their friends. The church lifted their voices together, glorifying God and asking for even greater boldness against the threats to keep speaking His Word. And God answered in an earth-shaking way. Ever been in a prayer meeting that got God’s attention like that?

And the church was strengthened in great power and grace.

In the Name of Jesus

2011-02-03T06:00:00.003-06:00

Acts 3

Friend, there is power in the name of Jesus! There is healing and forgiveness in the name of Jesus. And there is the refreshing blessing of salvation in the name of Jesus!

In this chapter we continue to see the power of the Holy Spirit at work through God’s people. Here Peter and John bring a crippled man to his feet – not in their own ability and not in their own piety, but in the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

Understandably, the man who was healed can hardly contain himself. This man, who had never before known what it was like to stand or walk or run or leap, is suddenly lifted to his feet and then enters the temple jumping for joy and praising God loudly enough, I’m sure, to rock the angels in heaven.

The crowds marvel at what’s taking place, and Peter seizes the moment and lets the gospel loose. He doesn’t sugar-coat the message, either. He calls the people to account for denying Jesus and delivering Him over to Pilate. He exposes their sin and lays the death of the Author of Life on them.

But he also delivers the good news. Jesus’ death was part of God’s plan, and so was His resurrection from the grave. The message is the same for people today as it was then: Repent! Turn away from sin and turn to God, that your sins may be blotted out and times of refreshing and blessing may come from the presence of the Lord!

The Church Is Born

2011-02-02T06:00:00.004-06:00

Acts 2

I can only imagine the scene in which these 120 believers were together on the day when the Spirit came down and filled them up. They had been waiting on the Lord’s promise, as He had instructed them. Perhaps they wondered, “How long?”

But on this glorious and world-changing day, Christ Jesus fulfilled His word. And as the sound like a mighty rushing wind filled the house, and as they saw this strange sight of something like divided tongues of fire appear and rest on each of them, the promised power had arrived. Their lives, and the entire world, would never be the same again.

The sound bewildered the multitudes, and as the Spirit gave the believers the supernatural ability to speak to the crowds in their own native languages, you can imagine the astonishment and wonder that overcame them.

Peter didn’t miss a beat. In the power and authority of the Spirit he preached the message of Christ Jesus like it’s never been preached. His words pierced the hearts of the crowd, and before he could give the invitation they were crying out to know what to do! That day the Lord gave new life – the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Spirit – to about 3,000 souls who repented and were saved from death to life.

The church was born. The believers enjoyed unusual fellowship together. And God was just getting started.

You Will Receive Power!

2011-02-01T06:00:00.012-06:00

Acts 1

Honestly, there’s too much good stuff in a whole chapter of Acts to write just a brief devotion. But I’ll try! I will tell you that it’s helpful to keep verse 8 in mind as you read through the book of Acts. In fact, you might as well go ahead and memorize it now if you haven’t already, because that’s a truth for you and me just as much as it was for the original apostles.

The rest of the book shows what happens when the Holy Spirit indeed empowers believers to witness for Christ. The book opens with a small band of believers huddled in an upper room in Jerusalem, waiting for this promise of the Father. It ends with Paul witnessing for Jesus boldly and without hindrance to the ends of the earth – even while he’s under Roman guard!

Along the way we get to see how these ordinary, uneducated men and women turn the world upside down with the gospel message in the power of the Holy Spirit.

That’s what our world needs today! They need to see the power of God on display in the lives of us ordinary people who dare to take God at His Word, whose own lives are completely transformed by His mercy and grace, who are madly devoted to the fellowship of His Body, who call upon the name of the Lord with expectant faith, who rejoice in being counted worthy to suffer disgrace for His name, and of whom the world will take note and say, “These men have been with Jesus.”

To all 3 of my blog's readers

2011-01-31T16:35:00.000-06:00

Hey...if you've been tracking with me through the first 31 chapters of Psalms here in January, thank you! I hope you've enjoyed the journey thus far, and I pray that God has enriched, encouraged and equipped you to keep lifting your heart to heaven throughout 2011.

I'm going to try to post some thoughts for you from the book of Acts in February. If you'll read along with me a chapter a day, we'll cover the whole book by the end of the month. I'm not promising that I can write something here every day, but as the Lord permits I'll share with you.

Blessings in Christ to you!

Lifting Your Heart to Heaven (Psalm 31)

2011-01-31T06:00:00.001-06:00

Psalm 31

In many ways this psalm typifies the journey we’ve been on through the first 30 days into the psalms. Again, the circumstances in which David finds himself are dire. He must have felt like the streets of downtown Ridgway after Popcorn Day; trashed, abandoned, puked upon, used and abused. Sorry, but it’s not a pretty sight. Ever been there?

Where does David go when the situation seems helpless and overwhelming? He doesn’t cave in or cower in fear. He doesn’t wring his hands in despair or resign to doubt.

Instead, he lifts his heart to heaven because that’s where deliverance and salvation are found! That’s where he finds refuge in the fortress of God’s name. That’s where he fully expects the God of truth to redeem him. That’s where the greatness of God’s goodness is given to those who trust in Him. That’s where the unfailing love of the Lord is put on display for all to see. That’s where the faithful find that the Lord God is merciful and trustworthy and strong.

David had such confidence because the Lord had come through for him so many times before, and he was sure that in God’s hands he would be kept safer than All State.

Where do you go when the situation looks grim, hopeless and desperate? Lift your heart to heaven! Be strong and take heart, and wait upon the Lord.

There's Joy on the Way (Psalm 30)

2011-01-30T06:00:00.001-06:00

Psalm 30

Who is a God like our God?! Who raises us up from the dead and restores life to our souls? Who gives us victory over our adversaries? Who heals us when we call to Him for help? The Lord our God is He, and there is none other!

Yes, weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning. As Christians we know we will face trials and hardships and persecutions. Jesus said as much in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble.” Sometimes trouble results from our own sin, and sometimes it comes simply because we live in a fallen world. We should not be deceived into thinking the Christian life will be easy and carefree.

David certainly had more than his share of trouble. Yet his constant hope was the joy still to come from the Lord. The suffering, though real and painful, would not last forever. The joy would. As Paul put it, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Afflictions will surely come, but joy is on the way! Jesus even endured the cross “for the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2). Our only hope for help and salvation is the Lord. He has overcome by His atoning death and victorious resurrection from the grave. Only in Him will our sorrow be turned to dancing and our mourning into gladness. Praise be to the Lord our God! May our hearts sing with eternal thanksgivings!

Glory in the Storm (Psalm 29)

2011-01-29T06:00:00.001-06:00

Psalm 29

I love a good thunderstorm. Of course, I’d rather enjoy it from the comforts of dry shelter, but to hear the thunder rolling and to see the brilliant flashes of lightning illuminating the sky reminds me of the power and majesty and glory of God.

You may rightly imagine in reading this hymn of praise that the worshippers were gathered as a powerful storm arose in the distance. They hear the thunder and marvel at the God of creation’s power.

His voice breaks the great cedars of Lebanon – trees which commonly measured 120 feet high and 30 feet in circumference. His voice sends Sirion (Mt. Hermon) scurrying in the north. His voice shakes the Desert of Kadesh to the south. In an awesome display of His sovereignty, the One enthroned as King forever lights up the sky and makes the hills rumble with the echo of His voice.

The only appropriate response from the worshippers is to cry, “Glory!” Glory, indeed! And don’t you know it is this same glorious, all-powerful God who gives strength to His people and blesses them with peace? Even in the midst of a great thunderstorm, God is in control. Even the power of the grave is no match for the omnipotent One. “And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you” (Romans 8:11). Glory!

Leaping for Joy (Psalm 28)

2011-01-28T06:00:00.001-06:00

Psalm 28

It’s been said that God may sometimes ordain suffering so that we might loosen our grip on the things of this world and cling more tightly to the Lord. Hardship often serves to remind us that the world and its pleasures are passing away, but true joy rises in a trusting relationship with Christ Jesus.

We see that truth played out in this psalm. Once again David pours out his heart to the Lord in the midst of a desperate crisis. The troubles he endured didn’t weaken his faith in God, but drove him to find his strength and salvation in Him. David knew his only hope for making it through such sufferings was to call urgently upon the name of the Lord his God.

In fact, he felt that if God didn’t answer his cry for mercy then he would have met the same fate as those who experienced God’s judgment. Yet, he believed that the Lord would indeed hear his call for help. And so David burst forth in a cry of praise to the Lord, his strength and shield, the fortress of salvation for His chosen ones. Even his heart “leaps for joy” and he couldn’t help but to give thanks to Him in song.

Friend, we can take the same joyful, grateful confidence in prayer because God does not turn a deaf ear to the desperate cries from His people. Why not turn your suffering into a chance to trust in the strength of the Lord, and see if your heart doesn’t leap for joy as He carries you through?

One-Thing Desire (Psalm 27)

2011-01-27T06:00:00.001-06:00

Psalm 27

We have a growing 11-year-old boy who works up a mean appetite at school. By the time he gets home there’s just one request on his lips: “Give me something to eat!” He’s not satisfied with a little cracker, a single baby carrot or a corner of a cookie. His one-thing desire is food, and lots of it.

David writes this psalm having worked up a mean appetite for God. His one-thing desire is to dwell in the house of the Lord, meaning to live continually in the light of His presence. He’s not satisfied with a surface-level acquaintance with God or keeping religious traditions; he wants to know God deeply.

The reason David’s craving is so intense is because it’s fueled by knowing that the Lord is his light and his salvation. The Lord is his safety against the advances of the enemy. The Lord is his stronghold and shelter.

As God reveals Himself as our light and salvation, He feeds our hunger to know Him even more, to abide in Him fully and enjoy the rich blessings of His presence. He makes our hearts unafraid even when the enemy closes in. He instills confidence in Him even though the spiritual war rages all around us. When the day of trouble comes fear does not overtake us, for our trust is in His goodness, His provision and His protection. We wait upon Him with confidence and supernatural courage. May the Lord give us a one-thing desire to dwell continually in the light of His presence.

Find Love! (Psalm 26)

2011-01-26T06:00:00.001-06:00

Psalm 26

I have quite a few handwritten notes in the margins of my study Bible. Usually they’re certain insights the Lord has given me as I’ve read through Scripture, references to other passages, or applications the Spirit has impressed to me. One such note in the margin beside this chapter reads “Find love!”

In verse 2 the writer opens himself to the searching and convicting light of the Lord. In view of the false accusations against him from his enemies, David earnestly begs the Lord to test him and make sure that his own actions are pure. He’s not claiming to be sinless, but he knows that through his trust and abiding fellowship with the Lord, God will vindicate him.

The Bible tells us that in Christ we are reconciled to God. That means we’re without blame in His sight, holy and free from accusation (see Colossians 1:21-23). That’s our hope in the gospel, our confidence in Christ, who has redeemed us, made us righteous and steadies our feet on level ground.

As I pray for the Lord to examine my heart and my mind, I pray that He finds love. Since His love is ever before me, my earnest desire is to walk always in His truth. I want to love the Lord passionately, with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I want to love His church zealously. And I want to love the lost with the compassion of Jesus. Love disarms every enemy. Love keeps us walking in the pathway of His truth. Love delights the Father. O Lord, test me, and find love!

Pleading for God's Guidance (Psalm 25)

2011-01-25T06:00:00.003-06:00

Psalm 25

Last year for Christmas my parents bought me a GPS. I think maybe Amy talked them into it. She’s ridden with me enough to know that if I veer off the main roads in search of a better way, there’s a pretty good chance it won’t turn out well.

The same thing happens in our spiritual walk. If we think we can find a better way than God’s way, there’s a really good chance it won’t turn out well for us. And make no mistake about it, there are plenty of voices in this world distracting us from the narrow way, clamoring for our attention and affections, tempting us to compromise and seeking to see us stumble into sin.

Psalm 25 is like the navigational system directing us back to the pathway of Christ. If you’ve veered off the straight and narrow and seem to have lost your way, make the words of this psalm your earnest plea to the Lord for His guidance. Pledge your heart and soul to Him anew this day. Trust in Him without wavering. Plead with Him to show you His ways and teach you His paths and guide you in His truth.

The best part is that because the Lord is good, because His mercy is new every morning, His grace greater than our sins, and because He is loving and faithful toward the humble, He will take away all your sins. He will guard your life and rescue you from your affliction and distress. He will instruct you in the way you should go without fail and without disappointing.

Bowing before the King of Glory (Psalm 24)

2011-01-24T06:00:00.001-06:00

Psalm 24

I think one reason, maybe the main reason, that people refuse to acknowledge God as the creator of the universe is because they don’t want to be held accountable to Him, or anything else for that matter. The Big Bang Theory and other alternative creation theories provide convenient but dangerously deceptive ways of explaining how our world came to be without holding us accountable to its Creator.

The Bible, however, clearly and repeatedly declares the Lord God to be the Architect and Builder of the heavens and the earth. The whole earth belongs to the One who made it, who sustains it, who reveals His glory through it and who holds all men responsible for their actions.

The Israelites in singing this psalm not only recognize the Lord their God as the Creator, but they welcome His reign over them. They rejoice in the Lord Almighty as their King of glory, and are glad to make way for His rightful entry into their gates. They also realize they must come with clean hands and pure hearts, undivided in their devotion to Him.

Are you welcoming the reign of the King of glory over your life? Will you be among those who ascend the hill of the Lord and stand in His holy place? Let the sacrifice of Jesus be your cleansed and purified life as you bow in joyful worship in His presence. He’s your only hope for salvation.

Led by the Good Shepherd (Psalm 23)

2011-01-23T06:00:00.001-06:00

Psalm 23

You’ve been waiting to get to this psalm. So have I. Since we’re here, let’s soak in it for a while. I know you’ve read or heard this psalm hundreds of times, but today read it through thoughtfully, line by line, as you meditate on the Shepherd. Think about who He is and what He does for His sheep.

And make sure you consider how Jesus took up this shepherd imagery in John 10. He knows His sheep by name, and they know His voice and follow Him. He is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for them, only to take it up again!

How should we respond? Well, when the Lord is your Shepherd He’s all you need. You want for nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else. When the Lord is your Shepherd you don’t fear anything. You know He is with you even through the valley of the shadow of death. When the Lord is your Shepherd you’re not anxious for anything. You trust in His provision, His power, His promises and His presence. When the Lord is your Shepherd you’re blessed in abundance. He fills your cup to overflowing with the full measure of His goodness and mercy, watching over you all the days of your life and assuring you of that glorious hope we share of dwelling in the house of the Lord forever.

Do you really know Him as your Shepherd? Are you resting in His loving care for you? Are you listening to His voice and following where He leads?

When You Feel Forsaken (Psalm 22)

2011-01-22T06:00:00.001-06:00

Psalm 22

Reading this psalm first through Israel’s eyes you feel for the anguished soul who cries out for God yet finds no immediate relief. You feel his pain as he suffers physically and emotionally through the attacks and taunts of the violent.

Then you have to read this psalm through the eyes of Jesus. Indeed, this psalm finds fulfillment in the cross. Jesus echoes the words of verse 1 as He suffers the agony and humiliation of crucifixion. The description of the psalmist’s distress finds uncanny resemblance in Jesus’ own misery on the cross.

But please don’t miss the hope held out by the psalm writer. Despite his wretched condition, his hope was anchored in the Holy One enthroned on the praises of Israel. God had delivered the generations before who trusted in Him, and he was certain that God would come through once more.

Yes, so did God deliver His own Son! The agony of the hour was unbearable, but glory was on the way! Friday may be a dark and gloomy day of despair, but hold on, dear friend, Sunday is coming soon! The grave could not hold the King of kings. Death is no match for the power of God that freed Jesus from its grip and broke the chains forevermore.

That deliverance is ours, as well, Christian! Those who cry out to God in trust will be saved and will not be disappointed. His face is not hidden, even when you feel forsaken.

Praising God for Answered Prayer (Psalm 21)

2011-01-21T06:00:00.001-06:00

Psalm 21

It’s been said, “If you pray for rain, carry an umbrella.” Are you truly expecting God to answer your prayers?

Read together with Psalm 20, this psalm reveals the Israelite community rejoicing with thanksgiving because the Lord indeed answered their prayers. God gave the king the victory in battle for which they prayed. God showed off His great salvation. God granted him the desire of his heart and did not withhold the request of his lips. God poured out His blessings upon the king – and thus upon the entire nation of Israel – in overflowing abundance. It seems He not only answered their prayers, but put His glory on display in the way He did it.

This psalm, then, shows the people of God shouting for joy and lifting up their banners in the name of the Lord, as they said they would do in Psalm 20:5, because God answered.

What is the key to such answered prayer? Look at verse 7. It’s faith! They asked in faith for God’s help, believing that He would not only hear their prayer, but answer. They trusted in His unfailing, steadfast love, knowing that when the Most High sets His loving affection and protection upon His people, they will not be moved. The enemy may plot evil but cannot succeed against the strength of Almighty God!

Jesus Himself made some bold promises to us regarding prayer. Check out John 15:5-8 or Matthew 21:21-22 for starters. And make sure you have your umbrella handy!

Confidence in Prayer (Psalm 20)

2011-01-20T06:00:00.001-06:00

Psalm 20

There are millions of things you could put your trust in. Some trust in stocks and some in bonds. Some trust in jobs and some in luck. Some trust in abilities and some in education. Some trust in power and some in popularity. Some trust in government and some in themselves. But we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

Everything else will eventually wear out, fade out, burn out or run out. The only confidence we have in prayer is the confidence we have in the name of the Lord our God. We can approach His throne of grace with great boldness in the name of Jesus, knowing that in Him we will receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

So I wonder, what would happen if we prayed these first five verses for our fellow believers? What might God do in response to our sincere prayers for victory in the lives of others, as Israel here pleads for victory on behalf of their king?

For pastors, for Sunday School teachers, for missionaries, for deacons, for committee members, for greeters, for ushers, for church clerks, secretaries and treasurers, for pew sitters and the homebound – God, give great victory to your people today! Answer them in their hour of need. Help them rise up and stand firm. Show off your power and love through their lives, and we’ll rejoice in the saving power of your right hand! For we trust in your name alone, O Lord our God!

God Is Speaking - Are You Listening (Psalm 19)

2011-01-19T06:00:00.001-06:00

Psalm 19

This beautiful psalm highlights two distinct ways God speaks into our world. One is through the declaration of His glory in creation. The other is through His written Word. Both reveal the greatness of God and draw us humbly to Him.

Honestly, I can’t understand how anyone could gaze upon the countless stars at night or peer into the spacious skies without being blown away in awe. Studying the world’s design, how could anyone conclude this all came into being by random chance? How could anyone not see there is indeed a mighty Maker and Sustainer of all things?

And as if the voice of creation were not enough to draw us in worship to God, He speaks even more clearly through His Word. God wants us to know Him, and His Word tells us more about His love, His mercy, His grace, His power, than the skies would have space to begin to say.

And consider closely the rich blessings God pours out into the hearts of those who receive His teaching. His Word revives the soul, makes the simple wise, rejoices the heart, enlightens the eyes and endures forever. His Word will keep you from sin and teach you how to live to please the One who has redeemed you and calls you by name. There’s great reward in keeping His commands. Live in the Word of God today, and let His Word come alive in you. God has something to say. Are you listening?

Song of Deliverance (Psalm 18)

2011-01-18T06:00:00.002-06:00

Psalm 18

You’ll be tempted to rush through this psalm. Don’t do it!

Instead, try to put yourself in David’s sandals, praising God for His mighty deliverance. Remember that David had many enemies, but God delivered him from them all.

This psalm comes straight out of 2 Samuel 22 where David glorifies God for hearing His cry for help and saving Him from his foes. When you look at the victories God gave David in 2 Samuel 21, you see that he was at war with some pretty big dudes – in fact, descendents of the giants. God saved him from one guy who carried an 8-pound spear. He saved him from another man of “great stature” who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot.

Time and time again God rescued David from the hand of his enemies. No wonder he burst forth in this song of deliverance, giving praise to the Lord, his rock, his fortress, his strength, his deliverer, his refuge, his shield, his stronghold and his salvation.

He’s done the same for you, dear friend. The giants of worry, fear and doubt may threaten to undo you, but they cannot overcome you when you let the Lord fight your battles for you! Call upon the Lord who is worthy of praise, and trust Him to save you from the enemy. Lift your heart to heaven and you’ll find yourself singing your own song of deliverance!

Safe in the Shadow of His Wings (Psalm 17)

2011-01-17T06:00:00.002-06:00

Psalm 17

A mother bird is fiercely jealous for her young. She guards them under the cover of her wings. She keeps them from danger, from predators and from themselves. She unfailingly provides for their needs. She is their shelter, their lifeline. Without her protection they would surely not survive.

That’s how God cares for His own. Left alone we would surely not survive. We would be devoured by the deadly enemy. We would be ambushed by those with evil intent. And we would be so quick to fall into many dangers, toils and snares.

But by His grace God cares for us like a mother bird watching over her young. He protects those who seek refuge in His strong and mighty hand. He provides faithfully for our needs. And yes, He will deliver us from the adversary and vindicate us in His righteousness.

Jesus told His disciples they would experience troubles and persecutions along the way, as will we. But He also said, “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble; but take heart, I have overcome the world.”

Lift your heart to heaven, dear follower of Christ, calling upon His name and resting in His peace, whatever circumstances may come. And know He will hide you safely in the shadow of His wings. He is fiercely jealous for His own!

Victory in Jesus (Psalm 16)

2011-01-16T06:00:00.001-06:00

Psalm 16

There is no fear even in death for those who belong to the Lord. As Paul said, “For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” It’s a far better deal for us when we depart and go to be with Christ! We need not fear the grave because Jesus has won the victory over death, and that victory is ours in Him!

As you read this psalm, read also through Peter’s sermon in Acts 2 and take note of how he applies these verses to Jesus’ resurrection victory. God did not abandon His soul to Hades or let His flesh see corruption, but raised Jesus up and exalted Him at His own right hand. “God raised Him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for Him to be held by it!”

“Death has been swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Christian, let your heart and mind and soul soak in the great truths of this psalm. Know that you have a beautiful inheritance in the Lord. Bless the Lord for His counsel and guidance. Rejoice in His continual presence. He will not abandon your soul to death, but will make known to you the path of life, fill you up with joy in His presence and grant you pleasures from His right hand forevermore.

Never Shaken (Psalm 15)

2011-01-15T06:00:00.002-06:00

Psalm 15

I can’t help but think of Edgar Sork when I read this psalm. I’d only known Ed for a year before he passed away, but all I knew of him answered the question of this passage positively.

O Lord, who may dwell in Your presence? An essential question for all, no doubt. In other words: Lord, what kind of person is bound for heaven? What do You desire of those who are saved and will inherit eternal life?

Take a long, hard, honest look at the way this psalm answers that question. What are the marks of a man who will live forever with the Lord? Does this describe you?

To be sure, salvation is not based on our works. One may be able to keep this list fairly well, but no one will ever measure up to God’s perfect standard. Only through the righteousness given to us in Christ Jesus can we be made perfect.

Salvation is a gift of God’s grace received by faith, not of our own works, lest any man should boast. Through that faith the Spirit of God begins to change us, empowering and enabling us to do the good works which God has prepared for us.

I read this psalm at Ed’s funeral because his life displayed the character and deeds of one whose life Christ has changed, a man who was never shaken, a man who will dwell and is dwelling eternally in the presence of God.

Salvation for Fools (Psalm 14)

2011-01-14T06:00:00.001-06:00

Psalm 14

What floors me is that God took the initiative to come to us. It sure wasn’t because we were out looking for Him! It sure wasn’t because we were so good God looked down from heaven and was impressed with our righteousness. The glorious grace of God is that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us! What a demonstration of divine love!

The apostle Paul takes part of this psalm and uses it in Romans 3 to say that every single person is under sin, that we will all be held accountable to God, and that we are not even close to being able to measure up to His perfect standard. It sure doesn’t take long for any of us to look in the mirror and see how true this is! We know that we have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We’ve all been fools in this way.

It’s the fool, however, who keeps refusing to receive the one and only remedy for sin: Jesus Christ. It’s the fool who continues to reject the one source of salvation, the one hope for rescue from sin and death and hell. It’s the fool who fails to call upon the name of the Lord and be saved.

But God has indeed brought forth salvation out of Zion. With a love undeserved and unfathomable He sent His Son to save us. He gave us the gift of everlasting life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Because of the cross we’re forgiven for our foolish sin. Because of the empty tomb we’re raised up with Him in glory. Through faith in Christ even fools can be saved.

But I Trust in Your Love (Psalm 13)

2011-01-13T06:00:00.001-06:00

Psalm 13

Here’s an interesting study for you sometime: Search the Bible for the use of the word “but.” You’ll find some of the greatest revelations of God’s mercy, grace and purposes in what follows that little word.

In this psalm the writer expresses frustration with God’s timing. Have you noticed that God does not always spring into action and resolve our situations the moment we think He should? Maybe you’ve asked God for help for a very good reason, but He hasn’t done anything about it. If God seems distant, if it seems as though your prayers aren’t going anywhere, and if it seems like God’s enemies are gaining the upper hand, you can relate to this psalm.

And I hope you’ll come to the same conclusion as David. Even though God did not respond in David’s timing, even though he felt God had forgotten him, even though he was under great duress and sorrow, and even though his enemies seem to have defeated him, don’t miss David’s confident trust that God would yet be there for him.

Maybe you’re in the middle of a desperate situation and God has yet to act. Don’t despair. Don’t give up. Don’t think He doesn’t care or that He has abandoned you. Trust in His unfailing love, and your heart will follow with rejoicing. Keep lifting your heart to heaven. Keep singing to the Lord. You know He’s been good to you, and He always will.

When Vileness Is Honored Among Men (Psalm 12)

2011-01-12T06:00:00.001-06:00

Psalm 12

It can often seem, because of the prevalence of moral decay in our culture, that the godly have vanished from the face of the earth. It can seem that everyone lies, that no one can be trusted and that evil people are winning and flaunting it. It’s a sad commentary that “what is vile is honored among men.”

Truly we are living in the midst of a generation that knows no bounds to perversion and immorality, to deceit and greed. And these are traits for which many stand up and applaud!

Case in point: The 2010 People’s Choice Award for favorite pop artist is a young woman known as Lady Gaga whose lyrics and lifestyle define the word “vile.” The Award for favorite movie went to “Twilight,” where the vampire world takes a glamorized center stage. And the number one TV comedy Award went to “The Big Bang Theory,” a show whose laughs are generated through the lens of all things sexually immoral.

This is what America “honors” in our day. Are you aware that our elected Illinois representatives recently passed a bill approving civil unions for gay couples? Do you realize that for nearly 38 years now a mother has had the “right” to legally kill the unborn child in her womb?

Yet the Lord hears the groans of the faithful, He will arise and protect them from this generation forever. Against the vileness of our culture, His words are pure and flawless.

Trusting Christ in Crisis (Psalm 11)

2011-01-11T06:00:00.002-06:00

Psalm 11

Think about a time you’ve faced a real crisis in your life. Maybe it was a life-threatening illness, a job loss or financial hardship. Perhaps it was a divorce or the death of a loved one.

People are always watching to see how those who claim the name of Christ respond when troubles come our way. When things seem to be falling apart, they want to know if you’ll crumble or if your faith in God will strengthen your stand.

How have you handled crises in your life? Did you lift your heart to heaven or wallow in the mire? Did you run to the Lord as your refuge or try to manage on your own? Did you trust in His sovereign grace or let worry and despair eat you up?

Could it be that the next trial that comes your way may be a test to measure the depth of your trust in God? Are you really depending on Him in all things? Are you certain that the Lord in heaven is in firm control of everything and that absolutely nothing you will ever go through is greater than His omnipotent ability to carry you through?

O righteous child of God in Christ, the Lord will never take His eyes off of you! That doesn’t mean He’ll exempt you from the crisis, but it does mean that He loves you and will see you through. In fact, He may even refine your faith in Him through suffering, proving it genuine and increasing your joy in Christ Jesus. Trust Him in your crisis.

Calling the Wicked to Account (Psalm 10)

2011-01-10T06:00:00.002-06:00

Psalm 10

I fear for those who arrogantly reject God and mistakenly think that they will not be held accountable for their wicked deeds. Our world is full of such men and women. From leaders of nations to ordinary citizens, a prideful heart dismisses God from all his thoughts. He boasts in his own prosperity. He takes advantage of the poor, ambushes the innocent and lies in wait to crush the helpless.

All the while he thinks he’ll get away with everything. He thinks he’s invincible and that nothing will shake him.

And since the psalmist knows that God is a just God, a defender of the fatherless and the oppressed, he pours out his complaint to the Lord wondering when God will arise and come to the help of the helpless.

Don’t you wonder the same thing sometimes? “God, you see the oppression of the poor. You see the persecution of Your people. You see how the wicked mock and revile Your name. Why aren’t You doing something about it? When will You rise up and bring down the wicked in your justice?”

Yet even as we plead with the Lord for help on behalf of the afflicted, we can also trust in His compassion and deliverance. He knows what’s going on, and He’ll soon enough vindicate those who commit themselves into His hand, calling the wicked to account.

Never Forsaken (Psalm 9)

2011-01-09T06:00:00.002-06:00

Psalm 9

Enthroned forever. Righteous Judge. Refuge for the oppressed. Stronghold in times of trouble. Destroyer of the wicked. The Lord Most High.

Such are the characteristics of a God who inspires unwavering confidence in His ability to uphold His people when they seek His help against the attacks of their enemies. What a comfort to know that when the Lord is for us, none can stand against us! None!

No wonder the writer opens this psalm with an attitude of wholehearted praise and exuberant gladness in the wonderful deeds of the Lord. God had never let His people down in the past, and David believed He would come through for them again. Surely those who trust in the Lord Almighty and seek Him for help will never be forsaken!

Just as God had chosen Israel to be a light to the nations, He has chosen His church to shine out the light of Christ to the lost world. Keep trusting Him, dear friend. Keep seeking Him for help. Keep running to Him as your stronghold. Keep praising Him and proclaiming His wonders to the nations.

He kept His covenant with Israel, and He’ll keep His covenant with His church. Against His power and justice, the enemy doesn’t stand a chance. His people will never be forsaken.

Still Captured By God's Care (Psalm 8)

2011-01-08T06:00:00.002-06:00

Psalm 8

I remember our pastor at Trimble Bible Church where I grew up asking the congregation to think about our favorite psalm one week and come back the next ready to share about it. I was just a boy, but I clearly remember this Psalm being my favorite. Too young, however, and too shy to speak up in the middle of all those adults and say it! I regret that, because I’m sure it would have been an inspiration to them to see a young boy learning to love the Word of God!

Thirty years later, though, and I still love this majestic song. So I’m saying it now that this psalm still humbles me to the core when I think about the glory and the love of the Almighty Creator. When I think about the brilliance of the heavens and realize that the One who created the starry host and brings them out one by one and calls them each by name is the One who is also mindful of me, who cares for me, who loved me enough to send His very own Son to take my place on the cross, who calls me His very own child – my soul falls prostrate before Him in worship and gratitude and adoration.

Let the wonder of God’s glorious creation take hold of you. Consider the beauty of the mountain peaks, the vastness of the ocean’s depth, the limitless reaches of the galaxies – whatever spurs your awe of God’s design – and marvel at His handiwork. Then know that this majestic, omnipotent God knows your name and cares deeply for you.

Tell It to the Judge (Psalm 7)

2011-01-07T06:00:00.003-06:00

Psalm 7

Have you noticed how many of the Psalms this week have emphasized the writer finding refuge in the Lord? David needed the Lord’s protection from his human enemies who wanted to tear him to pieces like a lion. How much more do we need the Lord’s help from our adversary, the Devil, who prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour?

In this chapter the context refers to a time in his life when David was slandered by a man from the tribe of Benjamin. Is there really anything worse than someone deliberately and maliciously raking your name and reputation through the mud? Spreading lies and saying false and unflattering things about you, about your family? And even if the rumors prove untrue, hasn’t damage already been done? Don’t you long for justice to prevail in such circumstances?

So did David. I imagine he would have loved to take matters into his own hands and seek revenge. But instead he left the vengeance to God. He understood that the Lord his God would ultimately save him while executing righteous judgment upon his enemies.

Friend, if you’re tempted to “get even” with someone who’s done you wrong, follow David’s example in this psalm. Take the matter to the Judge who will take care of it and give you cause to sing praise to His name.

Seeking Spiritual Healing from Sin (Psalm 6)

2011-01-06T06:00:00.003-06:00

Psalm 6

Sometimes our most passionate prayers arise out of our most miserable circumstances. Sometimes those miserable circumstances arise from our own reckless sin.

Along with Psalms 32, 51, 130 and others, it is helpful to read this one as a cry from a man who sees the folly of his sin. He recognizes that his sin has brought tremendous misery upon himself. He’s faint, his bones are in agony and his soul is in anguish. He needs physical and spiritual relief from the well of God’s steadfast mercy, and he needs it fast!

Have you ever been there? Realized that the reason you’re in the mess you’re in is because of your own foolish disobedience to the Lord? Because you did your own thing when you should have done God’s thing?

David not only knew the agony of his own foolishness, he also knew that the only hope he had for help was in the One against whom he had sinned. So he poured out his heart to the Lord, pleading for the mercy that brings physical, emotional and spiritual healing to a sin-sick soul. And by faith he knew that God had heard and accepted his prayer. He was certain that he would experience the forgiveness and deliverance he desperately needed.

On some days the best prayer you can utter may simply be: “Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am so weak.”

Praying for an Unwavering Walk (Psalm 5)

2011-01-05T06:00:00.007-06:00

Psalm 5

Wow. You really want to know what the Lord thinks about those who are full of violence and deceit? You really want to know how the Lord feels about those who continually rebel against Him? You really want to see what will become of those who reject God’s ways and boast in themselves?

David’s plea in this psalm is for God to lead him in the way of righteousness because of his enemies. He doesn’t even want to think about wavering from the ways of the Lord because he knows what fate awaits the wicked, and he knows what joy and blessings await those who love the name of the Lord.

And note that David approaches the Lord not in his own merit, but in holy reverence and humility through the measureless mercy of God. He comes before Him in the morning pouring out his requests to his King, and then waits in expectation for God to answer and vindicate him.

And though he is sure the Lord will deal justly with the rebellious and unrepentant who seek his harm, David is fully convinced that the faithful in Christ will be glad when He spreads His protection over them and surrounds them with His favor as with a shield.

Pray hard, dear friend, that God will lead you in His righteousness and keep your walk unwavering. He’ll deal soon enough with the wicked.