Truth Matters

Independence Day

2009-07-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

“We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.” ESV Romans 6:6

All eyes, young and old, looked to the sky as the jets screamed down Main Street in the midday sun, banking sharply and disappearing in the distance only to reappear a few minutes later and an instant before the deafening roar of their engines. It was an unusual and awesome sight in downtown Russellville, forever etched in my twelve-year-old mind, and the crown jewel moment of our Independence Day celebration in July, 1976.

Of course, Independence Day is celebrated every year in this country and I pray that we can continue to do so from now on. It is good to remember the foreign grip of days gone by and to celebrate liberation and freedom from outside dominion and control. In some ways it is not unlike Jews celebrating freedom from Egyptian captivity as described in the book of Exodus; an annual celebration that continues till this day.

Much of the Apostle Paul’s writing in the New Testament compares and contrasts his old life as a non-believer to his new life as a Christian. The picture he paints is one of vivid contrast between darkness and light. On the one hand, he paints a dark, dark picture of a life controlled by evil. On the other, he paints a vibrant, vivid picture of his life as a Christian; liberated by Christ! Paul’s zeal for his newfound life in Christ is evidenced in every one of his writings. You might say that Paul celebrated Independence Day every day!

We can draw other comparisons that are much more personal and close to home. At least I hope we can. In last week’s column we looked at the tendency of human nature to be inclined towards evil and how we don’t have to teach our kids to do evil. How is that tendency broken? How is it that natural tendencies are replaced by righteous, God glorifying intentions? Paul describes the transformation as being alive in Christ instead of dead in sin. It is a transformation worthy of daily celebration and shouts of thanksgiving from all Christians.

Are you alive in Christ? Has God’s word, by the power of Holy Spirit, moved you so that you’ve asked God to forgive you for doing evil in his sight? That’s called repentance; the first step in liberation. Do you believe in Jesus Christ—that he died for your sins? Repentance and belief—the one two punch that brings new life in Christ and a personal Independence Day.

Repent and believe today. Let today be your Independence Day and celebrate it each and every day forevermore.

Ken Askew

Human Nature

2009-06-24T17:46:00.000-07:00

“So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her and he ate.” ESV Genesis 3:6

Just the other day a preacher used a sports analogy unfamiliar to me, but it rang true in my mind. Think through it with me for a moment. When two football teams face off on the field and one player jumps into action prematurely and makes contact with an opposing player before the ball is snapped, what is the cry from the opposing team and the referee? ‘Off sides!’ of course. Then what happens next? Well, a penalty is assessed to the individual perpetrator right? I mean it wasn’t the whole team’s fault was it? Of course you know better, the entire team is penalized because of the infraction of one player. It hardly seems fair, but that’s the way it is.

In much the same way, mankind still bears penalty scars on its human nature resulting from the sins of Adam and Eve. Careful before you disagree—think for a minute. Is childbearing not still painful (Genesis 3:16)? Is work not still accomplished by the sweat of your brow (Genesis 3:19)? And who among us has been required to teach our children to do evil? Of course we don’t deliberately teach our kids to do evil. Instead we spend a great deal of time teaching them how to share, to be polite, to honor their elders and the like. To be ‘good’ takes effort. Evil, it seems, comes natural.

I was playing tennis the other day—should I say learning to play tennis—when a ball I hit managed to find itself outside the boundary line. Well, it was actually way outside the line; over the fence and bouncing down the road! Anyway, at that same moment a group of youngsters walked by who saw the ball, knew where it came from and heard and saw my instructor asking them to toss it back. But instead of tossing it back, a young girl picked it up, glanced our direction and continued on down the road. I guess the newfound ball was a “delight to her eyes” so she took it. But when I slipped out the side gate, walked in their direction and barked a couple of firm requests the ball was returned fairly quickly along with this comment as I turned away: “Hey! You owe me a quarter.” Human nature...

You owe me. How often have we taken this stance towards God? God, I’ve done what you asked; you owe me. God, I haven’t been as evil as my neighbor; you owe me. God, I’ve lived a good life; you owe me. God, I go to church; you owe me. Don’t believe it. God doesn’t ‘owe you’ or any other sinful person anything except perhaps his holy wrath.

However, God graciously welcomes, even adopts as family members, those who, through faith, repent of their sins and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. You are not welcomed into God’s fellowship on the basis of your human nature, of what you’ve done, or the misguided notion of God owing you something. No, only through the finished work of Christ; only through His nature are we reconciled to God.

Ken Askew

Genuine Confession

2009-06-17T15:42:00.001-07:00

“Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight…” ESV Psalm 51:4

Every now and then a man sees a woman (sometimes it’s the other way around) and it’s love at first sight. Well, infatuation at first sight might be a more accurate statement. And when infatuation and opportunity meet, well, the results are not always pretty. Such is the sordid story of David and Bathsheba.

This time of year, as was the custom, David should have been on the battlefield directing his troops, but he had elected to stay behind in Jerusalem and lounge around the house. But leisure time would prove to be most unfortunate for David.

Late one afternoon as he walked out on his roof; maybe just to stretch and take a look around—admire his home place perhaps—she caught his eye. Scriptures tell us (2 Samuel 11) that from his rooftop, David could see Bathsheba bathing. I imagine that he could see very clearly, because we are also told that she “was very beautiful.”

Curiosity got the best of him, and after asking around a bit David figured out that Bathsheba was married. But he also learned that her husband Uriah was on the battlefield with Joab and that Bathsheba was home; all alone I suppose. So David sent for her and had her brought to his house. Unfortunately, infatuation and opportunity met, Bathsheba became pregnant, and David scrambled to arrange a failed cover up; going so far as sending Bathsheba’s husband Uriah to the front lines where he was certain to die.

By now you’ve got to believe that David was wishing he’d kept his eyes to himself; wishing that opportunity and infatuation had not crossed paths, but as bad as the situation was, it was about to get worse. David thought the whole thing was a private affair until the Lord sent Nathan to rebuke him. And when David’s sins became known, the full weight and shame of his transgressions began to bear down on him. As the saying goes, ‘his secret had gone public.’

To his credit, David recognizes and confesses immediately that he has sinned against God. But think for a moment of all the lives affected by David’s actions; Uriah, an unborn child, Bathsheba, David’s own household, the office of King, the other soldiers who fought alongside Uriah, the nation, the list goes on and on. Yet David confesses that he has sinned against God and God only. Why do you suppose he does this? David realized that ultimately it was God’s law that he had broken, that it was God who could justly condemn him and consume him with his wrath and that it was God alone who could graciously forgive him. If you’ll read Psalm 51 in its entirety, you’ll see a picture of genuine confession and remorse before God.

Perhaps not in the same way, but has infatuation with someone or something crossed paths with opportunity in your life? If so, don’t wait on a prophet to come calling. Confess your sins before God today and ask for his gracious forgiveness.

Ken Askew

The War Has Been Won

2009-06-10T20:58:00.000-07:00

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming.” ESV Colossians 3:5-6

How many times have you heard the phrase, ‘lost the battle but won the war?’ Like me, you’ve heard it many times I am sure. Oddly enough, this phrase came to mind as I studied this text last week and thought about the ongoing struggle between good and evil.

Paul begins his letter to the Colossians by greeting the “saints and faithful brothers in Christ...” in chapter one, verse two. Admittedly, Paul is sometimes difficult to understand, but this is plain enough. He’s writing to Christians in Colossae; Christians mind you.

But if these folks are Christians, why does he have to tell them to “put to death” this list of sins and remind them that God’s wrath is stoked by their very presence? It sounds more like something you’d be writing to a bunch of non-believers doesn’t it? I mean, Christians don’t struggle with sin do they?

Well, a couple of things come to mind. Regretfully, Christians are not without sin and Christians have not yet been removed from the presence of sin. So the answer is yes, Christians do struggle with sin. Why, some people are so keenly aware of sin in the lives of Christians that they refuse to go to church on account of the hypocrites in attendance! But that’s another story...

In one sense, I suppose it’s like those skirmishes that continue to flare up after a peace treaty is signed but before everyone gets the news. Those battles are no less real just because the war has been won. No, people are still injured and people still die. So, in the same manner, Christians must do battle against sin, a very real battle, even though the war has already been decided.

Now, hear me on this; victory is certain. The war against sin and evil has been won. Christ won the war when he defeated even death and rose from the grave after having been crucified. But a casual look around will prove that sin and evil are most certainly still in our presence. And, in some sense, the battle between good and evil still rages each and every day even in the lives of Christians.

The good news for Christians is that the war has been won. And since they have been freed from the controlling dominion of sin, the daily battles can be won too. Sin is still present all around us and the temptation to sin will be with us until Christ removes us from its very presence, but sin can be defeated day by day. The war has been won.

-Ken Askew

Wisdom and Discretion

2009-06-05T04:36:00.000-07:00

“My son, do not lose sight of these—keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” ESV Proverbs 3:21-24

Our Sunday school class just finished up a couple of related studies. In the first one, we studied the book of James and explored the idea of thinking biblically in everyday situations. In the second, we took a refresher course in the exercise of basic spiritual disciplines like prayer, personal bible study and spending time worshipping God. While each study was enjoyable and thoroughly biblical, I wonder whether either study will make a difference in anyone’s life?

Two, maybe three years ago now, our former pastor put some thought into the foundational pillars that he envisioned would help guide us as a church and keep us on track in our Christian faith for years to come. Those five pillars are God’s word, worship, prayer, ministry and missions. Each of these pillars can be put into action individually and as group. Each pillar is biblically based and I heartily agree that they make a fine, even essential, foundation to build on. I wonder though, will they make a difference in anyone’s life?

The answer lies in how and if these truths are applied. If they are ignored or twisted to apply in some kind of self-centered, what’s in it for me fashion, then they won’t make any difference; that’s same as attitude of society in general. But if they are taken to heart and applied in a God-centered, how can I serve Him fashion, then they produce the two things in us that our verse warns us not to lose sight of—wisdom and discretion.

But I wonder still, if wisdom and discretion are fruits of applying these biblical principles in a God-centered way, how does the fruit look and taste? I see at least three things in our verse that give us clues.

First, wisdom and discretion create an inner peace that surpasses all understanding. And that inner peace creates an outward glow that shines brighter to the world than fine jewels and gold. Secondly, wisdom and discretion allow us to walk along this stony path of life with a sure foot. Like a mountain goat scaling the face of a ragged cliff, we can face each day confidently and negotiate the loose stones of temptation along the way that would cause us to stumble before God. Finally, if wisdom and discretion are yours, the rigors of the day will not rob you of your faith in the almighty LORD and your sleep will be sweet.

Wisdom and discretion—beautiful, sweet fruits worthy of cultivating in every life.

Ken Askew

Ministry in the Marketplace

2009-05-27T15:48:00.000-07:00

“Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there.” ESV Acts 17:16-17

What does it mean to share your faith? Christians often use the term “witnessing,” but what does that term really mean? Unfortunately, the term often carries a negative or stressful connotation. I’ve got a friend who prefers to describe witnessing, or faith-sharing, as “the ministry of reconciliation in the marketplace of life.” I like that phrase. It’s more descriptive than “witnessing” and the underlying assumptions are more precise. Let’s think about the underlying assumptions briefly.

The first part, “ministry of reconciliation,” suggests in its context that there is a need for two people to be reconciled; namely man to God. Likewise, some prior event must have occurred in order to separate them; in this case, sin. And finally, these efforts at reconciling men to God can be thought of as a ministry. And when you think about it, isn’t that the end goal of Christian witnessing; sharing your faith in a way that reconciles others with God?

The second part, “in the marketplace of life” hints at when and where we should share our faith. Should we Christians dare only to talk about our faith at church or among church folks? No. Is our witness confined to inviting and bringing people to the building where we meet for worship? No. In reality, the scope of our sharing should and does extend into the very corners of our everyday lives; our jobs, our hobbies, our families—you name it.

Now, is this phrase (ministry of reconciliation in the marketplace of life) biblical? Yes. The thought originates in 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 and I encourage you to go there for further study. And I know of no better biblical example of this than the life of the Apostle Paul. Yes, you say, but Paul was an Apostle and I am not Paul. While that is true, you and I are not Paul, we do have some important things in common.

As Christians, formerly separated from God by sin, we now stand with Paul reconciled to God through faith in Christ. And like Paul, we run into folks everyday in every corner of our lives who have not yet found the joy of our faith. Truthfully, if you call yourself a Christian, are you not troubled, like Paul, by the things you see in the world? Are you not troubled by the idols (entertainment, sports, houses, cars, jobs, etc.) we so often worship today instead of Christ? If you can look around you and not be troubled, then let me suggest that you should examine the genuineness of your faith!

Finally then, let me encourage you to either begin or to continue to share your faith in the marketplace, just like Paul, “to those who happen to be there.”

Ken Askew

Stick to the Word

2009-05-23T11:49:00.001-07:00

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” ESV 2 Timothy 3:16-17

It all began innocent enough. Two friends needling one another by exchanging verbal, in this case virtual, jabs at one another. The exchange was short, all in fun, and it ended with neither friend being offended. It was the kind of joking exchange that might occur any day in any number of settings. But what might the jabs look like from a few feet away?

Well, from a few feet away this particular conversation took on a whole different meaning. One person made assumptions and came to conclusions that reached beyond the initial exchange and was not shy about voicing those opinions. Another person, with seemingly little thought, joined the foray with basically a “me too” position. While others, correctly sensing a misunderstanding, rose in defense of the original jabbers.

When it was all over I couldn’t help but smile and muse about how easy it is to get embroiled in meaningless and needless controversy. But it is easy. And too often we find ourselves doing it at home, at work, and even at church—many times simply because we make conclusions based on distorted or incomplete facts.

Recall with me the temptation and fall of Adam and Eve. The serpent began his temptation by distorting what God had said when he asked Eve, “Did God actually say...?” (Genesis 3:1) And Eve really messed up when she began to reason and make decisions based on those distorted facts that reached beyond what God had actually said. The rest, as they say, is history.

Contrast that with Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. Satan begins almost immediately to distort what God had said in scripture by going beyond scripture’s original meaning. And while on the surface many of Satan’s claims sounded plausible, Jesus doesn’t take the bait. Instead, Jesus resists the wiles of the devil and repeatedly replies, “...it is written.” (Matthew 4:4) Notice how Jesus is able to resist. Jesus rebuffed the devil by being careful to follow scripture as far as it went without going beyond. Don’t miss this. Jesus didn’t discard any teaching in scripture and he didn’t go beyond the teachings of scripture; not even when the arguments seemed plausible.

So, let me encourage you to do the same. Like Paul’s admonition to Timothy, recognize that “all scripture is breathed out by God;” even those parts that you and I may not fully understand. Let’s commit to study scripture diligently and to follow it as far as it goes on any subject; even those subjects we may not fully understand. And finally, let’s avoid error and meaningless controversy by being cautious to not leap beyond scripture in our reasoning.

Ken Askew

If Only I Had Wings

2009-05-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

“And I say, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; yes, I would wander far away; I would lodge in the wilderness; I would hurry to find a shelter from the raging wind and tempest.”” ESV Psalm 55:6-8

Have you ever wanted to hop in the car and just keep on driving? Have you ever had more than a passing thought about starting over in a different place without the years of baggage that seem to pile up at home? Have you imagined that the grass may indeed be greener or that you would find rest for your weary bones if you could just get to the other side of the fence? I suspect most of us have had thoughts like these on occasion. But hey, if you have then you’re in good company; the Psalmist had these thoughts too!

How do you deal with stress? I really believe that one of the reasons I enjoy the outdoors as much as I do is because of the peaceful solitude it offers. A long hike in the woods is refreshing after a stressful day. Maybe you prefer fishing, hunting, a shopping trip, or just a long drive; regardless, sometimes we just need something to release the stress in our lives.

Many things cause stress and sometimes we bring it on ourselves through our actions. But Psalm 55 was written in response to a particularly stressful situation; betrayal at the hand of a close friend. How did the Psalmist deal with the stress?

Well, he didn’t follow through on his initial thoughts about flying away into the wilderness—and neither should you. Instead, he calls out to God in prayer. Verses 16 through 18 show a proper response in times of despair. The Psalmist says, “But I call to God and the LORD will save me. Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice. He redeems my soul in safety from the battle that I wage, for many are arrayed against me.”

A couple of things stand out to me in this psalm. The most obvious is that the Psalmist calls out to God in prayer and makes his desires known. But how often does he pray? Did he pray once and gain instant relief? No, he prayed in the morning, at lunch and in the evening. The burden of his betrayal was not removed in an instant but he prayed with confidence that God could and would redeem him from the situation—from the battle he was waging.

What battles are you waging right now? What is it that irks you so much that you want to fly away and rest in a quiet spot? Do you struggle with addictions? Has someone betrayed you? Don’t run and don’t wait. Instead, “Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you...” Psalm 55:22.

Ken Askew

Taste and See

2009-05-07T03:21:00.000-07:00

“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” ESV Psalm 34:8

A couple of my buddies enjoyed a good laugh recalling this story the other day, so I thought I’d share it again here for you.

My bicycling friend told me I looked like a dead carp. You know what I mean. When a carp dies, the currents inevitably send it nose first into the shoreline where its lifeless, bloated body floats in the sunny shallows; only moving with the gentle motion of the water. That was me. Nose first into the shoreline, clothes and all, only moving with the gentle flow of Cypress Creek.

We had coaxed our wives into driving us to Nashville and dropping us off at the northern end of the Natchez Trace Parkway. In hindsight, the trip was fraught with danger. The girls were all alone as they navigated their way home past the dangerous halls of the Temple of Temptation (also known as the Cool Springs Galleria). Meanwhile, it was up to my friend and me to muster the strength and stamina to pedal home on our bikes. But given the choice, I’ll pedal the Trace any day to avoid the dangers lurking in the mall.

The first day was as hilly as anything I’ve ever ridden. There is literally not a flat spot of pavement to be found on the first 50 miles of the Trace traveling south from Nashville. Have I mentioned that our trip took place in late August? Do the words hot and humid come to mind? The first day was a 3-H day; hot, humid, and hilly. Though I have no recollection of it, I’m told that I slept for 12 hours straight that evening.

The next morning the hills subsided, but the hot August sun continued to bear down on us with all its might. To make the heat worse still, the pavement changed from a light grey chip seal to a fresh, dark black top. While infinitely smoother, it was also 15 degrees hotter. Having lost my peak riding form many years ago, this fat boy was suffering.

And suddenly there it was. Within sight of the Alabama state line was an Oasis. Cool, shallow water carved its way out of the wooded shade and flowed underneath the road. If the water could speak, I’m certain it would have called my name. So, I only shucked my shoes before plunging headlong into the creek. And it was everything I could have asked for; cool; refreshing; rejuvenating. It didn’t matter that I looked like a dead carp because I was enjoying every minute of it. The water was my refuge from the heat.

I see people every day, perhaps even you, who appear to be just as spiritually exhausted; weighed down by the worries, troubles and temptations of the day. They are exhausted, just as if they’d been riding a bike in the hot August sun all day. All the while God has provided an Oasis in Christ Jesus; cool; refreshing; rejuvenating; a refuge from the heat of the day. Won’t you taste and see that the Lord is good!

Ken Askew

Perspective

2009-05-04T05:56:00.000-07:00

Then I said in my heart, “What happens to the fool will happen to me also. Why then have I been so very wise?” And I said in my heart that this also is vanity. ESV Ecclesiastes 2:15

Though we don’t know for sure, it is widely accepted that Solomon wrote this strange book that follows Proverbs. At first glance—well, for twelve chapters—it reads like the random, contradictory musings of an old, eccentric author. But taken in it’s entirety, a great and simple truth emerges.

No earthly king has known more material wealth, wisdom or knowledge than Solomon. He literally knew it all, owned it all, ruled it all and did it all during his lifetime. When Solomon came to the end of his storied life his bucket list was complete. (That is to say that everything he wanted to do before he “kicked the bucket” was done—crossed off this list.) Yet the most repeated phrase in Ecclesiastes is “all is vanity.” Why so? The answer lies in his perspective.

Have you ever been on the outside of a heated argument looking in and wondered why on earth they were making such a fuss over something? Or perhaps you’ve been in the middle of a heated argument and wondered why someone on the outside failed to grasp the significance of your point of view. It’s the same argument viewed from different perspectives. And that’s what Ecclesiastes is all about; perspective.

The writer seems to be looking back over a lifetime filled with activities that seemed important at the time but in hindsight, the insignificance of it all begins to come into focus. Many, many items on his bucket list really didn’t matter after all; working late for an extra dollar, studying for more and more wisdom, over indulging in fun and leisure.

Now, to be fair, those things do matter. The bible commands us to provide for our families. The bible encourages wisdom. It even says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Even rest and relaxation have their place in our lives. So I’m not suggesting that we take a “do nothing” attitude towards life.

But at the end of the day, the rich and the poor along with the wise and the foolish will meet their maker. Death does not discriminate. What will seem important then? Which activities will seem important from an eternal perspective?

The book of Ecclesiastes ends with this great and simple truth: “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.”

Let these words serve as a challenge to live life from an eternal perspective.

Ken Askew

Instruments of the Master

2009-04-27T16:45:00.000-07:00

“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” ESV James 5:19-20

There are some questions that you should always be ready to answer. For instance, our interim pastor asked me the other day how long Melisa and I have been married. Without a moments hesitation, I replied, “It seems like forever!” (It’s actually just short of 24 years and Melisa isn’t offended by my answer—I actually think she agrees.)

Back in college I had a Hindu professor single me out in a group and ask me if I believed that Jesus was the only way to heaven. Again, without a moments hesitation I replied, “Yes!” Turns out that he thought that answer was hilarious, but that’s a story for another day.

Over the years though I’ve been hit with some questions that I didn’t have a ready answer for. I remember when we were newly married, living “across the river” and full time students at UNA, we were vulnerable to falling away from church. We had been faithful to Sunday School here at Russellville, but were in danger of becoming slipping into visitor status if you know what I mean.

But fortunately, we had a Sunday School teacher who refused to let us slip through the cracks. He would call me every Saturday evening (before caller id) and hit me with a simple question: “Kenny, is there anything in the world keeping you from joining us in bible study tomorrow?” Then he’d tell me what a wonderful lesson he had planned and how blessed he would feel by our presence. The first few times, an excuse came to mind quickly enough. But after about the third or fourth week, what are you going to say? I finally had to answer, “Nothing, we’ll be there.”

In hindsight, that teacher was an instrument in the Master’s hand. God used him to keep me in church, fellowshipping with other believers during a vulnerable time. That same teacher helped me pick out my first study bible, has mentored me over the years and is still a close friend today.

While I don’t mean to suggest that every church member needs to become a member of the spiritual police squad, I think it’s healthy for mature believers to gently correct and guide less mature believers in the faith. It’s even more than that. Mature Christians have a duty to disciple younger believers in the faith.

Who do you know that may be wandering from the faith or simply need a little encouragement? I’ll bet someone came to mind. Now, how can you gently and lovingly steer them back to Christian fellowship? Will you be an instrument in the Master’s hand?

Ken Askew

Timeout!

2009-04-15T21:01:00.000-07:00

Timeout! In sports, it’s a term that expresses a team’s desire to momentarily stop the normal progression of the game so that some important or urgent adjustment can be communicated and implemented. From a child’s perspective, the term usually indicates impending punishment, or at the very least, the halting of events by some authority figure. But what might “timeout” mean to adults?

Tell the truth, does life ever come at you so fast that you want to shout timeout! ? Do you ever want to halt events—stop the normal progression of events so you can catch your breath and make adjustments? I’ve been there more than once and I think we all reach that point from time to time; some sooner than others and some more frequently than others.

A guy named Bob Buford wrote a book several years back titled Half Time. I found it during one of those times when I wanted to call timeout. It’s a quick read and one I gladly recommend (but do note that it is written to men from a man’s perspective). Anyway, Buford, speaking from personal experience, describes a change that occurs in many men (and women) when they come to realize the clock is running on this lifetime. Speaking from a mid-life perspective he says, “If the first half was a quest for success, the second half is a journey to significance.”

And just what is significance? Is it gaining more money and stuff? Does the person with the most toys win? Is significance finally getting that coveted degree or job? Is significance symbolized by a new car or boat? Is significance reached by garnering the admiration of your family and friends? Hmm... While none of these things are necessarily evil or bad in their own right, let me suggest that significance is both simpler and grander.

Significance is enduring and is achieved one step at a time. You might say that it is the imprint you leave with your passing. What does your imprint look like? As Sinclair Ferguson commented recently, “It’s what people think of you when you’ve left the room that’s important.” What do people think of you when you’ve left the room?

Now let me suggest this. Whatever your circumstance or calling live your life—one day at a time—for the glory of God and significance will be yours. Be a homemaker for the glory of God. Be a dad for the glory of God. Sell cars for the glory of God. Be a friend for the glory of God. Be a public servant for the glory of God.

Live your life so that when you’ve left the room people will think of you as one who lived each day for the glory of God and significance will be yours.

Ken Askew

Faith and Religion

2009-04-07T20:25:00.000-07:00

At lunch not too many weeks ago a business acquaintance looked up and said, “Ken, I’m skeptical of organized religion.” Elaborating, he shared some details of a bad experience from yesteryear that had left him skeptical of religion. But what started as a conversation killing statement turned into a robust conversation when I confided in him that I too was skeptical of organized religion. But do let me elaborate.

Back in college I had an interesting ethics professor who was a liberal, retired minister. I would beg to disagree with him on many issues, but he said one thing that has stuck in my mind all these years. Speaking of faith and religion, he summed it up by saying, “Faith is what you have. Religion is what you do about it.” Albeit a shallow summary, it helps explain the dilemma that organized religion finds itself bogged down in today.

Speaking of my personal faith, I believe in the one, true God of the bible; Creator and Judge of heaven and earth. But according to the word of God found in the bible, I’ve violated his precepts and have alienated myself from Him. Furthermore, I believe that there is only one way for me, as a created being, to be reconciled to the Creator and that is through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross. But even that sacrificial death is meaningless if it ends there. The bible also tells me that Christ is today my living advocate before the Judge, just as he was my sacrifice many years ago. So, basing my faith in the bible, I believe that Christ has risen from the dead; just like the bible says.

And that’s what I’ll be celebrating this Sunday with many other faithful believers in the Tharptown community. Together we’ll gather and let our faith flow freely and exercise it in a “religious” ceremony celebrating the fact that “He has risen.” We’ll be celebrating Easter!

Having said all that, why would I say that I’m skeptical of organized religion? Because there are a lot of organized religions don’t base their faith in the God of the bible. Instead they conjure up a God of their own creation; one that suits their fancy. Corrupt faith leads to corrupt religion. And believe me, those with a false faith have nothing to celebrate on Easter.

Is your faith in the God of the bible? If it is, you have every reason to celebrate Easter with other believers this weekend. Take your faith out for a walk Sunday by joining together in a joyful, worshipful celebration of the risen Christ. First timers are especially welcomed to the celebration!

Ken Askew

Deployed for Kingdom Service

2009-04-02T20:44:00.000-07:00

“And Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whose mind the Lord had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to do the work. And they received from Moses all the contribution that the people of Israel had brought for doing the work on the sanctuary. They still kept brining him freewill offerings every morning,” ESV Exodus 36:2-3

What a wonderful problem! That was my thought during an aha moment on the way to Birmingham Monday morning. I was listening to Max McLean read through the book of Exodus on my ipod when it hit me. Moses was forced to turn away volunteers and money that was presented for his building project. Well, it was God’s construction project, but Moses was his appointed leader.

Anyway, the scriptures tell us that the hearts of the people were stirred up to do work with their hands and to give money in a mighty way to support the building of a sanctuary. Their giving was such that they had to be restrained. The broader text says, “the people were restrained from bringing.” Try and imagine that today; pastors being forced to restrain people from giving to God’s work. I hang out with pastors a lot, but none of them has ever, and I mean never, so much as even whispered that this is an issue in the church today!

No, instead of being overzealous givers it seems as though we are much more comfortable and much more zealous in the task, as Neil Postman so succinctly said, of “amusing ourselves to death.” We are a people I fear who love to receive but have yet to experience the full joys of giving.

Al Mohler, in his weekly radio program on March, 27, talked about our concept retirement in America and how the current economic crisis has disrupted so many plans. But his main point was this: Regardless of our life stage, we should all be “deployed for maximum service to the Kingdom.” Now that’s an interesting thought—living each day for the glory of God—deployed for His service if you will.

Do you think that if we woke up each morning and asked God how we might use our time, talents and money to glorify Him that He just might show us? Does the thought scare you a little bit? Does it make you wonder what comfort or amusement you might have to forego? Might you have to alter your best laid plans?

Let me lay down this challenge. Tomorrow morning, before you roll out of bed and the urgent matters of the day come bearing down on you, ask God to show how to tackle your day as one “deployed for maximum service to the Kingdom.” God may stir your heart in a way that leaves you forever changed.

Ken Askew

The Power of Words

2009-03-25T18:56:00.000-07:00

“…but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.” ESV James 3:8-9

We don’t say that word! How many times have we said that to our children? Why? Because as adults, we recognize the power of words and we want our children to use them wisely. We recognize their power to ruin reputations and relationships when misused. But at the same time, words can have a positive impact too.

As a young parent, I remember one of my children barking a request from the back seat of the car one day. Trying to be a gentle guide and good parent I asked, “What’s the magic word?” (fishing for ‘please’) to which I received the forceful reply, “Right now; I mean it!” For the life of me, I still can’t imagine where that came from; and from such a good kid!

‘I can’t believe he/she said that.’ How many times have you made that statement? What likely preceded that statement? A sharp word perhaps? Something easily taken out of context? Something downright rude or crude?

How about this one: ‘I can’t believe I said that.’ Ouch! There’s nothing quite like sticking your foot in your mouth. By the way, you can wedge your foot in there pretty tight with a pen or a keyboard too. I’ve become so conscious of it that I’ve got a one-minute delay on outgoing emails at work. And more than once, because I don’t like the taste of shoe leather, I’ve gone back and edited a message before it left.

I heard Paul Tripp point out a chilling reality at a conference last fall. He said that if we are honest, more often than not when we say “please forgive me, I didn’t meant to say that,” we should more truthfully beg “please forgive me for saying what I meant.” You see, nothing comes out of your mouth that wasn’t in your heart, even in the tiniest portion, to begin with.

On a personal note, let me confess a couple of things. I’ve said things in my own house that, in hind site, were uncalled for; even mean spirited at times. Thankfully, I’ve got a forgiving family. And just the other day in a committee meeting another member commented: “Ken, you’re so diplomatic.” But I felt obliged to tell them that diplomatic responses were not always the first thoughts to cross my mind. My point in sharing this is simply to let you know that I struggle with taming my tongue just like you do.

Our words have tremendous power. Used loosely and without careful consideration our words are capable of producing great harm. Used properly and carefully, our words our capable of producing great joy; even a joyful noise unto our Lord. Deliberately harness the power of your words this week so that your words are received with great joy.

Ken Askew

The Blame Game

2009-03-25T18:55:00.001-07:00

“But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.” ESV 2 Corinthians 11:3-4

A friend sent me an email this week that read in part: “If there has ever been a time in our society and church that the family needs reinforcing and encouraging, it is now.” At first glance I recognized the statement as a keen and true observation. Then I started to wonder where we might be missing the boat in our families and churches. Why do we find ourselves in a predicament? Why do we so desperately need reinforcing?

As I pondered the question it occurred to me that our challenges are not really new. As a matter of fact, they go all the way back to the Garden of Eden. And the very root of our issues is our inherent resistance to acknowledging our sins. We simply don’t like to take personal responsibility for our actions and that mindset permeates our families too.

You’ll recall that Adam and Eve played the blame game. When God confronted them with their sin Adam blamed Eve and Eve in turn blamed the serpent but neither one of them desired to take responsibility for their sins. Isn’t it still that way today? Sure it is. As a matter of fact, our society promotes the blame game; finger pointing is in and personal culpability is out.

Paul wrote to churches with an endearing pen much like one would write to an extended family. And when he penned this letter to the Corinthian church family, it was a very pointed letter meant to keep them focused, or to refocus them, on truth and not deception.

Much could be said about our verses, but let me focus on just this thought: The Corinthian church family found itself in need of reinforcement because they were easily and readily deceived by the cunning thoughts and rhetoric of the day. Preachers were telling them what they wanted to hear and the Corinthians “put up with it readily enough.”

Think for a moment of the false teachings we readily put up with it today. As a society, we are driven by a ‘me centered’ mindset that discounts personal responsibility. And we don’t want to be held accountable by God or anyone else for our actions. No, it’s much more comfortable to play the blame game and put off personal accountability.

Let me challenge you to begin reinforcing your family today by keeping everyone focused on God’s word and not the world’s guidance. Let Christ reign in your home. Don’t accept the foolish notions of society and don’t play the blame game.

Ken Askew

It’s Just Stuff

2009-03-13T04:53:00.000-07:00

Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. ESV James 1:9-11

How do you think biblically about your stuff? Well, you begin by recognizing that it’s just stuff. Can you say that—it’s just stuff—with sincerity? I’ve got a friend who’s in full time ministry that experienced the devastation of a house fire a few years ago. Worse still, my friend and his family experienced the devastation of an uninsured house fire. They lost all of their material possessions; everything. Thankfully, they escaped physically unharmed and have been able to rejoice in that. And, thinking biblically, they describe their destroyed and missing items as ‘just stuff.’

I’ve heard other folks speak of material possessions in the same manner over the years, but all too often it seems that we worship our stuff. Gathering more of it seems to be an end in itself and protecting it becomes a time consuming chore. We build bigger barns to hold our toys instead of enjoying and appreciating the more enduring treasures around us. I dare say that many folks would be insulted by the thought of their material greatness being referred to as ‘just stuff.’

James wouldn’t have any qualms with our terminology though. Well, neither would Isaiah, the Psalmists or Jesus himself to name just a few. But anyway, James is pointing out that our security and real worth is not wrapped up in stuff. All of our things will be stripped away one day and only the enduring, eternal things will matter. And the true object of our worship will be revealed.

Warren Wiersbe sums up this passage as well as anyone I’ve read. He says, “God’s testings have a way of leveling us. When testing comes to the poor man, he lets God have His way and rejoices that he possesses spiritual riches that cannot be taken from him. When testing comes to the rich man, he also lets God have His way, and he rejoices that his riches in Christ cannot wither or fade away. In other words, it is not our material resources that take you through the testings of life; it is your spiritual resources.”

So, continuing with our recent theme of how to think biblically in everyday situations, one way is to recognize that our confidence cannot be in our possessions. From a biblical and eternal perspective, our material possessions are, well, ‘just stuff.’ All the while true joy, confidence, security and our blessed hope rests in Christ alone.

Ken Askew

The Faith of Friends

2009-03-04T20:35:00.000-08:00

And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” ESV Mark 2:3-5

A friend stopped by my office the other afternoon and shared this verse with me. As we visited, we began to marvel at the ‘faith in action’ that these guys exemplified. Don’t you think it paints a beautiful picture of Christianity at work?

Everywhere Jesus visited, people we living in sin; yet he didn’t say to everyone “your sins are forgiven.” Everywhere Jesus visited, people were sick; yet he didn’t heal everyone. Everywhere Jesus visited, people were enduring hardships; yet he didn’t remove all suffering. But if you’ll read this entire passage, you’ll see that this encounter resulted in both forgiveness and healing by the grace of Jesus Christ. Why?

Well, while being careful not to drift from the text and not pretending to know the mind or purposes of God, let me suggest two things. First, the text tells us plainly that Jesus was moved by “their faith;” which certainly could mean that Jesus was moved by the faith of the paralytic and the faith of his friends. Secondly, and less obvious, I note the persistency in which they sought Jesus. Great crowd’s had gathered around Jesus making it difficult to approach him hauling a paralytic around on a cot. But did they turn around and go home? Nope. Instead, they removed a section of the roof and lowered their friend down. Picture that in your mind for a moment—hauling their paralytic friend onto the roof, physically removing roof tiles, wedging their friend through the hole and lowering him down to Jesus—and you’ll see a picture of what persistency looks like.

But practically, what does that mean to us today? How might we live out that same kind of faith with persistency? As my friend and I talked, three answers gelled in my mind. First, as Christians, we should most certainly care about the physical and spiritual well being of those around us. Secondly, we have been given the privilege and liberty of approaching Christ directly in prayer and making our needs known. So, prayer on behalf of friends is one of the physical acts of faith we can perform. And finally, in addition to caring and praying, we can become involved in the lives of those around us. We can build relationships.

Yes, I know that relationships are sometimes difficult and messy, but personal relationships are also a way or means of bringing folks to the saving and healing found only in the grace of Christ Jesus. So, my prayer for you is that your faith may prove to be a means of grace to your friends this week. God bless.

Ken Askew

Servant of the Lord Jesus Christ

2009-02-28T12:12:00.000-08:00

“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion.” James 1:1

Wow, just how much can you pack into one verse? This isn’t the first time that the subject of servitude has come up in this column, but since it’s a recurring biblical theme it only seems appropriate that we visit it once more.

What does it mean to be a servant? Well, to be a servant to someone indicates that someone else has a certain claims to your time and talents either voluntarily or by compulsion.

Then what must it mean to be a servant of God? To be a servant of God is acknowledge and honor God for who he is and humbly submit our time and talents to him forevermore. There are many Old Testament characters that could be labeled servants of God; Abraham, the nomadic farmer; Moses the herdsman; Nehemiah who worked in King’s court; David, King of Israel; Joshua the great military leader; the list could go on. But that’s enough to establish a pattern. All these men were servants of God—even in their everyday occupations and in everyday situations.

So, can we be servants of God in our everyday occupations and in everyday situations? Absolutely. Not only servants of God the Father, but also servants of the Lord Jesus Christ! Thomas Manton says of this claim: “Well, then, James is not only God’s servant by the right of creation and providence, but Christ’s servant by the right of redemption.” He goes so far as to imply that we were redeemed for the very purpose of servitude: “In Christ God hath a new claim in you, and ye are bought with his blood, that ye may be his servants.” Redeemed for the King’s service—what a thought!

In the New Testament, there is no greater example of a servant than that of the Apostle Paul. In Philippians 3:8-9 the Paul shares his thoughts on being a servant of Christ. Suffice it to say that Paul counted anything other than servitude to Christ as his loss. Paul’s Christian life was not easy. As a matter of fact, it was filled with difficulty and fraught with danger. Yet, Paul gladly happily persevered as a servant of Christ.

Here’s an important thought that you can put to good use this week. This week I challenge you to begin to think biblically in everyday situations by beginning to think of yourself as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ—regardless of your circumstances. Face each day by inserting your name in the place of James. _________, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ken Askew

Politics in Perspective

2009-02-21T20:00:00.000-08:00

“And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,” ESV Acts 17:26-27

A reader sent me this thought provoking question last week: “How should I think Biblically about this new president and all the 'changes' he is making, particularly those that go against Scripture?” Hmmm. Well, that’s sort of two questions; one about the man and the second about his decisions. But the answer is the same for each.

The question betrays two things about the reader. First, that he genuinely desires to think biblically in regards to our country and secondly, the he is trying to bring Scripture to bear on an everyday situation—both are admirable. His question made me think about an article written back in November before anyone knew who had won the election. And you know what? The same biblical principles apply today after the election.

Biblical thinking begins with prayer. So, as we consider how to think biblically regarding the office of president and President Obama himself, Christians should consider prayer for the President of utmost importance. Sincere, heartfelt prayer has a way of putting things into perspective that removes our biases and preconceived notions from the equation. Prayer is like a salve to the petitioner that promotes humility. Have you ever noticed how it’s hard to be angry with someone you’re praying for?

Biblical thinking also acknowledges and affirms God’s Word in all situations. So, Christians should take heart in the fact that God himself has ordained the “allotted periods and the boundaries” of our nation. God has most assuredly ordained the term and tenure of President Obama and our other elected leaders. And no decree or decision (biblical or unbiblical) escapes his all-knowing, searching eyes. Now, to know why God allows decrees and decisions that seemingly violate his word would be to know the mind of God and we don’t know the mind of God and his ways are not our ways. His viewpoint is infinitely greater than our viewpoint; he sees things perfectly from eternity past to eternity future while see but a glimpse through sin tainted eyes.

Biblical thinking takes action based on scripture. I was reminded in a sermon just this past Sunday that Christ didn’t engage in political activism. Instead, Christ focused on the task the Father had sent Him to accomplish. Likewise, we are to do the same. The actions of others are beyond our control but for our own actions we must one day give an account. Makes you think seriously about being about the Father’s business doesn’t it?

So, my answer is threefold: Seek God in prayer. Trust in the truthfulness of God’s Word. Live your life according to Scripture. Do these three things and you can confidently face today and look towards tomorrow.

Ken Askew

Words to Live By

2009-02-11T05:51:00.000-08:00

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. ESV Hebrews 4:12-13

More than once I’ve heard people say that they just don’t understand the Bible. You’ve probably heard that same comment. The best observation I’ve heard regarding folks that make that comment came from Zig Ziglar. Zig says he’s convinced that “it’s not the parts they don’t understand that really bothers them.” And Zig is right.

I’ve been troubled lately by what I can only describe as a lack of biblical thinking—even among professing Christians; church goers if you will. It seems that all too often we relegate the bible to a position of importance in our lives as a fire extinguisher. That is, we know where it is in case of an emergency. And that’s unfortunate, because the bible is much more than an emergency tool; I’d go so far as to call it a life giving necessity. Our verse today describes it as being “sharper than any two-edged sword” and able to pierce to the inner most depths of our soul. Why then do we set it aside for emergency use only? Sadly, many people simply don’t want to know what the bible says for fear that it would crimp their plans. And quiet frankly, that attitude is more problematic than people who outright don’t a give a rip what the bible says; the latter being much less hypocritical than the former.

A friend of mine wrote a paper a few years ago on the sufficiency of scripture. As he worked on that paper, I think he practiced on me. We’d be talking about some everyday topic or issue and he’d say, with the slightest stutter, “Now Ken, lets think what the bible has to say about that.” And you know what, we could usually bring scripture to bear relatively quickly on whatever was weighing on our minds. In hindsight, I don’t mind the fact that he practiced on me because he made great strides in teaching me how to think biblically and approach every day issues with a Christian worldview. (By the way, John MacArthur edited a fine book titled Think Biblically! Recovering a Christian Worldview a few years back.) Now, I’m still learning how to think biblically—I’ve not arrived or mastered it by any stretch. But I do genuinely strive to think biblically.

The bible contains words to live by; words to guide us in our everyday lives. So, over the next several weeks we’ll look at what the bible has to say about some everyday issues. Perhaps it will cultivate a sincere desire in your heart to think biblically. No promises, but if you have a particular issue you’d like to see addressed in this column over the coming weeks, drop me an email and I’ll see what I can do. God bless.

-Ken Askew

Memory Lane

2009-02-04T17:15:00.000-08:00

And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. ESV Luke 22:19-20

I took a trip down memory lane last week. It began the moment I pulled that old quilt out of the closet. I’m not certain exactly how old the quilt is, but I am positive that it’s over thirty years old; I’m guessing thirty-three or so. It’s stained near the top where my name is embroidered and it has an aged smell about it. My grandmother Askew hand stitched the little fishermen that are on each square. And the irregular stitches throughout testify to the hand quilting.

My trip took a turn south and continued as I pulled down an afghan that my grandmother Kimbrough made for me. It’s heavy, with tight loops in the yarn. It’s the kind of comforter you’d pull down on the coldest of days with an eye towards the couch and a good book. In my mind’s eye I can still see her toiling away at it today twenty-five years or so later.

As I admire, touch and smell these heirlooms left by my grandmothers, a flood of memories comes over me. I recall romping at the “old home place” of each of them. One was about five miles north of Cherokee; the other about five miles to the south. As a child, I hunted on one home place and played in the creek and barn at the other. Memories of both are fond and vivid. And the memories of both and the hope of seeing them again are brought to my recollection by something as simple as a quilt and an afghan.

Christ left us with a simple ritual (some would say ordinance or sacrament) to bring to our recollection his death, burial, resurrection and his imminent return. The modern Protestant church refers to it as The Lord’s Supper. It was instituted at the last Passover meal that Christ shared with his disciples before he was betrayed. A meal meant to bring remembrance of the exodus from Egypt.

But that day Christ changed the order of the traditional meal. He broke with tradition and instituted a ritual for His disciples that was decidedly different. No longer would they celebrate their ancestor’s exodus and deliverance from Egyptian bondage by the blood of a lamb. No, henceforth they would celebrate their deliverance from the bondage of sin through the blood of The Lamb of God.

So, I urge you. The next time that bread is broken and the cup is passed at your church, take time to remember. Take time to recall that Christ purchased your redemption from sin with His body and with His blood. Recall that He rose from the grave. And remember His promise to return again for His church. As you take The Lord’s Supper, do so “in remembrance of [Him].”

-Ken Askew

When Tempted to Despair

2009-01-30T07:28:00.000-08:00

A SONG OF ASCENTS. Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD! O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy! If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

-ESV Psalm 130

It seems that you need to look no further than the morning headlines to be tempted to despair these days. So, in these unsettling times it’s good to have godly friends to remind of us of simple, yet profound truths and to guide us in God’s Word; especially when hope can seem far away. I was encouraged just last week by a friend when he commented that it is the devil who would have us believe that we are without hope in our circumstances, but that in Christ, hope abounds regardless of circumstance.

The headlines remind us that many things happen every day over which we have little or no control. The economy suffers a slow down. People lose their jobs. Household finances dry up. Children get sick. You get dreaded news from the doctor. The car breaks down. Friends seem too preoccupied to care. Taken together, the list can seem overwhelming at times. And when we find ourselves in those circumstances, we can be tempted to despair.

But for Christians, current circumstances (good or bad) are mere momentary events; blips on the radar in the big scheme of things. Why? Because Christians don’t find their hope and happiness in their health, wealth and possessions. No, Christians find their ultimate hope and happiness in their relationship with the Lord. And it is to Him that they cry for mercy, grace and guidance—especially when circumstances seem overwhelming.

If the headlines or circumstances have tempted you to despair, dwell on the truths of these words from an old Puritan prayer titled The Valley of Vision: “Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells, and the deeper the wells the brighter Thy stars shine; let me find Thy light in my darkness, Thy life in my death, Thy joy in my sorrow, Thy grace in my sin, Thy riches in my poverty, Thy glory in my valley.”

Christians! Lift your eyes to heaven, behold the stars and call on your heavenly Father. And do not be tempted to despair at the headlines or your circumstances. Jesus is still on the throne.

-Ken Askew

Servant of the living God

2009-01-21T15:21:00.000-08:00

“And the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth.” ESV Genesis 18:1-2

Would you recognize God if he knocked on your door? Seriously, do you know God well enough that you would have a clue it was Him at the door? Would you instantly recognize him and welcome Him into your home in the same way you would recognize your boss standing on your front porch and welcome him or her in? Or would you pull the blinds, hit the lights, mute the television and ignore the strangers on the porch? Hmmm…

Well it wasn’t a dilemma for Abraham. When God came calling in bodily form (LORD) Abraham recognized Him and his companions immediately. Notice that there were three visitors, and while the bible is not altogether clear on this, a strong case can be made for the three visitors all being of a divine nature; clearly though, Abraham perceived one as God in a human form. But I digress.

At first glimpse of the trio Abraham sprang to his feet, then ran and greeted them with utmost respect and humility; hardly the kind of greeting we might envision a stranger receiving from the patriarch. No, this was a greeting reserved for a dear friend, a king, or boss (lord). Greetings aside, their arrival set the whole farm, from his wife to his servants, abuzz—at Abraham’s command, water was brought for the guests to freshen up, Sarah was set to baking bread and farm hands slaughtered and prepared the hand picked, tender calf for the main course. At the same time others were sent to gather curds and milk to complement the main course. It must have been a feast to behold! I can almost smell it.

Dinner prepared, the wealthy, the mighty Abraham whose descendents would be “as many as the stars of heaven” set the meal before his guests and then “he stood by them under the tree while they ate.” (Gen. 18:8) Did you catch it? He stood by them. He didn’t partake of the meal. He didn’t sit at the head of the table. He didn’t fish for compliments as a gracious host. No, he took on the manner of a servant and stood by them as they ate.

You see, Abraham had the pleasure of knowing and serving the living God. He served Him with his time. He served him with and through his family. He served him with his possessions. He served him through his vocation. Abraham happily served God with all his heart, soul and mind. Abraham knew God personally.

God revealed Himself to Abraham in various ways, but today, He most commonly reveals Himself in scripture. Won’t you spend some time getting to know Him today? God bless.

-Ken Askew

Where’s the Love of God

2009-01-16T05:11:00.000-08:00

“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.” ESV 1 John 4:9

The testimony was eerily familiar to me as I listened to our Turkish visitor last Sunday. Ever so slowly I came to realize that the slides this man was showing me were pictures of three Christian martyrs that I had written about almost two years ago. I had read and recounted the events with a heavy heart. This man had wept at their funeral.

It was mid-April in Malatya, Turkey when three men, ages 32, 36 and 46 passed into eternity at the edge of a blade while at work in a Christian publishing house. Why were these Christians killed? The short answer is summed up by one of the five assailants who claimed: “We did this for our country. They are attacking our religion.” This…in a country where less than 1% of the population professes Christianity.

Many people would be bitter at such a senseless loss of friends, yet our visitor’s faith seems to have been strengthened by the murders. His only request to us was that we pray that God would grant perseverance for the saints in the face of such persecution.

But where is the love of God in all this? Is God’s love absent when we experience tragedy? No, God’s love is still with us even in persecution; even death. John Flavel has described Jesus Christ as “the highest and fullest manifestation of the love of God to sinners, that ever was made from eternity to them.” You see, God has already given the world the greatest expression of His love possible. It doesn’t get any better than Christ and no amount of persecution can snatch that love from those who believe in him.

And God’s love is near to us today. Even in the midst of horror, disbelief, grief and tragedy, God’s love is still alive. God’s love is still magnificent. God’s love is still held out to a wicked generation. Paul reminds us in Romans 5:8 that “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

So, what is a proper response to the love of God manifested in Christ? Flavel writes that “if the greatest love hath been manifested in giving Christ to the world, then it follows, that the greatest evil and wickedness is manifested in despising, slighting, and rejecting Christ.”

Don’t reject Christ. Reach out and embrace God’s love for yourself. Take hold of Christ so that even in death you might live through him.

Finally, those of you who have taken hold of Christ, those of you who have experienced God’s love, pray for perseverance for the saints facing persecution around the globe.