The Planting of the LORD

During Sunday's sermon I related a story to encourage all how God keeps His promises.  Though there aren't always signs or miracles continually to confirm the faithfulness of our God, He does provide His presence and amazing evidence in our earthly pilgrimage.  If we seek the LORD with our whole hearts we will find Him.  For well over a decade I have met weekly with various fellow Christians to pray.  For years before I knew of God's call upon my life to immigrate to Australia I met with a brother named Rudy to seek the LORD in prayer.  God brought great encouragement and strength through times of prayer, and even used a fallen tree to confirm His word to me.

I was on staff at the church when a tree in a large pot toppled over.  The tree was sizable and it lay flat on the ground for a day or two as the staff considered our options.  We certainly didn't want it to go to waste, so the assistant pastor and I dug a hole big enough for the root ball to fit in a sunny spot, dragged the tree over to the hole best we could, and transplanted it.  We lashed limbs to a nearby fence and watered the tree.  It was really a "sink or swim" approach to planting a tree with no special fertiliser, amended soil, or much knowledge or skill in growing trees at all.  If it lived it lived, and if it died it was firewood.

The tree went into shock and dropped most of the leaves.  Though it looked sad for a while there was still life in the tree, so I kept watering it.  One day Rudy said something like, "That tree is a picture of what God is doing with you.  He's going to transplant you."  That struck me.  It showed me the importance of my need to be established before there could be growth.  As a family we would need to be patient to have roots drinking in water to withstand strong winds and dry seasons.  It was almost a living parable of the church God connected us with as well.  God eventually opened a door for us to move to Australia, and the tree was almost forgotten.  It turned out I had not been forgotten by God or the many people who have continued to pray for us to this day six years later.

After about two years I returned to visit my home church.  One of the first things Rudy said to me with a grin upon my return was, "Have you seen your tree?"  I walked over and looked at it.  Gone were the restraints, it was full of green leaves, and well over twice the size than before!  It was such an encouragement to know God cares for people more than trees, and He is able to make both thrive in His time.  As I prepared to share this story as an illustration in the sermon, on a whim I decided to look up what kind of tree it was.  Imagine my surprise when I discovered the name of "my" tree was "ficus benjamina" - Benjamin being my first name!  That God could use a fallen tree as a support for my faith as I look to Jesus!

My home church has since sold the building to a school and over the years much has changed.  I used Google Earth to see if the tree is still there, and to this day it continues to flourish and grow.  God has promised all who meditate of His Word day and night will resemble a tree in Psalm 1:3:  "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."  No tree will last forever, but God, His promises, and those whose lives are founded upon Jesus Christ will.  How awesome is our God!  He can use a single tree to impact a life, and He can use you too!  (the tree can be seen behind the school on the corner of Johnson and Main in El Cajon, circled below in white)

When Dad Steps In

God gave me the blessing as a child to be raised by loving parents.  My parents were always there for me, but they raised me in a way looking to a future when I would be required to stand on my own feet.  My mum used to tell us she expected us to be married someday, but she raised us to be bachelors with the ability to cook, clean, and make good financial decisions.  My dad saw to it I knew how to mow the lawn, wash cars, and do an oil change myself.  I don't recall ever asking my parents for money, and it likely is because they taught me if I wanted money there was work I could do to earn it and be disciplined to save it myself.

Though my parents taught me to be independent, it was always in the context of being dependent upon God for strength, provision, and wisdom.  My parents continued to be involved in my life as I grew up but never were what I would consider meddlesome.  If I had a conflict with others they did not insert themselves to protect me.  They weren't interested to make excuses for my bad choices but promptly administered discipline.  There were times when my dad warned me if I made poor decisions which resulted in me being arrested or going to prison, "Don't think I will post bail."  He would rather the judge "throw the book" at me to bring me to my senses rather than enable me to continue along the path of folly.

Recent circumstances reminded me of a rare time when my dad stepped into a unjust situation on my behalf.  I had not been treated fairly by a baseball coach whom I had known for years.  I was benched game after game, and I tried to stay as positive as possible.  This was only one time among many baseball politics had given me a bitter pill to swallow.  I did my best to end the conflict between my coach and I, but things only seemed to grow worse.  Finally my dad stepped in to defend me.  It was one of those memorable moments of tangible evidence my dad loved me.  He saw I was unable to defend myself from injustice and he believed it was time for him to step in.  I have never forgotten how he boldly faced conflict and in a moment simply brought it to an end - a conflict I for months had been trying to deal with myself.

It occurred to me as children of God we can keep conflicts or hurt feelings to ourselves.  I did this for a long time.  It was only after I talked about the situation with my dad he stepped in and handled what I could not.  He helped me find resolution and a way out of the mess.  What a difference it made when Dad stepped in!  I wonder how many times we have not spoken to our Heavenly Father about our struggles and trials.  Often we do our best to but fail to solve personal issues when what we really need is for our Father to step in and save us.  When God steps in, we don't need to yell over His shoulder or grin smugly like a spoiled brat because we have manipulated the situation.  He will we remain disciplined and justice will be done.  How blessed we are to have a Father who loves us and will step into our lives to bring comfort and resolution when we do not know the way.  Why don't you invite your Heavenly Father to do this for you now?

It's In Your Ticket!

In preparation for the discipleship course at Calvary Chapel Sydney I listened to a message by Edwin Orr called, "Sanctification."  In the message he talked about a poor young man years ago who traveled from a Baltic port immigrating to the United States.  His plan was to connect with family who lived in Chicago and start a new life.  He had been provided a ticket on the ocean liner but his parents knew he would not be able to afford meals.  So they kindly packed him a basket of bread and cheese.

Day after day the young man would hear the dinner bell and glumly eat his bread and cheese.  He cheered himself by thinking such mundane meals wouldn't last forever.  But before long, however, the cheese began to grow mouldy and the bread became stale.  In desperation he went to the kitchen and begged for a job for some better food.  "I am sick of cheese," he told the chef.  The chef saw this as most extraordinary:  a ticket holder asking for a job to work for food!  Seizing the opportunity, the chef made the man a deal:  "Don't tell anyone, but if you come in here every day and wash the dishes I guarantee you will eat what the captain eats."  "I work very hard," the young man assured the chef.  So for the rest of the voyage, the man in Orr's words "worked like a slave but ate like a king."

When the young man finally arrived in Chicago, he told them of the deal he made with the chef.  "Silly boy," his relative told him laughing.  "The meals were already paid for in your ticket!  You didn't have to clean all those dishes!"  Edwin Orr told the story with the aim of illustrating when a person is born again through faith in Jesus, we no longer are a slave to sin.  This victory is "in your ticket," so to speak.  Even as death had no power over Jesus after His resurrection, so sin has no power over a believer who has been born again.  Romans 6:11-12 says, "Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. ¹² Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts."  A Christian can say no to sin and yes to God in everything.  It is not through the effort of the flesh but the power of the Spirit we are saved and sanctified.  As Corrie Ten Boom was fond of saying, "It is not try but trust; it is not do but done."  That being said, we must not shirk or deny our responsibility to seek God and intentionally make godly choices and sacrifices which are pleasing to Him.

If you would struggle to answer the question, "What does it mean to be sanctified?" I exhort you to listen to the audio in the link provided.  I trust you will find it practical and most useful in your spiritual development as you begin to comprehend the love of God and the real victory Christ has made available to you by His grace.  "It's in your ticket!"

Saul's Armour Doesn't Fit

Over the life of this blog one post which has garnered the most attention is "Beware of Saul's Armor."  Until now I have not felt led to write of my experience which inspired it.  I believe the post about Saul's Armor strikes a chord in the hearts of all people who long to walk by faith in God and not by sight.  I write of my experience not to be a "rabble-rouser," to be foolhardy, or to justify rebellion against biblical authority.  I feel it necessary as I did those many years ago to exhort Christians to never substitute programs or an arm of flesh to accomplish what only God can do.  We can fall into the trap in looking to others to validate our call to ministry or using worldly methods and safety nets rather than simply following the leading of God.

When I was living in San Diego and on staff as a youth pastor in 2005, I had a clear leading from God to minister in the east side of Australia.  The overwhelming sense of this idea and accompanying desire was so vivid and out of nowhere I waited months before relating the impression to my wife.  This idea of moving to the east coast of Australia was constant and persistent though I was completely satisfied with my life in the U.S.  I was happy and had never aspired to be a pastor, much less immigrate across the world!  I knew no one in Australia, did not know where I was going, when it would happen, or how it would come to pass.  But on March 4th, 2009, God supplied a clear leading to contact a church in Brisbane, Australia.  This date is the background for the name of this blog, being a significant date to my wife and me because it is the only date which can also be stated (albeit American style!) as an action.

The call came though I did not know where, when I would be going, or how I would be serving.  I believed it would be wise to begin preparations before actually leaving for Australia.  Since my current fellowship at the time was not set up to manage donations, health care, and provide accountability for foreign missionaries, I began looking into ministries which did.  I made an appointment to interview with such a ministry, took a day off work, and went early to the interview.  After excitedly telling my story to the staff which assembled around a table of God's miraculous call to minister in Australia, the confirmation He had provided through God's Word and my wife, I was not prepared for their response.

What I remember more than what they said is the smugness in which it was said.  After exchanging knowing looks with each other and turning me me with eyes of sympathy, I can sum up what they said like this:  "We get a lot of people like you - thinking God has called them to overseas ministry.  But many times people aren't prepared for the rigours of being a missionary.  They end up coming back, sitting in that chair crying and wanting to come home."  Then they proceeded to tell me that before they would take me on as a partner missionary I needed to go through their program, my family would have to spend several weeks in a local mission, and raise at least 70% financial support before I would have their blessing to go.  I imagine I felt like David when Saul said, "Alright, I give you permission to fight Goliath.  But before you go you need to try on my armour for size."  Now don't misunderstand:  there is nothing wrong with training for missionaries and wisely planning ahead.  There must be nothing worse for mission sending agencies who have to deal with flaky people who have romantic notions of the mission field or are trying to run from unresolved issues they lug with them wherever they go.

As I sat in that chair listening to the bleak picture they painted of my future I thought within myself, "We'll see about that."  Speaking for myself, the concept of requiring me to go through a program before I stepped out in faith in God was disgraceful.  I was indignant.  Through God I had already experienced His deliverance from lions and bears:  why would a giant be any harder for God to bring down?  It turned out I wasn't a good fit for them and what I saw as the equivalent of Saul's Armour was not a good fit for me.  Submission to authority was not the problem for me, but to substitute a program in place of faith was.  Praise the LORD, for by Friday that week God connected me with Shepherd's Staff.  I submitted my application and my relationship with them has proved to be a brilliant fit.  Instead of questioning or doubting God's call upon my life there was genuine excitement and interest demonstrated by the pastor who interviewed me.

So where am I now?  Since 2009 much has happened.  My family and I have moved to Sydney, Australia - one of the most expensive places in the world to live.  God has continued to provide for all our needs without us directly asking anyone for money.  We prayed to God and made known how people can give if they are so led. I even told people years ago in a special email not to feel obligated to give, yet we have been so blessed how people continue to give.  I am the pastor of Calvary Chapel Sydney in Castle Hill with the most lovely people.  I have been given the opportunity to read with foster kids, speak at Christian holiday camps and Bible Institutes, to go on mission trips, to teach God's Word multiple times at church every week, lead discipleship courses, and to teach scripture in a public school.  And this is the kicker:  last year my family and I became dual citizens!  Guess what?  God has done exactly as He promised us through His Word.  Where there was uncertainty God brought clarity, and what was absolutely impossible God has done.  I give all glory to God for doing His wonders and I can personally testify of His faithfulness and provision.  I look back upon all God has done and realise in myself I am nothing and have accomplished nothing:  God has done it all without needing Saul's ill-fitting armour.

Sometimes this walk of faith in Jesus Christ looks foolish to people in the world and even to some in the church.  What some see as necessary based upon their own experience might indeed by folly - a worthless substitute for spiritual power and simple obedience to God's leading which will only encumber.  Again, there is value and wisdom in training and preparation for ministry as a Christian and God's ways are often quite unorthodox.  God saw fit for my training for ministry to take place on construction jobsites for over a decade.  Instead of seminary He put me through over 10 years of teaching Sunday school, 6 years teaching a home fellowship, and 4 years of being a youth pastor and building-maintenance-man at a church.  God is the One who calls, sends, provides for and establishes His people all over the globe for His glory.  There is no substitute for the leading of the Holy Spirit and the truth of God's Word.  What I wrote many years ago I still find true:  why not go with Who brought us here?  If it is a step of faith to enter into a program or school, good!  If the Spirit of God has you do something which has never been done before, do it with all your might.  Those who trust God will see His glory.  When God's work is ours He will see it done in His time and way.

The Pineapple of Reputation

During the discipleship course at Calvary Chapel Sydney I recently read The Pineapple Story, a short and humorous tale of how God used pineapple to teach a missionary to give everything to God.  In fighting for his rights over his pineapple garden the missionary became extremely angry.  It was only after he gave the garden to God that he was delivered from anger.  We can be angry, fight for our rights, and scheme with all our might for control.  Anger can be a useful trigger to show us all the things we have yet to commit to God.  Ultimately the story is much bigger than pineapples.  God desires we would hand over every part of our lives to Him in obedience, trusting and rejoicing in Him.  That is the place of true joy and contentment.

One pineapple in my garden as a young apprentice was that of reputation.  When I entered the mechanical insulation trade, I prayed God would make me as Daniel who stood out as excellent among his peers.  God answered my prayer and gave me skill to understand, memorise, and the physical talent to perform the work at a high level.  I was nominated as apprentice of the year and was a standout in the class and in the field.  But one day in class during my second year, I was pulled aside by the apprenticeship coordinator.  One of the foremen I worked for - a man who had signed for me as a new apprentice - had called the union hall and threatened to press charges for insubordination.  I was stunned.  I was told I might need to miss a day of work and make the 1.5 hour drive to the hall to explain my actions.

In addition to being shocked, I was furious.  This was a man for whom I worked hard.  When he showed up late, I covered for him.  When he was away, I continued to work faithfully.  I did quality work and job after job made money for the company.  And now he was threatening to press charges for insubordination?  What had I done besides make him look like a managing superstar?  I had been told from the beginning of my career in the trade, "The reputation you make as an apprentice you will carry for ten years or more."  What was I to do?  How I wrestled with the situation!  I was being unfairly targeted for some reason, and I obsessed over what I might have done or what I could do to exonerate myself.  Even talking face to face with my boss only seemed to escalate the problem.  This was no prank:  the consequences of this situation threatened my career.  Anger and worry became my daily companions, stuffed away inside.  In the darkness the bad feelings multiplied like yeast through flour.

When thinking about The Pineapple Story all those years ago it struck me:  I had never given my reputation to God!  I was angry about my precious reputation being slandered.  God's gentle rebuke came:  "Your reputation?  I thought you said I was in charge of that."  You see, all my thoughts were focused on me looking good, me being a standout. that I would be recognised as a Daniel - not for God, but for me.  This attack exposed my selfish pride.  I was convicted I had not been trusting God to handle this impossible problem.  I realised I had vented my frustration to God but I never sought Him specifically for guidance. I was angry at seeing my reputation damaged and sought to regain control.  But I never had control over my reputation in the first place!  I had asked God to establish and help me, and the fact I was angered by this attack revealed I had idolised my reputation.  Pride in my success had crept into my heart and to see my reputation being spoiled angered me.  After God spoke to my heart I repented of my sinful anger and gave my reputation into His hands.  I stopped trying to pull strings.  I found rest in resigning myself to God's will in continuing - as much as depended on me - to live peaceably with everyone.

My story had a happy ending.  The anger which was consuming me absolutely disappeared seemingly without a trace.  Instead of worry and bitterness joy filled my heart.  The man who threatened to charge me with insubordination suddenly lost interest, and I was told I did not need to appear before the union committee.  The war of bitterness and anger in my heart had been won by Jesus Christ, and I found myself basking in the peace of God.  I was light as a feather, free and untouchable in the protection of God!  I can say with absolute confidence that even if I had been brought up on charges, even if I had to miss a day of work and appear at the union hall, even if I had been fired from my job, the peace and joy of the LORD would have continued to be my strength.  The battle which was tearing me apart from the inside had been won by my Saviour.  Committing my reputation and future into God's hand was an important step to free me from sin so I could walk in Christ's victory.

Giving specific areas of our lives of conflict humbly to God is a way of denying ourselves, taking up our cross daily, and following Jesus.  Jesus did not begrudgingly set His face to Calvary because of the pain He would endure, but because of the joy which set before Him (Hebrews 12:1-2).  In fighting for self and our rights as children of God we fight a battle already lost.  The sinful anger which burns within us and fuels our rage does more damage to our souls than anything another person can do to us.  Anger will consume your life, lead to bitterness and resentment, and defile others.  When we fight for our rights we will always lose - even if we seem to win for the moment.  It is infinitely better to chose the path of giving ourselves and the protection of our rights to God, for He is in control and we are not.  He alone is able to accomplish what concerns you and me today.

Ask Questions, Give Answers

These thoughts follow on from "The Satisfying Answer," a post written about how God doesn't always answer our questions but supplies Himself as our answer.  Throughout the Gospels, Jesus often did answer genuine questions people had.  There were occasions (fewer than you might think!) when people weren't trying to trick, entrap, or critically judge Jesus according to their bias, but sincerely wanted to know the truth.  Hypothetical questions can only be given hypothetical answers, but Jesus responded with clarity and truth for all legitimate seekers who conveyed honestly, "I don't know the answer but I trust you do."

I had an interesting interaction this past Tuesday during a scripture lesson at a neighbourhood primary school.  Most of the kids were engaged and having fun, but one student in particular couldn't be bothered to join the group.  He wouldn't sit with the other students, refused to do the workbook activity, and in general was uncooperative.  When the students were enjoying word finds, mazes, and filling in code Bible verses, this boy was pretending to throw chairs at people.  So I stated talking with the boy.  I love talking to kids and asking them questions.  It's tons of fun.

"Good to see you today!  So it looks like you don't want to participate with the class?  What's going on?" I asked him with a smile.  "Nah.  I believe in God and everything...but how can we know God is real?  How can we know Jesus is God?"  This boy had been to a few scripture lessons and never participated, but I was amazed to hear sincere questions start pouring from him.  After we discussed his thoughts and I did my best to answer his questions, gone was the surly, frustrated expression on his face.  He genuinely thanked me for answering his questions and I thanked him for asking them.  It was a very encouraging interaction which seemed to come out of nowhere, and I praised God for it.  After class dismissed I saw him in the halls playfully pretending to draw a small cactus arm over the face of a screaming mate.  But I digress.

My conversation with the student showed me the importance of answering genuine questions people actually have when possible.  If we are so locked into what we have to say and don't take the time to inquire of the thoughts of others, our words might be lost on them.  Many people with burning questions will never be satisfied with answers provided from scripture because they are spiritually blind through unbelief.  We would all love to have the one-shot silver-bullet answer of truth that will kill unbelief dead, but quickening a soul to respond in faith and trust is God's territory.  I am called to give an answer for the hope which is in me and share the truth of God's Word in love.  Instead of deciding what people need to know, it is good for us to inquire what questions they might have or what hinders them from trusting God and His Word.  Jesus asked questions to go straight to the matter, and we should do the same.  Telling people what they need to know or do doesn't answer their questions which, once rightly answered, might change everything in their world for eternity.

Upheld by Love

As I reflect upon the trip I took to Cambodia in 2015, this image (courtesy of Vanny Phal, an amazing chemist and sister in Christ) is the one indelible memory of the trip.  To me it sums up the truth I realised in a very personal way.  I always want to be the strong one who helps others, but there are times when I am weak and need to be upheld by my sisters and brothers in Christ.  The sweet scene depicted in the photo played out for me as a literal parable.

During one of our medical clinics in a mountain village, I noticed this little man starting to fade into sleep as he patiently sat on the bench.  His mother was having dental work done, so his big sister picked him up, held him, and gently rocked him to sleep.  I watched amazed for over an hour as this little girl held her brother who was half her size without complaint or visible discomfort.  I had no idea how this scene would unfold in a personal way and in dramatic fashion.

After our time in Cambodia came to a close, we flew to Singapore before returning home to Sydney, Australia.  It was in Singapore I began to feel unwell.  It began with what I thought perhaps was hunger or indigestion, and I was glad to be boarding a flight heading home.  I had not been seated for a minute before I felt like it would be advisable to go to the toilet - just in case.  When I found the toilets locked, I leaned against a bulkhead to think and suddenly...I found myself lying on my back in an aisle, surrounded by concerned staff who asked me to tell them my name.  I had fainted and been unconscious for almost a minute!  After convincing everyone I was right as rain and was seated, I promptly fainted again.  I was deemed unfit to fly and wheeled off the plane utterly humiliated and disappointed to be denied passage home.  But I understood.  They did the right thing.

Eventually I did make it home, after being diagnosed with food poisoning.  What I haven't explained is how God used two women from our church who accompanied me on the trip to uphold me.  One of them literally caught me as I fainted so I didn't injure myself when I lost consciousness.  The other decided to stay with me in Singapore, denying herself the chance to fly home, so she could ensure our flights were quickly rescheduled and I was properly cared for.  You see, I was the little boy in the picture.  God provided two sisters in Christ to uphold me.  What I must remember is that I am still that little boy:  weak, frail, unable to be strong all the time, with genuine needs I cannot meet myself.  Just today I was so encouraged to hear from a sister in Christ that she is praying for me, upholding me and the ministry here in Sydney in prayer.

Sometimes God will use you to be the girl in the picture, but more often than we care to admit we resemble that little boy:  in need of love, care, and support.  Praise God for the family He has provided in Christ and all the support we receive we will never know about.  Thank you friends and family who faithfully support my family and me in countless ways.  God has made us a Body, the church, and when all its movements are governed by the love of Christ there is nothing more beautiful.

The Gift of Trust

I have been the happy recipient of the unexpected gift of trust.  It profoundly affected me.  Trust is something the world figures must be earned, but the impact of trust is greatest when it is all of grace.  Years ago I had an experience confirming this I will never forget.  The battery on my wife's car had gone flat, so during my lunch break I took it over to Viking Battery in Santee, California.  I knew the shop carried the type of battery I wanted.  When I walked into the tiny shop with a handful of batteries on display and a dog lazing on the dirty floor, it was far from the polished displays of conventional retail stores.

A friendly man (who I assumed to be the owner), supplied the battery I was looking for as I handed over my old one.  But as I pulled out my credit card to pay, he surprised me:  "Sorry, we don't accept credit cards here.  Only checks or cash."  I was flummoxed.  Having left my checkbook at home, I found myself in a bind.  Laura had already been without her car for the day and I didn't have time to return to pay.  To stretch the battery replacement to another day was a problem.  "I trust you," the man said.  "Tell you what:  take the new battery home and just send me a check in the mail when you can."  "Do you want me to leave my details or give you a business card?" I asked incredulously, wondering how this was a reasonable way to do business.  "No need," he said.  "I trust you."  I was dumbfounded.  The man didn't even know me, but he trusted me enough to make good on payment.  I thanked the man and left with my new battery.

I have never forgotten the man's gesture of goodwill and trust.  I did pay for the battery of course, and included a letter thanking him for trusting me.  Perhaps it was easier for the man to trust me because he did not know me.  Had I robbed him once he might have carried resentment and suspicion.  "Once bitten twice shy," the saying goes.  As a Christian, I am learning to extend grace like this man displayed - not trusting in the "good of humanity," but by actively trusting God. When I choose to entrust my circumstances and life to God, trusting other people can be an extension of my faith in God.  If we create a condition where trust can only be earned, we run the risk of creating an arbitrary, legalistic standard which is not obtainable by any means.  When I consider that God entrusted the keeping of earth to men, the scope of this phenomenal responsibility shocks me.  The fact God has entrusted a wife and children to me, given me ministry as a Christian and entrusted resources completely at my disposal is all of grace.  I never earned the right to have valuable souls entrusted to me, just like I did not deserve to walk out of the store with a new battery without paying.

Friends, I urge you to trust God.  Entrust you life and future into His capable hands.  He is able to protect, provide, and support you in every way.  May our lives be a beacon of God's grace, loving others and walking in obedience to the Spirit of God.  He is the One who binds our wounds and broken hearts so we can trust Him more.  You have received the gift of trust from God, though you did not ask for it nor deserve it.  Praise the LORD for His wondrous gifts and for His unspeakable grace.  Never forget that God is trustworthy!  Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; ⁶ in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."  Trusting people may not always be profitable for business, but when it is borne of faith in God it is good.

Meeting God's Conditions

"If I keep drinking, I'm going to die."  The wide eyes of the heavily tattooed man stared unflinching into mine.  "I have to get clean.  I'll do anything."  This man had walked into the church minutes before, asking to speak with a pastor.  That's one thing about serving the LORD:  you never know who He will bring across your path or what unexpected thing He might call you to do.

"If you're serious, I know of a place which can help you get clean," I told him.  "Let me warn you though:  it is a very intensive program which requires total commitment.  It is a free program, but you have to commit to a year of staying clean, working your way towards a job and renting your own place, and Bible study."  I didn't want to waste the man's time or the time of the people at Set Free, as it was called at that time.  I spent a few moments explaining my basic understanding of what was offered and requirements my visitor would be subjected to.  He was keen because in his mind it was a choice between life and death.  He had been recently locked up and didn't have transportation, so I gave him a ride over to the facility because time was of the essence.

Upon arriving, I talked with a pastor I had met before.  After my new friend briefly explained his alcohol addiction and dire situation, the pastor in a friendly manner began to explain the program.  As my friend sparked up a cigarette the pastor said with a smile, "And that's another thing.  You'll have to give up smoking."  All the sudden the demeanor of my friend changed.  He became extremely nervous, almost agitated.  "Man, quit smoking?  I can't do that.  I can't smoke in the program?  I just bought this new pack of cigarettes!"  The discussion continued, and I watched that man begin to work his way through the whole pack, still debating whether the program was for him or not.

I never knew whether my friend ended up entering into the rehabilitation program or not.  It was free to those without money, but it was not without personal cost - a cost that man initially was loathe to pay.  He saw his drinking as a life and death issue, but not his smoking.  What he did not seem to realise was refusal to give up cigarettes would disqualify him from the program which could save his life - so his smoking was just as deadly as his drinking.  Refusal to agree to quit smoking was symptomatic of a spiritual heart problem more deadly than lung cancer.  This shortsightedness is not limited to alcoholics.  We can do the same thing as Christians.  We might recognise sinful problems in our lives and deem some worse than others when they are all linked and equally deadly.  We might want to be rid of an addiction because of the negative impact we perceive in our lives, but other things can also control our hearts and equally distance us from God and fellowship with others.  It is stubborn disobedience and unwillingness to submit to God in our hearts which proves more deadly than actions which are mere symptoms of an inner sickness.

Sin brings death.  It is not alcohol or smoking in themselves which doom a man to hell, but the refusal to confess and repent of sins, choosing to deny self and obey God.  If there is anything in your life which hinders you from coming to Jesus to be forgiven and cleansed, holding onto that thing says you love it more than Life Himself.  Does God have your affections and desire?  Are you willing to do everything He asks without question?  Or is there one little thing you are not yet willing to submit to His rule?  Following Jesus is a life and death decision.  To follow Him is life, and all other ways are death.  Giving up the old life and choosing to follow God in obedience requires faith.  As it is written in Hebrews 11:6, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him."

Examine Your Beliefs by God's Standard

"Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding."

Proverbs 23:23

My eldest son Zed returned yesterday from a school service trip to Cambodia.  They helped with a building project, ministered to children in slums and orphanages, and provided food to people in need.  They also gained valuable life experiences - like how to bargain in the markets.  A good thing to know before buying in places like the Russian Markets in Phnom Penh is things are rarely what they seem.  Fakes, knock-off products, and carefully repackaged used items sold as new abound.  Tourists, willing to risk a few bucks for a potential bargain, support an industry which survives largely on deceit and fraud.  There are many legitimate sellers, but those able to pass off fake as genuine are encouraged to continue plying their illicit trade with each sale.

Case in point:  Zed and some of his mates came back from Cambodia with some "real" fake coins from the United States.  And they didn't come particularly cheap.  While the boys were pleased with their ability to haggle with the sellers, they paid far more than the coins are actually worth.  Because they are copies of supposed sterling silver coins, a single United States penny is of greater monetary value as legal tender.  But I am grateful for these coins, for with them comes priceless life lessons purchased for cheap.

These coins illustrates the value of familiarity with the genuine in avoiding the fake.  Those boys had never heard the "ping" of a silver coin, did not think of the magnet or bleach test, and did not even know the weight of a genuine coin!  Because the sellers refused to drop below a certain price, the boys assumed they must be at least that valuable.  It is funny to me how greed fueled the whole affair:  fake coins were minted and sold at inflated rates by greedy sellers to greedy people who are only thinking of resale value!  Zed, like his mates, were willing to take the chance that what they were buying was fake in the wistful hope they were indeed genuine.  When it comes to a few coins, the risk is relatively low.  But how great is cost for buying falsehood which poses a spiritual truth!

There are people all over the world who hold their beliefs tightly, having purchased them at great personal cost.  They have invested their hearts, minds, and lives in what they believe.  For every true thing God has said there are countless counterfeits.  Satan and his mob churn out counterfeit religions and beliefs continually, and people queue up for them.  Because they do not know the truth, they buy into all manner of error.  But the things many people deem precious are not legal tender before God.  How guilty before God is a man who passes on the counterfeit as truth!  There are a series of tests even a layman can do to determine if coins are genuine or not, and the same is true concerning the Bible.  One does not need to be an expert to put the Bible to the test.  The archaeological, historical, geographical, and prophetic evidence and fulfillment is clear for all to see.  The consistency between books, the abundance of manuscript evidence, the authorship of eye-witnesses, and the unparalleled wisdom of the Bible is unique.  Because the Bible is the authentic and genuine Word of God, it sets forth the standard by which all belief and practice must be judged.  Textbooks change, "spiritual" books are revised, but the Word of the LORD will endure unchanged forever.  Once you have bought the truth, don't sell it at any price.

Truth can bear examination.  How silly would it be to suspect your coins are fake, but because of shame or embarrassment never have them examined by an expert?  Are you willing to put your personal beliefs under the scrutiny of God's Word?  Is it is worthy risk to invest in coins without knowing what a real Silver Eagle looks like?  Too many people buy into satanic lies, thinking they are a sound future investment, and on the day of judgment their entire collection will be deemed worthless before the God before whom all must answer.  Truth is objective and narrow, even as there is very specific criteria to deem Silver Eagles genuine.  One belief is not as good as another.  So how do you know if your beliefs are legitimate or not?  The Bible (preferably a translation) will reveal this to you.  Ask born-again Christians or a pastor.  In a world filled with darkness and deception, God's Word provides light to direct our lives.  As it is written in Psalm 119:105, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Israel, Rosemary, and Faith

Having just returned from Israel, my mind is a blur.  Some of it is fatigue, other due to travel and changing time zones, and jumbled reflections on my experience in the Holy Land.  Before I departed the plane on Australian soil this morning, I remembered a sprig of rosemary needed to be removed that I had placed in my Bible.  How I received that rosemary is a story all its own.

I have been down to the Western Wall on a couple occasions, but I had never ventured into the underground area heading north where men pray.  This area can be seen clearly from above by anyone who takes the Rabbinical Tunnel tour.  I didn't know if I was permitted in that area, but after I was assured it was alright I went in.  As soon as I entered, an Orthodox Jew (based upon his attire) greeted me and shook my hand - something I did not expect.  I do not know how strict the rules are concerning a Jew touching a Gentile these days, but his warm welcome was appreciated.

He asked me where I was from in a very friendly manner.  Then he began to show me around, pointing out various books in the bookshelves and spoke about the first and second temples which were destroyed.  He spoke of how he was looking expectantly for a third Temple to be built.   "That temple will endure forever," he said.  Then he told me I could write a prayer and place it in the cracks of the Western Wall, as many Jews believe it is a "red phone" or a direct line to an audience by God.

When he produced a pad and a pen, at that moment I began to be a bit suspicious this was going to end with being asked for money - but I went along anyway.  After my prayer was written and the pad and pen returned to their place within his coat, he opened a book which contained shekel bills of various denominations.  There is not supposed to be any "begging" in the controlled Western Wall area, but this man had worked out a way!  I'm not even sure what I donated towards, but it was done unto the LORD.  He suddenly whipped out a handful of rosemary, placed it upon my forehead, prayed a short prayer of blessing for my family, and then placed it in my hand.  His good deed done, he walked off and I never saw him again.

I asked our Israeli guide of the significance of rosemary, but he had never heard of it used in like manner before.  In Israel there is no shortage of sites and traditions which hold sway over people which are without power in themselves.  Rosemary has not miraculous healing properties, nor are prayers more likely answered when they are stuffed between stones.  I am amazed to the great lengths men will go to keep the Law according to the tradition of the sages, yet miss the spirit of the law entirely.  Jesus said men thought through study of the scriptures they would have eternal life, but all the scriptures pointed to Jesus whom they rejected.  The Jews are looking for rebuilding of the temple, but they are not looking for the Messiah who will reign as King and High Priest in the temple He builds.

On the train today I had a pleasant conversation with a woman who echoed sentiment I commonly hear along these lines:  "As long as faith in something helps you, it is a good thing to have.  A lot of people don't have faith in anything anymore."  I would answer:  everyone has faith in someone or something.  It is the focus of your faith that makes all the difference.  Many people today who had already made future plans died unexpectedly.  Jesus said of people of "faith" in John 16:2, "They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service."  Paul was a Pharisee who did this.  He persecuted Christians, believing God was pleased with his efforts and sacrifice.  But he was wrong.  People can place their faith in the wrong things because they are deceived.  Some people choose to be suicide bombers, believing it is a sure path to paradise, but wake up in a fiery hell.  It is only the Word of God applied by the Holy Spirit which enables us to discern lies and sort the humanistic chaff of this world from the meat of divine truth.

You can trust in rosemary to heal your body, bless your family, and forgive your sins, but those are mere fantasies without any factual basis.  This misguided faith is a waste.  Everyone trusts something, but only faith placed on Jesus Christ and the Word of God is proven, steadfast, and sure.  Man's interpretations and beliefs may change, yet the Word of God will endure forever.  Many "trustworthy" things like parachutes, airplanes, and trains have failed to carry their passengers safely to their destination, but God's love nor His Word ever fails.  God has not failed before, and He is absolutely trustworthy for the future.  Don't allow man's failures to keep you from trusting Jesus or deceive you to think all faith is as good as the next.  Faith according to correct knowledge is key!   

Rest for Troubled Souls

I recently received word that my cousin Mike Anderson passed recently after a long battle with illness.  I am resigned to the fact God has me in Australia, though most of my family lives in the United States.  In times of tragedy I do wish I could support my cousin Mike and those grieving by fondly remembering his memory, going to the memorial service, and spending time with his friends and family.  It is in these trying times our perspective narrows to the things that matter most and draws us near to those we love.  Death has a way of centering us again, showing us how much we take for granted.

The last deathbed of a family member I had the privilege to attend was Mike's mother, Aunt Lynn.  I couldn't be there for Mike in his last days and hours, but I remember leaving work early to spend time with her and the family.  She knew her life was drawing to an end, and she requested that she be sent home to heaven with a happy gathering, singing songs to Jesus as the family had for her mum.  It was an experience I will never forget.

Aunt Lynn was lying on a hospital bed in the living room.  Many family members came to spend time with her, and I kissed her and held her hand.  We had a sweet talk.  I remember someone had thoughtfully put an Elvis DVD on TV, one of her favourites.  A priest came to administer her last rites when she was beginning to drift off into unconsciousness.  As her life slowly ebbed away with laboured breaths, it occurred to me:  there was no life in Elvis, no power in last rites.  The only hope and power Lynn had for eternal life was found through faith in Jesus Christ, the One who could take that tired, failing body and glorify it forever in His presence.

In his final months Mike wrote to me in an email the only reason why he was still around was because of Jesus, and Jesus is the only One who has the power to keep him from tasting death even after his body passed into eternity.  Jesus spoke of a man dead four days in John 11:23-26:  "Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." ²⁴ Martha said to Him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." ²⁵ Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. ²⁶ And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"  Our bodies die because we are sinners, but those who believe in Jesus shall never die.  Bury our bodies six feet deep, but our souls will be clothed with immortality and be given a new body without sickness, pain, or sorrow.  This is the hope Jesus provides for everyone, purchased at the cost of His precious blood.

There's a lot of people today who say they hate themselves.  They live like gods, doing everything they feel like doing but still hate their life.  Well, God doesn't hate you.  He demonstrated His love for you by dying on a cross and proved His power to save you by Jesus rising from the dead.  Some people may think Mike was given a short straw by a harsh God because he faced debilitating pain and suffering for a great deal of his life which was over too soon.  I don't see it that way at all.  If that horrendous pain was the means necessary to open Mike's eyes to see his eternal need and soften his heart to receive the Gospel for eternal salvation, it was a healing balm for his soul and a path to everlasting peace.  Revelation 21:3-5 describes the scene for all who receive Christ as LORD and Saviour:  "And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. ⁴ And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." ⁵ Then He who sat on the throne said, "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful."

We only can "Rest in Peace" in this life and for eternity if during our earthly pilgrimage we decidedly take refuge in the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.  Only in Jesus can a man find eternal rest for His soul (Matthew 11:19).

The Impossible God

My wife and I recently submitted applications to become dual-citizens of Australia.  It was the exciting culmination of many years of effort and desire.  But truly, it is God who has done all the work.  He has opened a door to us that no man can shut.  Even when God opens doors, the way through them is not as straightforward as I would like!

The online application process proved challenging because I could not figure out how to include Laura on my application.  We had to apply separately, which proved inconvenient because our interviews with the test were scheduled a week apart!  We paid our fees, gathered all the appropriate paperwork, scanned and attached the files to our online applications, had passport-sized pictures taken, and an authorised friend of ours filled out the identity declaration.  We started studying for the test and Laura's appointment came first.

I received the first text from Laura when she boarded the train, another when she entered the building, and then another.  The last message really grabbed my attention, and not in a good way:  "No go," it said.  A small strip of correction tape had been used on the form and therefore it was invalid.  Laura was tasked to contact our friend and have the form filled out again by 3pm and she could go ahead with the test.  "And if you are unable to do so," the man said, "it's looking like April is mostly booked.  You will need to call and reschedule."

This was bad news.  Not crushing or devastating news, but a terrible disappointment.  I felt bad Laura went through the trouble of preparing, made her appointment on time, but was denied from her interview because of a little correction tape.  But right on top of the form it did read, "No liquid paper."  So the rest of the afternoon was spent praying and spamming our poor friend's mobile phone to try to make contact to fill out a clean form.  I had a peace about the situation because God is faithful.  I committed the matter into the LORD's hands, believing it would be resolved before 3am.  It was not to be.

After the 3pm deadline passed, Laura called the office in Parramatta.  She eventually was able to speak to an associate and explain the situation.  "It looks like April 30th is the first opening," the woman said.  I told her my husband had an appointment on 1 April, even though the man said it was impossible.  "Let me check one more time."  And would you believe the women said, "Oh, I can book you in for 1 April at 11:20am."  Would you believe that is the exact same day and time as my appointment?  How awesome is that?  We wanted to have our interviews at the same time, and God answered our prayer in a most unexpected way.  Now we technically don't have the same appointment, but it happens to be at the same place at the same time.  Amazing!

When Laura told me the good news of her rescheduled appointment, I was flabbergasted.  Words came out of my mouth which convicted me deeply:  "How did God do that?"  Ah, me of little faith.  I saw the folly of my words as soon as I said them, for God is the God of the impossible.  I confessed my sin and placed my trust in God, and affirmed the wondrous thing He had done.  The things we cannot do He does without effort.  In this case, He divinely allowed this circumstance to be a tool to reveal a dearth of faith.  God does things like this.  He wants us to recognise though we trust Him, it does not mean we are trusting Him.  It is not my faith which earns blessings from God, but they are all of grace.  God is gracious to show us our lack so He can supply all needs according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus.

God-willing on 1 April Laura and I will meet the interview and test requirements to become dual citizens.  Our children are included in our applications and will be dual citizens as well.  The next step in the process is to go to a ceremony where we recite a pledge before God.  I am looking forward to it, for my God is an awesome God.  The words of Mark 7:37 apply perfectly in my case:  "And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, "He has done all things well. He makes both the deaf to hear and the mute to speak."  Jesus Christ is the God of the impossible!

Be Reconciled to God

"Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. ²¹ For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."

2 Corinthians 5:20-21

When we moved into our current house over a year ago, it was not long before I realised something strange was happening in our shower.  It was most peculiar.  Over the years, a small gap had opened around the edge of the shower pan, and to my horror I discovered insects were living in there.  After a good clean, I began to notice thin black streaks on the tile.  One night I turned on the light and there were these tiny little bugs racing around in the shower.  I used bleach, I used toilet cleaner, anything to erradicate those dirty little pests.  Nothing worked as a long-term solution.

I decided to ask permission from our land lady to re-grout the gap.  I went to the shops and bought all the necessary supplies:  a tool to remove grout, bucket, float, new grout, and an additive.  For whatever reason, I didn't perform the repair right away.  Months passed as I was busy with other projects or activities.  With my knee rehab I wasn't keen to be kneeling in a small space.  But in all honesty, any reason I can provide is a lame excuse.  I half-heartedly kept up the losing battle with the shower bugs, but finally I was fed up.  "This weekend," I told Laura with fresh commitment, "I am going to fix our shower."

I had put off the task because replacing grout is a serious pain.  It is a tedious job on your hands and knees, removing the old grout, mixing the new grout to the correct consistency, spreading it evenly into the gaps, and wiping up the excess.  Oh the wiping!  Time after time I emptied the bucket and replaced it with clean water.  Again and again I passed the sponge over the tile, removing the cloudy haze from the glazed surface.  Finally it was complete, and I walked away satisfied the battle with the bugs was over.

When a job long put off is complete, a funny thing happens.  I look at the finished product and ask myself, why did I wait so long to finish this job?  I had all the materials, ability, and time:  why didn't I make this a priority months ago and begin to enjoy the beneficial results sooner?  The same can be true about sin in the life of a Christian.  Through faith in Christ, we have been freed from the power of sin.  Why do we put off being reconciled to God or others when it is so wonderful to finally be free of addictions, hatred, unforgiveness, and bitterness?  How is it we have the promises of God and the divine empowerment at our disposal with all the tools granted by God's grace, but we choose instead to keep fighting a spiritual battle through the efforts of the flesh?

I am very pleased to have a renewed shower, clean and free from the corrupting influence of those pesky insects.  How much more satisfying and pleasing it is when our lives are once again free from sin and aligned with God's will in obedience and fellowship?  Jesus has become sin for us so we might be the righteousness of God in Him.  Take to heart the exhortation of Paul today:  "Be reconciled to God."  Once we have confessed our sin, repented, and received Christ's forgiveness and liberty we will undoubtedly say, "Why didn't I do that sooner?"

The Atheist God Used (to make a Christian live like one)

When I entered Grossmont College as a freshman, I had relatively low expectations.  It amazingly turned out to be an eye-opening season of my life.  I could not have guessed the English professor teaching Advanced Composition would be instrumental in changing me for the better.  A consummate scholar and intellectual, now doctor, author, and acclaimed professor, the man was eccentric, witty, well-read, and captivating.  I felt I recognised and appreciated his brilliant mind more than others:  what was this genius doing teaching at a Junior College?

Our class met on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 7am.  Upon arriving for our first day, we were warmly greeted with an interesting question:  "Are there any monotheists in this class?"  I was one of three, and we were directed to sit on the right side of the classroom.  The class was further separated into those with atheistic and agnostic leanings.  The class was heavy on discussion of current events and reading from A World of Ideas by Lee A. Jacobs.  By far it was my favourite class because of the professor I thoroughly admired, with whom I sensed a strange connection.  Perhaps I was able to conceal my admiration, but likely not.  The brilliance of the man in my eyes was undimmed by his worldview, which was admittedly atheistic.  Instead of rejecting me for holding to the view that God exists, I was impressed by his acceptance.  There was a mutual respect which transcended our differences.  I did not always share my professor's views (especially concerning secret messages from Carol LaBeau), but I respected him like no other.

I came into the class believing there was a God.  I grew up reading the Bible, praying, believing God heard my prayers and answered.  I had seen God's answers to prayer.  I knew I had been forgiven and trusted Jesus as Saviour.  It was far more than a mental exercise.  But during my teen years, I had grown spiritually proud and dull.  My heart hardened, though I maintained a clean exterior.  I did not use the crass language of others, drink alcohol, view pornography, or sleep around.  It was of me Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:5:  one who had a form of godliness but denied the power thereof.  As I was exposed to worldly thoughts and philosophies in English class, I was challenged to the core.  It was like I stood in the valley of decision:  would I hold fast to my faith and belief in the scripture, or would I exchange it for a secular, atheistic worldview?  The temptation was very real.  As the weeks passed I realised I could not forsake Jesus who had died for my sins and rose from the dead.  The resurrection of Jesus from the dead was beyond doubt.  The truth was, however, at the time I was not living for God at all.

My first English class in university marked a turning point in my life, to move from knowing about God to living for Him.  God used my atheist professor and the confronting nature of the class to force me to either reject the Bible wholesale as a work of fiction, or actually mix works with my faith.  If I believed God was real, if I believed in the veracity of scripture, then I needed to take steps to intentionally live life for the glory of God.  That class drove me to the scriptures to seek the answers.  As I read the Word of God, I found my feet secure on solid footing.  My confidence shifted from my knowledge to trusting God Himself.  No longer did I feel unsettled by questions or doubts.  I did not know everything, but what I knew was trustworthy, secure, and unshakable.  Once settled with faith in Christ, I no longer felt overwhelmed by the intelligence of my professor or peers.  My conscience was at rest, founded on Jesus Christ and the unchanging truth of the Bible.  I was content with the fact I would likely never be an intellectual revered by colleagues in academia if I held fast to biblical truth.  The class taught me a life marked by Christ's love, grace, and service far exceeds a Christian worldview alone.  It wasn't long before I began volunteering to serve at church, and the rest is history.

I have a great debt of gratitude to the professor God used to change my life for the better.  Shocked out of my complacency, a fire was started in my soul which has continued to burn and spread to this day.  Isn't it ironic God would pull me out of a construction trade over a decade later having ordained me as a minister and pastor?  I would be putting my university education into practice in the most unexpected way as I prepared studies, lessons, and sermons.  I am grateful beyond words how God used that brilliant man to compel me towards Christ.  I love atheists, agnostics, and my fellow believers because God does, and God can use them all for His glory too.  You don't need to believe in God to be used mightily by Him, but how much more glorious it is to know God and be used by Him as well!  To be known by God is more profoundly satisfying than any accolades received on earth.  Our lives on earth will soon be over and we will be forgotten, but the Word of the LORD endures forever!

Groceries From Jesus

I began trusting in Jesus Christ as a child.  When I look back on my childhood, I can see how God worked to provide, protect, and bless our family.  My faith was not primarily built in a church classroom, but at home by parents who were faithful in trusting God and leading us kids to do the same.

By worldly standards we were not rich by any means, but our home was rich in love and faith in Christ.  I never felt poor or deprived in any way, though money was tight.  God always provided for our needs.  When family, friends, or even total strangers needed a place to stay, my parents opened our home to visitors who stayed for years.  During one of these seasons, we had a family of four staying with us.  I remember having two bunkbeds side by side with a roll out mattress in between.  Construction work had taken a big downturn in the 80's, and my dad worked hard to support his family and guests.  We had to put the dresser in the closet because the room was full of beds!

Years later I was told the whole story of what became a defining moment of God's faithfulness in my life.  My mum opened the cupboards one afternoon and came to the startling discovery there was no food on hand for dinner.  She talked with the other mum and prayed for God to provide for us.  As hungry people do, they started talking about the things they would love to eat.  One suggested a spot of tea would be wonderful.  The day continued on, and nothing was said about dinner.

I was in the kitchen about an hour later when I heard a knock at the door.  I can't recall who opened the door and greeted the two smiling African American women at the door, but I remember vividly I had never seen them before.  They held in their arms brown paper grocery bags.  One of the women said through a broad smile, "We've got groceries from Jesus!"  And in they came.  I watched as the joyful strangers brought in bag after bag of groceries, placed them on the bench (counter), and left.  We never knew their names, where they came from, or how they could have possibly known our dire need - a need I didn't even know we had!

It was like Christmas when we started taking the food out of the bags.  I remember there was syrup bought from a store, something we never had at that time.  My mum was deeply touched to find in the bounty there was even some tea, a special personal touch from the God who loved us so much.  I have always been thankful to those beautiful women I never had an opportunity to thank or express how important their generous gifts were to us.  I have thanked and been profusely grateful to God who loves us, hears prayers, and answers miraculously right on time.  The same Jesus who healed the sick, opened the eyes of the blind, cleansed lepers, and fed 5,000 men plus women and children with five loaves and two fish, sent me groceries when I was hungry.  He has refreshed my soul when I have been weary, swallowed up my fears with His love, and proved Himself faithful without fail.

Jesus willingly went to the cross, died, and rose from the dead to make a way for sinners to be saved.  He is alive today.  He has done much more for you than giving you a meal but has provided Himself as Living Bread from heaven.  All who trust Him will be forgiven and have everlasting life.  Do you know Him?  I find it fitting to close with John's remarks in John 20:30-31:  "And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; ³¹ but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name."

Waiting for Mangoes to Fall

Today I heard an interesting story from a man who recently visited an island located in the South Pacific Ocean.  As he was driving to a meeting in the morning, he noticed a woman sitting with a small child under a mango tree.  Several hours later, he passed by the same woman - who was still sitting under the same tree.  He asked his guide, "So what is that woman doing under that tree?  Is she waiting for a bus?"  "Oh no," the guide responded.  "She is waiting for a mango to fall.  When a mango falls, she will eat it."  The guide went on to explain when children are older, they become skilled at climbing trees and develop the skill of accurately throwing rocks to cause targeted mangos to fall.  Though her child was not yet able to speed up the process, the woman was content to wait for a mango to fall.

There is a lesson in the waiting woman for those who are in a hurry for fruitfulness.  Mangos fall when they are ripe and ready to eat, and the woman knew this well.  Impatiently throwing rocks could also damage the tree and unripe fruit, not to mention the possibility of inflicting injuries on others. The development of ripe fruit, like the growth and fruitfulness of a tree itself, is not to be rushed.  In a society saturated with self and entitlement concerning immediate results, this is a lesson difficult to learn.  The value of such a lesson may even be questioned because it seems unnecessary.  Patiently waiting hours for a mango to fall would just about kill some people!  Whilst there is something to be said for industry and labour, the lesson of the mango-woman is usefully applied to our walk with Jesus Christ.

The woman may seem lazy to you, but actually she was intentional in rising early and staking her claim under a tree.  Perhaps the day before she had passed by the tree and recognised it would not be long before sweet mangoes began to drop.  She could work with her hands weaving and feeding her youngster under the tree as easily as at home.  So she patiently waited in the right spot.  Why?  Because there was delicious fruit in the tree she desired and valued.  She was willing to wait to obtain her desire.  Let me ask you, dear believer:  do you value the work of the Holy Spirit in your life?  Do you place yourself in a position to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit to others?  Are you willing to share with others what you have waited on the LORD for?  Are you willing to slowly work your way through the scriptures, seeking God's direction for your life?  When you are confused or without understanding are you willing to stop, sit down, and drop everything else to seek God's wisdom and guidance?  Are you willing to pray and continue to pray according to the leading of the Holy Spirit, even if you do not see immediate results from your efforts?  Or do your prayers resemble the efforts of a little child who throws a wayward rock or two at the mangoes dangling far overhead, and then run off distracted by the lure of beckoning waves?

The hard texture and sour flavour in unripe fruit slowly changes over time.  The rays of sunlight, the moisture from water, and the nutrients from the earth combine to cause fruit to grow and ripen in season.  Ripe fruit is ready for eating.  After fruit is matured it has an appealing fragrance, sweetness and softness of flesh. Sometimes we can be impatient with Christians who do not seem to be maturing.  We can be frustrated over our own lack of progress.  Bitterness can grow in our hearts over a church that seems not to be fruitful as it could or should be.  The one thing we should not do is throw stones!  Instead, let us take heed to ourselves, that we are resting in the shadow of the Almighty.  Let us be patient and nurture one another, recalling how Jesus has been faithful and longsuffering for our sakes.  Jesus said in John 15:1-5, "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. ² Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ³ You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. ⁴ Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. ⁵ I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."  Without Jesus, no one can be fruitful.  Abiding in Christ is not passive, but intentionally done through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus alone makes your life fruitful, and He is the only one capable of causing fruitfulness in others.

Since Jesus has provided us the Bible which is compared to good seed, it is clear God has designed His Word to grow.  This process does not happen overnight.  Are you willing to be faithful and patient for God to bring growth and ripeness in your own life and others?  Jesus said in John 15:16-17, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. ¹⁷ These things I command you, that you love one another."  Love is the primary fruit of the Spirit we ought to seek to cultivate.  If we will abide in Christ, all the fruit of the Spirit will be produced.  Take time to ask God to produce His fruit in your life, and cause it to ripen and fall so others can be nourished and sustained.  He will do it if we will expectantly wait on Him!

The Static Quo

When I was in high school, I ran cross country.  For hours a week, our small team gathered and trained for upcoming races.  I remember my first junior-varsity race, an invitational hosted by El Capitan which weaved around Lindo Lake in Lakeside, California.  My memories of that race are not good because it is the only race I didn't finish.  About halfway through I turned my ankle, and after failing to keep pace I gave up and quit.  The ankle was no doubt sore, but my pride was hurt even more.  I would love to say that day I was an admirable picture of perseverance, finishing despite pain and the resulting poor time.  I suppose my mind set was not on finishing at all costs, but doing well.  If I couldn't do well in my mind, it was better to quit than press on.  Ouch.

One lesson I learned that day is despite making the team, training daily, intense preparation, wearing the right gear, warming up, and doing my best didn't guarantee a finish in the race.  Starting the race with absolute commitment to finishing the race in spite of any difficulty was something I needed to determine for me to have any chance of finishing.  Jesus was wise to tell people to count the cost before they followed Him.  All who follow Christ will face tribulation and trials.  But even counting the cost beforehand does not guarantee a finish.  As Jesus walked, some after hearing His words departed and never followed Jesus again.  Jesus taught that endurance to the end is key in Matthew 10:22:  "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved."

Human beings grow comfortable with the familiar.  The irony of this is no human being is static but in a constant state of growth, development, or atrophy.  "Static" is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as, "showing little or no change, action, or progress."  The world is changing, society is changing, and we are changing, but somehow we assume people stay the same.  We can be quite thrown when it is revealed someone is not who we thought they were.  But this is nothing new.  When Saul became the first king of Israel, he was a perfect picture of humility.  It only took a few years before power, wealth, fame, and pride corrupted Saul and God rejected him from being king.  How many Christian musicians are not as "Christian" as when they began?  How many politicians, pastors, and Christians change their tune concerning social issues or biblical truth because of pressure to conform?  It is our nature to forget the pit God brought us from and start judging others critically.  Paraphrasing Gene Edwards in his masterpiece A Tale of Three Kings, "The ability to see problems is a cheap gift indeed." (pg. 88)

We are either advancing in holiness or becoming increasingly weak, spiritually senseless, and blinded by sin.  We are shocked when we hear of Christians falling into sin or leaving the faith, whether it is a well-known pastor, mentor, family member, or a person out of the public eye.  God is certainly able to reconcile even such to Himself, for His love, acceptance, and grace is not only granted to the unregenerate but to all who repent.  Don't assume you will make it to the end of your race as a faithful follower of Jesus because you have made it this far.  You still need Jesus.  You need to seek and hear His voice.  You still need to be led by the Holy Spirit.  His Word must still be applied to your life and decisions daily.  Your works, gifts, or reputation among men will offer no benefit as you stand before God at the end of your days.  Are you growing in knowledge of God?  Hebrews 12:1-2 says, "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

God forbid our lives lack the sheer desperation we once had to know, follow, and obey Jesus to the end!   Refuse to be pleased with the status quo of your walk with God, for nothing about man is static.  If we are not taking intentional steps to grow closer to Jesus change is still happening, but not for the better.  God gives us complete assurance He will do His part to save all who come to Him by faith, yet that is not a guarantee we will agree to meet His conditions!  Praise the LORD it is He who works in us both to will and do of His good pleasure.  Our salvation obtained by grace through faith should not give us confidence in our works or increase reliance upon self, but upon God alone.  May all who call Christ Saviour and LORD find contentment in the relentless, intentional pursuit of Him!

In the Cool of the Day

On Thursday I volunteer for the Pyjama Foundation, a organisation that seeks to provide friendly mentoring and boost literacy for kids in foster care.  Today was a bit strange, in that we did not read at all!  It was a learning and growing time for me as a living parable played out before my eyes.

As I turned right at the roundabout, I saw two kids playing down by a creek.  I suspected one of them was Nate (name changed), and upon entry to the home my thoughts were confirmed.  We enjoy spending some of our time outdoors and I was early anyway, and after greeting everyone I headed outside.  Yesterday it had rained heavily and the creek was higher than usual.  The boys had noticed!  Nate was skipping stones with a friend and for a while we threw rocks into the water.  That didn't last for long.  All that water and mud was simply too interesting, so the boys headed down for a closer look.

Nate and his mate hopped down into the waterway, only to bury their school shoes to their ankles in mud.  This was very exciting, I mean, who could have expected that?  Since they were muddy already, what was the harm in trying to wash off their shoes?  For these boys, "cleaning" those shoes and socks was more of a novelty than a necessity.  Besides, their shoes cleaned up so well (as long as you don't mind brown socks which once were white!), there was little motivation to stay out of the mud.

As they waded through the murky stream they were engrossed with their new environment.  Pieces of broken glass were like discovered treasure, and discarded bits of wood became bridges.  Then there was a vain attempt to build a dam to stop the flow of water.  It was amusing seeing those two muddle around, trying to hold back the flow of water with a couple rocks and handfuls of sand.  As time passed their clothes grew increasingly wet and muddy.  "Do you think I should wear this shirt to school tomorrow?  I can wear a jumper over it!"  It wasn't long before they were trying to find the softest mud to sink into, and Nate sunk almost halfway to his knees.  He slurped out of the mud with a laugh, amazed at the qualities of mud.  My, who could have thought this could be so fun?

After about a half hour I told Nate it was time to head to the house and clean up so we could read and do some activities together.  Nate started moving in my direction when suddenly his friend found a lizard, and they were on the hunt.  It was a particularly aggressive lizard, the kind that runs away and hides in rocks when you walk closer to it.  I was having a good time watching Nate have fun, and I wasn't going to make him do anything he didn't want to do.  "Ben, Ben!" he would shout, and I walked closer to appreciate his latest discovery.  Once it was a large drain pipe; another time it was a deep pool with slippery mud around the edges.  Further upstream they travelled, finding more treasures and lizards among the sandstone rocks.  It was lovely to hear the boys laughing and feel the cool afternoon breeze as it rustled through the gum trees.

I was suddenly reminded of when Adam walked with God in the cool of the day.  There I was, pacing slowly back and forth, waiting for Nate.  I was not in the least bit impatient.  If Nate would rather play in the creek, I was fine with that.  My time with him is a gift I rejoice to give because I am his friend.  I was struck with an idea:  how many times has God come to visit me with His presence and I was busy doing other things?  To think that I could be like that little boy, running around trying to stop a flowing river with a rock and handfuls of sand!  It was a sacred moment as I stood by a gum tree, watching those kids.  There I was, and God was walking with me.  He was talking with me.  In the stillness of my heart I was blessed with the knowledge God visits His children who are precious in His eyes, even when they don't expect or call Him.  He wants to spend time with us in mornings and evenings, and even if you happen to stand for an hour watching kids play in mud.  Men's best efforts are about as useful as those distracted boy's attempts at building a dam out of sand, and they were beyond hopeless!  I confessed sin and asked Him to cleanse me.  The LORD knows I am no more clean or pure than those muddy, water-logged children in my flesh.  This filth of this world sticks easily to us.  I quietly sang a few songs of praise as I watched from a distance, drinking in my Saviour's love.

We never made it inside the house to read today, but it was a sweet time of fellowship with the LORD and good time spent with a couple of delightful boys.  After I told Nate my time was up and I was heading off he said, "Boy am I going to be in trouble for this.  I already have an early bedtime as it is!"  He was a frightful sight.  His face was streaked with mud, his once white shirt was half brown, his socks permanently stained, and his shoes were a disaster.  "Well, what did you think would happen when you jumped in the mud?"  "That's just the problem," he said with intensity, running over to jump in a dirty puddle.  "I never think about what's going to happen later because I just think about having fun now!"  Well said, Nate.  Those are words even adults who try to stay out of the mud can learn from if taken to heart!

The NFL Fast

Most people who know me also know I am fond of watching and playing sport.  In my adulthood I have been on 10-pin bowling teams, company and church softball teams, and have played baseball during the last few years.  I used to enjoy going down to the park and playing touch and tackle football (gridiron) on weekends and holidays with my brother and friends.  Being from San Diego, I have been a Padres and Chargers fan since the early to mid-80's.  Long before I had a TV in our home, I would carry my little battery-powered radio around and listen to the Padres games.  Every year I would actually write a letter to the Padres office to request the annual schedule.  Every year I rejoiced to receive that envelope in the post, stick my new schedule to a cork board, and listen to as many games as I could.

Even now as I sit at my desk, I can see last year's San Diego Chargers schedule hanging in plain view.  As much as I enjoyed the Padres, the Chargers have been my number one team for my whole life.  The quality of my Sundays as a kid was directly impacted by the Chargers, and let's just say growing up all those 4-12 seasons took their toll.  But I was a true fan.  Whether the Chargers went to the playoffs or won a single game in a season I stuck with them faithfully in good times and bad.  I remember the day when the Chargers drafted LaDainian Tomlinson.  I can say without fail I watched 99% of every play from scrimmage he ever had as a Charger.  When I wasn't watching the Chargers, I listened to talk radio of people discussing the Chargers.  I loved the games, replays, competition, drama, strategy, and the edge-of-your-seat excitement.  I love football, what can I say?

As the new NFL season is about to begin, there is something a bit odd about my schedule:  it is the schedule of last year.  I haven't printed out a schedule of this year because I am not going to watch a single game, even if the Chargers (against all odds, I shouldn't wonder!) reach the Super Bowl for the first time since 1994.  It wasn't my idea to take a season off from watching the National Football League.  It is not because of the rule changes, issues I have with team ownership, the vast revenues and salaries, the prevalent injuries, or the culture of pride.  The reason why I am not going to watch a game this season is because I am convinced God clearly has told me not to, and the way He did it was miraculous.

Have you ever had a time when your heart was unsettled and you knew something wasn't right?  Perhaps you found you were almost arguing with yourself, trying to convince yourself everything was fine - but there was a conflict within.  I have had many such internal battles during my life.  This year, of all things, I had reservations about buying my annual subscription to NFL Game Pass.  I felt conflicted about it, and I couldn't understand why.  One day I am certain God impressed upon my heart, "Admit it.  You LOVE football."  Immediately I denied it.  "I like football, don't be ridiculous."  But then I started thinking.  Before I had a subscription to NFL Game Pass I would set my alarm to wake up at 3am to stream a game from Australia.  I checked the website daily for news and enjoyed reading the articles and watching highlights.  If I wasn't watching football, I enjoyed thinking about it.  I relished the drama of the last second field goals, the amazing kickoff returns, catches, and runs, crazy comebacks, bone-crushing blocks, and talented feats of agility and strength.  "You are right, God," I relented.  "I DO love football.  I have loved it for a long time."

The fact that I would give up virtually anything to keep watching football told me there was something wrong with my love of the game.  Football may be the greatest game ever (and without question my favourite to watch or play), but even things good in themselves can be detrimental.  You may not think my admitting I loved football was a big deal.  So what?  Don't lots of people love football?  It is a big deal because I believe the Bible is the Word of God and therefore loving things of this world is a serious problem.  1 John 2:15 plainly says, "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him."  God used this verse to confront my misplaced affections.  My love of football - which is not an allowable exception to the truth of 1 John 2:15 - revealed my love of football was conflicting with my love of God.  Placing my affections on a game, a thing of this world, robbed God of love He deserved to freely receive from me.  That is why I initially resisted admitting I loved football.  And the implications stood:  it was either football or God.  If football demanded even a fraction of the love God intended me to demonstrate for Him, my priorities and my heart needed to change.

Even after I admitted I loved football, the resistance wasn't finished.  The battle continued as I was conflicted about what to do.  At some moments I thought God wanted me to quit watching football indefinitely, maybe just for a season, or simply to repent and to remain vigilant football was not claiming my affections.  Leading up to the Israel trip this year, I was still coming to grips with the fact I loved football.  Of all places, God clearly spoke to me in the Garden of Gethsemane during that trip.  As I sat quietly in the place where Jesus cried out to His heavenly Father facing crucifixion and death, there I was waffling over watching football or not!  I didn't want to even think or pray about the football issue, but it kept coming back.  I was disgusted.  I said, "LORD, I have the sense you are asking me to not watch football this next season.  Please clearly tell me what you want and I will do it."  Precisely at that moment, I raised my eyes and saw a small round item on the ground.  I wonder what that is, I thought.  I picked it up and began rubbing it between my fingers to clean off the corrosion.  As the face of Abraham Lincoln came into view, I was amazed to be holding a United States penny.

There I was in the Garden of Gethsemane in Israel, and to find a U.S. penny was shocking.  Faintly I could make out the inscription:  "In God We Trust."  Instantly I was reminded when Jesus was being tested by the Pharisees about whether the Jews should pay taxes to Caesar or not.  He said, "Show me a penny."  Since moving to Australia, I have not seen a "penny" for years.  The massive single cent coins in Australia were removed from circulation decades ago, and change is given rounding up or down five cents.  Jesus continued to ask, "Whose face is on the money?"  "Caesar's," they answered.  Jesus said, "Render to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."  The latter half of Jesus Christ's answer hit me:  if God asked me to give up watching football for a year, that is His just due.  Since I have been bought with a price I must choose to honour God instead of myself.  In light of Christ's sacrifice on Calvary, was football too precious to give to God after all Christ had given for me?  It was settled then, and the peace of God filled my heart.  My heart rejoiced in God's love, and all doubts fled away.  I would fast from the NFL for a season.  I am not losing anything, for God is more than sufficient to fill my heart and mind in years past occupied with football.

God does not require us to do more than He asks.  Right now He has asked for me to give Him this NFL season.  He has not yet asked me to stop watching gridiron for the rest of my earthly days, but even if He did it is not too much for God to demand.  The question will come to us all who follow Jesus:  is there anything in your life that you set your affections on in God's place?  Are there things we are unwilling to forsake for the purpose of pursuing God?  We are told, "Do not love the world or the things in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him."  God may not ask you to lay aside the things you love, but don't forget at times He commands to lay aside even the things we need - like food!  Jesus fasted from food and drink for 40 days in obedience to God by the leading of the Holy Spirit.  The lesson is that man shall not live by bread alone but by every command from the mouth of God.  God is more necessary than food for us, and obedience to God is more important than sacrificing a century of football!  As we go through this life, God desires we forsake all other loves in response to His great love He demonstrated on the cross.  Football never loved me, but Jesus does!