When I die, the pie chart representing how I spent my time on earth would have to include the time spent waiting in line at Sam’s.  As great as Sam’s is, its popularity combined with the quantity of items purchased can make for extraordinarily long wait times.  Don’t even get me started on Thanksgiving and Christmas.  If my wife or I announce we are going to Sam’s during the holiday season, it’s followed by packing water, snacks, and a family circle of prayer hoping we will see each other again soon.  That is until now….

If you are not aware of the “Scan & Go” feature on the Sam’s mobile app, you are missing out on the fullness of life that John 10:10 refers to.  It truly is a life changer.  With this app, you can do your shopping at Sam’s as normal and when you’re finished, you scan the items using the Scan & Go feature on the app and leave the store.  That’s it.  No waiting hours in line behind others seeking savings through bulk buying toilet paper and 64 oz vats of yellow mustard.  The app charges whatever card you have attached to the app, and you are out the door! 

One of my favorite things to do when I’m at Sam’s is to ask the people standing in line if they have the Sam’s app.  I show them the Scan & Go feature and their faces light up like they’ve found what they’ve been looking for their entire life.  It is so much fun!  There are those that dismiss my claims and choose to remain stuck in line and watch time slip away with each distant beep of the register.   However, there are other times when it turns into this wave of time saving excitement as news of this God sent technology spreads throughout the checkout lines.  In a matter of minutes, the lines literally start to empty, and I’m pretty sure I heard weeping of joy as I was high-fived by the Sam’s employee at the exit door.    

It’s an easy sell, honestly.  I’ve been where they are.  I can relate to their sore knees from standing in line forever.  I am familiar with the desire to wish things were different.  However, I also know where to find relief, so I share it with them, and they are grateful.  If you will allow me to be honest with you for a moment, I wish my approach to sharing the gospel reflected my Scan & Go sharing experience.  I admit, they are different in every way, but God has a way of using ordinary situations to teach me extraordinary lessons.  I’ve figured out the main differences in my approach, and it is was quite convicting. 

I go into Sam’s looking for opportunities to share with others what has made such an impact on me.  I don’t take that approach with the gospel when I leave the house and interact with those in my community.  In Sam’s, I regularly and openly demonstrate the joy of this time saving app, but outside of a spiritual event, I’m not sure how often others witness the joy of the gospel on my face or in my communication.  When I share the wonderful aspects of the app and explore with a stranger what it has to offer, I fully expect them to respond positively and act on this revelation.  I do not have the same positive expectations when sharing the gospel.  In fact, I expect to be rejected if I get into it at all. 

I do not doubt the saving power of the cross.  I have full confidence in the Holy Spirit’s ability to change the hearts of anyone.  I also have the ability to share with others the gospel that changed my heart and life many years ago.  Why am I so willing to do it poorly?  Why do I have doubts as to how it will be received?  Why do I concern myself with how it’s being received?  It’s not my job to change the heart, just to share the good news.  This is something that I, and I think many others, wrestle with regularly.  We don’t need to feel condemned by the struggle.  Just put one foot in front of the other and look for the leading of the Holy Spirit.  Above all else, I am thankful that I have good news to share, and I pray that we all will commit to learning how to share the gospel more often and more effectively. 

Romans 1:16

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”

Our 7 year old daughter has decided that she wants to increase her role in the rearing of her 4 year old little brother.  Admittedly, we have talked to her in the past about her being a good example for him hoping she would understand how vital her role is as a big sister.  This may have backfired.  I was recently explaining to our son that as fun as the idea may seem, forks are for eating and not stabbing.  You know, as a general rule.  While discussing this with him, and after he said he was sorry with teary eyes, I heard my daughter from the other room say, “I’ve never done anything like that before.”  While true, I immediately thought of all the other things she had done in her illustrious 7 year career on this earth.  Her rap sheet is quite impressive, trust me.  As with most interactions with my children, God spoke truth to my heart.  I’m comfortable saying most people find it easier to point out the “sins” of others than it is to be honest about their own sin.  The parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector in Luke 18 is a perfect example of that.  It is a mind blowing story if we really take the time to consider what Jesus is trying to teach us. 

Luke 18:9-14 

⁹ To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: ¹⁰ “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. ¹¹ The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. ¹² I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’¹³ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’¹⁴ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

In this parable we have two men going to the temple to pray; a Pharisee and a Tax Collector.  While they both went to the same temple to pray to the same God, what they were each seeking was quite different.  For the Pharisee, praying at the temple was a show.  It was all about him.  Please understand, his fasting and tithing are wonderful, God honoring forms of worship.  The issue is, he boasted in his works and considered himself better than the tax collector.  The Pharisee was seeking praise while the Tax Collector was offering praise.  Jesus says the one who is doing all of the “right” things did not go home “justified before God”.  Boasting in those things is not the gospel.  It’s pride in one’s self.  It is depending on one’s own righteousness rather than the righteousness we receive through the cross.  The tax collector recognized that he was a sinner and it grieved him.  He wouldn’t even approach the altar. 

Verses 13- 14 says, “¹³ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner. I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. ¹⁴ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

The Pharisee denied grace, mercy, and love to the Tax Collector while withholding judgement of his own sin.  We cannot allow ourselves to be fooled into comparing ourselves to others for the sake of testimony.  “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Fallen man cannot be the standard for anything other than examples of depravity and desperation.  God’s law is the lens used to view our righteousness and it is beautiful for 2 reasons.  First, because God’s Law is perfect.  Second, because it reveals how sinful we are and how desperate we are for a Savior.  It reminds us that through Christ, for those in Christ, God has poured out 100% of His mercy and grace. Nothing exists that is not reliant on or needs more of either.  The Pharisee failed to understand that he needed the same amount of Jesus as the Tax Collector.  If you find yourself thirsting for a better understanding of the gospel, take a moment and consider your sinful heart, and then consider the victory we have in the sacrifial love of Jesus Christ.

The Jesus Lizard has earned its name through its ability to run across the top of the water.  Proportionally, if humans could run as fast as the Jesus Lizard, we would run a blazing 70 mph!  If we could just reach those speeds, we could literally run across the surface of the water!  Alas, running that fast is impossible.  

There is a terminal velocity in every aspect of life; a point at which you cannot go any faster, harder, or further.  You cannot “do” anymore and remain effective.  Occasionally, we find ourselves trying to do more when we should be doing less.  I remember times in my own life when, though I responded to a calling, I found myself suffering, panicking, and gasping for breath.  My response was to work even harder, only to find myself sinking still. Looking back, each time I was depending on my own abilities, gifts, experience, or education.  I was drowning in the ministry I was called to because it was about me and not about Jesus.  What I did would determine the success or failure of the ministry.  After all, it is my job. That trap is easy to fall into.  We want to serve.  We want to do.  However, “doing” without “trusting”, leads to sinking.  Marriages suffer, families suffer, health suffers, ministries suffer, all in the name of trying to I do more and more, thinking it will fix the problem.

I often imagine what it was like for Peter in those first few moments, after sliding over the side of that wooden ship.  How long did he stare at the dark waters swirling below him before resting his weight on it?  As he inched across the surface of the water toward Jesus, was the water hard or soft beneath his feet? Was it slippery?  One thing we can be sure of, he was scared. Even before he saw the waves approaching out of the corner of his eye, you know he was terrified.  

There was quite a bit of uncertainty as my family and I crossed the Georgia state line back in August of 2014. The 2014 camp season at The Salvation Army Camp Paradise Valley had just ended, and we found ourselves on another adventure to a new town, new relationships, and new jobs.  Above all of Peter’s fears, he trusted his friend, Jesus.  I desperately want to be better at trusting Jesus when he asks me to do something completely crazy.  I have gotten better at it.  Not because I have improved somehow, but because God is faithful.  The truth is, in that fearful place, eyes locked onto Jesus, Peter was in the safest place he could be.  No matter how tall the waves swelled, or intense the lightning, Peter was safe because his ability to stand above the waves was being found in Jesus, not himself.

Peter wasn’t called to sink, and neither are we.  Christ has called us to himself. When Peter took his eyes off of Christ is when he started sinking, and then he cried out for Jesus to save the day.  Now, I’m not saying God won’t do that.  Peter called out to Jesus, and Jesus IMMEDIATELY reached out to save Peter.  However, if Peter were to walk on the water again and take his eyes off Jesus, he would again find himself sinking in the waves.  You see, Peter’s ability to walk on the water was just as dependent on Jesus as his being saved from sinking in it.  All too often, God is given the task of saving the day rather than sustaining it.

I was recently listening to a parenting podcast and in it the speaker said, “God did not call you to be parents because you are able.  He called you to be parents because He is able.” I was struck by how easily I forget that any measure of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control that I am able to extend toward my children, spouse, or anyone else I interact with, does not originate from my own abilities or characteristics, it is graciously granted to me by my loving Father. 

This is not only true of parenting.  God did not call you to be a BFI, volunteer, youth leader, student, friend, wife, husband, servant, officer, A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST, or anything else because YOU are able.  He called you because HE is able and wants to work through you for His kingdom.  So, when the burden seems too heavy to bear, know that it is, and that you are not called to bear it alone.  Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

I have far more in common with the Israelites than I am comfortable with.  Each time I look at their relationship with God, I am convicted.  Over and over again, it causes me to examine my own heart.  The most recent example came while discussing with some friends the Israelite’s anticipation of a Messiah, what they were looking for, and their reaction to the Messiah when He showed up.

The Israelites expected the Messiah to come as a sword wielding king to destroy their enemies, and deliver them from the Romans. They were looking for the ultimate superpower to stand beside them, stare with them across the battlefield and conquer their enemy.  They did not expect someone like Jesus.  A barn-born, servant king asking us to examine our own hearts. 

I’ve had the opportunity to be mentored by some amazing men, and they all had the same annoying habit.  Whether I was complaining about school, my boss, my new bride, it did not matter.  Each time I wanted/expected them to agree with me, they instead asked me to examine my own heart. It was so frustratingly accurate!  Despite how aggravating it was at the time, I knew they were right.  I was, and still am, very willing to shine a light on the sin of others while ignoring my own.  

In “Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Christian Community” Dietrich Bonhoeffer says, ““If my sinfulness appears to me to be in any way smaller or less detestable in comparison with the sins of others, I am still not recognizing my sinfulness at all. … How can I possibly serve another person in unfeigned humility if I seriously regard his sinfulness as worse than my own?”

Definitely something to think about. 

There is a story I’ve heard involving a member of Martin Luther’s congregation that I find interesting, even though it is not known if it actually happened.  

It is said that Martin Luther was approached by a member of his congregation and asked why he preached the gospel every Sunday morning as if the congregation had never heard it.  His reply was, “Because every Sunday you come in looking like a people that have never heard the gospel.”  #ouch

While it is true, there are those who think because they have heard the gospel once they don’t need to be reminded of it again, the opposite is also very common.  It is common for us to struggle with the idea of grace.  There are times when we struggle believing that Jesus could know our heart, our sin, and all of the things we’re ashamed of and still be willing to die for us. We whisper lies to ourselves saying things like, “If Jesus really knew what kind of person I was, he would not have died on the cross for me.” 

Romans 5:8 says, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God does know you and your heart and that is exactly why he sent Christ to die on the cross for you.  

Believe it because it’s true!

My office is a cave.  Not really, but I do keep it a little dark.  I prefer to use a lamp rather than the overhead lights.  I even keep my blinds closed.  That is until a few weeks ago when Jovanie walked in with that bright smile, opened my blinds and said I needed to, “Let the sunshine in, YAAAAAAASSSS!” Then she sat down and we talked about life’s joys and struggles.

One of the things I love about JoJo is the way she brightens the day of others around her, literally and figuratively.  She listens, cares, and encourages.  Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” When the Amalekites attacked the Israelites, Moses took Aaron and Hur to the top of a hill overlooking the battlefield.  As long as Moses held the staff of God above his head, the Israelites were winning.  As he got tired, his hands started to drop, and the Israelites would start losing.  Aaron and Hur got on each side of Moses and held his arms up for him and the Israelites won the battle. 

Do you have folks in your life that hold you up?  Can you think of those who regularly carry your burdens?  I bet you can.  If not, you may want to be more selective in who you spend your time with.  Living life, especially these days, is hard and it’s important to have people in your corner.  People that uplift, encourage and speak life into you. 

If someone popped into your mind, go tell them how much you appreciate them.  Write a little note or give them a hug and let them know the difference they’ve made.  Also, be willing to carry the burdens of others.  If everyone is looking out for everyone else, the weight of this fallen world is much more manageable.

I pray    Mark 3:1-6 tells us about Jesus’ healing of a man’s “withered hand”. Of course, the Pharisees were there watching and were not happy that Jesus was healing on the Sabbath.

4 Then Jesus asked them, “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent.

The Sabbath was sacred. Just as God rested on the 7th day, it was a time of life-giving rest.  It was meant for good.  For restoration and for remembrance.  Jesus was asking which is more in line with the restorative nature of the Sabbath, to leave this man in his suffering or to heal him and change the trajectory of his life.  I think the answer is obvious.

Pharisaical pride is well documented in scripture and is often found clashing with the actions Jesus.  The Pharisees were not concerned with the heart of the law when keeping the Sabbath, only the appearance.  For them, it was a badge of honor, it was their cultural identity to be seen maintaining this strict adherence to the rules.

As the Holy Spirit massaged this into my heart, I was challenged by two questions that popped into my head.

1.When have you ever seen Jesus choose Jewish law over serving someone? 
2.Do you think the blessings bestowed to you are for your own enjoyment, or are they the resources for serving others? 

For Jesus, over and over again, the marginalized were the priority.  So much so that we sinners were provided a savior in Jesus so that we would no longer be considered outsiders, but as children of the King. 

5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.

I pray that our withered hearts would not be stubborn toward those looking for relief from their suffering. I pray that we would see opportunities to be lead by the Holy Spirit and offer the restorative healing of the gospel to those around us.

In 2013, my wife and I were attending a church we had never visited before. Our daughter, two at the time, was not the social butterfly she is now so putting her in a nursery was always interesting.  Some she loved.  Others, not so much.  It didn’t really have anything to do with the actual nursery.  It really just depended on our daughter’s mood. On this particular Sunday, My wife and I were sitting in our back row seats enjoying worship when we heard a familiar shriek from the lobby.  It was the same noise we would hear in the middle of the night when our daughter would have a nightmare.  We immediately realized that our number had been on the board for so long without a response, they had exiled our child and a volunteer adult to the lobby because her shrieking was terrifying the other children.  Woops…

My wife went out, rescued the volunteer, and as soon as she came back into the chapel, I heard my daughter cry out in terrified hope, “Daddy!  Daddy!”. I turned to her as she wrestled out of my wife’s arms, ran with tears streaming down her face and her arms reaching out to me.  She crashed her little body into mine and I could feel the panic in her heaving chest as she locked her arms around my neck.  My being her protector and comforter became very real in that moment and I was so moved that my daughter found comfort and safety in my arms.

As believers, we also have a Father that loves us, protects us, and wants us to come to him in good times and also during the bad times.  We may not understand our suffering.  We may even be terrified of it, but He is full of truth, love, and hope. When life overwhelms us, when circumstances are so painful and terrifying we fear we cannot bare it, we can go running into His arms and rest in His faithfulness.  His Word assures us that He will be there to comfort and reassure us.  As much as I love my daughter and believe I will always be there for her, it does not compare to our Father’s love.  I am so thankful that He is mine and He is faithful.  God Bless.