January 10, 2021

 Hard Boiled Heart

It was a hot day in the heart of Texas, normal weather for the locals I’m sure, but hot for this Midwest boy.  My wife and I had flown to San Angelo Texas with the youth group we led at our church.  Accompanied by two other adult volunteers, we were in for a great, but eye opening, week of serving the Lord.  We quickly found out that feeding these hungry youngsters was a feat in and of itself.  It was while preparing for breakfast one morning that I received a wonderful reminder of the grace of God. 

Stacks of eggs cartons were brought in by the ranch owner and that morning it was my job to cook up the eggs.  I got out a large bowl and began to crack the eggs, emptying the contents into the bowl.  On my way to the 40 egg goal, if memory serves me right, I believe it was egg number 33 that caught my attention.  This egg cracked just like the rest had, but as I emptied the contents into the bowl, something was noticeably different.  This is the first time in my life that I had come across a black, rotten egg.  The rotten stench of sulfur permeated the air instantly.  Out of impulse, trying to save the batch of good eggs, I attempted to scoop the vile contaminant out.  This was a futile attempt however, the entire batch was ruined. 

It wasn’t until later that I contemplated the significance of that morning mishap.  It reminded me of the sin that infects the lives of all people.  If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone say that they are a good person because their good deeds outweigh their bad, I would be living high off the hog.  This unbiblical notion is one that presumes God is into numbers, having good deeds negate the bad that we do.  This is far from the truth.  You see, our sin is like that rotten egg I encountered in Texas.  As soon as that bad egg entered into the bowl, it ruined everything, forever changing the integrity of the mixture.  Such is the case with sin in our lives, it doesn’t go away because we tack a couple of good deeds on.  The severity of this condition is one that must be addressed, as spiritual death and sin are intimately connected (Romans 5:12). 

I could not remove that bad egg from the bowl, neither could any of the onlookers.  In the same way, we cannot fix the damage that sin has created in our lives, neither can anyone else.  Only through Jesus Christ can we be made new (2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 2:20), can we be cleansed (1 John 1:9), can we have our sins forgiven (Ephesians 1:7, 4:32) and forgotten (Isaiah 43:25, Hebrews 8:12).  It is by the grace of God that He takes the tainted, rotten, undesirable and makes them into useful, new, wonderful creations for His glory.  May we bring glory to God, by recognizing Him for doing what He alone can.  

December 13, 2020 

Christmas Excitement

If you haven’t noticed, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas (in my best Bing Crosby voice).  There are so many things that get people excited about Christmas.  For some it is picking out the perfect tree, others it is adorning their home with lights and ribbons in spectacular fashion, for others it is the multitude of delicious foods they get to enjoy (one’s that will inevitably lead to many New Year’s resolutions, but that’s another story entirely).  Whatever warms your holiday heart, without question the highlight for the masses will be exchanging gifts.  A great deal of time, energy and effort are put into giving the perfect gift.  Commonly parents are particularly eager to generate a great buzz around the gifts their children will receive.  In many cases, this is the highlight of the season, the grand finale if you will. 

Sadly even many Christ following parents have fallen victim to this focal distraction.  Trust me, I don’t write this from a high and mighty seat in an attempt to cast down judgment on my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.  Rather, this is a reflection that I am wrestling with and I have a feeling that I am not the only one.  As believers we should make every attempt to be devoted in a life of faithfulness and obedience to the One True God.  The excitement that we enjoy is brought forth through the salvation that we have received through the blood of Christ.  Jesus Christ is the cause of great excitement for all believers.  Ironically, during this Christmas season, there are multitudes of other things that vie for our attention and excitement.  We vehemently proclaim that Jesus is the reason for the season, but is He the reason for our excitement?

Church services, giving to the less fortunate, reading the account of Jesus’ birth with your family, these are all great things.  But, have they become routine, have we taken them for granted?  I am not suggesting that from this point on we should revolt and forego all traditions and norms, that is certainly not my intent.  Instead, my encouragement is that we refocus our excitement around the birth of Jesus Christ, the greatest gift of all.  May we spend less time wondering what is in that oddly shaped package underneath the tree and more time celebrating that we have a Savior that emptied Himself and took on the form of man (Philippians 2:7), providing the only way for our salvation (Acts 4:12, 1 Timothy 2:5).  No Black Friday or Cyber Monday deal could ever compete with that.  May we not allow anything to take precedence over our celebration of Jesus Christ.  Let’s use this opportunity to share with others why we are excited about Christmas.                                                                                                                                                                                             

December 6, 2020 

No Censorship Required

It is concerning to me the “softness” that many have unnecessarily inserted into scripture.  This softness generally comes by way of misinterpretation, an interpretation that is made to accommodate feelings and emotions.  One recent example is one’s rendering of the parable of the 10 virgins that is seen in Matthew 25:1-13.  In this parable there are 10 virgins (representing professing believers) who are going to meet the bridegroom (Jesus Christ).  There is a clear distinction between the virgins, 5 are diligent and prepared and 5 are lazy and unprepared.  The nature of their preparedness is a direct correlation to the love, or lack of love they have for the bridegroom.  The 5 who were prepared and eager about their meeting depict 5 believers who truly love the Lord.  The 5 who were not ready depict unbelievers, who made a profession of their love but their actions revealed their indifference. 

To misinterpret this passage would be to make the unwarranted conclusion that all 10 of these virgins are believers, 5 prepared and useful and 5 not prepared and complacent.  So, how do we clear this up?  There are actually several ways to remove this confusion.  First, if you look at verses 11-13 the 5 unprepared virgins come to the door of the bridegroom (Jesus) and ask to be let in.  Notice the Lord’s response, “I do not know you.”  This is not a threat to the omniscience of the Lord, rather it is a repeated phrase that signifies those who have rebelled and rejected Christ (Matthew 7:23).  Not being known by Christ is the opposite of being known by Christ, that we see in John 10:14  I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.  So the very fact that the bridegroom (Christ) rejected the 5 unprepared virgins and stated that He did not know them, this should be a closed case as to the condition of the 5 virgin’s hearts. 

But, there is further clarity to this understanding.  The parable of the 10 virgins is tantamount to the parable of the talents.  We have the same lesson being revealed in the parable of the talents.  There are 3 servants that represent 3 professing believers and the master who represents Christ.  The actions of the first 2 servants revealed the love and faithfulness they had toward the master, while the lazy and unconcerned actions of the third servant revealed his lack of love for the master.  The third servant was in the exact same boat as the 5 virgins who were rejected, they were unprepared.  Their unpreparedness wasn’t a result of not doing enough work in advance, rather it was found in their unregenerate hearts.  Just like the 5 virgins were rejected at the door, the third servant in the parable of the talents was rebuked by the master and as we see in Matthew 7:30.  The master ordered that the servant be cast out to the outer darkness, in the palace where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.  This is not a low lit area of heaven, this is a clear reference to hell (Matthew 13:42, Luke 13:28).  To interpret either one of these parables as believers who simply differ in effectiveness is just plain wrong.   

Brothers and sisters, God’s Holy Word does not need our tweaking and adjusting to make it more palatable.  It is not our responsibility, nor right, to censor the Word Of God so it is easier to stomach for the masses.  These two parables serve as a warning for those who are not ready when the Lord returns, as Matthew 25:31-46 clearly defines.  Being ready when the Lord returns in glory is submitting our lives to Christ, laying down pride and putting on humility in servanthood for the Lord.  These parables are not about trimmed wicks, oil and buried treasures.  They are about the condition of the heart and the reality of what will take place when Jesus Christ returns to settle accounts. 

My encouragement is that we approach the Word of God with reverence and respect, not as a book of good ideas that needs our fine tuning.  May we have a high view of scripture, trusting in every word God has brought forth for our benefit to live a Godly life in Christ Jesus.                                   

November 29, 2020

Thanksgiving Is Not Canceled

As we approach Thanksgiving we concede that this year has not been the typical year.  In fact, many will forgo their normal family gathering in light of the ever present virus that has demanded global attention.  As we reflect on the events of the year, the recap is a rather dismal one.  Masks have gone from hot topic to standard attire.  Our kids are growing up in a time where sickness is the scuttlebutt and charts and graphs can be seen on every news outlet.  Politics vie for focal supremacy yet fail to offer any clarity or resolution.  High school and college sports fans deal with partial seasons at best and professional sports fans are left with inundating social messages from athletes who have forgotten if they are running for office or playing basketball.  Riots, violence and hate have become commonplace in many cities across the nation.  Many lament about 2020 being the worst year in recent history. 

Although I understand the unusual nature of this year, I am not altogether surprised either.  In John 16:33 Jesus tells his disciples that in this world, they will have trouble.  Trouble has certainly not vanished in the last 2000 years.  However, take heart, neither have the promises of God vanished in that time.  Psalm 103:19 tells us that God is on the throne that He has established in heaven, ruling over all that He has made.  Our God is not silent, rather He is always working to accomplish His perfect will (Psalm 50:2, Isaiah 46:9-11).  As followers of Christ we have been given the wonderful promise of security in Him (John 10:27-29, John 6:37, Romans 11:29).  And praise God our hope, joy, peace and comfort are not of this world (Romans 15:13, 2 Thessalonians 3:16, Jeremiah 29:11, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4).  My encouragement to you is this, don’t look at 2020 as a year void of things to be thankful for.  Instead be thankful that 2020 has been a year that aids in our appreciation and understanding of God’s grace in our lives.  We have so much to be thankful for.  We serve a living and active God who reigns supreme, victory has already been won.  The last part of John 16:33 is a wonderful promise that we can rest on, Jesus said “But take heart, I have overcome the world.”  Sorry world, you can try to take our Thanksgiving, but you cannot take our thankfulness.                                                                                                                                                                 

November 22, 2020

The Battle Rages But The Victory Is Won

No matter how well an athlete trains for a competition, nerves are still commonly present.  Sometimes these uneasy feelings are masked behind a braggadocious facade with boasts of unwavering confidence.  Nevertheless, the presence of nerves are just under the surface.  These nerves generate out of a fear of the unknown.  Did I train hard enough?  Did my opponent train harder?  What if I make a simple mistake, human error, a slip?  These are things an athlete mulls over, even the ones who seem calm and unfazed.  In sports, it isn't over until it's over.  Whether it be a last ditch effort haymaker, an interception, a buzzer beater, you name it, but the fact is, it isn't over until it's over.  

Fortunately for those who have submitted their lives to the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, this is not the case for them.  Ephesians 6:12 tells us that, as believers, we are in a battle.  This battle is with an enemy, an adversary, that fights tirelessly and vigorously.  Our enemy, satan, is very good at what he does.  1 Peter 5:8 says that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to destroy or devour.  Logically one could conclude that this is a rival that is deserving of our concern.  However, for those who are in Christ, there is absolutely nothing to fear.  

As well trained as satan is at his craft, he is no match for our great God.  1 Corinthians 15:57 tells us that God has given us victory through Christ.  Romans 8:37 calls us conquerors, while 2 Corinthians 2:14 says that we are led in triumph by Christ.  Romans 8:31 gives us the confidence in knowing that our relationship with Him is one that should not fear opposition.  We will in fact be in battle daily, always fighting to be pillars and supports of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15), while fighting against the schemes of satan (James 4:7).  We have no reason to falter in our pursuit, as we find our confidence and strength in Him alone (Isaiah 41:10, Ephesians 6:10).  Unlike the undetermined outcome that exists prior to an athletic event, our battle as children of God has already been won.  Thank you Lord, that we have victory through Your precious name.  Having no reason to fear, may we march forward in all boldness through the power of Your Spirit (2 Timothy 1:7).                                                                                                                                                         

November 15, 2020 

Big News

As the sunset behind the green rolling hills near Bethlehem, the shepherds were about to embark on the night shift.  The cool of the night would be ushered in and the noise of the day would grow quiet.  Shepherds in those days had to be fearless, not letting anyone or anything harm the sheep they were entrusted with.  They also had to be attentive, knowing the situation and the condition of the sheep at all times.  When nightfall came, an increased level of awareness was most certainly present among the shepherds.  Predators of all kinds would roam the land in search of such a meal.  Wolves are commonly viewed as a sheep’s worst nightmare, but the Bible also lists lions and bears as possible advisories to the flock (1 Samuel 17:34).

In the profession of a shepherd, no news is good news.  An uneventful night was all those who tended the flock could hope for.  Any sound or rustling in the tall grass could send the shepherds into a mode of fierce protection.  On the night that Jesus Christ was born, shepherds in a nearby field were about to experience an unprecedented event.  Luke 2:8 says that while the shepherds were keeping watch over their sheep, an angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them.  Suddenly this uneventful night became a divine display of God’s glory.  The fear that must have immediately gripped these men would have them wishing it had been a lion or a bear instead.  God used this magnificent event to tell of the Savior’s birth.  We recognize the contrast between the humble, quiet birth of Christ and the glorious, attention demanding revelation of His arrival.

Undoubtedly this event was one that the shepherds would never forget.  For those of us who have been saved by God’s grace, we can relate, at some level, to what the shepherds must have felt that night.  For us it was not the glory of the Lord shining down in the middle of the night or an angel of the Lord speaking audibly to us.  But, the miraculous work that God has done in our lives certainly leaves us in awe, recognizing His glory and majesty.  I encourage you this week to thank God for the many ways that He has shown His glory in your life.  The tendency is to look at particular accounts throughout scripture and marvel at the ways in which the Lord worked, and rightfully so.  But, let us not overlook the spectacular work that God has done in our very own lives.  May we ruminate on ALL of the wonderful ways that God displays His glory.  Lord, it is all for Your glory.  Romans 11:36  For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.                                                                                                                                         

November 1, 2020  

The Road Less Traveled

There is a passage in scripture that has always produced within me a mix of emotions.  In Matthew 7:13-14 Jesus teaches the familiar lesson about the narrow gate and the wide gate.  The rich depth that permeates this short passage is staggering.  Every time I come across this section of scripture it seems that another facet in understanding is brought forth, which I liken to another layer of the onion being peeled.

The more I study the Word of God, the more certain I become that the narrow gate is in direct correlation to the size of the path.  We read in verse 14 that the way that leads to life, eternal life, is hard.  And all God's people said "Amen", right?  The Christian life is one of trials, tests, persecution, and opposition (John 16:33, 2 Timothy 3:12).  As born again believers in Jesus Christ we work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12) in this life long journey of sanctification.  Humbly serving the Lord is an extraordinary privilege, one that exceeds anything that the world could offer.  But, make no mistake, it is, as the scriptures reveal, a difficult journey.  When we understand the extent of what it means to pick up our cross and follow God daily, we know our lives were not meant for ease and comfort.  Few are on this path, a few in comparison to the other path.  But, those who are on this path know they are on it, they are confident.  This is a confidence that comes not from their own achievements and merit, but one that comes from the promises and power of God.  No one is on the path to life by accident.  There is no confusion, as all who press on do so by the grace of God alone.  

The other gate is wide and in a similar correlative fashion, the path is wide as well.  On this path there is a diverse group of people, from all walks of life: rich and poor, wild and passive, rude and arrogant, quiet and pleasant, violent and abusive, unassuming and shy, passionate and apathetic.  However, the path has but one common thread.  Inclusion to this path is not defined by the color of one's skin, the amount of good deeds done in one's life or even whether they attended church or not.  Thus lies the confusion that exists on this wide path.  The one thing that knits the droves of individuals on this wide way is they have never repented of their sins.  In a steady march toward the wide gate, even many religious people obliviously proceed; religion is not what determines position. 

As I get older the thing that frightens me the most is what the reaction of those who will enter through the wide gate will be.  They have enjoyed a life that cost little, denying the Messiah who gave everything.  But, what really gets to me is the confusion.  Many are confused and think because of the way they lived their life, or they were raised in a Christian home by Christian parents, or they attended church as a youth, or they raised their hand during an invitation, that this was more than sufficient to gain them access to the narrow gate, heaven.  None of these scenarios reveal the real condition of the heart.  This is where I am left motivated and charged up.  I, we, have work to do.  There are a lot of people out there who think they are good, that think they are deservingly on the narrow way, by virtue of works and self righteousness.  We need to share the full saving gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone that we can.  Because we should not be happily complacent with the path that we are on, while giving little thought to the masses that push toward the wide gate of destruction.  Lord, please give us an increased sense of urgency and passion to reach the lost.  May we live and act like we have the most important message of all to share.                                                                                                          

October 25, 2020 

Unity

In the fifteenth chapter of the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul places a great deal of emphasis on unity within the body of believers.  In fact, Paul goes so far as to point out that we are not only to come together on Sunday morning for a moment of unity, rather we are to live in harmony with our brothers and sisters in Christ (Romans 15:5).  The word live denotes a constant state, one that is not just part of life but essential to sustaining a healthy spiritual life.  Thank goodness Paul does not leave us with this good intended ideal without any practical ways in which to accomplish it.

Earlier in that same chapter we see that putting others needs into focus and building them up is a key element in fostering unity (v2).  It is also made clear that this is not merely a goal and personal aim of Paul, but this was the character and nature that Jesus Christ exhibited (v3).  Jesus Christ came to serve others (Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45), providing us with an example that we should strive to emulate to the best of our abilities.  And one of the ways we can do that is to faithfully and diligently be equipped in the proper teaching of the Word of God, so that we can be in one accord and have one voice in our praise and glory to the Father (Romans 15:6).

One voice?  How does that work?  This is not to assume we don't have a personal responsibility and ability to worship and honor God.  But, it would be absurd for us to assume that we all have a different set of parameters when it comes to what pleases God.  Pleasing God is our aim, it is a vital function and purpose of a follower of Christ (Galatians 1:10).  Something that the Bible is very clear on in terms of what pleases God is unity within the body (1 Corinthians 1:10, 1 Peter 3:8, Philippians 2:2, Colossians 3:14).  These passages are not talking about denominations or affiliations, rather they speak to the body of believers collectively, those who have believed upon Jesus Christ as the only way.  When the body adheres to these commands that scripture has laid out, they function in such a way that glorifies God harmoniously, in one voice.  Who but God could bring together a group of former bond servants to sin, rebellious and wicked as we were, to form a pleasing bride that would be spotless and blameless in the sight of the Lord, with the ability to exalt His majesty through one, united voice?

Satan wants nothing more than to bring division and dissension to the body.  That kind of chaos and strife is what defines his character.  Let us be steadfast in prayer for the church, both locally, and universally.  My challenge to you this week is, take some extra time to devote to praying for the body, that we would be found united and of one voice and one accord.  For this is pleasing to the Lord.                                                                                  

October 18, 2020 

May I Have A Word

It is always intriguing to me how one word or a short phrase can have such profound meaning behind it.  The affirming words "I do" at a wedding encompass so much.  All the communication that took place prior to the wedding day, perhaps the premarital counseling that the couple went through, the time and energy that have been invested in one another, it all culminates to this simple yet powerful phrase, "I do".  Not all words and phrases bring about such a positive outcome though.  Far too many families have been impacted by the painful words from a doctor that has to break the heart-wrenching news "you have cancer".  Words can change lives and the ramifications are vast.  Whether it is the army general who gives the command "charge", the NASA engineer that says "blast off" or the judge who gives a declaration of "guilty", word can possess tremendous power.   

In John 19 we read the account of Jesus Christ suffering on the cross at Golgotha.  After experiencing what no man could endure, Jesus said these words found in verse 30, "It Is Finished".  The enormity and the power of this statement was one that would reverberate for eternity.  In that moment Jesus Christ had completed His redemptive earthly ministry in the flesh.  His blood atonement on the cross was sufficient for all sin.  Salvation was made exclusively possible through repenting and confessing our sins to Him and acknowledging Jesus Christ's penal substitutionary atonement.  "It Is Finished".  That thing you did that is so bad not a day goes by that you don't think about it, "It Is Finished".  That legalistic lifestyle of constantly trying to tip the scales of good works over bad in your favor, "It Is Finished".  The guilt and shame you have been harboring for as long as you can remember "It Is Finished".  Those feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness, "It Is Finished".  The life that is slave to sin and bound for hell, "It Is Finished."  There is great power in the words of Christ. 

Thank You Jesus for doing what we could not do, thank You for saving us from ourselves.  Thank You for the finality of the work that You did on the cross in our place.  May we never forget the power in that phrase, may it bring us to our knees in thanksgiving as we marvel at Your grace, love and mercy.