Christian Growth Network

Going on a Treasure Hunt - Learning of God's Great Love for People

2010-05-27T03:55:00.000-07:00

A few weeks back I met up with some adventurous Christians at my church to go on a "treasure hunt". This was no typical treasure hunt for goodies and treats; it was a treasure hunt for people. Let me explain. The idea of a spiritual treasure hunt is to go minister and witness to people out on the streets. Unlike a typical street evangelism outreach where you pick one designated spot and try to talk with everyone you meet, a treasure hunt narrows down the search asking God to show you specific people He wants you to minister to, those who are a treasure to Him.

So the five of us sat in an upper room in our church office, discussed our plans, worshipped the Lord and then each individually took some quiet time to seek the Lord for words and pictures. We each had a sheet of paper folded into four sections representing four categories of hints: names of people, appearance, needs to pray for and "other". As we sat before the Lord, each of us received words or pictures that came into our mind and we scribbled them down on our paper.

We took about fifteen minutes to hear from the Lord and then reconvened to discuss what each of us had received. The names I received were Chris, Walter and Ted. The appearances were jeans with a tear in the knee, loose untied shoe strings, lightning bolts and blue Slurpee. The needs I heard were "break up" and "balance". The other category had the words baked goods, paper/toy plane, clocks, scented candles and guitar. I explained to the group the 80/20 rule - eighty percent of what we received could be dead-on and twenty percent garbage, or the reverse, but in either case the point of the exercise and ministry is to grow in our walk with the Lord by faith.

Earlier in the morning, I felt the Lord saying to me that we were to go to Target, so after we each shared our words we hopped in our cars and headed there. Next to our local Target there is a guitar store, so having the word "guitar" I decided to go there first. Now you can imagine, the nervousness I felt walking into a store with the hopes of meeting someone that God wants me to interact with and love on. My fleeting thoughts of insanity were one by one offered up to Jesus.

I walked into the store, greeted the teenager at the front desk and began walking into my mission field. I had to look out of place as I starred up on the walls at all the guitars like a young boy on his first trip to a big city looking around at all the skyscrapers. As I walked around the store I was praying under my breath - "Lord, please guide me to the person you want me to meet."

I turned the corner and there he was. A man in his late 40's or 50's was seated on a bench in one of the aisles strumming on a guitar. He had on a yellow, dirty sweatshirt and wore jeans with a whole in the right knee. "Oh my" I thought to myself, "He's it." Now what, Lord? I sat down next to the man and started to chat with him. "Do you play?" he asked. "No, not really." I asked him the same question to which he replied, "I'm no good" -words that may have spoken more on his self-worth than his ability to play the guitar.

I sat down with him and patiently listened to him as he bent over the guitar almost in a fetal position, head down draped over the side of the instrument. He was a one man show and I was a one man audience. As I sat there listening to this man strum his guitar I began to think to myself, "This is God's treasure?" I mean think about it, here is this random man, in the middle of the day, sitting in a guitar store playing music by himself. His clothes looked like they hadn't been cleaned in...well, maybe never, his face was scruffy with untrimmed facial hair and his eyes were gazed.

Yet, I was convinced that God had this man on His heart so much that He would send me out to find him and minister to him. Is that incredible or what? It makes me think of the story in Acts 8:29 when "the spirit said to Philip, 'Go near, and join yourself to this chariot'". Philip obeyed the word of the Lord and met the Ethiopian Eunice who "just happened" to be reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. God had that man in mind. He was God's treasure, or better yet his "Target".

After a few rounds of jamming, I offered to pray for my new friend. He bowed his head down reverently as I spoke a blessing over his life. He lifted his head back up to thank me and went back to strumming his guitar. After ministering the love of God to this man, I walked away with a stronger sense of confidence to talk to more people. I stopped briefly to talk to the teenager at the front desk who I found out was raised Buddist and never heard the gospel, which I graciously shared with him. I was then off to Target again to look for more of God's treasures.

Walking into Target I headed directly to the Slurpee machine up front, but found no treasures awaiting me there so I decided to head towards the baked good section instead. On my way there I ran into Carol, another treasure hunter, who looked more like a casual shopper with a basket in hand. "We decided to pick these up and do some shopping to look less conspicious." Good idea. I got my own and headed to my next destination.

When I arrived, I found only one man stocking shelves with a new brand of tantelizing Oreo cookies. I struck up a conversation with him about the cookies he was putting in place and noticed a sizable crucifix dangling from a gold chain around his neck. "I like your cross." I said, pointing to the jewelry. "Do you go to church somewhere?" This simple question opened up a dialogue between us about life and spiritual things where I learned that "Craig" was a father of three children who hadn't visited a church in years and didn't know anyone who was praying for him. So I volunteered to do so and prayed for his life and family to have peace and balance.

As I left the baking section with a box of those delicious Oreos in my cart I glanced down to my white sheet looking for my next clue. I gazed upon the words "lighting bolts" wondering what this clue could mean. I got it! God wanted me to go to the section of the store that sold light bulbs and other lighting products. So with the guidance of a local Target worker I was headed to my next treasure spot, the lighting department.

At the lighting department I met another man stocking shelves. Again after striking up a random conversation about flouresent lighting, I began to converse with this "retired" man who couldn't stand sitting at home so he got himself a job stocking shelves at Target. "It gets me out of the house." It got me thinking of how God's purposes in our lives are by not means limited to the prime years we spend in the workforce. God wants to use us all the days of our life.

We had a good conversation, this time about grandchildren, life after work, the state of our nation, the direction of our society and the need for trust in God. I also sensed that this man had been burnt by the church, either personally, or through the scandals that had taken place over the years. I explained to him that we need not confuse "religion" or sinful people with God himself. He concurred with that idea, maybe the seed God wanted to plant in his heart. I prayed that God would reveal himself to this man and also lifted up his grandchildren and wife in my prayers.

My time was running out before I had to meet back up with the other treasure hunters, so I glanced quickly down at my sheet and out jumped the word, "clock". With that clue, I headed over toward the electronic section looking for clocks. I was greeted by a larger than life clock and then greeted by a young 20-something kid and a friendly, "Can I help you with something?". I looked down at his badge and saw the name, Chris, which was on my list of clues.

Chris and I spoke about the new flat screen TVs in his section. He was knowledgable about these devices and their quality. I was only thinking in my mind, "God loves this kid so much". So when he took a breath, I explained to him my treasure hunt and showed him his name on my paper. Chris looked surprised, in a good way, and shared with me that he does go to church, although he couldn't remember the name of the place he attended. I sensed he had a real tender heart towards the Lord and he was more than happy to receive my prayers for his life and future. Chris thanked me for the prayers, I gave him some encouraging words. I looked down at my watch and realized it was time to head back and meet up with the other treasure hunters for a wrap up conversation.

Since that day at Target, I have become more aware of God's great love for humanity and more sensitive to His leading and guiding. I have come across more than one person who I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that God had led me to speak with and minister to. I'm growing in my understanding of just how much God loves each and every one of us and how willing He is to go out of His way to meet us where we are at. In fact, His love is so great that He was willing to leave the comfort and joy of heaven to seek and save those who were lost. Now that's one great love!

As you go about your day, to the Supermarket, the gas station, to work or even the hair salon, I pray you will realize that all around you are treasures - people who God dearly loves and wants to reach with the gospel. Take some time out of your day and speak to one of those treasures and meet the need they have or offer to pray with them. You will find that a treasure from God is more valuable and joy giving than a pot of gold. And never forget, you are one of those treasures!

Amen.

From Being Stressed to Being Blessed

2009-10-10T03:45:00.000-07:00

Stressed. It's a common symptom that describes a majority of Americans today. In fact, eighty percent of workers feel stress on the job. Sixty-five percent of all Americans lose sleep due to stress, 32% are losing sleep at least one night a week!

Could stress be a national epidemic?

The two most common reasons I see people are stress, and that I myself experience stress are that we feel overwhelmed by what we need to do or we fear the future. And in our society where people use the word "busy" as a state of being, and where the nightly news only reports what's going wrong in the world, it is no wonder why personal stress is at such colossal proportions.

Whether the source of your stress comes from work, personal finances, relationships, home life or personal health concerns, here are some Bible principles that will help you go from being stressed to being blessed.

First, if you're feeling overwhelmed...

1)Know that God cares about you.

It might sound cliché, but it's true. God cares greatly about your well being. Jesus said that our Father cares enough to feed the birds and cloth the flowers. "Aren't you of much more value than they?" (Matthew 6:34) Contrary to popular belief, God is not aloof, distant and cold. In fact, He was willing to cloth himself in human flesh in order to save humanity. (John 3:16) He is not far off out in some outer galaxy. He is willing to draw near to those who humble themselves. (James 4:8) He is not too busy or concerned, that's really our problem more than it is His. God takes our calls, even in the middle of the night. (Jeremiah 33:3)

2)Turn your care into a prayer.

If God said, "I care" and left it at that, we'd not be much better off. But continually throughout the Scriptures we hear God encouraging His people to bring Him their cares in exchange for his grace, love, power and peace. Not a bad deal if you ask me. "Cast your burdens on the Lord, and he shall sustain you." (Psalm 55:22) As we pray and give our cares to God, He promises us His peace that passes our own intellectual comprehension, now that's pretty good. (Philippians 4:6,7) And you've got to love Jesus' promise to those weary and heavy laden, "I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) Ok, so I'll take one order of peace with a side of rest!

3)Evaluate your current workload and obligations.

Are you burnt out because you've taken on too much? Here's an easy solution, reduce your workload. It sounds idealistic, but it might just be what the doctor ordered. Maybe your child doesn't have to go to dance class, play soccer, have piano lessons, be in the school play and clean their room all before Saturday noon. And maybe you don't need to spend that extra two hours toiling over work every night. Take this proverbial advice, "Don't overwork to be rich. In your wisdom, show restraint. Why do you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven." (Proverbs 23:4-5)

4)Delegate some responsibilities or ask others for help.

If you thought delegation was a modern day business idea you're wrong. Delegation is as old as God himself. It's interesting to see the workings of delegation even in the Trinity. The Father sent the Son to the earth, the Son sent the Spirit. Sharing responsibility with others can help give people an opportunity to grow and lighten your load. I love the advice Moses' father-in-law gave him when he saw Moses toiling day and night to settle the people of Israel's disputes. "What you're doing is not smart. You're going to burn yourself out fast! You can't do all this yourself, go teach the people the law for themselves and then train up some responsible God fearing men to take over this task for you." (My paraphrase of Exodus 18:17-21)

5)Take time to get away from the situation.

Jesus might have felt the greatest pressure of being overloaded with work than anyone on the face of the earth. Mark 1:32-34 records a busy evening for the Master when people brought all those who were sick with various diseases and those who were oppressed by the devil to his care. And of course, His compassion got the best of Him and He healed them all. That's my Jesus! But early the next morning, Jesus got away to a deserted place to spend some quiet time with God in prayer - smart move. (Mark 1:35-37) If Jesus needed a break, I'm sure we could all use one too!

The second common reason for stress is the fear of the future. One of the greatest picture of this kind of stress from the Bible is the story of the disciples on the boat in the storm. Jesus was fast asleep and the water was overtaking their vessel. (Luke 8:22-25) "Master, master, wake up, we are dying!" I don't know about you, but I've often found myself in situations where it felt like God was asleep and I was drowning. Here are some ways to help calm the storm in your life.

1) Live for the day and not in the future.

"Therefore don't be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day's own evil is sufficient." Let's face it, we can't change our past, we can't control our future, and we've got enough to keep us busy today. So why worry about those things that are out of our control? Which leads me to the second reason to avoid fearing the future...

2) Recognize the futility of being anxious.

Last I checked, worry never paid the bills, never got us to our appointment on time, never watched over our children when they were out of our sight, never found us a job and never met the deadline. "Which of you, by being anxious, can add one moment to his lifespan?" (Matthew 6:27) The only thing worry is good for is to make you grow older sooner than you'd like. The next time you want to worry, remember this little phrase, "Worry equals Wrinkles". If not for any other reason, maybe our own vanity can keep us from running off to play with worry.

3) Plan for the future, but don't be presumptuous.

We can't control the future, but we can plan for it. The Bible calls us to plan for the future, but it also reminds us to submit our plans to God and trust Him with our future. "The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty." (Proverbs 21:5) "A man's heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps." (Proverbs 16:9) To avoid planning is foolish, but to presume our plans will pan out regardless of the Lord's will is equally ignorant. (James 4:13-16)

4) Do what is in your power to do.

Praying through our fears is good. Planning for the future is great. But we can't forget to take action with the responsibilities before us today. One of the most practical means of reducing stress over the future is to take action today. "To him therefore who knows to do good, and doesn't do it, to him it is sin." (James 4:17) "But do you want to know, vain man, that faith apart from works is dead?" (James 2:20) Nothing may feel as rewarding and be as helpful to reducing stress as checking off actions on our "to do list" and getting the job done.

5) Learn to trust God with your future and situation.

At the end of the day, after we've prayed, after we've planned and after we've worked, we must entrust our future into God's hands. "Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shall you dwell in the land, and verily you shall be fed. Delight yourself also in the Lord; and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass." (Psalm 37:3-5)

One final note that I hope you'd consider as you go through the stress of this life is to remember that at times stress can actually produce good results in our life. As you submit your life to God and trust Him through your trials, He can work in you to refine your character. (James 1:1-4) I will leave us with a prayer that may best encompass the lessons the Bible teaches us about stress managment. It is known as the Serentity Prayer and was penned by Reinhold Niebuhr.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen.

Fearless - Imagine Your Life Without Fear

2009-09-08T02:50:00.000-07:00

New York Times Best-Selling Author Max Lucado has done it again. He's written another biblically sound book full of antidotes, personal testimonies, clever analogies, Bible verses and exegesis neatly woven together like a knit hat from Grandma. (Oh, he's so much better at those analogies than I).

Fearless - Imagine Your Life Without Fear is a solid book that's easy to read and a good pill for the faint heart to swallow. It's comforting, encouraging and only mildly convicting. Max does a great job in disrobing fear to make it seem like an every day issue for every man, woman and child on the face of the earth. "There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it." (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Fearless is a good summer sit by the deck read, especially with it's captivating front cover shot of a young boy airborne off the edge of a pier. What Fearless is not, is a hardcore, down and dirty manual on what the Bible says about fear and how to overcome it. If I had one criticism about Fearless it would be that it does not give a lot of practical "to dos" in overcoming fear other than the standard "read your Bible and pray" solution. In that sense it didn't deliver what I had expected.

What Fearless does do however is tackle some of life's most challenging questions concerning fear using sound and deep theology written in a way that anyone can understand. He address the fear of...not mattering, disappointing God, running out (worry), not protecting your kids, overwhelming challenges, worse-case scenarios, violence, the coming winter (finances), of life's final moments (death), what's next (the future) and the fear that God is not real. Each chapter could easily stand on it's own and used as a reference guide when any of these fear mounts.

I would even recommend Fearless as a gift to a person who may not be ready to delve into the Bible, but is an avid reader who appreciates good writing and a smile. Fearless has and gives both. All in all Max Lucado is an extremely talented author. I'm betting he could write a book on boredom and make it interesting. He's just that good. Hats of to Max (and his supporting staff and team) for another well read book.

Finding God's Will One Step at a Time

2009-08-29T04:36:00.001-07:00

Most Christians I know have asked the age old question, "What's God's will for my life?" Early on in my Christian life I desperately wanted to know God's will and for some reason felt that I was missing it. After having such an overnight, dramatic conversion I concluded that God's will also had to be found through a similar epiphany experience. While I still welcome and seek to find God and experience Him in new ways, I have come to believe that finding His will happens more gradually and subtly as we follow Him daily.

I have read literature and heard sermons on finding God's will that has been helpful. But too often I find that God's will becomes a forumla that we are trying to crack. The line of thinking typically goes something like this, "If you read your Bible enough, pray enough and make a list of all the pros and cons to every decision, you will find God's will."

I agree that reading God's Word daily, praying without ceasing and making wise choices will help us to find God's will, but I'm convinced that God is more interested in our relationship with Him than in us doing certain things to find His will.

This is what the LORD says:
"Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom
or the strong man boast of his strength
or the rich man boast of his riches,

but let him who boasts boast about this:
that he understands and knows me,
that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth,
for in these I delight,"
declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:23-24, NIV)

God's will is for us to know Him. You can know the name of every President past and present, but have never met any one of them. In the same way, you can know about God, that He is Father, Son and Holy Spirit, yet not know Him personally. Finding God's will for your life starts by coming to know Him personally through salvation.

Knowing God doesn't stop at salvation though, in fact it's just the beginning. God wants us to continually "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ". (2 Peter 3:18) As we come to know Him more intimately, we also come to know His will for our lives. God is not looking for us to crack a formula, but to develop a relationship. May it be at the end of our lives that we share the testimony of Enoch and Noah who "walked with God". (Genesis 5:24, Genesis 6:9)

Of course our greatest example of knowing God and walking in His will comes from Jesus Christ. Throughout the Scriptures we see that Jesus was "led by the Spirit" (Matthew 4:1l, Luke 4:1), spoke and did what the Father showed Him to do (John 8:38) and willingly laid down his will for that of the Father (Matthew 26:42).

Today as believers in Christ we have been given the precious gift of the Holy Spirit. It is the person of the Holy Spirit who "will guide you into all truth", speak to you (John 16:13), give you the words you need to speak (Luke 12:12) and lead you in the ways of God. "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." (Romans 8:14)

I am determined and convinved that God's will can be found by simply following the Holy Spirit one day at a time, one moment at a time. As we learn more about Him through the Word of God and grow in our relationship with Him on a daily basis, through prayer and fellowship with Him, we will find ourselves in the will of God.

So what is God's will for your life?

It's very simple. Do the next thing that the Holy Spirit would have you to do.

Amen.

Refreshment for the Weary Soul

2009-08-08T05:17:00.000-07:00

We live in a world that can tear us down and beat us up. At times the battle of life seems like an uphill fight and we become fatigued and feel like giving up. But there is hope! God's Word has given the solution to overcoming weariness and finding strength and refreshment to live.

The typical Western solution to weariness is found in taking vacations. "I need a vacation" is a common phrase I hear in the office and one I've muttered myself. Finding a break from work is a great start to overcoming weariness. In fact, God's original work plan instructed humanity to take one day of rest for every six days of work. (Exodus 23:12) I believe that the Sabbath day is God's on-going vacation plan for humanity to find rest each week.

Jesus corrected the understanding of his contemporaries who thought the Sabbath day was about keeping rules. Instead Jesus taught that the Sabbath was a day God had given to man for rest. (Mark 2:27) I have found that practicing the Sabbath day has been one of the best preventative means of avoiding weariness. Apart from church attendance and prayer, my Sabbath includes abstaining from the computer and e-mail for a day and taking a nap in the afternoon.

Even more practical than taking naps and taking time off, the Bible speaks about the importance of nutrition to overcoming a weary soul. When David and his people became weary, they nourished themselves with good, wholesome and healthy foods. (2 Samuel 17:27-29) Elijah is another a perfect example, he fell asleep and an angel of the Lord woke him up twice instructing him to eat. "Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for you."(1 Kings 19:7). Now that's my kind of angel!

While good food and rest are essential, the solution to weariness goes even deeper. Weariness is the feeling of being fatigued not only in our body, but in our mind, emotions and spirit. Therefore the remedy for overcoming weariness needs to meet the inner needs of our heart as much as rest for our body. No food or rest can solve the need for quality time spent with God.

God himself never becomes weary. He never tires or needs rest. "Have you not known? have you not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, faints not, neither is weary?" (Isaiah 40:28) God is the everlasting source of strength and life. Spending time in God's presence will recharge our internal battery. "Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:30-31)

Jesus made a statement that would be outlandish for anyone other than God when we said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28, NIV) Taking time to come to Jesus and giving him our burdens will bring refreshment to the weariest of souls.

Spending time with God must also include time in God's Word, the Bible. Nothing will refresh us more than a timely word in due season. A word in season can help encourage a person who is feeling weary to have hope. If you are weary, seek God for a word of encouragement and if you know others who are feeling weary, seek to encourage them. (Isaiah 50:4) A timely word from God is able to revive us, strengthen us, comfort us and give us joy. (Psalm 119:25, 28, 50, 107, Proverbs 12:25)

Weariness should not be taken lightly. The feelings of weariness can make us sick of living and even desirous of death, just ask Elijah (1 Kings 19:4), Job (Job 3:16-17, 6:8,9, 10:1) or Jonah (Jonah 4:8) If you are feeling weary today, find time to rest, eat well and get alone with God in prayer and in reading His word. Ignoring, or denying the feelings of weariness and plowing forward can be disastrous.

Weariness can also makes us more vulnerable and susceptible to the enemy's attacks which may come in the form of discouragement in our hearts or in the guise of a "good friend". (1 Peter 5:8, Deuteronomy 25:18, Job 16:7, Job 22:7) We must be cautious of the company we surround ourselves with when we feel weary and find good friends who will lift us up and encourage us.

Ultimately, we must determine to never quit doing good and serving the Lord knowing that the work we do is not in vain. "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Galatians 6:9) (2 Thessalonians 3:13) If we do not give up or lose heart, there will come a day when our labors are rewarded and we get to hear the words of our Savior say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

A Need for More Compassion

2009-05-09T05:44:00.000-07:00

This week, God has made it very clear to me that I need more compassion. It all started when I came home from work one night and began to sort through the day's mail on our kitchen counter. I flipped through the pile scanning and sorting each letter into categories: bills, junk mail etc. I was moving through the pile with machine-like speed until I came across an envelope with a child's face on the front cover. The child on the envelope had a severe cleft lip and palate. I paused momentarily to take in the picture then quickly flipped the envelope over disturbed and admittedly disgusted by the what I saw. As I continued on in my sorting process, my conscience rang loud within me like the first crow of the rooster that convicted Peter of his denial of Jesus.

A few nights later I was leading a Bible study at my church. One of the participants shared a story of Heidi Baker, a missionary to Mozambique. Heidi has seen God move miraculously through her ministry healing the blind, deaf and sick. On one occasion she came to a camp where there was a large group of terminally ill people under a tent. The Lord spoke to Heidi and said he wanted her to minister to each one of them face to face, cheek to cheek. This was an outlandish request because these people were contagious and their disease could have easily been transferred over to her. The doctors tried to convince her not to do it, warning her of the danger of getting cholera. But out of obedience to the Lord and compassion for these people she began to minister to each person. After only the first day, a few went home well, then the next day many more were healed until the third day when every person was made whole!

The cock crowed a second time; I was convicted of my lack of compassion for others.

On Friday morning, I went to a leadership training course that I've been taking for a few weeks. Our assignment from the prior week was to bring a group of co-workers together to brainstorm ideas that would save our company money. We gathered in groups of four at our tables discussing how each person's session went and elected one person from each group who's story was the most compelling. I was chosen from our group and was asked to stand in front of the class with two others to retell our story.

The first person to give a report was Rebecca, a very soft spoken young woman who works as a lawyer representing poor people. She told of how she gathered a group of lawyers, paralegals and administrators from her office to do the brainstorming session together. One of the administrators leaned over to her during the meeting and whispered, "Do your really want my opinion, I'm not a lawyer?" Rebecca encouraged her to participate and said that everyone's opinion was welcome.

After the three of us gave our presentations, the class voted for the one story they appreciated the most. And the winner was Rebecca. While the other gentleman and I had stories that were similar in their attempt to save our company money, it was Rebecca's willingness to "level the playing field" and have compassion on "the least of these" that made her story the most compelling. Although the business people in the class come from various religious and cultural backgrounds, everyone could relate to the humane decision of compassion Rebecca made. The cock crowed again.

The Holy Spirit began to connect the dots for me showing how each of these stories had one overriding theme: compassion. It is compassion that will motivate others to donate money so the child with the cleft palate and lip can receive corrective surgery. It was the compassion of Jesus shown through Heidi Baker that motivated her to take a risk for her own health to see God do a miracle. And it was compassion for other co-workers that led Rebecca to honor the opinion of everyone in her office.

So what do you do when you see a world in need of compassion, but at the same time your heart is desperately in need of more love and care for others? You do what I did, call out to God and make your confession and plea, "Oh God, forgive me for my hard heart and fill me with your compassion for others!" I know this is a prayer that God is going to gladly answer.

One last note: As we approach Mother's day this year I want to honor one of the most compassionate persons I've ever known, my mother Souad Eade. My mom has a tender heart for others, a Mother Teresa type spirit and a compassion that is tangible. Thank you Mom for all the times you cared for me when I was sick, comforted me when I was sad and empathized with me when I was hurting. Your example of compassion is a great one for me to follow. Thank you. I love you.

"And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick." (Matthew 14:14) Amen.

Reading the Fine Print

2009-04-25T04:08:00.000-07:00

I had an unfortunate occurrence this week. I realized that I'd been scammed. Yes, it happens to all of us at some point or another. We enter into an agreement with good faith only to find out that the other party had malicious intentions in mind.

It all started about a month back when I read a blog about some products that I found interesting. Ok, I'll admit, it was for a tooth whitening product. Evidently the blogger, a former smoker, had success in using two different products. She suggested that by only purchasing a trial sample of each product and using them one at time you'd see great results. And her before and after pictures proved it.

So, I figured, "What's the harm?" I signed up for a trial of both products on-line, paid a nominal shipping fee and within days the products were sent to my house. Then about three weeks later I received a bill for $79.99 from one of the companies. Then a few days after that I received a new shipment of both products.

I figured something wasn't right about this situation, so I called up the first company and asked why they were charging me an additional fee and sending me more product. I was then told that in the fine print of my trial agreement it stated that I had 10 days to call and cancel my account or I'd be automatically enrolled into their "VIP" club.

I adamantly, but kindly, refused to be part of their club and asked for my money back. I was denied. I asked to speak to the manager, told him my complaint and requested my money back. He not only denied me, he hung up on me!!!

I then called my credit card company to dispute the charges only to find out that the other company had also charged me - twice. Fortunately, the second company was willing to remove all the charges once I sent back the additional product to their warehouse.

All of this trouble started because I didn't take the time to carefully read the fine print. I chalked this up as a lesson to be learned and put a stake in the ground - "From this point forward I will carefully and diligently read all the fine print before entering into any binding agreement".

Lo and behold, I received a piece of mail just this week with fine print. After reading it, I realized that I had to respond quickly to prohibit this company from using my personal information for their marketing purposes. My new conviction of reading the fine print was already paying off dividends.

I can give you plenty of reasons (read: excuses) that I never spent the time to carefully read the fine print - I considered it boring, redundant legal language that can be difficult to understand and time consuming.

I think at times we look at the Bible the same way. The same excuses abound, "I don't understand what I'm reading." "It's boring." "I've read it before." "I don't have the time."

Yet, if we avoid reading God's Word and knowing what it says, we will also suffer consequences that are more grave than a mere loss of money. WE CAN LOSE OUR SOUL!

Here are some quick tips I've learned about reading the fine print that I think we can also apply to our daily Bible reading to bring about greater results:

1)Read slowly - When I read fine print, I'm more concerned about my comprehension than I am about my speed. The same goes with Bible reading. It's not a race. It's more important that you comprehend one sentence than read a whole chapter.
2)Stop and ponder - When you read something that jumps out at you or that you don't understand, read it over until you do. In my Bible reading, if a word or phrase jumps out, I've learned to stop and meditate to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to my heart.
3)Ask questions - If I feel uneasy or uncertain about something I'm reading in fine print, I make sure to ask questions. In the same way, it's a good and healthy practice to ask questions in our Bible reading and then seek God for the answers.
4)Seek Wise Counsel - I'm no lawyer, so if I have a question about a legal document, it's smart to ask someone who is proficient in interpreting the law. In the same light, I use many guides in my Bible reading - a good concordance and commentary can go a long way to gain insight from others who know more about the Scriptures.
5)Pray about what you've read - When I'm in doubt about what I'm signing up for, it's always wise to stop and ask God for clarity and guidance. When I apply the same rule to my Bible reading, God provides me with insight and revelation.

"Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15) Amen.

Where you been? What are you up to?

2009-04-18T04:16:00.000-07:00

It's been over a month since I wrote my last blog or made an update to the Christian Growth Network website. If you've been a regular reader of my writings, you may have wondered where I've been and what I've been up to over the last month plus.

On "Ash Wednesday", the day that marks 40 days before Easter, I attended an evening service at my church. Our pastor was speaking about fasting for the lent season, the days leading up to Easter. He was challenging each of us to find something to surrender to the Lord for the next 40 days that will help us focus more on God and the work of Christ on the cross. He suggested some traditional ideas like fasting from certain foods and some more eccentric ones like giving up complaining (now that would be a good one!). He encouraged us to seek God for what He'd have us give up.

I took out my notepad and wrote God a question, "What would you have me to give up this lent season that I may focus more on You, Lord?" Almost instantly, the words, "the Internet" came to mind. I quickly balked, "I can't do that!" And as soon as I uttered those words I knew that this was exactly what God wanted me to surrender. So I committed to give up the Internet at night for the next 40 days.

At first, I have to admit, it was a difficult sacrifice to make. It was like the first dry days for an alcoholic, I had the Internet shakes. It's not that I'm on-line all the time and can't get off the computer, but it's more of a habit that I've developed to check e-mail, or write, or surf late at night after the kids are to bed.

After the first week, I not only felt more refreshed, I felt like my concentration on the Lord and my family had in some qualitative way improved. On a practical note, I also got to bed earlier, which meant waking up earlier to spend more time with the Lord in prayer and in His Word. All in all, it was a refreshing season.

Over this last week, I've been back on-line and have spent a couple nights working on some ministry opportunities - a speaking engagement to fellow writers, a new website that I'm building (more on that later). Although I have used my time wisely for the Lord, there have been nights where I went to bed too late and suffered the consequences of a groggy next morning, or next whole day.

So what's the moral to this story? Here are a few things that my fast has taught me:

1)Any habit that distracts you from God or your family is destructive. Even a good thing can become bad when misused and not under the Lordship of Christ.

2)If God calls you to surrender a habit, a relationship, an attitude or whatever else, it's always for YOUR good, not because He wants to see you suffer.

3)Rest is invaluable. God has made us as beings that need good nutrition and good rest. When we deprive our body of these essentials we rob ourselves, others and God of the life and vitality we've been given from the Lord.

Take a moment to quiet yourself before the Lord and ask this one question,

"Is there anything that I need to give up, temporarily, or permanently, so that I can be a more dedicated and loving follower of Christ?"

If God has brought something to mind, I encourage you to surrender it to Him. He will honor your sacrifice and bless you with greater joy and life in Him. Amen.

My Thoughts About The Shack

2009-02-23T18:47:00.000-08:00

I did it. I finally finished reading The Shack. This is the first fiction book I've read in quite a long time. In fact, the last time I can remember reading a fiction book was probably in High School as an English assignment.

What compelled me to finish reading this book were the amount of people who recommended it to me, the friend who gave it to me as a gift and the controversy I had read about the book. Here are my thoughts about The Shack.

The Shack is a story about a man named Mack who suffers a great loss in his life, what he calls The Great Sadness. Mack is gripped with the pain of his loss and cannot find a way out. As you read the story, it's easy to identify with Mack's pain especially if you've had a significant loss in your own life.

Behind Mack's pain are a lot of good questions. Questions like, "Why does God allow evil things to happen in this world?" "Why does God allow suffering?" "Why does God allow people to become victimized and innocently hurt?"

Mack is given the opportunity to meet with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit to find answers to these and many more questions about life. In the end, Mack comes away a changed man and learns the power of trust in God, forgiveness of others and the simple truth that "if anything matters, then everything matters."

This book is a page turner and very easy to read once you make it to Chapter Five. While this book is fictional and stimulating to read, it is at the same time chock-full of theology. Some of this theology I agreed with, some of it I disagreed with, some of it was questionable and I'm sure much of it went over my head. Those who spoke poorly of this book were one's who couldn't tolerate the inconsistencies and contradictions between the book and Biblical truth.

To those who hold this viewpoint, I completely honor your feelings on the matter. I for one never want to endorse any book that contradicts Scripture or defend any writings (including my own) against the inspiration and authority of the Bible. The Bible is God's Word and no other book can stand in comparison.

At the same time, although I didn't agree with every opinion and theological idea expressed in this book, I want to say that there are many aspects of this book that brought greater revelation to my understanding of the nature and character of God. The humanity of Jesus, the mystery of the Holy Spirit's activities, the immense love of God the Father for humanity and the fear and wisdom of God came alive to me. The Shack also helped me better comprehend the common pain experienced by all humanity when living in a sin-filled, fallen world and God's glorious plan of redemption.

The literary quality of the book is phenomenal and the end of the book brings a great twist as well as a feeling of satisfaction. I really enjoyed the ending! I would recommend The Shack to anyone who's faced a major loss in their life and is looking to find healing and comfort. If your wounds are fresh, bring along a box of tissues because this book has the power to make a grown man cry.

Selah.

Writing Blank Checks

2009-02-07T05:03:00.000-08:00

A couple weeks back I was confessing to a friend how I was becoming overly critical of certain people in my life. My expectations in these relationships were not being met and I was continually voicing my opinion and complaints on the matter. My friend reached back and started digging in his bag. At that point, I knew I was in trouble.

He brought out a small 40 page book entitled, "The Importance of Forgiveness" by John Arnott. "Here, take this and read it." My immediate knee jerk reaction was to kindly decline the offer. "Hey, thanks for thinking of me, but I don't think forgiveness is my struggle. I'm struggling with having a critical spirit."

"I know", my friend persisted. "It addresses that very topic in here. Read it." By this time, the book was now being held in both my hands and I had a strange feeling that it was not coincidental that my friend happened to have it on him that day.

As I started to read through the book, the Holy Spirit began to confirm what my friend had sensed was going on in my life. I was harboring unforgiveness towards these other people to whom I was being critical. Furthermore, I was being judgmental towards them and disobeying the clear teachings of Jesus, "Do not judge" (Luke 6:37).

This was a hard reality for me to accept because in my mind I had concluded, "Sure, I've forgiven them. Surely, I'm not one to hold a grudge. I'm bigger than that." But the evidence was becoming clearer and my conviction was growing stronger.

So, one morning I brought this issue to the Lord asking if I had any unforgiveness in my heart. A resounding "Yes" rose up in my spirit. I then asked the Lord, "So, what do I do about it." My expectation was for the Lord to direct me to write out every offense and forgive every individual wrong. I thought that it would be a long and arduous process of bringing up old memories and forgiving each, one at a time.

Instead, to my surprise, the only words that came to my mind were simply this:

"Write a blank check."

These words needed no further explanation. I understood clearly what the Lord was speaking to my heart. He wanted me to forgive all the offenses I had felt from the past, anything greiving me now and any potential hurt in the future.

It seemed like a pretty tall order at first, but what soon became evident to me was that the Lord didn't want me to take time to stew over all the misunderstandings of the past and bring back up every offense. He simply wanted me to bury them all in the sea of forgiveness. In fact, it was probably my own flesh that would have preferred to bring up every individual offense allowing myself one last chance to meditate on how wrong the other parties had been. I wanted to play judge again.

In following the Lord's lead, I drew a fake check in my notebook and wrote under "To" the names of the people who offended me. Under "Amount" I left the space blank. And under "Memo" I wrote "Every offense". I then wrote out Ephesians 4:31-32 on the check which reads, "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."

Finally, I signed the check with my full name and then confirmed this decision to forgive in prayer and transferred the entire debt over to the cross of Jesus Christ. I sat quietly before the Lord considering this transaction and asked, "What's next?"

Instantly, four simple words rose up in my spirit, "Write yourself a check." Again without any further explanation, I understood what the Lord was inviting me to do. He was extending the invitation for me to forgive myself for all of my own shortcomings, sins and failures of the past, present and even the future. He was inviting me to not only be forgiven of my sins, but to forgive myself for them.

With these four words, "Write yourself a check" resounding in my heart, I began to write out a prayer to Jesus to forgive myself for every act of my will, every mistake, every sin and transgression and to choose to condemn myself no longer.

I can't describe the levity, joy and freedom that came from this exercise. Amazingly, my relationships with those who had offended me changed immediately. My criticalness and judgements were no longer in the way of my ability to love them. And personally I felt relieved of the weight that comes from self-condemnation.

Friend, don't wait any longer to experience the freedom that comes through forgiveness. Start by receiving the full pardon for your own sins which Jesus has paid for on the cross. Based on Jesus death for you, choose to forgive yourself. Then, choose to extend complete forgiveness to everyone who has ever offended you.

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:37-38)

The Key to Sustainable Happiness

2009-01-17T19:30:00.000-08:00

The leader of our Men's Bible study posed a question to the group, "When are you the happiest in life?" One of the guys quickly responded with a grin, "Whenever the Pittsburgh Steelers win!"

When the laughter settled, the leader again inquired, "How long does it last?"

"Usually a week, until they play again...Unless of course they win the Super Bowl."

We all began to laugh again and shake our heads. We could relate to these sentiments. When times are good, it's easy to be happy. When our hometown football team wins a game, or when our favorite meal is served, or when the work week is over and the weekend begins, it's easy to feel happy.

Unfortunately, happiness that is based on how well things are going can only last as long as our circumstances deem favorable. Once things start turning for the worse, our happiness heads south. It's Yo-Yo happiness.

I believe there is a very simple key to sustainable happiness that is often overlooked. In fact, it's found in a single word - contentment. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the word contented as "feeling or showing satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or situation".

How many people do you know who are truly satisfied (content) with their current possessions, status or situation? Not many, I presume. Yet without contentment, there can be no true happiness. I like the way the Apostle Paul put it,

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:11-13)

The secret to finding contentment is realizing that although your circumstances will always change, God will not. Whether times are good or bad, you can always rely on God's steadfastness in your life. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)

You may be facing tough times economically. You may have problems with your health. You may have relationship strains that can't be fixed overnight. All of these circumstances can leave us feeling unhappy and longing for better days. But if you don't CHOOSE to be content today, then you've resigned to unhappiness until all of your circumstances are favorable. And who knows when that will be?

When we choose contentment, we are not accepting an unfulfilled life or small dreams. We are simply saying, "By God's strength and sufficient grace, I will be satisfied in the place I am today." Don't stop hoping, praying and working for a better future, just don't forget that God wants you to enjoy Him on the way.

"Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." 1 Timothy 6:6-10

Amen.

The Emptiness of a Christmas without Christ

2008-12-23T06:15:00.000-08:00

I don't have the most vivid memory of my childhood. It's not because I'm suppressing some deep wounds from my past or trying to forget a horrible upbringing. In fact, I think I had it pretty good. The problem is that I have a pretty poor memory. But there are those few occasions that I will never forget. You know, those special moments, whether good or bad, that are etched in your mind for all your life.

One of those moments that I can recall happened when I was a young boy. It took place towards the end of Christmas day after all the gifts had been unwrapped, our meal had been eaten and the house was settling down. Well, when you have six kids in a family, it never really settles down, but relatively speaking, it was a little less chaotic.

I am the youngest in my family and my next oldest sister is about six years older than I. So, to put it plainly, I was spoiled. I don't remember one Christmas when my parents didn't get me that special gift I was longing for. One year is was an electronic, animated Etch-A-Sketch, another year it was the latest Nintendo video system, the list goes on. I had everything a little boy could ever want. Not to mention I had five older siblings who looked after me, played with me and only occasionally found pleasure in picking on me.

But on this one Christmas, at the end of the day, I found myself kneeling down by my parent's bedside next to the stand where their perfectly square digital alarm clock sat. And here I was, a boy who had everything he could possibly want, with tears, rushing down my face. I couldn't even explain why I felt so terribly sad, I had no good reasons, except for the fact that I felt lonely, empty and lost.

I remember one of my sisters coming into the room and finding me on my knees silently but steadily weeping. "Pierre, are you ok?" Of course I denied that anything was wrong - I guess that's a trait for even young men too! "Did you not get something you wanted for Christmas?" I shook my head to say no and explained through tears, "That's not it." She left the room to go get my mother who also came to console me.

I'm not sure if my sister or my mother would remember this day, but it's one I will never forget. I truly believe it was one of the earliest points in my life where God was beginning to show me, in a very subtle, but tangible way, that life without him is void and empty.

My parents did a wonderful job in not only supplying for what our family needed, but also for everything we could have wanted, yet there was something that was missing. This was something that money could never buy, but ironically came without a price.

I now realize, looking back, that the emptiness I felt at that tender young age could never have been filled by any material gift. The only way to fill that void is through a relationship with Jesus Christ. It wouldn't be until my early twenties when God would open my eyes to the true reason for Christmas and the only gift that will satisfy, the gift of His Son Jesus Christ.

This Christmas, I encourage you to make a concerted effort to get away from all the hustle and bustle around you and spend some time with Jesus, God's most precious gift. Open your heart to Him knowing that He is the only one who can fulfill the deepest longings of your soul.

Jesus told the woman at the well,

"If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water. Whoever drinks of this water (from the well) will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:10,13,14)

Lessons from a Day of Jury Duty

2008-12-11T21:01:00.001-08:00

This week I was called in for jury duty. It was my first experience being called in so I was a little nervous and someone excited. Now I know what you're thinking, "Excited for jury duty!?" But why not? I mean how often do you receive a "Get Out of Work Free" pass all the while getting paid a whopping $17.84!

Here were a few of my thoughts from this experience:

Jesus said, "Judge not that ye be not judged." I thought about this scripture a few times as I waited in the jury room wondering if I would make the jury selection. I don't know about you, but I'm not keen on judging other people to determine their innocence or guilt in a court of law. So I asked a couple potential jurors what they thought about the responsibility of judging another and one man honestly responded, "We do it every day." And isn't it true? How often do we make quick judgments by what a person wears, how they look or even the color of their skin.
I'm so glad that God does not judge by outward appearance, but looks at the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)

I was brought into the courtroom with other potential jurors to go through a process called "Voir Dire" (French for "To see to say"). This is an opportunity for the lawyers of both sides to ask questions of potential jurors in order to decide who will be selected as the 12 jurors and also two standbys. One of the questions asked of us was, "Would you be more likely to believe the testimony of a police officer because of their position?" I raised my hand in the affirmative. On the basis of that question and my answer, I was excused from being on the jury.

My thoughts were that a police office should be obligated to tell the truth and my hope would be that he or she would do just that. But in a court of law, everyone is to be given equal credence to start so there is no impartiality in one's judgement. I contemplated my response for some time and even spoke to my sister Paula and friend Matt who are both lawyers. While my earnest hope would be that a police officer would tell the truth under oath, I realize his humanity makes him just as vulnerable to lying as anyone else. "let God be true, but every man a liar" (Romans 3:4)

During the jury selection, I spent some time praying for the defendant, a young man accused of assault. The court room had a very cold and threatening feel to it. I could only imagine what it felt like for him. The judge grabbed the attention of the entire courtroom and even his slightest attempt at humor brought about a nervous giggle from a room of grown adults. It made me also consider that great day of judgement we will all one day face. I thought to myself, "If there is such fear in standing before men, how ought we to fear the living God who sees all things?!"

After my brief appearance in court, I am now free from serving jury duty for another 3 years. But I can't help but think that every day, people around the world are sitting in the same seat of that young man waiting for their verdict. And each day, there are men and woman who will leave this world to stand before God's great throne.

I know that before a holy God, I will one day stand guilty as charged, but I'm so glad that I have a friend in Jesus - my advocate, my defense, my refuge and my Savior - the One who has paid my penalty in full! Thank you Jesus! Amen.

Stories of Grace: The World's Most Precious Commodity

2008-11-18T05:34:00.001-08:00

A week ago as my day at work came to an end, I received a phone call from a business associate. "I have a review with my boss tomorrow and I was wondering if you could write her an e-mail about my performance." I was taken aback by her request not only because it was on such short notice, but also because her performance on our project, or lack thereof, had been the source of much anxiety and stress.

I got off the phone and wasn't sure what to do. So I pulled up a chat session with several Christian co-workers to ask for their thoughts. As I explained the situation to the group, their common reply was that I should not give a recommendation, but that I should call her to explain my hesitancy.

After ending our chat session, I started to draft out some notes for my conversation. I then dialed her number, with a prayer to God for His assistance. When she answered, I graciously explained to her, using my notes, that I was not in a position to write her a review at this time. She however, again to my surprise, persisted and asked if I could just "write a few lines" to her boss.

As she spoke, I sensed the Holy Spirit beginning to nudge me a bit, "Can't you say anything kind about her?" I started to realize that my assessment of her was too harsh and my expectations may have been too high. So I kindly agreed to write her boss a few words of appreciation and did so before I left the office that night.

The next day when I got into the office I had an e-mail in my inbox from this woman's boss. She thanked me for my comments and said she thought the world of this co-worker! Now, I was a bit perturbed. I thought, "If it wasn't enough to give this lady a kind review, now her boss agrees with my comments!" I wasn't sure what God was trying to teach me through this situation, but He soon made it clear.

Fast-forward one week.

I had an appointment to meet with a pastor at my church for breakfast to fellowship and talk about life. I occasionally meet with this man who is older, wiser and has been through the seasons of family life that I now traverse. I put a reminder of this meeting in my calendar at work and read it just before leaving the office.

The next morning, when I was to meet with the pastor, I was sitting at my kitchen table praying and reading my Bible. My wife walked in the room and asked when I was leaving for my breakfast. A feeling of shock, dread and "OH NO!" hit me all at once. I had totally forgotten all about my breakfast appointment and it was now a half hour past the time we were to meet! I ran to my phone book, called the restaurant and spoke to the waitress who I could tell sensed that I was the culprit and said, "He already left. He waited about a half hour for you."

I felt mortified. What a gaffe on my part! I got in touch my pastor as soon as possible to apologize for my mistake. And of course, he graciously forgave me. Immediately, I was reminded of the review I had given a week before to my co-worker and I sensed God speaking to me, making me aware of my own need for grace.

It's not always easy to show people grace, it feels like we're letting them off the hook for something they deserve. At the same time, it's a wonderful feeling to receive grace. It's refreshing, like ice cream on a hot summer day. I'm convinced that grace is the world's most precious commodity - everyone needs it, but so few people want to give it. The demand is high, the supply is terribly low.

While the world tells us to "toughen up" and give people what they deserve, God's Word says, "For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment." (James 2:13) Some day when we meet Jesus, I highly doubt he will ever say, "You were too gracious, too kind and way too benevolent." No! I sense that He will laugh and dance with us as we celebrate the grace He showed each of us and the grace we then went on to share with others.

"He has showed you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8) Amen.

Turning Your Frustration Into Fruit

2008-11-06T20:28:00.000-08:00

Well the US elections have come to a close, thank God! No more political campaigning for another 4 (well maybe 2) years.

I have no desire in making this website, nor this blog a politically biased medium. My focus is on the Bible. But I know some friends in the Lord who were disappointed with the recent election results because they feel that their values, namely those of being pro-life, will not be honored with the future administration.

These people are good, loving Christians who have a real hatred for abortion and care for children. Many of them feel like they've lost the battle and that the days ahead will be ones of sorrow.

So, I'd like to put the politics aside and just share a word about this matter. I will specifically use the "abortion issue", but you can replace this issue with any other policy that you don't agree with in your own country, state, or city.

It's true that the law of the land could change to make abortion at all stages of pregnancy a legal practice. I agree that this would be horrific. But do realize that making abortion legal is one thing, having an abortion is another. What I mean to say is that the real mission is about people, woman, who are looking at an unexpected and undesired pregnancy and feel like they have no where to turn.

You see, the ministry opportunity is still available. Woman are still in need. They feel desperate, alone, scared and helpless. And many who are in this state of emotional turmoil make the choice to end their pregnancy. While I can't agree with this decision, I can empathize with a woman, especially one who is young and unwed.

So while I understand it may be natural to feel upset about the laws of your land, it is obligatory to turn your focus off of the larger governmental laws and turn them onto the individuals who are in need. If your passion about this issue is from God, then it must be followed up with action, or in other words, compassion.

So, wipe the tears from your eyes if your president of choice was not elected and go wipe the tears from the eyes of a woman who is contemplating abortion. Make a sacrifice in your budget and help sponsor your local pregnancy help center. Pray for the children and for the thousands of woman who will make this decision in the years ahead. Do something. Anything. And make a difference in someone's life.

The point I want to make here is not really about politics, or even abortion. It's about practically living out our Christian faith in the world around us. It's as James says, "(being) doers of the Word and not hearers only" knowing that "faith without works is dead." (James 1:22, James 2:14-26)

It's time to move on and turn our frustration into fruit.

Amen.

How to Make the Most of Your Trials

2008-10-28T09:26:00.000-07:00

I seem to be going through a series of trials as of late. I am thankful that these trials are not severe in nature, none of them are matters of life or death. At the same time, they are enough to test my faith. Here are some ways I'm learning from the book of James, by the author of the same name, to make the most of my trials.

James starts off his book by identifying himself as a "bondservant" of Jesus Christ. That term bondservant literally means a slave, someone who is bound to another. The first step in making the most of your trial is to view yourself as a servant to God. By taking on this identity, you immediately overcome the temptation to feel that you "deserve better" and instead look for ways in which to glorify God, your Master.

James goes on to say, "count it all joy when you fall into various trials." (Jms 1:2) I've never met anyone who said that it was easy to obey this instruction. Like all of the Christian life, it is not easy, but it is possible. Or in the words of Jesus, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Mt 19:26) In order to face a trial with joy, we must become fully dependent upon God.

Thirdly, it's also worthy to note that James said, "when" we face a trial, not "if". Trails are not optional in this life; they are guaranteed. Jesus taught that the Father "makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." (Mt 5:45) Bad days do come to good people, just ask Job.

James then goes on to explain why we should consider our trials as joy. He makes a chain reference of words noting that when our faith is tested it produces patience or perserverance and when we've experienced patience long enough we become mature and complete. Any professional athlete will testify that it's only through persistent and progressively more difficult practice that perfection is reached. In the same light, our Christian character is developed over time as we face trials.

James advice for those who face trials is very simple - ask God for wisdom. When we come to God we must come in an attitude of faith, knowing that without faith we cannot please Him (Heb 11:6) It's important to ask God for wisdom during a trial because we are often faced with critical decisions and don't want to take them on hastily. Furthermore, if we make poor choices, it can possibly prolong the time we face going through the trial. When we ask, we must also listen for God's direction.

All in all, I know trials are inevitable, but that God works everything for my good (Romans 8:28) to help me conform into the image and likeness of my Savior (v.29) and He provides wisdom to go through the trial if I simply ask Him for it.

Friend, I don't know the trials you are facing today or those coming your way, but I do know that in Christ, God can make every obstable we face work for our good. Amen.

God's Athletes

2008-08-16T06:56:00.000-07:00

As people around the globe tune in to watch the Olympics, there is another group of athletes who may not attract world recognition, but have the attention of heaven.

The Saints Prison Ministry works to reach prisoners for Christ through athletics. Godly men and woman with athletic skills and compassionate hearts go into prisons to play basketball, softball, volleyball and soccer with the inmates. Then after the games, these men and woman share the gospel and their testimonies with the inmates.

Many prisoners come to know the Lord for the first time. Others who know the Lord already continue to grow in their walks through Bible study correspondence courses.

As a basketball player and lover of Jesus I have longed to play for the Saints. Yet my time is too limited with family obligations to be away for the practices as well as the games - the teams actually travel to prisons in others states to minister.

So earlier this year when I was reading the monthly newsletter from the Saints Prison Ministry and found out they had a pen pal program, I knew I needed to participate. What an awesome opportunity to use my gift of writing and to help someone in need!

After filling out an application, I waited to be assigned someone to write, but never heard back until this past week when I received a package in from the Saints, not with one, but three letters from prisoners.

As I read these letters, my heart melted with empathy and sorrow. It was obvious to me that these men were hurting, lonely and in despair. My mind started to imagine their life stories and how they ended up behind bars. Here are a couple samples of the letters I received (with no grammatical or spelling edits):

"I am writing you and asking you if there is someone there who would write me and share the word of God. I have no family to write to. I would like to have a pen-pal to share the word of God with. It's very lonely here in prison and its even loneler when no one write you - so if there is someone who would like to share the Gospel please write me. thank you for your time and effort."

"I can't find my brother...I had lost my mother in 1997 then after that all my family turn they back again me. But I am praise God that he did not turn he back again me and that he always love me not matter (what)go on. I thank God for his love toward me and he forgiveness of my sin and giving me a new life in Christ Jesus."

Another prisoner who is not yet a Christian wrote, a prayer request:

"I have legal fees and attorney costs that I am unable to pay and I need to raise the money to further fight my legal cases! Thank you!"

Even though I don't know these men personally, my heart was deeply touched as I read their letters. I don't know the details of their circumstances, but I do know that God has called his people to minister to those who have been forgotten.

When the day of judgment comes, Jesus will say to the righteous, "I was in prison and you came to me.", but to the unrighteous, "I was...sick and in prison and you did not visit me." The unrighteous will ask, "Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?"

And He will respond, "Inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me." (Matthew 25:31-46)

Friend, please pray that God will give me the right words to encourage and lift up these men (Dale, Robert and Daniel). Also pray and ask God if you should be a prisoner's pen pal too. There are many men and woman waiting for a friend like you.

[If you have an interest in writing a prisoner please contact the Saint's Ministry by visiting their website. (www.saintsprisonministry.org) All pen pal correspondence goes through the ministry so that no one ever has your home address. There are also other guidelines to assure that your privacy is protected.]

When God Speaks

2008-08-07T20:13:00.001-07:00

Today was my first day attending a Christian Writer's Conference. There were some great speakers and wonderful worship, but the most touching experience came through a woman named Lyn.

One of the classes I attended today was entitled, "Listening to Hear His Answer". It was a course about hearing God's voice and then writing what you hear. The teachers were a couple in their 40s I'd guess, from Lancaster, PA. They were a lovely couple, who obviously loved Jesus wholeheartedly and believed in His miraculous power for today.

Toward the end of the course we were paired off in twos. I was paired with a woman named Lyn. We briefly introduced ourselves to one another. Our assignment was to try and hear from God for the other person. Lyn and I knew next to nothing about one another so anything that would come from each of us that sounded accurate would be a sure sign of God's voice. Lyn did not have any experience in trying to hear God's voice for another person although she said she knows His voice and admitted that she often runs when He speaks and doesn't obey immediately.

I tried to give Lyn some tips on hearing God's voice in the 30 seconds we had together to introduce ourselves. Although I'm well aware of Jesus' promise that says "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" (John 10:27), I was skeptical and probably pretty doubtful that she would hear something for me.

We took about five minutes to listen to God's voice and journal what He was speaking to us. At the end of that time, Lyn and I turned to one another and read what we had. Here is what Lyn wrote:

"I believe God wants to speak & show Himself thru Pierre, to others, especially those who do not know Him. I want to say this would be thru writing since we are at a writer's conference, but I'm not sure that's what God wants. I believe this would come through another medium. I believe Pierre has a lot to share & needs to do this."

When I heard these words I got choked up. If you know me well, you know that my passion is to see people come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. There is nothing more deeply engrained within my heart. And here was Lyn, a woman who had no idea that my passion for evangelism existed, now confirming His calling on my life. Lyn was also touched by the words I shared for her life so we both stood up before the class and gave testimony of what God had done in our midst.

It was a powerful experience!

If you are a child of God, I want to encourage you to spend time getting quiet before the Lord and removing all distractions and listening for His voice. He has so many special things to say to each and every one of us. He is a wonderful God.

If by chance you have not yet come to know the Lord in a personal way, let me encourage you to open your heart to Him right now. He is ready and waiting to forgive you and give you new life through the power of His death and resurrection.

Friend, one last note. Please pray for me. Pray that God orchestrates the work He wants to do in my life and opens up greater doors to share the message of Jesus Christ with those who do not yet know Him personally. I will be forever grateful.

Amen.

The Cost of Integrity

2008-07-21T12:15:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, I took my sons to the grocery store to buy some apples. While we were out, I tried to make the most of the trip so I took them to the neighboring pet store and then down the plaza to the Dollar Store.

Of course my kids were touching everything possible within the pet store and making me cringe every time their hands neared their eyes or mouth. I couldn't wait to walk over to the Dollar Store and get some anti-bacterial soap on their little paws.

When we entered the Dollar Store I asked the cashier where I could find the anti-bacterial soap and she directed me to a display in the middle of the store. So I brought my boys over to the rack and gave each of them and myself a squirt from the bottle of berry scented liquid cleanser.

As I walked away from the rack, I did so without the bottle of soap in my hands. My conscience was actively notifying me that I needed to buy that soap and not just take a dab for myself and my boys. But against my own better judgment I continued to walk along in the store helping the kids pick out some toys for themselves.

The next day, I went to church and after getting my kids settled in childcare, I sat down to hear the sermon. The pastor was speaking about areas of our lives that can leave the devil a foothold. One of these areas was an unclean conscience.

Immediately, the Holy Spirit brought to mind that one dollar bottle of anti-bacterial soap that was still sitting in the Dollar Store. I knew at that moment that I not only had to ask God for his forgiveness, I also had to go back and buy that soap (even though my rational thinking said that it was no big deal at all.)

So after church we took another trip to the Dollar Store and I walked in to buy only one product - a used bottle of anti-bacterial soap. I got back into our van and took a healthy squirt of the bottle I now possessed. Ahh...I now not only had clean hands, I had a clean heart. My integrity was restored for a mere $1 ($1.06 with tax).

Integrity is doing the right thing no matter what the cost. Just consider what integrity (or lack of it) cost some characters in the Bible.

When David, a man after God's own heart, slept with Bathsheba and set up her husband Uriah to be killed in battle, it cost him greatly. The Lord was displeased with him (2 Samuel 11:27), he gave the enemies a reason to blaspheme His God (2 Samuel 12:14) and the son he bore with Bathsheba died. (2 Samuel 12:15-19)

When Judas agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15), he gave the devil entrance into his life (Luke 22:4), he conspired against Jesus to have him captured, then betrayed him with a kiss (Mark 14:43-46) and in his guilt, shame and regret took his own life (Matthew 27:3-5)

When Ananias and his wife Sapphira held back a portion of their offering from God and lied to the apostles and ultimately God, it cost them their lives. (Acts 5:1-10)

So what's the morale of the story?

The consequences of dishonesty are always greater than the cost of integrity. Amen.

Have a Good Day?

2008-07-07T03:43:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I attended and greatly benefited from a parenting seminar. (I would highly recommend this ministry to any parent of toddlers to teens. Check out: http://www.biblicalparenting.org/) One thing I learned was the important role my words and questions play in shaping the values of my children.

For example, when I ask my children, "Did you have a fun time?", the implication is that having fun is important and valuable. While there is nothing wrong with having fun, it is by no means the ultimate benchmark of a good time. One of the presenters, Dr. Scott Turansky, said that when his teenagers would leave their home he would always send them off with, "Remember, do the right thing." That would be their standard for a successful time away from home.

Last week my oldest son turned 4. We had a birthday party for him at our house with 11 other kids. (God help us!) At the start of the day, I decided to implement this new way of thinking. I told my son, "Today is your birthday, do you know what that means?" "What, daddy?" "It means you must be kind to others." He thought about it and then shook his head in agreement.

We had a great day and the Lord blessed us. On a couple occasions when there was a potential squabble over a toy or act of selfishness brewing I reminded my son, "Remember, it's your birthday, you must be kind to others." At the end of the day, I asked him how his day went and instead of saying, "Did you have fun?" I asked, "Were you kind to others?" He replied, "Yes, Daddy."

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2)

As Christians we are called to think and act according to God's Word. It was amazing to me how such a simple change in how I train my children to think can make in the way they behave.

Beyond parenting, I was thinking of how I can start to reevaluate my own days based on God's Word instead of human, worldly standards. Maybe it would be good to take the famous love chapter of 1 Corinthians 13 and ask myself if I had a loving day.

Was I patient?
Was I kind?
Was I envious of others?
Was I boastful?
Was I proud?
Was I rude?
Was I self-seeking?
Was I easily-angered?
Was I unforgiving of others (past) mistakes?
Did I delight in evil?
Did I rejoice in the truth?
Did I protect others?
Did I trust God?
Did I put my hope in God?
Did I persevere in trials?
Did I in anyway fail to love God or others?

As famous Bible teacher Woodrow Kroll says, "my prayer for you is the same every day at this time; that you would have a good and godly day, for of what lasting value is a good day if it's not also a godly day."

Amen.

Like a Little Child

2008-06-25T03:58:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday I took my three year old to a new Sunday School class. He graduated from "Lollypop Lane" (which was basically a play center for young kids) to the 3 to 5year old class. In this new class they draw, hear Bible stories, have snacks and play games.

Since it was his first time in this new class, I decided to stay with him for the duration of the class to see what took place and how well he interacted with the other kids. I considered this a minor sacrifice knowing I would not be able to attend our regular service and hear this Sunday's sermon. To my surprise, I learned many spiritual truths in the presence of these toddlers.

Jesus was fond of little children. In fact he made some profound statements about children and the kingdom of God.

"Verily I say unto you, Except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever shall receive one such little child in my name receives me." Matthew 18:3-5

Here are some observations I made as I was in the midst of these little children.

Story time : The Bible story for the day was about Jacob and Esau, the sons of Isaac and Rebekah. The overarching theme of the story was that we need to "love one another". The simplicity of the message made an impact on my own heart. How often are we looking for the deeper revelations from God when we haven't yet mastered the clearest commandment of the entire Bible - love each other.

Ask in faith : When it came to snack time, the kids were offered Goldfish and apple juice. As some of the kids finished their snack they simply asked for more. "Can I have more fish?" "Can I have more juice?" I became the teacher's helper and had the privilege of serving these little ones. Their simple requests reminded me of Jesus' teaching that we need to ask God in faith for what we need knowing that our Heavenly Father desires to give us what is good. (Matthew 7:7-11)

Freedom and Joy : Toward the end of the class there was time remaining before the parents would return. The teacher played some Christian music and invited the kids to dance. When the music stopped, they would "freeze" in place. The kids had no hesitation to get out on the carpet and cut the rug. Each one had their own style of dancing from spinning in circles to a simple bend of the knees, but one thing they had in common was their unhindered ability to be free and happy. There were no concerns about what other people thought about them or if they would be criticized for their silly moves, they just danced because it was the fun thing to do.

As I sat there with these little children admiring their uniqueness and simple lives, I thought, "Maybe I should help out here more often." Shortly after the class, the Sunday School coordinator asked if I'd be available to help out during the Summer with the kids. I thought to myself, "Ok, God, I hear you loud and clear." So for the next few weeks I will have the honor of assisting in this class and being taught by 3, 4 and 5 year olds what it means to be a child of God.

A Couple "Love Stories"

2008-06-17T04:32:00.000-07:00

In my last blog, I spoke about the importance of holiness in our walk with Christ. This blog, I'd like to emphasize the importance of love by sharing two recent stories with you.

The first story took place a couple weekends back on one of the hottest days of the year. The main air conditioner in our home living room went on the fritz. Having a small baby in the house it was imperative that we get the thing working...and fast!

So in the short term I popped in a smaller air conditioning unit in our bedroom where the baby spends most of her time and day sleeping (Praise God, we got a good sleeping baby this time!!). Then my wife called a couple we are friends with to ask if the husband would be available to help me install a new air conditioner.

Soon after my friend was at my door ready to help. Ironically he and I are both the youngest boys in our family. Now in case you don't know what that means, let me fill you in. The youngest boys only watch what is done around the house, they aren't included (or allowed to) actually do anything. No matter how old we get, it's all up to the older brothers. In some ways this was good (I got to play a lot more ball growing up), in other ways it's bad (I'm a klutz when it comes to fixing things around the house). Fortunately my friend was over his father's house last year when his A/C went out so he saw how to remove and install one(of course his brothers did all the work and he watched).

So my friend and I worked to remove this gargantuon, dinosaur of an air conditioning unit and lugged it to my front curb. We then took a trip to Home Depot to find the right size air conditioner to replace it. Three hundred and fifty dollars later we were headed back to my house to install the new unit.

Thankfully, the newer unit was much lighter and easier to install and we did not have to replace the outside metal casing that holds the unit in place. Then came the moment of truth (and cool air!) when we plugged the unit in, and voila! - nothing happened!!!

We scratched our heads a bit and stood in wonder. What could be wrong with this thing? I first concluded that the outlet must have a problem with it. At this point, I was tired, frustrated and hot. I took a quick step outside and said a quick breath of a prayer, probably my first prayer throughout this whole ordeal. "God, help me to stay in faith and give us wisdom."

"Should we check the circuit breakers?" my friend inquired. I thought to myself, "Oh no, don't tell me it was simply a circuit breaker." ...

And you guessed it...we flipped the circuit breaker over and the new machine worked like a charm. I will now answer the question every man is asking themselves, "Did you keep the new A/C unit?" I looked at my friend and apologized, "I'm sorry for wasting all your time today." He said, "No problem, I would have made the same mistake." (A very gracious response). Then I said, "Would you mind putting the old unit back in?" He agreed. We took out the new one and hoised the old one from the curb and put it back in. It ran beautifully.

I'm sure there are a lot of lessons to be learned here including the practical lesson of simply checking the circuit breaker before looking to replace a "dead" A/C unit. But I think the greater lesson I learned was the value of a good friend and what true Christian love is all about. My friend never complained, fussed, condemned me or laughed at me. He gave up his own precious time with his family and kids to be with me fixing an air conditioner that wasn't even broken and in the end didn't make me feel terrible about myself for making such a foolish mistake.

Now that's love. Thanks brother!

Now for one more quick "love story".

Last week we had a team outing at work to go play minature golf in the afternoon. I decided to work from home in the morning and then leave at lunchtime to go play. When it came time to leave, my son Elijah, now 3 soon to be 4, did not want me to go (or at least not to go without him).

I tried to explain to him that I wouldn't be gone long and that I'd come back to play with him, but this logic didn't curve his heart's desire to be with Daddy. I tried to distract him and make a dash for my car at one point, but could hear him crying and upset even from my driver's seat.

My wife came out to the car and said, "You've got to come in here, he's really having a tough time." So I came in and picked up my son in my arms (man, he's getting heavy) and started to tell him that I loved him and would be back soon. As I spoke the words, "I love you." I had the thought, "If you love him so much, what are you doing to show him that you love him?" Again, I lifted up a quick prayer for wisdom and the thought came to me, "Take him with you."

So I told my wife, "I'm going to take Elijah with me." So we gathered him some snacks to take with us and we were on our way.

Now this was not supposed to be a family event, but a team building event for my work. So I knew I was "breaking the rules" and would possibly be subjected to some funny looks, bad attitudes or whispers by those who didn't approve of my choice to bring my son along. But by faith (and love) I took him and he was very happy.

Now here comes the true "love story". Around the 16th hole (this was the nicest minature golf course I've ever seen, by the way), Elijah decided to throw his ball and it landed in a large pond. The pond was fenced in with signs around it warning golfers not to bother the swans. I tried to stick my club in to fish out his ball to no avail. So I told him we'd have to continue on without his special blue ball.

But by the time we got to the next hole, he was again asking for the ball. So my co-workers with me suggested I try to grab another ball that was laying beside the water. We went over to try and scoop it out and as I leaned over the fence, my glasses dropped in and landed right next to the ball on the rocks next to the pond.

My co-worker looked at me and said, "Now you've got to go in." So we surveyed the area and pointed out the best place to hop the fence. In the meantime, there was a huge swan eyeing me down. I made the jump. Grabbed the ball and my glasses and hopped back over the fence before the killer swan could reach me. And believe me, he was coming my way.

While my heroics will never compare to the stories of modern day Super-men who save lives from burning buildings, one thing holds true. True love does what's best for another.

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends." - Jesus
(John 15:13)

A Call to Holiness

2008-06-06T13:23:00.000-07:00

As I completed a grocery store run for my wife and entered the parking lot with my two toddler boys seated in the red race car shopping cart I thought to myself, "Job well done." I grinned as I thought about just how "responsible" I was becoming as a Father. Before my ego had time to blow my head to smithereens, I sensed the Holy Spirit speaking gently to my heart. Within a flash of a moment I understood the message.

"Being responsible is good, but I've called you to more than that. I've called you to holiness."

Suddenly my sense of pride wilted like a head of lettuce left out in the hot Sun, losing all of it's glory and splendor. A couple scriptures soon came to mind.

"Be Holy, for I am holy." (1 Peter 1:15)

"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord" (Hebrews 12:11)

As I continued on in my day with my sons, I started to meditate on this word from the Lord. I realized that God desires holiness more than anything else.

It's not that being responsible is a bad thing, of course not. As long as being responsible doesn't come in the way of being holy, then it is a wonderful thing. And that holds true for any other noble virtue.

If God has given you a good sense of humor, then use it to his glory, just as long as you don't break the greater standard, that of holiness, by telling off colored jokes.

If God has made you industrious and a good worker with your hands, then work diligently. Just don't allow pride to rob Him of glory and deplete your true calling to holiness.

If you have a very sociable personality and have no problems making friends or being a conversationalist, great! Praise the Lord for your beam of light. Just don't lose sight of holiness and become the center of your world and everyone else's attention.

A second realization came to me as I meditated on God's call to holiness. Sometimes even as Christians we forget that God's standard is much different and higher than our own human benchmark. Jesus did not come to die for "pretty good people". He came and died for sinners. At the core of the gospel is the fact that we will never measure up to God's criterion of holiness on our own, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". (Romans 3:23)

The good news, (ie the gospel) is that through Christ, we are justified (made right) with God and by God's grace we are redeemed (accepted back) by God. The above verse goes on to say,

"being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed to demonstrate at the present time His rightousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus." Romans 3:24-26

As I consider the things that "drive" me to do what I do and say, I must ask myself this question. "Is the value that's driving me at this point in time in any way contrary or lower than God's call to holiness?" If so, I must adjust my priorities and seek God's gold standard, holiness.

After another trip to a local play center, I got my kids in the car and headed home. I realized I was running late for a meeting I had to attend. My focus and priority became being on time. As my sons started to squabble with one another and whine for me to make another stop before going home my voice and temper began to rise.

"Remember", nudged the Holy Spirit, "it's all about holiness."

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For further study and meditation, consider the following verses:

2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Ephesians 4:20-24 But you have not so learned Christ; If so be that you have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That you put off concerning the former way of life the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 Now God himself even our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

What the Bible says about gossip....

2008-05-26T20:36:00.000-07:00

A Web Reader asked, "What does the Bible say about gossip?"

Response:

The Bible says a lot about gossip, but depending on the version of the Bible you are reading, you may not find the actual word "gossip" being used. Instead, you will find several other synonyms that connote the same meaning. The words "talebearer" or "whisperer" are the two most common names that describe someone who gossips.

Webster's dictionary defines a gossip as someone who "habitually reveals personal or sensational facts about others" and also "rumor or report of an intimate nature". When we typically think of gossip, it's usually in the form of slander, a malicious form of speech that is meant to harm the reputation of another. Jesus actually spoke of slander in the Beatitudes when he said, "Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake" (Matthew 5:11).

Most of us would agree that gossip is wrong by nature, but the Bible brings greater understanding to the nature of gossip and why it is so harmful and evil in the eyes of God. Consider these few verses from Proverbs:

Proverbs 11:13 A talebearer reveals secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit conceals the matter.

A person who gossips is untrustworthy. If they are willing to speak about others to you, don't be so foolish to think they won't do the same behind your back. A gossip doesn't know how to keep a secret, but a person who is faithful will keep a matter between you and them. We all need faithful friends.

Proverbs 16:28 A perverse man sows strife: and a whisperer separates best friends.

A person who gossips can cause great strife and conflict in relationships. By speaking maliciously about others, a gossip can ruin our impression of a person we know and care about. When someone begins a sentence by saying, "Did you know that so-and-so...?" or "I heard that so-and so...", you can safely assume that gossip is to follow. It's best to politely shift the conversation or remove yourself immediately.

Proverbs 18:8 The words of a talebearer are like tasty morsels, and they go down into the innermost parts of the body.

Gossip is like a tasty treat to the ears of the gossiper. Have you ever nibbled at a piece of cake until the whole thing was completely gone? In the same way, a gossiper is never satisfied with just a little rumor, their spirit continues to hunger for just another word of accusation or juicy story to tell.

Proverbs 20:19 He that goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets: therefore associate not with him who flatters with his lips.

A gossip is prone to flattery. Webster's dictionary defines flattery as "insincere or excessive praise". There is nothing wrong with a heartfelt compliment. In fact, we can all use some encouragement. But a person who is prone to gossip will also use their speech to puff up another person with vain words. The Bible is very clear to say that we should avoid associating with such people. Don't be fooled, if you hang around a person who gossips long enough, you will become like them. (read 1 Corinthians 15:33)

Proverbs 26:20 Where no wood is, there the fire goes out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceases.

Don't feed the fire! If you find yourself tempted to gossip or in a conversation with someone who starts to gossip, stop immediately. The best way to stop gossip is to starve it. Change topics, keep quiet or politely excuse yourself when gossip begins and you will keep yourself pure as well as help another person, at least for the moment, avoid the opportunity to sin. Gossip dies once one person in no longer willing to listen.

The Bible not only encourages us to avoid people who gossip, it also warns us to keep from gossiping ourselves.

"Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit." (Psalm 34:13)

"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice."(Ephesians 4:31)

"Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaks evil of his brother, and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law, and judges the law: but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge." (James 4:11)

Talking to another person about a problem is not gossip. When we have a serious conflict with another person, Jesus taught that we should speak directly with the person who has offended us before we bring it to the attention of others. (Matthew 18:15-17) Direct, honest, and loving communication requires maturity, perhaps the reason that it's so much easier to just talk about someone else behind their back.

But gossip comes at a great cost to our relationships and is a deadly vice the enemy uses to divide and hurt people even within the church of Jesus Christ. When we hide gossip behind the guise of a "prayer request" we destroy trust within our fellowship and cause great damage to the body. Our speech must be motivated by our love for others knowing that "Love does no harm to a neighbor". (Romans 13:10)

When all is said and done, it may come down to remembering the simple adage, "If you don't have anything nice to say..."

Daughter in college...gone astray from the Lord...

2008-05-03T19:50:00.000-07:00

A web reader wrote:

Besides praying, how can parents who are currently raising their two youngest children to live Christian lives, minister to their oldest child who is living out of state and attending college? The choices that this child is making are totally non Christian and I can't even get her to commit to finding a new church family and/or interact with other Christian students. All she's interested in is partying and boys and I am so afraid that she will be hurt terribly and/or be so consumed in the world that she won't find her way back to Christ.

Dear Reader:
I am sorry to hear of your daughter's choices to stray from the faith. I can tell this is a really painful situation for you. Let's first get on the table some of the things you cannot do for your daughter.

1) You can't make her decision for Christ. She's going to have to make the decision to follow Christ on her own. This is actually a good thing because she will "own" her faith at that point and it won't be the choice of her Mom and Dad.

2) You can't watch over your daughter's activities. As a parent you want the best for your child and that includes protecting them from harmful people and circumstances. "In the natural", you can't oversee every activity that your daughter will participate in or people she will hang out around. She's on her own and although you can influence her choices, you can in no way monitor all of them - that's God's job.

3) You can't stop being a good Mom to your other two young kids. Your other two kids need you the most right now. If they are old enough to understand your eldest daughter's decisions, you will be responsible for sharing with them why you believe these are wrong choices and leading them to the truth of God's Word. You are responsible for protecting them from any harmful influences as well as nurturing them in their spirits.

4) You can't take back the past. The Apostle Paul wrote, "forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Phil 3:13,14) Do not condemn yourself for any mistakes you've made in parenting your eldest child. Ask God for His forgiveness, forgive yourself and where appropriate ask your daughter to forgive you, then do your best to move on in faith.

Before we go forward with what you can do, let's pause for a moment of prayer. "Lord we lift up this mother to you now. Comfort her in her time of distress. Let her know that you are always there with her at any time of the day, even in her darkest hour. Help her to surrender to You those things that are out of her control and give her the strength and wisdom to raise her two younger kids up in Your ways. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen."

Now for what you can do :

1) Pray! : I know that prayer sometimes seems like it's just not enough, but let me encourage you to know that there is no greater power available to us to change our circumstances than the power that comes through prayer. Although you can't make your daughter's decision to accept or follow Christ, you can pray for God to work in drawing her to Himself. And though you cannot watch over your daughter's activities, you can pray for her protection and well being. Never underestimate the power of a praying mother!

2) Wait expectantly: James wrote, "Count it all joy when you fall in to various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing" (James 1:3, 4) God wants to use this trying time in your life to help you develop even greater character, namely patience. Wait with expectation that you will one day see your daughter come around and follow after the Lord. That takes faith!

3) Ask for wisdom: James continued by saying, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5) God wants to give you wisdom for this situation and all you need to do is ask. Ask and keep asking. God can give ideas on how to relate to your daughter and to pray for her.

4) Find support: There have to be other Christian mothers out there going through the same situation. If you know any, call them up. Set up a time for you to get together and pray for your children and to encourage one another. If you don't know of any, ask God to provide one for you. God never wants us to walk this journey alone. Also, if your husband is a Christian man, ask him to pray with you. Allow this trial to pull you closer together, not further apart. God can bless your marriage and faith if you come together in the name of our Lord Jesus and pray and trust His Word and promises.

5) Don't lose heart: "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." (Galatians 6:9) I am certain that if you persist in prayer for your daughter and continue to be a good example of what it means to walk with Christ, it is only a matter of time before she comes back to the truth. Don't give up! As long as you can hold onto Jesus through this trial, trusting Him regardless of the choices your daughter makes, you will have the victory. Don't doubt it, don't fear the worst. Trust God completely. He is working on your behalf so don't give up!!

"Lord, we pray again for this dear mother. Give her the courage to carry on. We pray for her daughter as well. Speak to her heart and call her back to You. Give this mother a wonderful support system to help her stay encouraged. Bless her marriage and her two younger children. We trust that one day, she will see her entire household praising You. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen."