Inspiration Point

Giving to the Worthy Poor

2011-01-17T08:44:00.005-05:00

Margaret was once again showing her concern for the poor. Dropping off used clothes, to help people in the community who are struggling.

She goes back decades in her concern for the poor. She was telling stories about the Great Depression along with her recent stop at the local food bank to deliver some can goods.

She addressed her concern for who would be receiving her donated clothes: "Make sure someone deserving gets these."

She emphasized this because she had noticed what she considered improper behavior at the food bank. She had spotted someone smoking. She said, "If they can afford cigarettes, they can afford food." These types of recipients of charity seem unworthy.

Wouldn't it be best if we all tried to make certain our charitable giving went to the worthy poor.

Well…this isn’t Jesus’ formula. Listen to His words: "Give to him who asks of you." No distinction between the right people and the wrong people.

And then Jesus goes on to say, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?"

People who don’t know Jesus, will give to a worthy cause. A worthy person.

As Christians, we need to different. We should give to those who seem unworthy. Like Jesus did for us on the cross.

For us. Such unworthy sinners.

Jesus—Another Dude?

2010-12-13T04:49:00.002-05:00

"I think Jesus is just another dude," was Bryan's bottom line in our impromptu conversation.

I knew little about Bryan. But soon he was telling me about his construction accident. "I should have died," he said. This turned our conversation.

"What do you think would have happened if you had died?" I said.

With little hesitation, he responded, "Nothing."

At that moment, the words of the Apostle Paul pointed at me: "Remember that you were at that time separate from Christ…having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ."

I could still remember back when I was a lot like Bryan. Words like "atheist, Heaven, Hell, agnostic, and Jesus", became part of our eight-minute interaction. Mostly Bryan talked. He detailed much of his spiritual journey. The more he talked, the more I saw my former self. The one separated from Jesus.

I longed to interrupt him with my "good news" of God's love—His plan of salvation. I could talk and…"If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal." 1 Corinthians 13:1 came to mind.

Love would be to really listen to Bryan's life-story. For a near-stranger he was sharing to a surprising depth. How long since someone has listened? How long since someone had put down their own agenda?

He sees Jesus as merely another dude. If I act without love, he could see a Jesus-follower as just another irritating noise.

Or he could see 1 Corinthians 13:13, "Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love."

I trusted God for Bryan's soul. I slowed down and listened, really listened. With love.

God’s Providence

2010-11-21T19:22:00.003-05:00

Nancy serves the poor---financially and spiritually. She works in one of the more challenging environments in the world. Semi-urban America. For years, her Jesus-focused ministry’s financial needs have been met solely by God’s Providence.

Telling of a recent trust-God-for-everything month, she smiled, “I’ve been praying like crazy.” Then this letter arrived from a near-stranger. Along with a sizeable donation.

“I got my recovery check from Farmer’s Insurance. It was a lot more than I had expected. So—I tithe regularly, but somehow I don’t he with mission contributions.

I don’t know why, because I greatly admire missionaries! There is aretired missionary in our Bible study. Boy! Does he have some stories. Anyhow—I’m making a contribution…

No—don’t object. Let me expand my soul a little bit. Let me help while I can. The time will come too soon perhaps when I don’t have anything to offer. I don’t have much now. I really don’t do much at church—like I did in the past.

I wish I could be there to your see face when you get this check. Bless you…Deaton”

In Corinthians 9, the Apostle Paul gives the New Testament’s most concentrated exposition on giving. A central theme is: “…for God loves a cheerful giver.”

This connects to another thread. Revealed in these scriptural excerpts: “Your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God…overflowing through many thanksgivings to God…they will praise God for your obedience….thanks be to God.”

Do you see this? The happy, God-focused giver stirs people to thank and praise God.

When Nancy saw Deaton’s check she was in awe, humbled by God’s answer to her prayer…speechless, until joyful praise of God overflowed from her heart to her lips.

The cheerful giver, the grateful recipient “overflowing through many thanksgivings to God”. Providence happened.

Just like the Bible said!

God’s Door, Window, or Chimney

2010-10-28T07:21:00.004-04:00

“If God closes a door, He can open a window,” Richard said. And then Branden raised his hand at youth group, “And if the window’s closed, there’s always the chimney.”

I’m not sure if he was just trying to be funny, but he hit a theological home run.

The conclusion of Mark 4 illustrates the door-window-chimney concept. We find Jesus wrapping up a day of preaching from a boat just off the shore of the Sea of Galilee. He gives the command to His disciples: “Let us go over to the other side."

And then “There arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up.” Jesus was back at the stern sleeping.

They awoke Him. And a door of opportunity opened for Jesus to rescue the day. Jesus could have grabbed the rudder and muscled the boat into the optimal position for stabilizing the boat. A heroic show of physical might.

Nope.

Well how about the window of mental enlightenment. “O.K. men let’s think this one through quickly. We can figure out a rescue plan.”

Nope.

Here’s the Jesus method: “And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, ‘Hush, be still.’ And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm.”

Do you think anyone in the boat said, “You know what, that’s exactly what I thought He would do.”?

I’ve been through my share of storms and challenges during my twelve years as a follower of Jesus. Repeatedly, when the big ones blew in, ones capable of crushing me, the rescue plan was off my radar.

I can relate the Disciple’s response: “They were in absolute awe, staggered. ‘Who is this, anyway?’ "

This is Jesus. Expect the unexpected.

Firing the Boss

2010-07-28T22:47:00.002-04:00

They should pay me more.”

“I need to make more money.”

It can get annoying hearing this kind of gripping all the time at work. And does complaining help? So I’ve come up with a solution. Fire the boss!

Step one is to determine which boss to fire. For me there’s a significant hierarchy looming above. Jackie is department manager. John is next up the ladder. And there’s also Angie, Joe, Heather, Tim, Dave, Thomas, Archie, and all the way up to Lee.

He’s CEO of this gigantic corporation. So does he have a boss? Well actually, he kind of does. It would be the stockholders. And they’re into the stock market for one reason—money.

So I’ve concluded from my analysis, money runs the whole show. As it has been said, “If you want to see where the power is, follow the money.”

Jesus said, 'You cannot be a slave of two masters; you will hate one and love the other; you will be loyal to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
When the central theme/focus of our work-life is the money we earn; this is the master, the boss. And money is not a good boss. Almost always, when “Money” is the boss, his ever present partner tags along. His name is “Worry.”

Now Jesus goes on to say: 'This is why I tell you: do not be worried about the food and drink you need in order to stay alive or about clothes for your body... Look at the birds: they do not plant seeds, gather a harvest and put it in barns; yet your Father in heaven takes care of them! Aren't you worth much more than birds?”

Who’s your boss? “You cannot serve both God and money.”"

Don't Ignore Andrew

2010-05-03T05:30:00.002-04:00

Sixteen-year old Andrew was instantly likeable. He offered to volunteer for some heavy moving after my friend Brandon made a quick call.

His work ethic and attitude also impressed me. And then afterwards, as we sat at McDonald’s, told me something else which peaked my interest.

One Sunday, with no invitation or prompting from anyone, Andrew visited the church a block from his home. How many teenagers would do that?

I asked him, “So why did you decide to go to church?”

Andrew answered, “I just wanted to see what it was like.”

“What did you think of church?” I said.

Andrew responded, “It was kind of like the first time I heard Spanish.” He said it made little sense to him. I asked if he knew anybody or if anyone spoke to him. “No,” Andrew said, “I was just sort of there.”

He never returned.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “You seem to me to be well-motivated and well-instructed, quite capable of guiding and advising one another. So, my dear friends, don't take my rather bold and blunt language as criticism. It's not criticism. I'm simply underlining how very much I need your help in carrying out this highly focused assignment God gave me, this priestly and Gospel work of serving the spiritual needs of the non-Jewish outsiders so they can be presented as an acceptable offering to God, made whole and holy by God's Holy Spirit.”

What’s he saying?

People inside the church are excellent at communicating and teaching each other. But there’s a higher calling! Our job, assigned from God, is to get the outsiders to be insiders— followers of Jesus.

Bottom line: we’ve all ignored strangers and missed opportunities to serve their spiritual needs. Outsiders are looking for Jesus. Are we looking for outsiders?

Giving Jesus a Try

2010-02-21T18:19:00.003-05:00

“I tried Jesus,” Tashia said.

I was concerned. She seems nearly devoid of any spiritual life. She confirmed my inkling: “It didn’t work out.” And Tashia, my cousin, whose sons are like my sons, wasn’t giving much gusto to her commitment.

Not all her fault. She had been enticed to follow Jesus with skewed expectations. Near-instant upswings in her life situations were assured. So, when life continued to be challenging, she bailed on Jesus.

Many preachers lay out the peace-prosperity-happiness scenario in presenting the Christian faith. But listen to Jesus:

“You will be hated by all because of My name.”

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.”

“A man’s enemies will be the members of his household.”

“If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross …”

“If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you”

Ouch! Does this sound like Good News? Does this sound like an effective rallying call to a lifetime Jesus-commitment?

Jesus never preached, “Let the good times roll.” He preached, “Repent for the kingdom of God is near.”

Hated, peace-less-ness, enemies, deny yourself, persecuted, repent. Raise your hand if this is what you desire.

The Jesus-life has two edges. Yes, there will be joyous times—lots of them. But be prepared for the cross-cutting of life-challenges. Be prepared; these could surpass those of your pre-Christian years. Jesus wants followers who are totally committed to trusting in Him—bold, faith-filled, enduring commitments.

Jesus said: “In this world you will have trouble.” That’s a promise. Then Jesus added, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” When we follow in His footsteps, we experience troubles. And as we continue the journey, we overcome.

That’s a promise.

Theology Check

2010-01-04T18:52:00.002-05:00

"God’s hand was upon it,” I told Bea. I was excited about an incredible auction I had won on eBay. I was thinking: “God answered my prayer from the night before.”

Now Bea is quiet. When she does speak, I listen. She pondered my excitement and then she said, “Was God’s hand upon it, if you hadn’t got the great deal?”

Deflating my bulb of exuberance wasn’t her intent. It was kind of a Pontius-Pilate-moment, when he asked Jesus, “What is truth?”

“Check your theology,” Bea added, “I check mine all the time.”

She made a significant and valid point. If I would have lost the auction, which would have been the opposite of what I prayed, there’s no way I would have told Bea, “God’s hand was upon it.”

The pattern we typically follow is: if something turns out the way we think it should, it’s good. It’s God. Yet it’s more difficult to see situations which seem totally opposite our desires and expectations as good. As God.
So what is truth? Theology check time.

Standing there talking to Bea, I cited James 1:2, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers whenever you face trails of many kinds.”

Pure joy...come on now, how many Christians actually do this?

Yet God has a reason for trials. A preacher I greatly appreciate, said, “Don’t waste a trial.”

This is why. Listen to the next two verses: “Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

God knows, and so do we; going through a rough spot in life is one of God’s most effective tools in maturing us as Christians. Refining us.

“Consider it pure joy…” When God is molding you into being more Jesus-like.

When You Get Up Off the Floor

2009-12-08T04:18:00.003-05:00

There was a little extra zest behind the “P” when he said, “I’m Pentecostal.”

I hadn’t asked Andre about his denominational affiliation. I had asked, “Are you a Christian?” His response made me smile. I sensed he was asserting his higher-octane version of our common faith.

I responded to Andre, “I’m a Pentecostal Lutheran.” I got the thumbs-up look, along with an approving toned, “Oh.” Kind of an accepting, verbal secret-handshake.

Andre didn’t ask about what I meant by being Pentecostal Lutheran. He might be surprised by my interpretation.

Likewise, I didn’t ask him either.

I do know a central thread of Pentecostalism comes from Acts 2: “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit (Holy Ghost) and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” This refers to speaking in tongues.

Also another experience I’ve seen at Pentecostal churches is typically called: “Being slain in the Spirit.” Considered a touch from God, coming through a Godly person; causing the other person to end up lying on the floor.

My point isn’t to agree or disagree with these. Or the numerous other facets of Pentecostalism.
My all-time favorite high-octane Christian, the Apostle Paul wrote: “I affirm by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.”

We have to live in a way that grinds against our human nature…we die.

When the intrigue of our church experience ends, which for some includes speaking in tongues and lying on the floor; how do we live? On Monday morning? At school? At Wal-Mart?

Something Godly may have happened on the floor. At church on Sunday. If it did, take it out the door. The world needs to see less of us, and more of Jesus in our lives.

Die daily.

One Needs the Other

2009-09-24T18:21:00.003-04:00

The three of us intersected slightly off the busy path of our energized workplace. McClain and Dre each had a broom in their hands, as I turned the corner.

McClain often asks me unexpected questions—mainly about my writing. He started asking about my newspaper column—Inspiration Point. I said, “Maybe I’ll write one about you someday.” Then directing my question jokingly toward Dre, I said, “Do you think I could write a story about McClain and God?”

Without hesitation Dre responded, “Yeah, one needs the other.”

Now I’m sure what Dre meant was: “McClain needs God.” But later I pondered the idea, “Maybe it’s the other way around.” Maybe God needs McClain.

Or any one of us. Does God need us?

It’s hard to imagine. Seems sacrilegious to ask: “Does Almighty God actually need the rather-pathetic-on-a-good-day collective we call the human race.

The most famous verse in the Bible, John 3:16 is revealing on this matter: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

The key here is God’s love. 1 John says, “God is love.” Love is the main component of God’s character. In essence: “God equals love.”

1 John further says: “Whoever lives in love, lives in God. And God in him. In this way love is made complete…” Through us, God can completely be this God of love.

Years ago something vital was missing from life. Then the revelation of God’s love made my heart and soul complete.

And now, Dre’s casual remark, “one needs the other,” brought me a refreshing turn-around look at God’s love. While all of this in not total proof God needs us, it’s close enough for me to smile and think: “Wow! God needs me.”

Credit for Your Account

2009-08-10T18:09:00.002-04:00

Dear Ron and Merna,

Nancy and I just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate you two.

The Bible says, “Whatever you do, do as unto the Lord.” Each load of clothes, household items, books, etc. you haul to the Free Store, (the ministry God has given Nancy) and your manner of doing so exemplifies the way all of us should serve Jesus.

We know at one time you had a much more public ministry—pastoring a church and being on the radio. Still, you were willing to do whatever God asked of you. Reminds me of Isaiah the Prophet’s encounter with God. God said, “Who shall I send.” Isaiah quickly
responded, “Send me.”

Ron and Merna, can you imagine how the world would radically change if just half the Christians said, “God send me. Whatever you have for me to do, I’ll do it.”

Sometimes it feels as if nobody sees or cares much about what we do. Sure we should only want God’s recognition. Yet, we’re weak frail humans. Having someone say, “We’re with you. We see what you’re doing. We appreciate what you’re doing,” carries us a long ways through the multiple challenges of serving God.

The hundred dollars you sent, said all those things by your loving action.

And more.

We received well beyond a hundred dollars worth of blessing. God used your gift as a way of significantly uplifting our spirits. And the money just plain-old helped us to make-it financially.

Nancy and I agree with the words of the Apostle Paul: “It is not that I just want to receive gifts; rather, I want to see profit added to your account.”

May God richly bless your account for serving and giving with your Jesus-like attitude.

We love you both,
Rick

Let Me Give You the Wrong Answer

2009-07-08T14:00:00.001-04:00

My mind was pulling up memories of high school test-taking. My approach aimed at the best grade. This meant memorizing the facts presented by the teacher. Answering correctly. My wife recalls her method: “Lots of guessing.”

Our friend Timothy’s dilemma sparked our discussion. A middle school student, he had an upcoming science test. He approached it with thorough study of the subject, blended with his zeal to live out his Christian beliefs.

What the teacher would mark correct was at odds with his Bible. The question: “What is the most likely explanation for how the universe was created?”

Timothy is unabashed in believing the Bible: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” By His Word. In six days.

Timothy is intelligent, completely able to explain the atomic-level manifestation of random chance theory. He understands it. But for him, scientific theory pales next to God’s fact: “In the beginning God created....”

He answered the test question in alignment with God’s truth.

I asked Timothy, “What was your teacher’s response?” Nothing. She simply marked it as wrong.

2 Corinthians 3:2 says, “Your very lives are a letter that anyone can read by just looking at you.” Timothy’s God-as-Creator answer in essence wrote several sentences to his teacher. It may have sounded like this: “I am a Christian. I trust God. I study and believe the Bible.”

His test answer decision has put Timothy in the company of the Apostle Paul who wrote, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel…just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.”

My distant high school tests mean little now. They serve as a reminder of when I was in the category of people, “Ashamed of the Gospel.” Unable…unwilling to live by faith.

Dear Timothy, “I love you.”

Is Your Rest Work?

2009-04-29T09:38:00.002-04:00

“I had to work at making it a Sabbath day,” Sandy said.

We laughed while musing about the quirkiness of linking the words “work” and “Sabbath” together.

Sandy was talking about Sabbath in the Seventh Commandment context: “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work…”

In practical terms, Sandy follows this by attending church on Sunday and then attempting to make the remainder of the day restful and God focused. But like most of us, she has a never ending to-do list. And it doesn’t go away on Sunday. So when Sandy was taking a much deserved Sunday nap, her brain wanted to churn through all the tasks she could be doing.

Now here’s where the “work” part comes in. Laying there she had to make a definitive decision to resist plunging into her project list. She had to intentionally draw her mind toward trusting God. She worked to the point where she was able to say: “I decided to just lay there and let Jesus take care of me.”

Hebrews 4 focuses significantly on “Sabbath and rest.” Here’s one particularly revealing verse: “Let us therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example.”

What was their example? This was the people Moses led around the desert for forty years. A restless people marked by disobedience to God. They substantially lacked trust and faith in God—a trust that God would take care of them.

Sandy has it figured out. Sabbath and rest equal trust. Trust in God.

Let her words be yours: “I decided to…let Jesus take care of me.”

Credit for Your Account

2009-04-02T13:33:00.003-04:00

Dear Ron and Merna,

Nancy and I just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate you two.

The Bible says, “Whatever you do, do as unto the Lord.” Each load of clothes, household item, books, etc. you haul to the Free Store, (the ministry God has given Nancy) and your manner of doing so exemplifies the way all of us should serve Jesus.

We know at one time you had a much more public ministry—pastoring a church and being on the radio. Still, you were willing to do whatever God asked of you. Reminds me of Isaiah the Prophet’s encounter with God. God said, “Who shall I send.” Isaiah quickly
responded, “Send me.”

Ron and Merna, can you imagine how the world would radically change if just half the Christians said, “God send me. Whatever you have for me to do, I’ll do it.”

Sometimes it feels as if nobody sees or cares much about what we do. Sure we should only want God’s recognition. Yet, we’re weak frail humans. Having someone say, “We’re with you. We see what you’re doing. We appreciate what you’re doing,” carries us a long ways through the multiple challenges of serving God.

The hundred dollars you sent, said all those things by your loving action.

And more.

We received well beyond a hundred dollars worth of blessing. God used your gift as a way of significantly uplift our spirits. And the money just plain-old helped us to make-it financially.

Nancy and I agree with the words of the Apostle Paul: “It is not that I just want to receive gifts; rather, I want to see profit added to your account.”

May God richly bless your account for serving and giving with your Jesus-like attitude.

We love you both,
Rick

The Nice: “No”

2009-02-18T06:38:00.001-05:00

I ask a lot. My income is mainly derived from getting affirmative responses from people.

Consequently, my ears are also very accustomed to hearing words which indicate: “No.”

Recently I had a meeting with a very pleasant man, with the intent of developing a business relationship. He responded positively to my product. Not a hint of “No” in the course of several conversations.

Soon though it became apparent, he was not following through as he told me he would. Always offering hope in his words, while his actions proclaimed, “No.”

The Bible says, “Simply, let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No.’” Easy to understand, yet challenging to do. It conflicts with our nice-person image.

Also recently, I was attempting to make business inroads at a gigantic Christian company. This is a reputable, Jesus-honoring business. Yet after being allowed to talk with someone, not a shred of Luke 6:31 was encountered: “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.”

I hung up feeling beat-up and defeated.

Just the day before, I was talking to Cynthia. I desperately wanted to hear “yes” from her. She works for an industry leading company. Not a Christian organization. Most likely, you have encountered their products.

While I was being very persistent in my sales pitch, Cynthia was just as staunch in her resistance. Essentially, she told me “No” ten times and ten different ways before I was ready to retreat. Yet the whole time she listened intently. Responded informatively. She allowed me time to fully explain my ideas.

And these were Cynthia’s last words to me: “Good luck. Don’t give up.”

The Bible says: “Gracious speech is like clover honey—good taste to the soul, quick energy for the body.”

Words have this kind of power. Even a properly sweetened, “No.”

The Fear Letter

2009-02-11T03:51:00.004-05:00

“Pray for me,” Aaron’s email letter said, “I have a lot of fear about the future.”

Most of us could join Aaron in acknowledging this feeling.

Aaron, a gifted journalism student, sees his career as a calling from God. The Editor-in-Chief of his college’s newspaper, he also interned this past summer at a small daily paper. He has the marks of someone destined for success.

Moses, one of the Bible’s all-time-greats, could have used Aaron’s exact words: “I have a lot of fear about the future.”

The Bible says, “God called to Moses from within the bush.” They ensued in a conversation regarding God’s assignment for Moses—getting the Jewish people out of Egypt. Fear of failure peppers nearly every sentence Moses spoke. He then, in essence, gave God a bottom-line: “What if they do not believe me or listen to me?” If this happened, failure would be certain.

So God offered a sign to alleviate his fear. He told Moses to throw a staff he was carrying to the ground.

Bam! It turned into a snake.

Moses, who probably had seen hundreds of snakes during forty-years in the dessert: “Ran from it.” He ran from the very sign God gave him to show success was to be expected; fear was unwarranted.

Aaron has had many signs. He’s sensed a Holy Spirit-communicated calling from God. He’s experiencing success in whatever he does career-wise. He has even acknowledged God’s Divine opening of doors.

All signs from God.

Moses, my friend Aaron, you, or I all need to heed them. Take courage from them to face our fears. And Moses ultimately did this.

His greatest fear seemed to be Pharaoh. Yet this exalted leader eventually tumbled.

Pharaoh made a parting request to Moses: “Also bless me.” Through this humble request, even Pharaoh acknowledged God’s signs.

When Jesus Died Again

2009-02-04T09:27:00.009-05:00

I wanted to scream,“What are you saying?”

Michael, who I love dearly, had just let me know, he thought I attended a “dead church.”

He was wondering why God had sent me to this church. He made an observation: “Maybe God called you out there to wake them out of their deadness.”

I despise calling any church, which follows Jesus Christ: “A dead church.” I will even go further; using these kinds of words is borderline heresy.

But I admit, these same words have come from my mouth.

1 Corinthians 12:27 says: “Now you are the Body of Christ and each one of you is a part of it.” This is just one of many, many references to the church being the body of Jesus Christ. Each one of us and every church, who truly follow Jesus, are part of His Body. The church I attend qualifies.

Would a person say to Jesus, “Jesus, I noticed part of Your body died. That dead-church part.” Careful Jesus, if enough of You dies, You’ll die again.

No.

Those kind of words mock Jesus. And in essence, claim He is not powerful enough to keep all His parts alive and functioning.

Not one part of Jesus’ body is dead. And no church is functioning optimally.

Consider this: the biggest problem with the church is that the body keeps attacking itself.

From 1 Corinthians, these words need to guide us. “Now the body (of Christ Jesus) is not made up of one part, but of many…but in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as He wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.”

And every part is alive.

Fan Frenzy

2009-01-28T09:13:00.005-05:00

"Jesus entered and walked through Jericho. There was a man there, his name Zacchaeus—the head taxman and quite rich. He wanted desperately to see Jesus, but the crowd was in his way.

He was a short man; he couldn’t see over the crowd. So he ran on ahead and climbed up in a sycamore tree so he could see Jesus when He came by.”

As you read this account in the Bible, don’t you just wonder about Zacchaeus? We aren’t told why he wanted so desperately to see Jesus. All we know is how he acted. And it was; well, a little crazy.

Could his motivation be found in a contemporary parallel?

From the September 21, Sporting News Today: “2008 Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings Training Camp…there have been fans climbing trees to catch a glimpse of a Red Wings player golfing…on Saturday, Red Wings fans started arriving at 6:00a.m…fan hysteria…Red Wings-mania that's gripped Hockeytown North…fan frenzy.”

Why? One player gave his view: “It’s 6:30 in the morning…it’s crazy, but it also shows the passion.”

Passion. Desire. Enthusiasm. This is what drove Zacchaeus to run ahead and climb a tree. A glimpse of Jesus fueled his emotion-charged pursuit.

When Jesus reached the spot, He looked up, saying: "Zacchaeus come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." From the frenzied crowd around Him, Jesus welcomed the over-the-top-exuberant-passion of one.

Red Wing hockey-heroes said of their fans, “It’s awesome, we’re just enjoying it.”
Jesus responded to Zacchaeus-the-tree-climber with delight and revealed a desire of His own. He wanted to hangout with Zacchaeus.

Jesus is still ready to come near. Jesus responds to people who are desperate for Him. And you’ll get more than a glimpse. Passionate seekers will hear Jesus say, “I must stay at your house today.”

Oozing Money

2009-01-22T06:34:00.002-05:00

It was a case of having too large an offering. Essentially way too much money was coming in.

The leader sent his word out: "Men! Women! No more offerings for the building of the Sanctuary!"

The official word on the project was: “The people were ordered to stop bringing offerings! There was plenty of material for all the work to be done. Enough and more than enough.” Now, how many times has this happened at your church? Your ministry? How about relating to your household finances?

The leader was Moses. He was building the Tabernacle—a place to meet with and worship God. His problem was having too much.

Too much…I’ve been pondering this lately.

A couple weeks ago my wife and I took a nine-mile spin on our bicycles. We kept finding money as we traveled a combination of rural roads and small-town streets. We each found a quarter, she found a dime, and a penny or two and I found at least one more coin. All from different places along the route. And I even found a misplaced dollar coin after our bike ride.

It doesn’t end there. My wife walks to work and also for recreation. She often takes the same route. Yet usually five days a week she spots coins on the ground. And picks them up.

Is the ground oozing money?

Now tracking down each coin’s story is impossible. But may I suggest? This reflects a carelessness regarding money. Sure it’s a tiny amount. Yet simple math shows us; tinys add up to smalls. Smalls add up to modest amounts. On and on. Until it is possible to arrive at: “Too much.”

Jesus said, “Whoever can be trusted with very little, can also be trusted with very much.”

How much do you want God to trust you with?

I’m a Wimp

2009-01-14T18:36:00.008-05:00

“I’m an atheist,” Jim said.

I have a great deal of interest in people’s spiritual concepts.

So asked Jim if I could ask him just one question.

He was open. I said, “So what is your best evidence that there is no God?” He told me he believed in God. From there Jim turned into a what-I-believe spout, flowing with an odd potpourri of firm beliefs.

His central theology was the idea of being born, dying, and coming back again. The concept would aim toward an ever-perfecting human who would eventually be worthy to live with God.

I responded, “I’m a wimp.”

I’m too wimpy too climb this million-step ladder, one life at a time, approaching even near-perfection by my own efforts.

Me? I’m a one-steper. One life. One death. One chance to be right enough to spend eternity with God.

The Bible says, “But trusting God to shape the right living in us is a different story--no precarious climb up to heaven to recruit the Messiah (Jesus)…”

Jesus climbed the ladder down to us.

The Bible continues: “The word that saves is right here, as near as the tongue in your mouth, as close as the heart in your chest. It's the word of faith that welcomes God to go to work and set things right for us.”

“Say the welcoming word to God--"Jesus is my Master"--embracing, body and soul, God's work of doing in us what He did in raising Jesus from the dead. That's it. You're not "doing" anything; you're simply calling out to God, trusting Him to do it for you. That's salvation.”

“With your whole being you embrace God setting things right, and then you say it, right out loud: “God has set everything right between Him and me!"

Dump Disagreeing

2009-01-06T19:37:00.001-05:00

“Come on Rick, there must be something we disagree on,” Dan said.

He had walked over from the church across the street, inviting me to a special series of services. I’ve known Dan for over twenty years.

We were actually having a nice conversation—mainly about the things of God. But Dan kept gently arm wrestling me down on acceptable differences in our beliefs. I either shifted our subject or squirmed from each potential disagreement.

Standing near my mailbox; glancing right, left, and straight ahead, I could see four churches. And if I turned around, I would have been looking at the location of a house church. So, five churches within sight.

The Bible says, “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel; but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient and in humility…”

I’ve attended four of the churches in our view, including Dan’s. And the fifth, I am familiar with their beliefs. Each is filled with servants of the Lord—followers of Jesus, Christians, part of the Church of Jesus Christ. Yet walls of disagreement between them thwart overall, Jesus-focused effectiveness in the community.

It’s no new revelation, but one of the most significant problems in the church today is a near zealous pursuit of finding fault and quarreling among different churches.

Jesus prayed for us believers hours before going to the Cross. “I pray also for those who will believe in me through their (the Apostle’s) message, that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.”

Standing right there by the edge of the road, Jesus’ prayer was answered. Dan suggested: “Let’s pray.” We did.

We became one.

Stamped on Steel

2008-12-27T20:13:00.005-05:00

Wow! A Bible verse referenced on their car’s license plate. This put me at ease somewhat, as I knocked on the door of a stranger.

Stamped on the plate was 1Cor926. I didn’t have it memorized, so I used it as a conversation starter: “What verse is that?”

Todd hesitated, “Let’s see...I’m not sure.” Shifting my question, I asked, “Well what’s the verse about?” Todd looked puzzled: “I don’t remember; we put it on quite a while ago.”

Oh. O.K.

My hope of connecting through what I thought would be a familiar passage fizzled.

Later I looked the verse up: “Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.”

The Apostle Paul, a devoted athlete for Jesus; is conveying a serious, focused, disciplined dedication to preaching the message of Jesus Christ.

A contemporary paraphrase reads: “I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No sloppy living for me!”

This must have been pulsating in Todd’s life when he upgraded his plates—his choice verse permanently stamped in steel for the world to see. But then…stamped-on-steel was forgotten.

God offers a solution for this: “Do not be afraid... earnestly remember the Lord and imprint Him on your minds.” Be imprinted by God—bear His indelible and distinguishing mark of influence and effect.

Furthermore, the New Testament declares the help we will receive from God: “This is the agreement...I will imprint My laws upon their hearts and I will inscribe them on their minds.”

A favorite hymn says it best: “On my heart imprint Your image, Blessed Jesus, King of grace. That life’s riches, cares and pleasure never may Your work erase; Let the clear inscription be: Jesus, crucified for me.”

Jesus at Wal-Mart

2008-12-12T18:58:00.003-05:00

Red-light. My turn signal blinked left as tears welled up in my eyes. Close to my destination, I could see where I would be in two minutes.

Wal-Mart.

Nearing 10 at night, I wasn’t heading there to shop. I was going to work. This was week three at Wal-Mart as an O/N STOCKER. Over/night—10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Stocking shelves.

For any significant life-decision I rely on what the Bible says: “My sheep will hear My voice.” I pray, seeking God’s direction.

When I did this, I felt led to apply for a job at Wal-Mart. God quickly presented me assurance this was correct. Within a few days, I received calls from two stores with job opportunities. This was as newspaper headlines were proclaiming: “Worst Unemployment in Fifteen Years.”

Still, I couldn’t help asking, “God, why did you give me this job?”

God, I’ve been the boss at every job I’ve worked at for the last 28 years. Now I put Drano, bleach, toilet paper, and a blurring-stack of stuff on never-ending steel shelves.

God, I’m a writer. Did you know I write for a bunch of newspapers? I wrote a book. I’m a pastor with a degree in Christian ministry.

The light turned green. I sucked in my emotions. Stifling the urge to flat-out start crying.
I could even be asking, “God, have you forsaken me?”

Actually, the tears were because: “I love my job.” I’m serving God at a location and capacity off the radar of my human reasoning. People need Jesus at Wal-Mart too!

The Bible says, “For, You LORD have never forsaken those who seek You.”

Forsaken: deserted; abandoned. Never. Not even in the middle-of-the-night at Wal-Mart.
Human reasoning will fail us. There is a better way—the faith-adventure. Listen to Jesus, “Hear My voice…follow Me.”

What Door Are You Opening?

2008-12-03T09:46:00.001-05:00

Eddie thought his decision to skip church on Sunday would be uneventful. He never envisioned he was opening the door to three years in prison.

Months before, while visiting jail, I met Eddie. His crimes were significant enough to receive prison time.

But his trial went well and within a few months he was a free man. And during his stay he made a decision to become a follower of Jesus Christ. When released, he immediately got involved in church. Eddie’s life was on the upswing in all areas.

So taking a Sunday off seemed harmless. A stroll around the neighborhood on this pleasant day would be enjoyable.

But then he ran into an old “friend.” Or maybe more appropriately, a drug dealer sent from the devil. Eddie succumbed to temptation. He figured he could handle taking crack cocaine just one more time.

A lie from the devil. And Eddie agreed with him.

Once turned into twice. Twice into a habit. And the habit into a crime spree for drug money. Within three months he was in prison.

Eddie’s life started to implode all because of one decision. Eddie opened one door, one Sunday morning. 1Peter 5:8 says: “Be watchful and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

Be watchful. We need to continually ask ourselves: “What door am I opening?”

Be alert. Small decisions or seemingly small ones can easily stack up to becom the main direction of our life—the person we are.

Our enemy. The devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to destroy. His sights are set on you.

The opening of the next verse, 1 Peter 5:9, offers our clear plan to success: “Resist him. Stand firm in the faith.”

Your Dream Retirement

2008-11-26T09:38:00.002-05:00

“I’m retired,” Joe said, “Now I’ve got to figure what to do with the rest of my life.” Joe’s sixty-two. Retired—but now he needs some life-direction to fill a couple of decades.

What does the Bible say regarding retirement?

A single verse references “retire” in the same context. “The LORD said to Moses: This applies to the Levites: Men twenty-five years old or more shall come to take part in the work…but at the age of fifty, they must retire from their regular service.”

Does this mean the easy life should start at age fifty?

The verse continues: “They may assist their brothers in performing their duties.” Endlessly maneuvering large carcasses up a ramp to be sacrificed on the altar plus stoking this massive altar fire was an extremely physical job. The “retire” mandate shifted an older Levite into a less strenuous job. Even, Moses worked until just before he died—at age one-hundred and twenty.

This is what I advised Joe: “You’ve got to find something big to bite off.” Go for a big challenge.

Here’s one.

Does this verse sound like our society? “Justice is driven back and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets. Honesty cannot enter. Truth is nowhere to be found and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. The LORD looked and was displeased…He saw that there was no one, He was appalled that there was no one to intervene.”

Choose to intervene. Step in. Go to work. The opportunities are endless.

You may lack a young man’s stamina. Do as God told Gideon: “Go in the strength you have.” And hear these words from Acts: “In the last days, God says…your old men will dream dreams.”

So dream big. Don’t just fill your last days. Fullfill your God-given big dreams.