Galatians419

When to Just Save Your Breath

2012-02-01T03:00:00.000-08:00

By Allen White

Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?”

Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?”

They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin’—we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet.”

So they answered Jesus, “We don’t know.”

Then he said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things. Matthew 21:23-27

If everyone believed the sun revolved around the earth, how could you convince them otherwise? If everyone believed the world was flat, how could you prove it’s actually round? After all, that moon landing was just staged in Hollywood, right?

It’s clear the religious leaders didn’t believe Jesus was the Son of God. In fact, if He admitted to that status, then His arrest and punishment would be easily justified. Blasphemy was the highest offense.

Jesus, of course, knew where they were going with all of this. So, rather than giving them an answer they wouldn’t accept, He asked a question which would expose their intention.

Was John’s baptism of divine or human origin? An honest answer would foil their plot to expose Jesus, so they gave a political answer: “We don’t know. We can’t recall. We can neither confirm nor deny…”

Since the religious leaders couldn’t agree on a starting point with Jesus, He didn’t answer their question either. The events leading up to His arrest, crucifixion and resurrection where “scheduled” in God’s plan in relation to Passover week. This wasn’t the time.

Often we encounter people who see things from a completely different angle and in some cases maybe a different planet or plane of reality. (Often, we’re related to these folks.) Reasoning from your point of view seems to go nowhere.

In order to communicate your point, you have to understand where they’re coming from (or at least try). Unless you can engage them from their point of view, then the conversation is, well, pointless.

When I take my car to a mechanic, my explanation about what’s going on with my car often involves the word “thing.” The thing that makes the thing work isn’t working. Fortunately, my mechanic understands my novice terminology, identifies the problem, and fixes it. Or, at a minimum, he does something I’m not aware of and gives me a big bill.

Unbelievers don’t understand spiritual things. Only people with the Spirit of God can truly understand the things of God. Then, there’s the fact that believers aren’t perfect. When we try to explain the things of God in an imperfect way to people who can’t understand spiritual things in the first place, well, confusion will always follow. But, there are things no one can argue with.

If you once upon a time lived only for yourself, but now through God’s power you’ve become a more generous and loving person, people will notice that. If you’ve harbored bitterness and resentment against someone, but by God’s grace you’ve finally forgiven an offense -- that will get noticed too.

The work of God in you is far more powerful than words about God coming from your mouth. Rather than debate who’s right and who’s wrong, prove it. Allow Jesus Christ to live His life through you and show everyone a better way.

The next time someone asks a pointed question about your faith, maybe the answer is a question. How can you understand them better? Where are they coming from? What’s their point of view? Often a seemingly intellectual debate has an emotional root. Pray that God will heal their hurt.

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Anger Management

2012-01-31T03:00:00.000-08:00

By Allen White

Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”

The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant.

“Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him.

“Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read,

“‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?”

And he left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where he spent the night.

Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.

When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked.

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:12-22

It’s hard to grasp the reality that Jesus is both God and man. He’s not half and half, but fully God and fully man. If we tend to think of Him as more one than the other, we enter into heresy.

I used to think Jesus could do all of the miracles He did because He is God. He lived a perfect life because of His Deity. How could I compete with that?

Yet everything Jesus did was directed by His Father and empowered by the Holy Spirit. We can relate to that.

Accepting a Divine Being in human form is challenging to grasp. It ranks right up there with God revealing Himself as a Trinity – again, mind boggling. But, the hardest thing for us to grasp is the love of God.

How could a perfect God have such mercy on imperfect people? How could He have such compassion for humans, who by their actions made themselves His enemies? We know what God has revealed about Himself, but we certainly don’t know everything about Him.

In these two accounts, we witness something remarkable about Jesus. He is angered by the money changers who are cheating the devout at the temple. And, He’s angered by a fruitless fig tree. Jesus is mad. He turns over tables and curses a tree. Jesus didn’t sin, but He also didn’t hold it in.

The money changers were an obstacle to honest worship. The fig tree got in the way of a full tummy. Both of these irked Jesus, and He made that known. Jesus didn’t take time to reason all of this out. Sometimes zeal takes things where wisdom cannot.

The first time I saw a fig tree was on a drive along the 99 freeway in central California, near Fresno. The trees looked bent over and deformed – frankly, they all looked cursed. But, figs weren’t the issue. Jesus was teaching His disciples about faith.

The withered fig tree was a small example of the power of faith in God. Jesus told them, “If you think this is something, then you just wait. You ain’t seen nothing yet.” (I’m sure our Perfect Savior didn’t have bad grammar.)

Jesus is a real person. He feels things just like we do. Jesus didn’t have an anger problem. He expressed His anger, but He never sinned.

What do you do when you feel anger? Do you lash out at someone? Do you sulk and fume?

The sin and evil of this world should make us angry. But, rather than just ranting and raving about the wrongs of this world, what are you doing about it? If your anger merely makes you unpleasant to be around, then you’re not accomplishing much for God’s Kingdom.

Pay attention to what makes you angry. When you hit that Popeye moment when you “can’t stanz it no more,” then ask God what He wants you to do about it. As Jesus said, “You ain’t seen nothing yet.”

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Is God Calling You to do Something Ridiculous?

2012-01-29T03:00:00.000-08:00

By Allen White

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

“Say to Daughter Zion, See, your king comes to you,

gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”

The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” Matthew 21:1-11

I know it seems a little early to talk about Palm Sunday. I mean we haven’t even broken all of our New Year’s resolutions yet. But, this is where the Gospel is taking us.

It’s interesting that a prophesied event starts with a donkey-jacking. Jesus instructs His disciples to find a specific donkey and colt and to bring the animals to Him. If anybody asks, they are to say the Lord needs them. “The Son of God has requisitioned your beasts.”

The disciples don’t hesitate to act. They lead the animals back to Jesus without fear of a low speed chase of any kind. Zechariah 9:9 was fulfilled specifically and exactly. No one animal would have worked. No other animal or mode of transportation was suitable.

The disciples followed Jesus’ instructions, unconventional as they were, in order to fulfill a prophesy uttered centuries before. But, if we were among the disciples, would we have been as willing to take the risk? What about the donkey owner? What about “Thou shalt not steal?” I suppose technically it was borrowing.

Now, before we get all excited and decide to requisition our neighbor’s new car, we should keep in mind that Jesus’ words were a one time, specific instruction. And, of course, we should also remember, “Thou shalt not covet…” But, sometimes God calls us to do things out of the norm in order to magnify His glory.

When someone wrongs us, and we forgive rather than hold a grudge, God is glorified. When we live in obedience to God’s Word, even when doing so appears to give us a disadvantage, God is glorified. When we put aside the temporary fixes and allow God to transform us, He is glorified.

What crazy thing do you feel God is leading you into? Please keep in mind, if where you think God is leading you contradicts God’s Word, it’s not God leading you. Please understand, I don’t say this lightly.

God’s plan for each of us doesn’t usually fit in societal norms. God didn’t design you to fit into a broken, fallen world. He made you for so much more.

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[Weekly Digest] Galatians419 Devotionals for week of 1/22/2012

2012-01-27T07:07:00.000-08:00

Personal Note -- I would like to thank all of you for your generosity toward this ministry over the last few weeks. Every gift helps to move this ministry forward. I am both honored and humbled that you read these devotionals and support them. God bless, Allen

Just in case you missed something this week:

God Is Unfair, And We Should Be Grateful

By Allen White

Why should people who don’t work as hard or don’t work as long be paid the same as people who’ve worked so hard all day? If two people had the same job today and one was paid less than the other, we would call this discrimination. If someone was paid the same for doing far less work, we would label it favoritism. There is an unfairness to this scenario that is a little hard to live with. Read more...

When Last Place Gets First

By Allen White

Jesus has nothing to prove. He is the most powerful being in the universe. In fact, He created the universe. Jesus knows everything – past, present and future. He is present everywhere all of the time. And, Jesus never changes.

Shouting at Jesus

By Allen White

Imagine yourself as one of two blind me. We don’t know how long you’ve been blind. But, whether it was your whole life or just a part of your life due to an injury, it’s incurable.

But, now you have a shred of hope. You’ve heard about Jesus and His ability to heal. You’ve heard stories of other blind people who are now seeing. This is your shot at possibly seeing for the first time in your life. Read more...

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Shouting at Jesus

2012-01-25T03:00:00.000-08:00

By Allen White

As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

“Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.”

Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him. Matthew 20:29-34

Imagine yourself as one of two blind me. We don’t know how long you’ve been blind. But, whether it was your whole life or just a part of your life due to an injury, it’s incurable.

You hear the crowd. As the crowd noise rises, you hear Jesus and His disciples coming your way. This is your chance of a lifetime. This is your one shot to healing and sight.

You and your buddy begin shouting at the top of your lungs. What you lack in sight, you make up for in volume. The disciples immediately try to quiet you down. Your desperate cry is deafening.

You cannot be dissuaded. You continue to shout until you have Jesus attention. Your need is so desperate. The cure is standing right in front of you now.

Some people think you’re making a fool out of yourself, but they just don’t understand. The key to your future – the pathway from begging to productivity – the only answer to your problem is right there. Wild horses couldn’t keep you away.

Jesus turns and speaks healing into your life. Instantly, you can see. You believed. You asked, and now you see. Now, you really have something to shout about.

The blind men had an advantage over you and me. Their need made them completely helpless except for Jesus’ intervention. For most of us, we’re still trying to figure something out to make things happen on our own. The sooner we get to helplessness, the sooner Jesus can help.

What are you truly desperate about these days? How are you exhausting yourself, yet not getting the results you desire? When was the last time you shouted at Jesus?

Maybe it’s time to cry out: “I can’t do this. Can You help me? I’m about ready to give up. Jesus, I need You do so something I can’t.” Jesus answers loud prayers like that. Maybe not always in the way we expect, but He hears us and acts. Do you believe?

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When Last Place Gets First

2012-01-24T03:00:00.000-08:00

By Allen White

Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.

“What is it you want?” he asked.

She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”

“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”

“We can,” they answered.

Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”

When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:20-28

In that first paragraph, you have Theology 101. God is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and immutable. (Those terms track with the sentences of paragraph one, in case you were wondering.)

By possessing all knowledge, power and space, Jesus certainly isn’t insecure. He is just as comfortable with last as He is with first. Jesus was at home on a Heavenly throne just as much as He was in an earthly home. He certainly didn’t need to look out for number one.

The request from James and John’s mother irritates us on several levels. First, since the brothers couldn’t get their way with Jesus previously, they complained to their mother. Mommy had to intervene for her boys. I’m sure the other ten were collectively rolling their eyes.

They were grappling for something they didn’t deserve. One wanted to be Jesus’ right hand man, while the other wanted to be the left hand man. Had they secured those spots, I’m sure the next controversy would involve who had which spot.

This power play by Zebedee’s boys did nothing but lower morale and nurture resentment among the rest of the disciples. When we put ourselves forward, we tend to move backward. God is the one who elevates us or demotes us.

When our lives don’t appear to be headed up and to the right, we might wonder why God isn’t blessing us. But, is position and worldly success really a blessing? What if God gave us what we thought we wanted, then we later discovered those things drew us further away from God? Is that a blessing?

If God could use a negative circumstance in your life to draw you closer to Him, would that be worth it? Would we choose comfort and ease over a close connection with our Savior?

Life is hard. Sometimes our circumstances cause us to question God’s love and His plan for our lives. If we allow those low points to take us deeper into God’s love for us, then we have succeeded. But, if we live shallow lives that appear to be outwardly successful, is that success?

Oh, and the other thing that irritates us about James and John – sometimes we feel we deserve more than we do too.

How can you put yourself last today? How can you prefer someone over yourself? How can you serve someone without expecting something in return? These actions elevate us to Christlikeness.

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God Is Unfair, And We Should Be Grateful

2012-01-22T03:00:00.000-08:00

By Allen White

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.

“About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went.

“He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’

“‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered.

“He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’

“When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’

“The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’

“But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’

“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Matthew 20:1-16

When you think about this unfairness, it extends well into our spiritual lives. Some of us have been Christians as long as we can remember, while others might come to Christ on their death beds. Why is it that a life-long commitment to Christ seems to get the same reward in Heaven as a last-minute decision?

Shouldn’t life-long Christians be entitled to larger mansions or better seats at the table? After all, they’ve worked all of their lives to serve Christ, right? It would be unfair to give them the same reward as these Johnny-come-latelies.

For those who are keeping score, let’s review the concept of fairness in our spiritual lives. Every person who’s ever lived has sinned (Romans 3:23). The fair thing for God to do is to punish our sin with death (Romans 6:23). When it comes to our eternity, we don’t want fairness. We all want mercy.

Whether you’ve worked hard to live a good life or have partied hard and didn’t care, God’s grace is sufficient for each of us. Our good work amounts to nothing. When it comes to the things of God, we don’t want rewards, we need grace.

As believers, we should rejoice every time someone makes a decision to follow God, even if it’s at the 11^th hour. If we can’t celebrate someone crossing from death unto life, then our attitude is “Well, they can just go to Hell. That’s what they deserve for the way they’ve lived their lives.” And, that’s what we deserve as well.

Rather than begrudging God’s patience with someone else, we should be grateful for God’s patience in our lives. God has a plan for us. God has a plan for them.

If we are jealous of people who seem to sin more and get away with it, then maybe we should sin more. Let’s see where that gets us. Maybe we haven’t accumulated enough regrets yet.

Where do you struggle with this idea of fairness? How are you tempted to prove you’re more deserving in your relationship with God than others might be? God’s grace is sufficient, even for our bad attitudes.

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You Can’t Out Give God

2012-01-18T03:00:00.000-08:00

By Allen White

Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?”

Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

Matthew 19:27-30

It’s easier to make an investment than a sacrifice. A sacrifice seems like your just giving up something valuable in return for who knows what. On an investment, you expect a return, even if it’s only 0.89% these days.

We invest time in our children, so they grow up to make good decisions. We invest money to send them to college and put a roof over their heads. At times, it might feel like a sacrifice, but it’s an investment.

Many believers have given generously or have even foregone lucrative opportunities in order to serve God and build His Kingdom on this earth. Sure you might not be driving the nicest car or living in the biggest house, but according to Jesus’ words to His disciples, our reward is eternal life and, oh, 100 times our investment.

Let’s think about that. As I talked about Bible numbers a few days ago, when Jesus says 100 times, He doesn’t just mean that if you give $10, you’ll get $1,000 in return. In Bible times, the number ten symbolized an infinite multiplier. So, what does 10 tens or 100 times mean? It’s an incredible return. But, this is about more than money.

Most of Jesus’ disciples didn’t have much money to contribute. In fact, with Judas Iscariot helping himself to the treasury, financially, they were moving in the wrong direction. But, they gave of themselves. They devoted themselves to follow Jesus and trusted that He would supply their needs. And, He did.

After Pentecost, when Peter and John encountered a lame man begging for money, they didn’t have money to give him (Acts 3:1-10). But, what they could give him was a miracle by the power of God. The man simply wanted to feed himself. God, through Peter and John, gave the man something money couldn’t buy – his fully restored health.

God wants to use you. How have you let God use you? What God wants to do in your life is only limited by your willingness to surrender to Him. How do I know that? Because the biggest obstacle in my life is me.

But, when I’ve said, “Lord, here I am. Use me.” He has in remarkable ways. I know what you’re thinking, “But, Allen, you’re a pastor. God uses pastors differently than other people.” I wouldn’t be a pastor if I hadn’t surrendered myself to God, now would I?

God isn’t necessarily going to call you to be on staff at a church. But, God is calling you to full-time ministry. Your ministry might take place in an office or a factory or a school or a neighborhood. Your ministry might not come with a paycheck, but God will provide for all of your needs.

God doesn’t want your faith to be tied to the S&P 500. God wants you to trust deeply in Him. He will provide for all of your needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). I know that’s true.

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Does Poverty Make You More Spiritual?

2012-01-17T03:00:00.000-08:00

By Allen White

Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”

“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.”

“Which ones?” he inquired.

Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”

“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”

Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:16-26

Americans are among the wealthiest people in the world – even in this economy. The majority of the world lives on less than $2 per day. We can barely get a decent cup of coffee for that.

Even though most of us haven’t appeared on a show like the “Top 500 million Wealthiest People in the World,” we are a little uncomfortable with these words from Jesus. Do we need to be poor to truly serve Christ?

Some authors like David Platt in Radical challenge us to use our worldly resources to expand the Kingdom and not spend so much on ourselves. While that is certainly biblical, we always need to be careful when we transfer our convictions to other people’s lives. Some Christian leaders have dubbed this the “Poverty Gospel.” The best thing for any of us is to gain a clear sense of what God has called us to do. If we’re not sure, God will direct when we ask.

The dilemma with the rich young ruler who came to Jesus was not that he had money. His issue was that money had him. Jesus encountered many other wealthy people in His ministry, yet He did not challenge them to give up their wealth to follow Him.

Jesus, who is God, is omniscient. He knows everything. Jesus knew that this man didn’t struggle with morality. He kept the Law down to the jot and tittle. The man’s issue was his attachment to his money. Jesus knew this struggle. He knew the man couldn’t follow two masters (Matthew 6:24). For this man to choose Jesus, he had to deny the other love in his life. Sadly, he couldn’t do it.

I’ve known quite a number of wealthy people over the years. Most of them have a great perspective on money, God and generosity. They have money, but money doesn’t have them. But, there are a lot of middle class folks who get caught up in the pursuit of money and (implied) happiness. They are serving a cruel master.

Money may not be your issue. The cheap substitutes for God fall in three categories: pleasure, possessions and prestige. Some people are held back by what others might think about them. Others are caught up in whatever makes them feel good. And, yes, others crave more stuff.

If you don’t think you fall into one of those categories, let me ask you this: what do you do when you’re stressed out? Do you rely on pleasure, possessions or prestige or do you rely on God? Ouch. Vegging out in front of the TV just to “numb out” is a legal, available drug. What should you do?

Read five Psalms and talk to God in the morning. Seriously, I do this most days. It changes my perspective on life, reminds me God is in control, and gives me the courage I need to face the day.

Now, what about all of that money that either has you or you so desperately want? Give it away. The antidote for materialism is generosity. Give a regular tithes and offerings to your church. Help the poor through credible ministries like Water of Life or World Vision. Then, ask God to satisfy the desires of your heart.

What you desire is not a thing or an experience. What you truly desire is a close connection with your Heavenly Father. The world will try to convince you otherwise. We call it advertising. But the things of this world are a poor substitute for all God has in store for each of us.

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The Advantages of Childhood

2012-01-15T03:00:00.000-08:00

By Allen White

Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there. Matthew 19:13-15

Most people come to Christ as children. In fact, 80 percent of all Christians make the decision to follow Christ before they are 12 years old. That was true for me.

While I can’t remember not being a Christian, I do remember making a decision for Christ 40 years ago. That seems like a long time. Of course, I was seven at the time.

Why are children more responsive to the Gospel? Well, for one, they don’t have to deal with the complexities of life and the big questions that weigh on adults. While children today are exposed to so much, so early, they have a certain innocence and simplicity of faith. Now, they will certainly wrestle with weighty issue in their teen years and especially in college, like we all did, but a child sees the world much differently than an adult.

Children are more creative, more imaginative. If adults possess the creativity of a child, we either label them as eccentric or genius or both. Adults must work hard to fit in. Children are far more comfortable with who they are.

Children have so much fertile soil for the Gospel. They are open to spiritual things. They are accepting of what seems impossible for adults. Adult lives are full of weeds. Much like the Parable of the Soils (Matthew 13:1-13), the cares of this world tend to crowd out life-giving faith. This is true, even for believers. When was the last time you thought or said that something couldn’t happen?

So, two conclusions here. First, we all need to nurture the faith of the children in our lives. This might mean volunteering in a class at church. Every church needs volunteers. Adults may seem easier to work with, but working with children is far more rewarding.

Secondly, you and I need to become more childlike in our approach to God. We serve a God who can, not a God who can’t. We serve a God who will, not a God who won’t. We serve a God who dreams big, not a God who thinks small.

When was the last time you dreamed big? When was the last time you might have embarrassed yourself a little with your enthusiasm? When was the last time you realized the Creator of the Universe wants to do big things in your life? Hold on to the child-like dream. Don’t let the weeds choke it out.

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[Weekly Digest] Galatians419 Devotionals for week of 1/8/2012

2012-01-13T07:13:00.000-08:00

Just in case you might have missed something this week:

It’s Time to Parole Yourself

By Allen White

For my children, forgiveness is easy. I would even say it’s cheap. They pick on each other and fight like children do. When one of them is hurt or upset, we ask the offender to apologize. It usually goes something like this:

Offender: “I’m sorry.”

Offended: “That’s okay.”

Sometimes we do this sort of exchange too. The problem is that if someone has hurt or offended another, it’s not okay. If it was okay, it wouldn’t hurt. If it was okay, it wouldn’t matter. If it was okay, no apology is necessary. If it’s okay, then what will keep them from doing it again and again? It’s not okay. It does matter. Read more...

Marriage is Hard, Worthwhile Work

By Allen White

Among the religious people in Jesus’ day, divorce was cheap. If a man’s wife burned his toast, he could simply give her a certificate of divorce, and the marriage was over.

Jesus’ challenge to them and to us is “Don’t cry over burnt toast. Tough it out.” That may seem silly, but think about the reasons people you know have gotten divorced. Did it really have to come to that? Read more...

Modern Day Eunuchs?

By Allen White

In Bible College, there was always a group of guys who claimed to be “Bachelors ‘til the Rapture.” This was the group that spent Saturday nights alone in their dorm rooms. If you couldn’t get a date, then why not over-spiritualize it? Read more...

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Modern Day Eunuchs?

2012-01-11T03:00:00.000-08:00

By Allen White

The disciples said to him, “If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.”

Jesus replied, “Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.” Matthew 19:10-12

The disciples’ question about avoiding marriage implies that they weren’t married at the time. If they had been married, they would have known better than to ask. Marriage is worth far more than all of the trouble.

To have someone who loves you and believes in you - To have someone to support and encourage - To have a partner and companion - To have a lover and friend – these are the benefits despite any conflicts.

But, Jesus said, “Hey, if you’re called to be a eunuch, then be a eunuch.” Some men were born eunuchs. Some became eunuchs. These often worked in harems. If a person could accept it, then, sure, he could be a eunuch for the Kingdom. Some people are indeed called to be single – but not many of us.

Studies show the happiest man is a married man. Of course, they also say the happiest woman is an unmarried woman. It’s probably a good thing that other studies show that woman tend to outlive men.

When I was single, I was a pretty good Christian in my own mind. Marriage has certainly revealed my selfishness and flaws. Now, I know what to work on. And, I certainly have plenty to pray about.

Several years ago, a man in our church began to lose interest in his wife. His interest was drawn toward a girl he dated in high school. Even though he hadn’t talked to her in years, he began to imagine his life with her instead of his actual wife, who he talked to every day.

Eventually their marriage failed. His relationship with his wife just couldn’t compete with the imaginary relationship in his head. He lost his wife and children to live alone with his fantasy. He never reconnected with his long lost love. Last I heard, he still lives alone.

Would it be better to live alone than to deal with the problems in marriage? Absolutely not. If God has called you to be single for Him, then you’re not married now. If you are single and you feel God has called you to remain single for Him, then God will give you the grace you need.

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Marriage is Hard, Worthwhile Work

2012-01-10T03:00:00.000-08:00

By Allen White

When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went into the region of Judea to the other side of the Jordan. Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there.

Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?”

“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

“Why then,” they asked, “did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?”

Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”

Matthew 19:1-9

Among the religious people in Jesus’ day, divorce was cheap. If a man’s wife burned his toast, he could simply give her a certificate of divorce, and the marriage was over.

Jesus reminds us that marriage as God intended is a union of body, soul and spirit between a man and a woman. To separate is definitely not a clean break. It’s a jagged tear that leaves both spouses deeply wounded. Even the most seemingly amiable divorce feels like going through Hell.

Marriage takes hard work. Our spouses point out all of our flaws. They know how to push our buttons. At times they are selfish. And, at times, so are we.

Christian artist Steven Curtis Chapman described his marriage as a “30-year tug a war.” That seems like a good description.

All of us are prone to sin. Put two sinful people together for years of marriage, and you will have both mistakes and outright sinfulness. Yes, we should avoid sin – by all means. But, the reality is we all sin, pretty much every day. There is a remedy.

The Bible tells us, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Colossians 4:32). Kindness, compassion and forgiveness can take us all a long way.

There are reasons for divorce. Jesus specifically named sexual immorality. Short of that, we should do our best to work out our problems and become the spouse God intends us to be.

Some days marriage may seem impossible. But, God will help us. God will not help us control our spouse, but He will help us control ourselves.

Years ago, I heard a speaker say that 70 percent of conflict in marriage is caused by the same issues over and over. If nearly three quarters of fights are caused by the same issue, then you’re probably not fighting about as much as you think.

What issues do you need to focus on in your marriage? What resentment or bitterness are nurturing toward your spouse? Forgive and don’t allow the devil to have a foothold in your marriage.

Pray for your spouse every day. Pray for God to use your marriage to grow you spiritually.

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It’s Time to Parole Yourself

2012-01-08T03:00:00.000-08:00

By Allen White

“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.

“At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.

“But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.

“His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’

“But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.

“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” Matthew 18:23-35

Offender: “I’m sorry.”

Offended: “That’s okay.”

“I forgive you” are the three most powerful words on the planet. You don’t deserve my forgiveness. In fact, what you deserve looks more like punishment, wrath and resentment. But, forgiveness trumps all of that.

Some things seem impossible to forgive. But, when we think of what Christ bore on the cross, we must remember that no one has wounded us more deeply than the wounds Jesus suffered on our behalf. If in Christ’s power, He can forgive all that we’ve done (and have yet to do), then in Christ’s power, we can also forgive. Don’t get me wrong. What they did is not “Okay.”

The last sentence of this parable is a bit perplexing: “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart” (Matthew 18:35). The Father is going to treat us how?

In the previous paragraph, we see the unmerciful servant was locked up in prison until he paid every cent he owned. Is God going to throw us in jail? Is God going to revoke His forgiveness of our sins?

When we harbor resentment and unforgiveness, we put ourselves in an emotional prison. Rather than releasing someone through forgiveness, we have bound something on earth that is now bound in Heaven. We are the inmate, and our unwillingness to forgive is the jailer. The key to our emotional cell door is forgiveness.

If you don’t think this affects you, then let’s do a quick check up:

How short is your fuse these days?

How bare is your pantry or your liquor cabinet?

How high is your blood pressure?

How empty is your bank account?

How many once new toys sit abandoned in your garage?

How many hours do you clock in at work?

How tense were the family holidays?

You and I cannot avoid our way out of this prison. If we ignore things, they will not go away. In fact, the longer we delay, the worse we make things for ourselves.

But, we think, “It’s not fair. They were the offender, not me.” When it comes to spiritual things, the last thing we want is fair. If Christ was fair with us, we would continue to carry the guilt and shame for all of our sins and eventually pay the price of eternal separation from God. We don’t want fair. We need Jesus.

What has ticked you off about today’s devotional? What person came to mind? What seems impossible to forgive?

Nothing is impossible with God. Ask Him to help you forgive what seems impossible for you to forgive. Isn’t it time to free yourself from that prison?

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[Weekly Digest] Galatians419 Devotionals for week of 1/1/2012

2012-01-06T07:58:00.000-08:00

Just in case you missed something this week:

Galatians419 Devotional Changes for 2012

Resolving Conflict or Twisting Scripture?

By Allen White

Believers do a version of this in the church today, but it goes more like this:

If your brother or sister sins, go…to one or two others and talk about the offender. Build your case. Assassinate their character. Hold resentment against them. Snub them at every turn. Make them so uncomfortable that they will eventually leave. Read more...

Can We Over-Forgive?

By Allen White

Peter was willing to forgive. He just wanted to make sure that he didn’t lose count and over-forgive. After all, everything seems to have its limit. Why offer forgiveness when it’s undeserved? Read more...

Can We Over-Forgive?

2012-01-04T03:00:00.000-08:00

By Allen White

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:21-22

Peter was willing to forgive. He just wanted to make sure that he didn’t lose count and over-forgive. After all, everything seems to have its limit. Why offer forgiveness when it’s undeserved?

Some translations use “seventy times seven,” while others use “seventy-seven” times. More often than not, the numbers in the Bible are figurative.

I had a professor in seminary who often said, “I wouldn’t bet my life on the numbers in the Bible.” He believed the Bible was the inspired word of God. He just understood the symbolic nature of numbers in Scripture.

So if we’re not to forgive literally 77 times or 490 times (70 x 7), then what is Jesus saying here? Some have interpreted what 70 and 7 represent. Seven is the Divine number in Scripture. Ten or a multiple of ten points to the exponential, if not infinite, nature of the point.

By using these numbers, Jesus pointed out how forgiveness is both Divine and unending. There is no cutoff at the 78^th or 491^st offense. Forgiveness should go on and on.

Now, there is a difference between forgiveness and co-dependency. Forgiveness is costly. Co-dependency is a burden. Forgiveness doesn’t guarantee reconciliation. Forgiveness isn’t an immediate pathway to trust. There are consequences beyond forgiveness. Yes, we are to turn the other cheek, but as my friend Paul says, “We only have two cheeks.”

How do we know when we’ve forgiven? Well, when we no longer hope the offender gets run over by a bus. When we can actually wish them well, then we know we’ve forgiven.

While the actual act of forgiveness doesn’t take much time, getting to the place where we’re willing to forgive might take a little longer. God is a genius at forgiveness. He will help you forgive even the unforgiveable.

Who do you need to forgive (again)? What’s keeping you from forgiving them?

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Resolving Conflict or Twisting Scripture?

2012-01-03T03:00:00.000-08:00

By Allen White

“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

“Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:15-20

Believers do a version of this in the church today, but it goes more like this:

It’s pretty obvious that version is a case of twisted Scripture. Jesus wasn’t advocating any kind of triangulation or co-dependency in His teaching. This is a straight forward approach.

Now, someone sinning against us is not just a difference of opinion. When we’re talking sin, it means the 10 Commandments or one of the sin lists from the New Testament. Sins is lying, gossip, slander, stealing, murder, and so on.

If I sin against you, then before you consult with everybody we know, you and I need to sit down – face to face, eye to eye – and you need to point out my fault. But, don’t act like you’ve never sinned.

Now, we might not be able to resolve all of this in one conversation, so let’s keep talking. As long as we are willing to talk to each other, then we don’t need to involve anyone else. But, if at some point, I refuse to admit my fault or seek forgiveness, then it’s time to find a third party to bring into the conversation.

If the assistance of a third party helps things, then we’re good. If not, then we need to involve many more people. Now “church” here could mean different things.

Let’s say the incident occurred within our small group. We don’t need to call a membership meeting of the whole church to address it. But, we do need to discuss this in our group. Again, this is the last resort.

If I continue to refuse you after all of these folks who care about me have intervened, then it’s time to put me out. But, what does that mean?

Jesus’ instructions were to treat the person like “a pagan or a tax collector.” So, what does that mean?

In Jesus’ day, a pagan simply was an unbeliever. And, tax collectors were Jews who turned against their own people by collecting taxes for the Romans, and for themselves. Both pagans and tax collectors are essentially unbelievers. How are we supposed to treat unbelievers?

The church’s mission in the world is to love unbelievers and challenge them with their need to repent. After putting an unrepentant believer out of the circle, his fellow brothers and sisters should continue to love him and challenge him to repent. But, they don’t include them in their circle of fellowship. The admission for that is a repentant heart.

But, what if we enforce this and everyone’s circle becomes “me, myself and I.” I think that’s the risk that we take. The greater risk is that by harboring resentment and ignoring offenses, we continue to allow the devil to gain a foothold in the church.

Then, we wonder why the church is dwindling in size and why giving is down. We wonder why we can’t reach more people for Christ. The church can get itself so bound up in unrepentance and sin that God will no longer bless it. Let’s not go there.

Who has sinned against you? You might need to make a list. What is your next step in discussing the situation with them? This doesn’t have to be a hostile confrontation. Maybe they didn’t even realize how their actions affected you. Ask God what you should do next (but don’t ask anyone else).

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Galatians419 Devotional Changes for 2012

2012-01-01T03:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

We've had a pretty amazing journey on this devotional blog for the last two and a half years. Over 1,300 people read the devotionals every day and the site has over 300,000 views. But, what's mattered the most to me are the personal notes you've sent on the days when a particular devotional touched you. I'm grateful that God has used me in some small way to impact your life.

The devotionals started as part of my ministry at Brookwood Church. While I am no longer at Brookwood, I have continued to write five days per week. At this point, however, I am having a little difficulty in finding time to write. I've debated about whether to continue the devotional blog or not. Because of so many faithful readers, I've decided to continue writing, but I do need to make a change.

Starting tomorrow, I will publish the devotional blog three days per week. If you read the devotionals in a blog reader, you will see them on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday. If you read via email, you will receive new devotionals Monday, Wednesday and Thursday each week.

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Thanks for reading and Happy New Year!,
Allen White

[Best of 2011 #1 Emotions Are So Unreasonable

2011-12-29T03:00:00.000-08:00

By Allen White

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
Matthew 26:36-38

Death is not a normal thing to volunteer for. Jesus spoke of His mission on this earth over and over with His disciples. Jesus knew that the end of His mission would result in death. But, even for our All-Knowing God, Jesus had never personally experienced sin and death. His Divine mission was confronted with a strong human reaction.

Jesus took Peter, James and John, His inner circle, a little further into the garden. He knew that His betrayal would happen sooner rather than later. He asked them to keep watch while He prepared Himself in prayer.

Jesus was overwhelmed. The Son of God, the Master and Creator of the Universe, the Savior of the world was overwhelmed. And, He should have been.

Emotions are just so unreasonable. Our emotions motivate us toward things that defy our logic. Some of us were even taught that emotions were scary or bad or both. But, emotion is a part of who we are.

No one should feel okay at a loved one’s funeral. We should grieve. Everyone should feel overwhelming joy and excitement on their wedding day. And, there are days when the circumstances of our life are completely overwhelming. There’s only one place to go on those days.

Jesus, being fully human and also fully God, was overwhelmed. With His disciples keeping watch, He chose to go by Himself and to connect with the Father. No person would understand His plight. No amount of ranting and raving would cure what ailed Him that day. Only a connection with the One who completely understood Him and His circumstance would help.

Where do you go when you are overwhelmed? Do you escape into a bad habit? Do you go to bed? Do you go ballistic? There is only One Person in your life that can take what you’re dealing with, and it’s also the only Person who will fully understand – your Heavenly Father.

God is not surprised by your circumstance. God wired you to feel what you feel. When you are completely overwhelmed, He completely understands.

What are you feeling overwhelmed by today? It’s time to get alone with the One who understands.

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[Best of 2011] #2 God Doesn’t Want You to Worry

2011-12-28T03:00:00.000-08:00

By Allen White

Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Matthew 6:27

We can’t add anything to our life by worrying. We might even shorten our lives by worrying.

When we worry about something, we put ourselves through the same physiological state as if the event was actually happening. Our brain knows the difference between what’s real and what’s imagined, but our nervous system does not. Worry puts our bodies in a state of emergency – fight or flight.

Our blood pressure goes up. Our heart races. Our palms begin to sweat. Our stomachs produce extra acid to digest what’s there. No wonder worriers end up with ulcers. The body doesn’t know the difference between a real emergency and an imagined one.

Our lives are in God’s hand. The length of our lives is determined by God Himself (Job 14:5). We can’t add to that. God is in control. We are not. So, what do we do when we’re overcome with worry?

The Bible says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Since God is in control, there is really no reason to be anxious about anything. But, when we do feel anxious, it means that we’re out of our depth. We are worrying about things that are well into the future and out of our hands. When that warning light pops up on the dashboard of our souls, we must take the next step.

Give our worry to God in prayer. If we’re still worried about it after we’ve prayed, then give it over to God again and again and again. Wash, Rinse, Repeat.

God knows the resolution to every one of our problems. God knows what we’ll feel like when our current problem is resolved, so before the problem is even resolved, God gives us something that we don’t deserve. He gives us the peace that we will experience when everything is okay. But, He gives us the peace now, even though the resolution is still in process.

What are you worried about today? Stop and give the situation to God. Even if your prayer is “God, I don’t know what to do. Please take this over and help me.” He will help you.

Then, when you start worrying about it again (and you might), stop and pray again. If that warning light comes on again, stop and pray again.

I share a story in my stress management class about a woman who went to see a psychologist about worrying. The doctor prescribed a biblical remedy. He gave her a card with the word “STOP” on one side and Philippians 4:6-7 on the other side. He told her that every time she started to worry, she should get the card out and read it out loud.

The next week the patient was pleased to report that the first day she had to use the card 20 times, but by the end of the week she only had to use it twice a day.

What are you worried about right now? A worry is something you think about three times a day or more. What are those worries?

God doesn’t want you to worry. He’s got this one (and the next one). Place your worries into God’s hands, and He will give you His peace in return.

[Best of 2011] #3 What If We Stopped Complaining?

2011-12-27T03:00:00.000-08:00

By Allen White

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. Philippians 2:14-16

For some of us, these verses seem impossible. Grumbling and complaining might feel like breathing. Or, if it’s not a complaint, it comes out as sarcasm. Whether our snide remarks are resentful or recreational, they reflect the condition of our hearts.

Grumbling and complaining comes from the simple fact that the world is not as we think it should be. Whether our expectations are realistic or not, when our lives don’t measure up to our expectations, we grumble and complain. When our lives are less than what we think they should be, we grow resentful and sometimes angry.

The problem, according to this passage, is that grumbling and arguing are obstacles to becoming blameless and pure. The ugliness of our attitudes corrupts the purity of our souls. When we are saved, God declares us to be righteous (Romans 4:5) and purifies our hearts (Hebrews 10:21-22). Negative attitudes can pollute what God has purified.

Sometimes we excuse our attitudes, because of the world that we live in and what we have to deal with. The world is an unfair and an unjust place. Just watch the evening news – there’s plenty to be bitter about. Just look at how people treat each other – there’s plenty to resent.

Don’t you find it odd that the first century A.D. was regarded as “warped and crooked”? If that generation was warped and crooked, then what does that make our generation? They didn’t even have Lady Gaga back then.

Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians from prison. That wasn’t fair. Why wasn’t Paul bitter? Paul knew, as we know, that neither people nor evil are ultimately in charge of the universe. God is.

One day, every wrong will be righted (Revelation 19:11). One day, justice will prevail and evil will disappear (Revelation 20:10). Until that day, we must choose to trust that God loves us, He has a plan for us, and He knows what we’re dealing with. If we choose to trust rather than complain, then we “shine among them like stars in the sky.”

What are you known for these days – the light of Christ or grumbling and complaining? Complaining is really just a bad habit. There are times to bring things up. But, if the person that we’re talking to is not part of the problem or part of the solution, then it’s just grumbling and gossip.

It’s our choice to either become blameless, pure and bright or grumbling, complaining and dull. God will help us shine like stars. If we choose the other path, we’re on our own, consequences and all.

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[Best of 2011] #4 Bypass the Freaking Out

2011-12-26T03:00:00.000-08:00

By Allen White

Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”

Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.

The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!”

Matthew 8:23-27

The disciples didn’t know what they didn’t know. They knew enough about Jesus to leave everything behind and follow Him. But, they didn’t know enough to trust Him implicitly. They believed that Jesus was the Son of God, but they didn’t really understand what that meant.

As the storm began to rage, even the seasoned fishermen on board began to worry. In their heads, they knew that Jesus was the answer. In their hearts, they were freaking out.

The disciples did the right thing by turning to Jesus. They trusted Him to do something. They just weren’t sure what He would do.

Jesus, the Creator (Colossians 1:15-16), took authority over the forces of nature. Just like God had spoken the creation into existence, Jesus said just said the word. The wind and waves obeyed.

The disciples were blown away. “Who is this man?” They followed Jesus because they had never met another man like this. Then, they were astonished at His miracles, because they had never met another man like this.

The voice of fear said the disciples would perish in this storm. The voice of reason didn't disagree. The voice of faith, however, realized the Truth was asleep in the back of the boat. The disciples versus a fierce storm equaled catastrophe. But, Jesus versus the storm meant something completely different.

Now, before we look down on the disciples, think about how we handle things. We know that God can solve any problem. We know that God is greater than anything we face. We face a problem. Then, we try to solve the problem. We get frustrated and freaked out about the problem. Finally, in desperation, we cry out to God for help.

Here’s a little secret – save yourself the frustration – bypass the freaking out. When you feel the first signs of worry, turn the situation over to God (Philippians 4:6-7). The worst thing we can do is keep Jesus on reserve while we fret over our circumstance.

What are you worried about today? Anything you think about more than three times is a worry. Take a moment to give it over to God. The next time you worry about it, even if it’s three minutes from now, pray about it again. Jesus will calm the turmoil in your heart.

[Best of 2011] #5 God’s Will for Your Life

2011-12-25T03:00:00.000-08:00

By Allen White

The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. Proverbs 16:33

When someone refers to their “lot in life,” it usually comes across as a fatalistic acceptance of whatever trouble they are forced to endure. Some people seem to be lucky, while others are not. But, some people make their own luck. They prepare for a situation. They see beyond the immediate circumstance. They recognize that there are no coincidences in a committed life.

Whether we look at our lives as purpose-driven or we look at our lives as a crap shoot, God is the One who is rolling the dice and determining the outcome. This too could seem quite fatalistic, except that we know God is working for our good (Romans 8:28). He has a plan for us (Jeremiah 29:11). He has a purpose for our lives (2 Timothy 1:9). But, beyond all of the details of our lives, bumps and bruises included, God wills one thing for each and every one of us.

Here is God’s will for you and me: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Whether things go our way or go the other way, God’s will for you and me is that we would rejoice, pray and give thanks in all circumstances. I will admit, there are some circumstances that are hard to give thanks for. There are situations that are hard to rejoice over. There are times when it’s hard to pray. But, this is God’s will for us.

It would be much easier if God’s will was for us to be healthy, wealthy and wise. If all of the good things that entered our lives were God’s will, we would know that we were blessed. If bad things came into our lives, we would know that we needed to straighten up and get our lives back on track. But, here’s the deal: “[God] causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:45). When it rains, we all get wet.

So, let’s be honest, when have we grown the most, in good times or in bad? For most of us, the hardships of life have produced far more growth than the easy times. When we face problems, we are more diligent in prayer. We are more careful to remember and recite the goodness of God. Our past victories give us hope for the future. God is far more concerned about our character than our comfort.

What are you depressed about today? What can you rejoice about instead? What are you worried about today? Anything you think about more than three times a day is a worry. Pray about it instead (Philippians 4:6-7). What are you complaining about today? What can you give thanks for instead?

Is your car broken down? Thank God that you have a car. Are your water pipes leaking? Thank God that you have clean, running water. Many people in the world do not. (To get involved, check out the work of Water of Life at givefreshwater.org).

James wrote a sentence that is more than a little challenging to accept: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).

That thing that is bothering you just might be the way that God is working in your life today.

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[Best of 2011] #6 Hello, This is Peggy

2011-12-22T03:00:00.000-08:00

By Allen White

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. Ephesians 6:7-8

I took my son with me to Stop-A-Minit the other day. I was desperate for a Coke. He needed a treat – an Icee in this case. We also picked up a treat for his big brother.

As we waited in line to check out, the cashier’s attitude caught my attention. She truly enjoyed her work. You could tell that she loved serving other people. She wasn’t being fake friendly. She truly loved what she was doing.

I thought, “Gosh, I couldn’t work a minimum wage job, standing on my feet all day, and keep such a great attitude. I’m pretty sure that wouldn’t be my attitude in that job.” But, this gal served wholeheartedly. I left thinking, “Gosh, if you’re going to work a job like that, then why not make the best of it and give it what you’ve got.”

Most of us have experienced half-hearted service. Whether it was the restaurant server who filled our glasses when they got around to it or “Peggy” from the credit card company, half-hearted service is not a positive experience for anyone, including the server.

But, what if you work for a terrible boss? What if they don’t pay you enough? What if your co-workers are obnoxious? What if your work environment is not very pleasant? Do circumstances like that deserve our wholehearted service? Yes, they do.

Ultimately, our “boss” is God Himself. He deserves our best. God provides for all of our needs regardless of the size of our paychecks. God loves everyone of our co-workers and wants to use our lives to influence them.

Half-hearted or mediocre service is a poor reflection on God’s children. We make excuses like “if I worked with more Christians, then things would be better…” Don’t count on that either.

You may not be able to control anything around you. The culture and environment of your workplace may be well beyond your influence. You might be overwhelmed with frustration every day. After you’ve answered the question: Why are you working there? The next step is to be obedient to God.

Regardless of how you feel about things, no matter what other people are saying or doing, regardless of the difficulty of your circumstances, your job is to be obedient to God. If you don’t know how, then plead your case to God and ask Him how you’re supposed to do it. He will show you.

What is hard for you to accept about your circumstance? Where are you tempted to cut corners? Why do you feel that the situation deserves less than your best?

You and I perform for an audience of One, God Himself. No other opinion matters more than what God thinks of us.

[Best of 2011] #7 Killing Ourselves Over Things that Don’t Matter

2011-12-21T03:00:00.000-08:00

By Allen White

Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.”

He answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here. The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, and now something greater than Solomon is here. Matthew 12:38-42

Jesus doesn’t perform signs on demand. In fact, the need for signs betrays a lack of faith more than the presence of great faith (read more here). The Pharisees didn’t need a sign from Jesus. They had witnessed plenty of signs firsthand. They certainly weren’t struggling to believe. They just didn’t believe Him.

Jesus pointed to a sign they would understand – Jonah. For those of us who spent years in Sunday school, we remember the high tech flannel graph illustrations of Jonah and the whale or more properly, Jonah and the great fish (Jonah 1-3).

A storm resulted from Jonah’s disobedience of embarking on the wrong boat. To save the crew, Jonah disembarked into the sea. The giant fish provided Jonah’s transportation to God’s intended destination.

Jonah’s disobedience didn’t stem from his dislike for the climate in Nineveh. Jonah didn’t like the Ninevites. He felt they deserved God’s judgment. If he preached repentance, they might repent. Jonah wanted nothing to do with that.

Jesus came to give His life as a ransom for the undeserving people of this world. He died and spent three days in the grave, just as Jonah spent three days “buried” in the great fish. At the end of three days, both Jonah and Jesus were raised in victory to proclaim Good News.

Jonah and Solomon both pointed unrighteous people to God. Jesus’ claim to the Pharisees was to be greater than both. What other signs did they need?

Sometimes we feel like we need a sign. Whether we’re making a big decision or just need assurance we’re headed in the right direction. Sometimes we’re so desperate; we’ll take any scrap of coincidence to validate what we’d like to do. But, we already have all the validation we need.

Believers today have all of God’s Word. Those in Jesus’ time had the Old Testament and Jesus’ live teaching, but they lacked the context and perspective that we enjoy today. By having all of the Bible and 2,000 years of Christian theology, we have a greater understanding of God’s plan than any of God’s people at any other point in history. So, why are we so confused?

We also have far more pressures and distractions than anyone at any other time. The world has dictated to us what we should have to be successful. Social media forces us into almost a daily interaction with every person we’ve ever met. Most of our lifestyles extend well beyond our means, yet we continually want more. We are killing ourselves over things that simply don’t matter. Why?

We lack direction. Often we lack perspective. When was the last time we stepped back and evaluated our lives? When was the last time we stopped doing something that wasn’t getting us anywhere? When was the last time we felt at peace? What was happening then?

You were placed on this earth for a purpose. If you feel frazzled and stressed out, you are not functioning in your purpose. You have too many competing values in your life. If you have children, they are part of God’s purpose in your life. If you’re children have become a bother to you, something has intruded on God’s purpose for you.

What do you worry about? A worry is something you think about at least three times per day. Why are you worried about these things? God’s purpose for your life shouldn’t be a worry to you. It’s what you were made to do.

Maybe it’s time to get alone with God for three hours. Take your Bible and a notepad. Tell God everything that you think and feel – write it, type it, say it outloud (not in public). Then, begin to write down the thoughts and ideas that come into your head. Make a To-Do list. Then, make a Stop-Doing list.