Just You - and a Just God

As I was reading last night Romans 14:12 stood out with renewed impact:  "So then each of us shall give account of himself to God."  We will not be held responsible for the conduct, decisions, or lifestyles of others.  God's standards and my obedience or disobedience will be the only topic of conversation.  I will not be able to justify myself by the actions of anyone else, or claim that others are to blame for stumbling me.  God is perfect and does not change.  Uncomfortably, I will be the prime and sole subject of this accounting.  This accounting for Christians will not be a recollection of sin because God has cleansed us and chosen to remember our sin no more.  It will be an accounting to see if we have been faithful stewards to use for God's glory the talents and gifts He has entrusted to us.  Those under the Law, having refused to enter into the New Covenant through Christ's blood, will be judged according to the Law.  Romans 3:19 says, "Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God."  The wages of sin is eternal death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.

I can see it playing out in a courtroom like a television drama, me standing before the Almighty Judge.  No jury, no defense attorney, no opinions, no biased interpretations, no precedence, no loopholes:  just my life measured against the pure Word of God by a holy, righteous Judge.  Any references to other people will be inadmissible to His court.  God is both star witness and Judge.  No deed, word, or attitude was unknown to Him throughout all my days.  Forget video tapes and recordings, because God will not even need to remember anything:  He will know it.  In that day I will be left without excuse.  My mouth will be stopped by the truth of God's Word.

From the very beginning, man has sought to justify his conduct based upon others.  God gave Adam a single negative command:  do not eat from the tree in the middle of the garden.  Adam ended up being influenced by his wife Eve and ate of the forbidden fruit.  When God asked Adam if he had eaten from the forbidden tree Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent for deceiving her.  But Adam was not required or even permitted to answer for Eve.  God did not ask Adam why he didn't control his wife or why he allowed her to speak with the cunning serpent.  He was not allowed to submit as evidence a study concerning the dangers of peer pressure or how Adam was basically innocent because of Eve's influence.  Why Adam did it missed the point. The question still stood:  did you eat from the tree?  The only response to that direct question was yes or no.  With the taste of the juice still on his lips, could Adam deny what he had done before the God who knows all things?

I need to be reminded that I will need to give account of myself before God.  It is a good practice for us daily to keep accounts with God, not waiting until we are judged before Christ's throne.  I will not be able to blame a tiring day for my lack of patience, or my child's rebellion for my hurtful words or actions.  All excuses will flee away as dust before a hurricane in the presence of God.  All will lay bare and naked before Him, and all I will be able to do is fall upon His great mercy and grace.  Thank God that it is He who works in us both to will and do of His good pleasure.  He is the One who enables us to stand!

The Heavenly Physician

The advance of the internet has made a big impact on medicine.  People are more apt to "self-diagnose" on the internet rather than making an appointment to see a professional physician.  When they finally do go to the doctor, they are already convinced they know exactly what condition they are suffering from, various treatment options, and even what kind of medicine would be best from the commercials they have seen on TV!  Faith in the experience, training, and skill of a doctor to diagnose and treat illness can erode to a point that the doctor can be viewed with contempt by internet sleuthing patients - someone who has the access to drugs and treatments people know they need and has the power to withhold them!  It must be a difficult situation to train for years in university to practice medicine only to have your word trumped by Wikipedia.

Even before the internet, this is a similar way that people can treat God.  We can look at our lives, decide what is wrong, and pray for God to deal with our perceived problems or symptoms in a particular way.  Man is convinced he knows best even when he knows nothing as he ought to know.  God is not simply a means to obtain the ends we desire.  Change my circumstances and alleviate my symptoms, right?  So often in my life when I have prayed for God to change my circumstances He has flatly said no.  His will is that the difficult circumstances of my life would work to change me.  We see our symptoms as the problem when God desires to deal with the root cause in our hearts and minds.  Like good parents, He will not pave our way to our destruction by placating our selfish flesh.  He has bigger, greater plans for us beyond our limited vision.

Oh, that we would be as quick to deal with our spiritual maladies as with debilitating physical illness!  The trouble is, it is far easier to recognise a sore throat and fever than the onset of spiritual depression.  When we are downcast, may we seek guidance in God's Word and prayer.  Psalm 42:5 reads, "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance."  The healing of body, mind, and soul is found in Christ.  Instead of me telling God what my problems are, I should ask Him as I would a doctor I trust:  "What is wrong with me?  I'm willing to go through with the treatment to the end because I believe and trust you."  Doctors are unable to heal people, but can treat illness through wisdom obtained by God's grace which promotes healing.  God is the one who brings the healing!

May our opinions bow humbly before the righteous judgments of our loving Saviour.  He is the over and above all One!  Cry out to Him in faith, trusting in Him alone!

The Secret of Satisfaction

Last night I saw the end of the popular film "The Avengers," featuring many Marvel superheros.  The first time we watched the movie as a family, we turned it off as the credits began.  Laura discovered there was a short scene at the end of the movie which obviously points to a sequel.  In the scene an alien is heard making statements about characteristics of human beings with fuzzy comic book logic:  "They are unruly and therefore cannot be ruled."  Hmmm.  Sounds like someone needs logic lessons.

One thing the extra scene confirmed to me is that humans are never satisfied.  One movie packed with special effects is not enough:  we need more, bigger, and better.  When Tolkien wrote the three books which comprise the Lord of the Rings trilogy, man was not satisfied with books alone.  Three "Lord of the Rings" movies were made, one movie per book.  Extended editions with hours of extras were also produced.  Now The Hobbit has generated much interest as a highly anticipated film trilogy which comes out in December:  one book made into three movies!  Once Hollywood discovers something that people like and sells at a profit, sequels are on the way.

Collections are additional proof of man's insatiable desire to obtain.  It doesn't matter if it is shoes, music, movies, toys, cards, games, or books.  People always want more.  I know the feeling well.  When I play baseball, there's few things that compare with squaring up on a baseball right on the sweet spot of the bat with perfect trajectory.  "Getting all of it" is something I love to do, but once is not enough.  When I step up to the plate the next time, I try to do it again.  Addictions are another confirmation that man's desires can even swallow up control of his life.  It is like our bodies and minds are made to crave but never be satisfied.  Food, water, sleep, and fun are things we enjoy one day and we seek it hungrily the next.

God, in His infinite wisdom, has created man to need.  He has created us with desire that only He can satisfy.  God is able to supply all our needs and provide eternal rest in Him which begins TODAY.  When we are born again by grace through faith in Christ, God becomes the chief desire of our soul.  This is where we find eternal significance, love, joy, and peace.  It is not a theoretical exercise but an experience enjoyed by all who seek God with their whole hearts.  Because we find our satisfaction in God, we can embrace the mundane and even troublesome tasks of life with joy and purpose.  Man spends his whole life crying out, "Is this all?  Is this it?"  This world does not have the necessary currency to satisfy or save a man's soul.  The answer is found only in Christ alone, the answer Christians will enjoy forever.

Freedom and Citizenship

Yesterday I was thinking how blessed we are to have God's Word written in a language we can easily understand.  I most commonly read the King James and New King James versions, and my life is enriched by familiarity with both.  While reading recently I came across the passage in Acts when Paul was discussing his Roman citizenship with a Roman captain.  The NKJV rendering of Acts 22:28 is, "The commander answered, "With a large sum I obtained this citizenship." And Paul said, "But I was born a citizen."   When I read it in the KJV however, my eyes and understanding were further opened:  "And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born."  In the Strong's Concordance, the Greek word "politeia" is transliterated "citizenship" or "freedom" which means "citizenship; concretely a community, commonwealth, freedom."

When the Roman captain explained his citizenship as freedom, that grabbed by attention.  Being an alien in a foreign land, I appreciate the fact that being a citizen of Australia provides freedoms I do not yet enjoy.  I live in the Commonwealth, but I am not yet a beneficiary of the Commonwealth.  I am not permitted to work for wages, cannot receive free public schooling for my children, health insurance, vote, or take out a loan to purchase property.  Because I am not a citizen I cannot obtain an Australian passport, extend my driver's license beyond a single year, or change occupations without notifying immigration.  The captain divulged to Paul that he had paid a great sum of money to become a Roman citizen.  Paul replied that he was free born:  becoming a Roman citizen with the freedoms and benefits was his by virtue of birth alone.

How true this is when we consider it in spiritual terms!  My citizenship is in heaven because I have been born again through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I have been given this freedom by the grace of God and am part of God's commonwealth.  It is God's good pleasure to give to His people the kingdom!  No longer am I bound by sins and guilt.  Jesus affirms in John 8:36, "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."  It will cost me a good chunk of change to become an Australian citizen, but God has granted all who repent and trust in Him citizenship in heaven at His expense.  We have been adopted as sons into His family and the benefits of royalty are ours.  This freedom is not without responsibility.  Many have sacrificed their lives for temporary earthly freedom:  how much more valuable is eternal freedom by the grace of God?

A famous American patriot once said, "Give me liberty or give me death."  In God's economy, we must die to self and die to sin to be truly free.  We enter into this freedom only through Christ's death and resurrection by faith.  Let's remember to thank God for the precious freedom we have through Jesus.  2 Corinthians 3:17-18 says, "Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. ¹⁸ But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."  If you have been born again through Christ, you are free indeed and a citizen of heaven!  Enter into to this freedom today!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from Sydney, Australia!  Instead of football on TV, we are in the second day of a cricket test between Australia and South Africa.  With my San Diego Chargers taking another season off from competitive, quality play, I will relish this two-ton effort from Clarke and a century from Hussey instead!  For those who are curious, yes, turkey is on the menu for tonight.  But I have to say, there are trappings, traditions, and people long associated with our Thanksgiving celebrations that we will miss.

I've celebrated Thanksgiving in Australia and Israel, but it's never the same as celebrating it in the States with family and friends.  The good thing is that no matter where we might live in the world, God is still completely worthy of worship, honour, and praise.  He never changes and remains worthy of all honour.  Thanksgiving is traditionally my "favourite" holiday, but it's not because of the food, companionship of family, or the fun activity of tossing the pigskin around.  From the very beginning, this holiday in particular is all about thanking God for life, provision, and blessings.  While we ought to be thankful and thank God everyday, it's good to have a day set aside for that purpose.

Thank you heavenly Father for the gift of your Son Jesus Christ and eternal life provided through Him.  Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to regenerate my soul and empower me for your service.  Thank you for the blessings of shelter, food, family, friends, clothing, and even so many things not necessary for life you graciously give us to enjoy.  You are awesome, God!  Be glorified now and forever!  As it is written in James 1:17, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning."  Holy, holy, holy is the One who was, is, and will ever be!

Extreme Climate Change!

Climate change is a common topic these days.  Australia has made an effort to "go green," reducing carbon emissions and creating a "carbon price" (a tax, in other words!).  I am no expert when it comes to researching scientific studies conducted to prove our climate is indeed changing permanently or we are in the middle of a long term cycle.  I support conservation and efforts to keep the air, water, and land clean that God has provided us.  I am convinced, however, that God has marvelously created the earth to cool, clean, and maintain itself.  Man didn't make the earth, and his best efforts to preserve it will prove fruitless in the end.  Using less electricity in Australia is not going to keep the polar ice caps from melting.

I have been reading through the book of The Revelation lately, the last book in the Bible.  When the just wrath of God is poured out upon the earth and its inhabitants it will make the most apocalyptic movie created seem silly in comparison.  Chapter 16 describes when vials of God's righteous judgments are poured out upon the earth.  By that time, all people will be firmly entrenched in survival mode.  The sea, rivers, and fountains of water will turn to blood.  The sun will be increased in strength for the purpose of scorching people.  People will be afflicted with painful sores in darkness.  Catastrophic earthquakes will rend the earth and divide cities.  Entire islands will be removed into the sea of blood.  Great hail will fall, and the weight of a stone will be about 25 kilos (Rev. 16:21)!

I am convinced these biblical predictions will someday take place.  I also believe that people will try to explain them away as "natural" phenomena.  Instead of repenting of their sins and trusting in Jesus Christ, men will blaspheme the God whose just wrath is being poured out.  Can you imagine the stench from the oceans turning to blood and all the creatures in the seas dying?  People risk their lives to save whales from harpoons:  what will they do when all the whales die in one moment?  Is it an act of cruelty, that God would allow whales, fish, and crustaceans to die?  No.  It is an act of righteous, divine justice.  Revelation 16:3-7 reads, "Then the second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man; and every living creature in the sea died. ⁴ Then the third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood. ⁵ And I heard the angel of the waters saying: "You are righteous, O Lord, the One who is and who was and who is to be, because You have judged these things. ⁶ For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. for it is their just due." ⁷ And I heard another from the altar saying, "Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments."

Death is a grave tragedy, the ultimate effect of sin.  Should you be angry that animals die or that God is blasphemed daily by people He created and loves?  God has gone and goes to great lengths to save people from their sins, sending His own Son Jesus to die in the place of all who will repent and believe on Him.  It is sad that most people value the environment over the God who created the universe and gave them life!  The gift is loved and respected more than the Giver.  Day by day man adds to his guilt and a time will come when God's just wrath will be poured out upon the earth.  No government, scientist, tax, or collective effort of men will be able to undo the destruction which man will rain down upon himself through unbelief and disobedience.  Only one Man will make it right upon His awesome return:  Jesus Christ.  He will establish His rule in righteousness, and will make all things new.

Can you imagine being on a Greenpeace ship when the waters turn to blood?  As far as the eye can see on every side - blood!  Imagine the reek and dead fish, sharks, and whales bob to the surface, slowly suffocating in the blood.  Frankly I cannot imagine the horror.  The world has a lot of blood on its hands.  From the blood of Abel, Christ, and those martyred today for the testimony of God, from the drug cartel slaughters in Mexico to the blood sucked up of a unborn baby in a sanitised examination room, God is keeping tabs.  A day will come when it is time to answer for the bloodshed.  Praise God He has made the way of salvation through the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, so we might be forgiven and free!  Let us be in agreement with the angel:  "Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments."

God's Help

Benjamin Franklin is often credited with the maxim, "God helps those who help themselves."  Whether or not this thinking actually originated with Mr. Franklin, it has been perpetuated even to our day.  This quote is both true and false, depending on your perspective.  The statement infers that God only helps those who "help themselves."  If you believe that God created the world and remains in complete sovereign control over all, then it is clear that God helps people who can't help themselves.  When I was enslaved by my sins, the ability to help myself was beyond me.  It was only by the grace of God my eyes were opened, I came to my senses by the power of the Holy Spirit, and received the Gospel. by faith.

This statement is true in the sense that the level of faith and obedience to God I choose to walk in either restricts or frees God to further teach, guide, and empower me for His service.  Because God's promises are often conditional upon my belief and obedience, the help He provides is often contingent upon me meeting God's conditions.  Aspects of God's character are not conditional:  He is always willing and able to accomplish what concerns me today.  It is a fascinating thing that God desires to save men from their sins, but many frankly have no desire to be saved.  Refusing to meet the conditions of the Gospel, countless rush to certain eternal destruction through unbelief.  God would help them, God would save them - but they are unwilling to help themselves.  Jesus promised to grant the Holy Spirit, also called the Helper, to those who obey Him (John 14:26, Acts 5:32).

2 Thessalonians 3:10 contains a condition:  "For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat."  In the infancy of the church, people shared with one another and gave to any as each had need.  If someone was unwilling to work due to laziness, he should not expect the church to supply his needs.  If he wanted help, he would need to help himself.  Another condition which exists in scripture is the necessity to ask.  James 4:2 says, "You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask."  We do not need to be pedantic about making sure everyone meets certain conditions before we help them graciously.  But we ought to be aware of God's conditions as revealed through scripture.  Then we will understand how we must be willing to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, asking according to His will, and meeting His conditions through obedience.

It's a sad thing when people refuse to ask for help or deny they need help at all.  Few things make me feel more helpless than a fervent desire to help someone who does not want help.  What pain we experience when we reach out to a lost soul only to be pushed away!  How sad it is when we have the words of eternal life and the ministry of reconciliation through the Gospel and people angrily reject it, as if we intended to maliciously offend!  Love does not allow us to forget about those for whom Christ died.  No amount of hate or vitriol can drive away the love of Christ that wells up in our hearts for those who cannot help themselves.  Praise God that He is faithful, and it is He who loves us with an everlasting love.  Jesus came to seek, save, and help the lost, even when we were helpless and didn't deserve it.  Let's be faithful to love others and help them according to the grace and mercy God has granted us.  Galatians 6:9-10 reads, "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. ¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."

Put off the Old First!

At the close of this mornings service, I felt led to read from Ephesians 4:20-24:  "But you have not so learned Christ, ²¹ if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: ²² that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, ²³ and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, ²⁴ and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness."  The emphasis of the passage is that to put on the new man, we first must put off the old man.  Following Christ is more than imitating Him outwardly:  it is a transformation that must take place in the heart by the power of the Holy Spirit.

In the classic movie "The Christmas Story," Ralphie is a boy who desires more than anything to have a genuine Red Ryder BB Gun.  There is a memorable scene where his little brother, Randy, is heavily wrapped in winter clothes before his walk to school.  His mom was so overzealous he was not even able to put his arms down, nor stand back up after he tumbled back into the snow.  The picture of Randy stiffly running and stumbling with his bulky clothes is a fitting picture of the old man.  There is no possible way for us to put on the new man when we are encumbered with the old.  We must lay aside all weights and the sin which easily besets us.  It is imperative we walk in the Spirit, our minds being renewed by God's Word.  Then, by God's grace, we can put on the new man which walks according to true righteousness and holiness.

From a human perspective, rocket science is WAY easier than this.  But from the spiritual vantage point we have in Christ, we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us and has given His life for us.  With men it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.  No amount of good intentions can transform a man's heart.  God delights to make us new in Him, sanctifying us into His image.  Let's do our part to put off our former conversation that we might walk in newness of life.  Romans 12:1-2 reads, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. ² And 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."

Speak the Truth!

WARNING!  This post may contain spoilers concerning a jolly man with a beard clothed in red often associated with Christmas.

As far back as I can remember, Santa Claus has always been a fictitious character along with the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny.  For the large majority of my childhood I was raised by Christian parents who valued honesty even when it came to traditions.  I remember even to this day a negative experience I had in kindergarten.  As Christmas drew near, I was discussing with a girl my age about whether Santa Claus was real or not.  The discussion escalated into an argument.  The little girl marched me right into the kitchen where both our mothers were conversing.  "Mommy, is Santa real?"  The eyes of the woman narrowed on me with a fierce look that unnerved me with its intensity.  Her words were even harder to understand.  "Of course, sweetie.  Santa is real."  I wonder if my jaw dropped in amazement as I looked to my mum for support.  Here is a grownup lying through her teeth!  How can this be?  Why would she lie?

My mum pulled me aside and explained something to this effect: "Honey, Santa Claus is like a game some parents play with their children.  It was fun for them as kids to believe in Santa and they want their kids to have fun too.  We know that Santa isn't real, but if you meet kids who believe in Santa don't argue with them.  It's a decision for their parents to make."  I can say with all honesty I didn't miss out on any fun in my childhood because my parents told me Santa wasn't real.  I was familiar with stories of St. Nick who was generous to give gifts perpetuated in various cultures in different ways.  Growing up, I saw Santa not so much as giving but a great thief, robbing Jesus of the attention He rightly deserves.  If Santa robs Christ of glory, he might as well be Satan.  The only thing I "missed out" on was having my parents lie to me, taking advantage of my childlike innocence and betraying my trust.  A parent who lies to their kids about Santa Claus might also be lying about God, Satan, angels, heaven or hell.  Had my parents lied to me, I would have taken it very hard when the truth finally came out.  Disillusionment would be a natural response.

"Well, it's not really a lie.  It's just a fun tradition we have."  Tradition or not, Christians are called to align their lives with scriptures.  There's nothing wrong with having traditions like setting up a tree, decorating the house, sharing special meals, or even singing songs or watching movies with Santa in them.  Some people do not regard Christmas day as a holiday at all because of the ancient pagan roots of the day since Christianised.  In general, today Christmas is hardly a religious holiday when it comes to the population of the world.  Romans 14:6 explains the freedom we have to express our worship of God:  "He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks."  It's not a sin to put out cookies for Santa and carrots for his reindeer.  But I say to you it is a sin to lie to your children, tradition or not.  Give presents "From Santa" with a wink and a grin if you want, but the risk of betraying the trust of a child should not be taken lightly.

Proverbs 12:22 reads, "Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal truthfully are His delight."  No one enjoys being lied to, even if it means an extra present.  "Believing" a lie becomes a bribe that nets more presents.  I am convinced that any perceived benefit of deceiving children pales in comparison to the damage which comes from the Santa ruse.  If you doubt me, google "Is Santa real?"  There are even articles to help parents soften the blow when their kids ask.  What I read breaks my heart.  Please take seriously the things you teach your children.  If you want them to believe you, speak the truth in love!

Several typical examples of responses from the above article:

I believe in the spirits of Santa. He once lived and is still living in all of us. He died like 2000 years ago but he is always going to be real.

—Guest Mikayla

 

I'm eleven and I stopped believing when I was eight because I found my parents putting presents under the tree that said "from santa". And also the rapping paper on the presents from santa, I found the roll in the closet. On that night my heart was broken though that they had been lying to me about it for eight years, they still try to tell me he's real and I'm eleven. I'm still mad at them.

—Guest Fiona

 

I'm 12 and I still believe. I may have some problem, because most of my friends seem more mature, but I'm the type that would hang out with lil kids, so that kinda has an effect on me. Am I weird since I believe. Really sometimes I think that God is really Santa and magically makes presents appear under our tree. Because Dec. 25 is his son's birthday. Or maybe Santa is his helper...... Well I'm 12 and I believe.

—Guest Heather

 

My parents never told me he wasn't real but it's so obvious!!! I stopped believing at ten, and hated my parents secretly for awhile for lying.:(

—Guest Guest Amy

 

I never believed in Santa. My parents didn't ever pretend he was real. Christmastime was still delightful and magical. I never intended to tell my children that Santa was real, but I have an 8 year old step-daughter who lives with me and is starting to ask questions. Her dad has asked me not to 'ruin' it, so I'm stuck. I don't want to lie to her. I also don't want to traumatize her. I told her to talk to her Dad about it. I don't understand why people insist on telling kids Santa is real. Make-believe is wonderful, and the spirit of generosity is even better. Why do people feel that the magic of Christmas stems from a belief in some jolly old man, instead of the love and good cheer in our own hearts. I, for one, will be relieved when her dad finally tells her. I hope it doesn't break her heart though.

—Guest KT

Soul Starvation

No one enjoys the sight of emaciated children, malnourished from lack of food.  While some of us have only seen pictures of such suffering, starvation and lack of clean water is a reality for millions in the world today.  It is heart-rending to see the vacant stares of the starving, too weak to swat the flies from their eyes and mouths.  Quality food and water are necessities for life, and for some they have become an elusive luxury.  God created our bodies to produce hunger pangs that alert us to our need to eat.  If our bodies do not receive the nutrients required, the body will feed on stores of fat and even muscle tissue to survive, leading to organ failure and death.

Physical starvation is a tragedy only eclipsed by spiritual starvation and death.  What does it profit a man to have all the food and clean water in the world and lose his own soul?  The body is temporary and the soul is eternal.  Through a prophet God said in Amos 8:11-12:  "Behold, the days are coming," says the Lord GOD, "That I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD. ¹² They shall wander from sea to sea, and from north to east; they shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the LORD, but shall not find it."  Even as we live in a day of abundance yet great lack when it comes to food and water, the same can be said concerning the Word of God.  Many Christians have multiple Bibles, but there remain areas of the world where Bibles are scarce.  Even Christians who have Bibles on their night stands and listen to sermons every Sunday are starving for the words of the LORD.  Bibles remain closed while other books are consumed.  Instead of God's Word being preached from the pulpit, there is more about politics, opinion, morality, and "do's or don'ts."  Funny stories may be entertaining, but it is God's Word our souls hunger for.

If only our spiritual condition was as obvious as that of a starving person!  When we see pictures of suffering children, are you disgusted or feel compassion towards them?  Your response says a lot of the condition of your heart.  We are often blind to the spiritual squalor people live in every day, destitute of any spiritual sustenance.  The truth is, in our natural condition we cannot even see ourselves in truth!  In our blindness, spiritually speaking, humans could be contrasted with people afflicted by anorexia.  No matter how gaunt or haggard the image in the mirror, we see a distorted image of ourselves as muscular, beautiful, and perfect.  Though spiritually starving, we can be deceived to think we are living the "good life."  The sweetness of sin in mouths of men numbs the bitterness of the poison at work in their stomachs.  We might as well be eating refuse.  It takes the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit to impress the truth upon us and bring conviction of sin.

I find it interesting that Jesus compares the Holy Spirit to "Living Water," a life-providing spring granted to all who repent and trust in Jesus.  He told the woman at the well in John 4:13-14, "...Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, ¹⁴ 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."  Not only are the words of scripture food for our souls, but Jesus is the "Living Bread" which has come down from heaven.  He said in John 6:51, "I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world."  Before Jesus went to the cross, He led His disciples in partaking of the Passover sacrifice.  The next day Jesus would be revealed to all as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world by His death on the cross and subsequent resurrection.

Praise God that we live in a day of abundance concerning His precious Word.  For those who are starving spiritually, all you need to sustain your souls is found in Jesus Christ.  I believe we are living in a day when people are running to and fro, seeking the word of the LORD.  It is not that God has not spoken or no longer speaks, but people are not listening.  God has spoken, but His unadulterated Word does not fit in with their beliefs or opinions.  Because it has been rejected it lays dusty on a shelf.  It has the power of God to give and sustain life, but it is seen by many as outdated and irrelevant.  The days of spiritual famine in which we live are of our own making.  Let us turn back to the naked Word of God and hold fast to what we have.  Let us feed on His faithfulness and the Word which endures forever.  Taste and see that the LORD, He is good!

A Happy Ending

People love happy endings.  They want to see good triumph over evil, the right guy to get the girl, and the villains to receive the justice they deserve.  A movie that does not end "happily" in the eyes of the viewers is wholly tainted.  I feel I am a bit of an anomaly because I don't need a happy ending to enjoy a film.  I actually appreciate a director who will risk his movies being unpopular because he or she is willing to to throw aside the cliche to make a point.  Perhaps this ruins the fantasy escapism people seek when they choose entertainment.  They would rather a movie end their way, even if it is predictable.

As I'm reading through Killing Fields Living Fields by Don Cormack, there are glorious testimonies among the darkness that shine with Christ-like brilliance.  When Cambodia was in the throes of her genocidal revolution primarily from 1975 to 1979, the amount of suffering of Christians and ordinary citizens is hardly thinkable.  It is in the darkest seasons that the light of Christ shines the brightest.  Being a Christian did not spare people from the brutality and torture of the Khmer Rouge's demonic rule.  In fact, Christians were singled out for execution because of their beliefs.  The words of Christ rang true:  in this world they experienced tribulation, but they were of good cheer because Jesus has overcome the world.  For some this overcoming came through martyrdom.

While there are stories of miraculous deliverance as God hid people from detection of their enemies, others faced death with steadfastness and resolve for the glory of God.  A particularly poignant story is related in the book about a Christian family that had been singled out for execution.  On page 230, the story is told about a family that was forced to dig their own grave.  As they knelt in prayer led by the father Haim, one of his sons fled into the bush to escape his captors.  The story is told like this:

Haim jumped up and with amazing coolness and authority prevailed upon the Khmer Rouge not to pursue the lad, but allow him to call the boy back.  The knots of onlookers, peering around trees, the Khmer rough, and the stunned family still kneeling at the graveside, looked on in awe as Haim began calling his son, pleading with him to return and die together with the family.

'What comparison, my son,' he called out, 'stealing a few more days of life in the wilderness, a fugitive, wretched and alone, to joining your family here momentarily around this grave but soon around the throne of God, free forever in Paradise?'  After a few tense minutes the bushes parted, and the lad, weeping, walking slowly back to his place with the kneeling family. 'Now we are ready to go,' Haim told the Khmer Rouge.

But by this time there was not a soldier standing there who had the heart to raise his hoe to deliver the death blow on the backs of these noble heads.  Ultimately this had to be done by the Khmer Rouge commune chief, who had not witnessed these things.  But few of those watching doubted that as each of these Christians' bodies toppled silently into the earthen pit which the victims themselves had prepared, their souls soared heavenward to a place prepared by their Lord.

I ask you:  is that a happy ending?  From a strictly human perspective, there is no silver lining to this cloud.  It is a tragedy that a poor helpless family would be bludgeoned to death by merciless thugs.  But those with spiritual sight and faith in Christ see this as a happy ending indeed!  Their souls found release through the death of the body to a glorious entrance into the presence of the LORD.  It is not a happy ending but a joyful beginning!  A rich man with every worldly comfort and accolade dying in his bed surrounded by his family without Christ is the most tragic ending of all!  For everyone without Christ as LORD and Saviour, their days upon this earth could be defined as merely stealing a few days in the wilderness, wretched and alone, waiting for death to seize upon them.  Every word, deed, thought, even all the good left undone will be be judged according to God's righteous statues.  There will be no joy or happiness in the death of those who die apart from Christ because hell will be their everlasting portion.  Yet for those born again through faith in Jesus Christ, what unspeakable joy lays before us even in death!  Jesus died and rose from the dead so we might live with Him forever.

May God impress upon us all the temporary nature of this life and our need to lean wholly upon Christ in faith.  The world is not worthy of such sacrificial love and devotion unto God seen in Haim and his family.  Resolve in God's strength for our lives to glorify Christ according to what is written in Philippians 1:18-21:  "What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. ¹⁹ For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, ²⁰ according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. ²¹ For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

Look at His Hands

God willing, a small team and I will be making a mission trip to Cambodia before the end of this year.  Our goal is to meet some of the practical needs of the people and spread the Gospel.  We have coordinated our trip with small teams from the U.S. and Mexico.  One role of our team is to provide reading glasses for those who need them.  It is our fervent desire God will give the people spiritual sight as well.  The field is ready for a bountiful harvest.  I recently bought Killing Fields Living Fields by Don Cormack, an enlightening portrait of the history of the church in Cambodia.  Though glasses are common in much of the world, the history of Cambodia provides a chilling perspective:  if a person was seen wearing glasses or even owning a pair after the Khmer Rouge gained power in 1975, that person would be killed as an "enemy."  All those considered intellectuals or those who had years of schooling were ferreted out and killed, along with monks, Christians, prostitutes, leaders, including the old, young, and infirm.

As I read the book (almost halfway through), it is impossible for me to imagine the depth of suffering the people of Cambodia endured.  Those who did the killing must have been as haunted as the hunted.  What hopelessness!  What helplessness!  Even though they faced death, the Christians had a unshakable hope beyond this world in Jesus Christ.  Their future was not governed through fate, reincarnation, or their merits, but the blood of Jesus which provided them a certain entrance into heaven.  Satan has done his best to eradicate the church of Christ, but he has remained unsuccessful.  Praise God that Christ's sacrifice was not in vain for the people of Cambodia!

I came across lyrics from a song the believers in the Cambodia church sang on page 151 which touched my heart deeply.  Thinking about what the church in Cambodia has endured, it is a powerful message for the largely comfortable, tepid church today.  The words read:

By and by, when I look at his hands,

Beautiful hands, nail-riven hands,

By and by when I look at his hands

I'll wish I had given him more.

More, so much more,

More of my life than I e'er gave before,

by and by when I look at his hands,

I'll wish I had given him more.

Have you looked at those hands?  The Khmer Rouge would routinely examine the hands of men and women.  If a man had soft hands - clearly not hands which had laboured long hours daily in a field - that man would have his brains bashed out in a killing field.  I must look at my hands!  Are my hands worn from labouring for Christ's sake, the One who was pierced for my iniquities and wounded for my transgressions?  Should the Khmer Rouge examine Christ's hands, they would see the hands of a Saviour who died so they might live.  Jesus died for all sinners who will repent and trust in him:  doctors, labourers, monks, children, politicians, drunkards, cold-blooded murderers, artists, prostitutes, truck drivers, and on.  Jesus died for me and he has died for you.  Look at the hands of Jesus again.  What do you see?  I see love and life for you and me.

Are you Convinced?

I recently finished reading Frank Peretti's novel The Prophet.  In the story, a news anchor John Barrett was forced to come to grips with truth.  Is TRUTH important?  How far are we be willing to go to lay our hands on the truth?  Are we willing to boldly stand, holding up the truth for all to see - even if our convictions and principles cost us everything?

Opinions are everywhere, but genuine belief is rare.  Like love, belief is a word highly diluted and spread thin.  Jesus made a stand for truth, being "...the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (John 14:6).  A proven way to know what you really believe is to ask yourself the question:  are you willing to die for your beliefs or convictions you know are true?  God's eternal, absolute truth is greater than the temporary life of a man.  The truth of the Bible is greater than all the people and nations of the earth.  If we are not prepared to die for Jesus, you do not truly believe in Him.  A man who even fears death is not convinced.

In the church today we see many kids raised in the church fall away from church attendance when they reach adulthood.  Notice I did not say that they fell away from Christ!  It's likely they have never known Christ in truth.  They have heard many "stories" of Jesus, but they have never had a relationship with Him.  That is why it is imperative in the church that we labour to introduce people to Christ and abide in His presence.  A good example of these levels of belief is seen in John 4:39-42:  "And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, "He told me all that I ever did." ⁴⁰ So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they urged Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. ⁴¹ And many more believed because of His own word. ⁴² Then they said to the woman, "Now we believe, not because of what you said, for we ourselves have heard Him and we know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world."

When Jesus spoke to the woman at the well in Samaria, some people believed because of her testimony.  Others were not convinced until they spoke to Jesus themselves.  They later affirmed, "Now we believe, not just because of your testimony, but we've heard him ourselves.  We're absolutely convinced Jesus is the promised Messiah, the Saviour of the world."  Sometimes we think that if we had the opportunity to lay the facts on the table, who wouldn't believe?  It often takes more than that.  Just sharing facts about Jesus is not enough.  As the adage goes, if you can reason a man into belief he can be reasoned out of it just as easily.  When it comes to spiritual matters, the touch of the Holy Spirit upon the heart is needed.  True belief comes from the heart, from the very soul.  Truth is important.  It would be better to acknowledge my unbelief and quit going to church than to keep up appearances with false sincerity.  Some must fall far before they will think to look up to God for salvation.

The Samaritans, unlike many young people these days, were not forced to come the Christ.  They freely came to Christ out of curiosity, wondering if the claims they had heard were so.  They spoke to Him, and He stayed with them awhile.  With softened hearts of humility, they received salvation by grace through faith in Christ.  They believed Jesus and proclaimed it without shame.  Should parents make their kids go to church?  If a member of the family is a Christian, that PERSON is the church:  Christ Himself, living through that family member.  How about bringing Christ to them?  When we live for God everyday, the lasting impact we can make for the Gospel is far greater than an hour or two on a Sunday.  We ought to make a stand for truth everyday, whether we chat around the dinner table or we are kidnapped facing beheading for our faith.  On matters of truth, we must not yield.  We cannot.  Upon the truth of Christ both our eternal and temporal life is founded.  Do you believe?  What does your life say?

The Fish Lady

Life is unpredictable.  No one can predict when you will meet someone or have an experience which permanently changes your life.  I can testify God is a Master of using my failures to reveal the depravity in my own heart, spurning me to repentance and transformation by His grace.

If I asked "Who had the biggest impact upon your life?" I would receive a plethora of answers.  One of the people who changed my life I have never seen since.  I never even learned her name.  I affectionately call her, "The Fish Lady."  Let me lay the groundwork by admitting that when I was a child, youth, and even into adulthood, I was very frugal (selfish even!) with money.  I didn't receive a weekly allowance but could earn money through mowing the lawn, washing the cars, or other household chores - and it wasn't much.  I remember mowing lawns for two years to save up $205 to buy a GT Performer freestyle bike.  My first real job was at McDonald's, "raking" in a mere $4.25 an hour.  When I earned money, apart from a tithe to God it was mine.  I would immediately convert price tags into hours of work.  A music compact disc was three to four hours of work!  Maybe I didn't need that CD after all.

One day early in adulthood I went with some friends on a 3/4 day fishing trip.  It wasn't cheap, but it was the best day of fishing I ever had on the water.  I caught three small yellowtail tuna and at least eight large barracuda.  My stomach was bruised from the rod pressing against it!  After each fish was landed, my number was stapled on the side of the fish and put in the well.  Since my dad taught me how to clean fish, I didn't want to pay the deckhand three bucks to filet each fish for me - almost a day's wages!  Besides, I had watched the deckhands before and judged them wasteful in their great haste to clean the fish before we returned to the dock.  After we reached the pier, a large plastic crate on wheels was pushed out and the fish placed in piles.

As I recounted the great day fishing, I looked at my fish piling up on the pier.  All the sudden, a cackling old lady began to dance around my fish, gawking like a lunatic!  She waved an old plastic bag around as she loped around like Quasimodo, repeating over and over in broken English, "Nice fish!  Nice fish!"  Hey, I thought to myself.  Back off from my fish.  I paid for my trip, caught each one, and had the sore body to prove it.  Then she did the unthinkable:  she started picking up one of my fish to shove into her bag!  How rude, thoughtless, and just plain wrong was this old hag.  Annoyed I said, "What are you doing?  Get away from my fish!  Leave them alone!  I didn't say you could have any of them!"  Startled and looking a bit confused, the old woman walked away in silence.  Me and my mates shrugged our shoulders.  "Crazy old lady - what was all that about?"  I justified my actions at the time, but how I handled the situation was eating me inside.

Looking back on it now, I wonder if the Fish Lady was not an angel disguised as an aged woman of Asian descent.  God used her to teach me more than she could ever know.  Even before I arrived at home with my great catch, my conscience smote me.  You're a Christian, I thought to myself.  I have freely received and I am called to freely give.  How many times had I gone fishing and not caught anything?  That catch was a blessing from God and I hoarded it all for myself.  I was embarrassed.  Do I really need this many fish?  Would my freezer even hold it all?  What if the woman or her family was starving?  The whole situation bothered me to the point that I wished I had given my whole catch away.  The joy of giving generously would have been better than the gnaw of guilt I experienced.  What a missed opportunity to give and in so doing glorify God.  What did I have that God had not richly provided?  I wished I had never seen that Fish Lady!

God is the divine alchemist:  He takes our shocking failures and uses them to be life-transforming moments for good!  As I mused upon the situation, I decided from that moment on to err on the side of generosity - which is never an error.  Is not God able to abundantly supply our needs from the rich stores of His grace?  I have learned by experience when I hold onto things because of selfishness, the root of the issue is I am not trusting God to uphold His Word.  This is akin to blasphemy.  How foolish it is to trust my grip and meagre resources rather than the God who saved my soul from Hell and has provided all things for me to enjoy.  It is only after we committed our money, possessions, and life to God that He entrusts to us the true riches.  Matthew 6:33 affirms, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

I love you, Fish Lady.  I'm very sorry that I learned life lessons at your expense, but I'm so glad I did!

Hold Fast!

Reading the Bible this morning, my eyes came across this exhortation of Christ in Revelation 2:25:  "But hold fast what you have till I come."  No matter how difficult or hopeless our situation may appear on the surface, we are to hold fast to what we have.  We may not have much faith, but let us exercise it.  We may not have many talents, but may we use them feverishly for the glory of God.  There may not be much daylight left, but let's work hard until Christ returns.  Our hands may be blistered and sore, our legs almost without strength.  Keep going!  Don't give up!  Don't concede any ground to Satan in your heart or mind!  God has not forgotten us, and nothing is impossible for those who believe.  Be strong in the LORD and the power of His might, having done all to stand!

A great example of this holding fast can be seen in the life of Shammah the son of Agee, one of David's mighty men.  When all of his fellow Israelite warriors fled, he found himself alone facing a troop of disciplined Philistines.  Instead of running from the fight or giving up ground against seemingly impossible odds, he stood up against them!  2 Samuel 23:11-12 recounts his courage:  "The Philistines had gathered together into a troop where there was a piece of ground full of lentils. Then the people fled from the Philistines. ¹² But he stationed himself in the middle of the field, defended it, and killed the Philistines. And the LORD brought about a great victory."  Can you see Shammah taking up position in that field of lentils all alone?  He wasn't alone, for His God was with him.  Shammah only had a field of lentils, but he defended that field.  "You want this field?  These are God's lentils!  My lentils!  I'll die before I give up!"  He kept going and God brought a great victory.

Eleazar the son of Dodo was another mighty man.  Finding himself in a situation similar to Shammah - alone and without backup - he defied the Philistines and fought against them valiantly.  2 Samuel 23:10 says, "He arose and attacked the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand stuck to the sword. The LORD brought about a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to plunder."  He fought so hard that his hand stuck to his sword.  He was unable to drop it.  Again, the LORD brought about a great victory because there was one man of God willing to hold fast.  The Bible is referred to in scripture as the "sword of the Spirit."  Oh that that our hearts and minds would cleave to God's truth like the hand of Eleazar involuntarily gripped his sword from use!  Let us cling to Christ alone, the Word of God!

Hold fast, brother and sister in Christ.  It matters not if you are the only one you perceive on the field of battle.  Keep praying, keep seeking, keep running, keep trusting, keeping following Jesus without intermission!  Even if all have forsaken you, God will be with you.  You may only have a little strength, but take heart!  He will never leave you or forsake you, and God will bring about a great victory for His glory!

Searching for Something?

Life on earth is one of pursuit.  Everyone is chasing something:  status, a feeling, career, relationships, sexual conquest, entertainment, riches, security, and on the list goes.  Inigo Montoya in "The Princess Bride" thirsted for revenge, but when his desire was finally obtained he didn't know what to do.  It was anti-climactic and left him empty.  King Solomon explains his many royal pursuits in Ecclesiastes.  His conclusion after following the rabbit trail of alcohol, comedy, women, work, and music to the end?  Vanity of vanities, all is vanity!

An example of this human tragedy is seen in the story of Amnon and Tamar.  Amnon was a prince in Israel and loved his half-sister Tamar.  He was so love-struck he became literally ill with desire.  One of his scheming friends concocted a plan so he could have his way with her.  It's an ugly story, but a reality that plays out in unregenerate hearts every day.  The trap was set by feigning illness and requesting that Tamar bring food for him to eat.  After commanding that everyone leave his chamber, he asked her to sleep with him.  When she refused, Amnon raped her.  2 Samuel 13:15 reads, "Then Amnon hated her exceedingly, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, "Arise, be gone!"  Amnon had his wish, but ended up with a mouthful of gravel.

I can see a new CEO sitting in his high-rise office, looking towards the beautiful ocean view.  He leans back in his leather chair which cost thousands, stretching his clasped hands behind his head, drinking it in.  I've finally made it to the top, he smiles to himself.  I'm finally here.  My dream that I've worked my whole life for is fulfilled!  I see his smile slowly fade as it dawns upon him:  is this it?  What now?  I've climbed to the top of the ladder but I haven't actually gone anywhere.  The emptiness in his heart can't been touched, even by millions of dollars or a new parking space.  Why so empty?

I see a gridiron star fall to his knees jubilant as his team wins the Super Bowl, the biggest game of them all.  It means football immortality, a huge ring, perhaps even a bust in Canton and a yellow jacket.  As he slaps on the hat that says "Champions" amid the falling confetti, the decades of labour in the weight room, on the field, and studying film flash before his eyes.  With his teammates he hoists the trophy with a shout, lowering the silver beauty only to give it a kiss.  But the nagging feeling he can't shake is that this will soon be over.  In a few weeks he will be preparing for next season, starting all over again.  Tonight the alcohol will flow, tomorrow he will have a headache he'd like to forget, and wake up next to a woman or two he can't get rid of fast enough.  Hugging his coach, he puts these thoughts out of his mind for as long as possible.

Every person in this world is running, chasing, grasping for the wind.  Even when we obtain the desire of our eyes, it cannot satisfy us as we hoped.  The reason?  Man has been created in God's image with a spiritual component.  Every human being has a soul that longs for God.  As we grow older, we realise that there is nothing in this world that can satisfy that innate thirst.  Only a relationship with God can satisfy our souls through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  David wrote in Psalm 23:1:  "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."  The world and all there is within leaves us empty and dead, but in Christ the Good Shepherd we find salvation and satisfaction.  Psalm 34:10 affirms, "The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing." 

Do you know how it feels to be without want?  Jesus will supply all the needs of those who repent and come to Him in faith!  Come to Jesus, you who search for significance and satisfaction.  Jesus is who your soul is searching for.

The Sweetness of Suffering

I can't count how many "Aha!" moments I have experienced in my walk with Christ, but the latest has been among the sweetest.  It is ironic concerning the subject matter:  suffering.  If my heart is Christ's home, I feel like a door I have never noticed before has opened up an entire wing for expansion of understanding.  It is like a gate to a broad, green pasture has swung open before my eyes and in faith I have entered.  No one on earth is a stranger to suffering, but to Christians the deeper significance of suffering is revealed.  Paul reasons in Romans 8:17-18, "...if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. ¹⁸ For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."  No one enjoys suffering.  From our perspective, there is never a silver lining to that cloud.  The fact is, God's path to the ultimate purpose of our lives is often entered through suffering.

Most of us aspire (against stark reality!) to make a lasting difference in the world for Christ.  Most people have big plans:  to write that best-selling book, to plant a church, compose the top worship songs, sell their screen play, serve on the mission field, be a committed spouse and parent, have millions of people hearing their sermons on the radio or internet, or a myriad of other dreams that never materialise.  We don't like to admit it, but our biggest and best plans incidentally end up with us netting a bit of credit along the way!  Think about all the ways that Jesus could have implemented to change the world.  He didn't go about things the way we would have.  He came to earth for the overriding purpose to suffer and die on a Roman cross so all might live through receiving the Gospel.  Jesus said in John 12:27-28:  "Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save Me from this hour'? But for this purpose I came to this hour. ²⁸ Father, glorify Your name." Then a voice came from heaven, saying, "I have both glorified it and will glorify it again."  Jesus accepted His suffering upon Calvary as the purpose for His entire life pointed towards.  In being a willing sacrifice God was glorified.

God glorified His name, and will glorify it again through all of us who endure suffering with our faith squarely and wholly upon Jesus.  Follow the progression:  if it was God's will and plan to glorify His name through the suffering of Christ - the whole purpose for sending Him to earth - isn't it possible God's purpose for our lives is also embraced and realised through suffering?  We all think we could make a big difference for God with that book deal or the latest mega church.  It is more likely, I believe, that the suffering of one person can even make a bigger impact for eternity on this world.  Jesus is the perfect example!  His broken body and shed blood carries more weight for eternity than a million pod casts!  A servant is not above His Master.  Not all of us are gifted to preach or write books or that worship song that sweeps the globe.  But all of us in whom the Holy Spirit dwells are able to endure suffering for the glory of God.  1 Peter 5:10 reads, "But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you."

When we are counted worthy to suffer for Christ's sake, may we rejoice as the early disciples did (Acts 5:41).  Their testimony is inscribed in God's word as a diamond pen on plates of iron, never to be forgotten by God or man.  Songs are quickly out of style, books gather dust, and money grows wings and flies away.  We wish following Christ meant our lives would be free of suffering, but it is IN suffering that we are more than conquerors (Rom. 8:37).  If I did not suffer for my sins, would I have in desperation flown to Christ for salvation?  Probably not.  And if following Christ meant no suffering, people would be highly motivated to follow Him for purely selfish reasons!  When Brother Yun was told that people were praying for a change in the government so house churches would have freedom, he said refused that line: "Don’t pray for the persecution to stop! We shouldn’t pray for a lighter load to carry, but a stronger back to endure! Then the world will see that God is with us, empowering us to live in a way that reflects His love and power. That is true freedom!” (The Heavenly Man, page 287)

If our suffering should be the means of God receiving the glory He deserves, may we rejoice that we have discovered the greatest purpose of our lives. Should not Jesus the Christ receive the reward of His suffering? When we suffer with Him for a short while on earth, we shall be glorified with Him forever. Ah! What sweetness and purpose there is when we keep this perspective!

The Vicious Cycle of Self

Everyone living has experienced hurt and sorrow.  There is a malevolent catharsis in recounting times in our past when our hearts were broken.  Feeling sorry for ourselves is one way of coping, but it is a deceptive, destructive path.  In the end we are left lower than before, choking back the vomit of shame, guilt, resentment, and bitterness. Acknowledgement of our pain and hurt is the first step to healing, and genuine healing of the soul is found only in Jesus Christ.  Because we have all been hurt, we all face the temptation of dwelling upon the wrongs done to us rather than the One who took my wrongs upon Himself.

During my life I have been hurt in many ways.  I have suffered from a broken heart many times.  I have been lied to, deceived, misjudged, ridiculed, and ignored.  I face the very real temptation to look upon hurtful moments and seasons in my life and brood over them.  When I try to logically make sense out of some things that have happened in my life decades ago, I am still at a loss to explain them.  I am no closer to definite conclusions on why God allowed things to happen.  The downward spiral into the murky darkness of self pity beckons, but I have already been down there.  It was a rotten, hopeless place to be.  It was Jesus every time who pulled me out, and I never want to go back again.  Thankfully, I don't have to!

If you don't know Jesus Christ as LORD and Saviour, what I'm saying likely doesn't make a shred of sense.  Because I have repented and trusted on Christ, His life is now mine.  By faith I have become a new creation in Him.  I testify to you and the whole world that Jesus has healed my broken heart many times.  He has bound up my wounds, dried my tears, and replaced fear and worry with peace and joy.  He has turned my mourning into rejoicing.  What is the secret to avoid the vicious cycle of self?  When thoughts of how you have been hurt flood into your mind and heart, turn your attention instead to the hurt and suffering Christ endured for your sake.  When we are burdened with cares and a root of bitterness begins to grow and you can only wonder, "Why God?  Why would you let that happen to me?"  In that moment I need only consider why Jesus suffered and died for me:  it was a revelation of divine love.  Romans 5:8 says, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  By the grace of God, He has changed the way I think.

I am not suggesting that we ignore, bury, or deny the fact we have been hurt.  To the contrary, we must bare our hurts to God, admitting exactly how we feel, casting our cares upon Jesus because He cares for us.  If someone has hurt me accidentally or with malice, I need to freely forgive them because Jesus has freely forgiven me.  In releasing others from our bitterness we are also freed!  It is a truly amazing transformation that occurs when I remove my focus from myself and the wrongs done to me and look with adoration upon Jesus Christ.  It is by His stripes I am healed!  We are able to overcome the vicious cycle of self through Christ, and none other.