Hope for All

During my study of the book of Isaiah I have come to a realisation:  there is always hope for individuals in God, even if a nation is "off the rails."  A day came when the northern kingdom of Israel fell and was never rebuilt.  Because Israel rebelled from God, committed abomination, and refused to return, God put the northern kingdom away.  He even allowed Jerusalem to fall at the hands of the Babylonians and temporarily caused Judah to go into captivity.  The seventy years of separation not only worked to purify the land of sin, but to restore a remnant to Himself who would return and remain faithful to Him.  Even in a land riddled with idolatry and abominations, God reserves for Himself loyal people who love Him.

Because the people in Jerusalem refused to repent and return to the LORD, ultimately the LORD caused it to fall at the hands of their enemies.  From a wordly vantage point it seems in times of judgment the righteous are made to suffer with the wicked.  But from a spiritual perspective we see those who trust in the LORD find strength and comfort in Him in spite of pain and loss.  For all our pain God provides abundant consolation (2 Cor. 1:3-7).  God proclaimed in Isaiah 45:22, "Look to Me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other."  Even when a nation is far from God, God promises to draw near to all individuals who call to Him in Psalm 145:18:  "The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth."  God shows no favouritism when it comes to love, forgiveness, divine acceptance, and salvation as we read in Romans 10:12-13, "For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. ¹³ For 'whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.'"

We do not serve a "what have you done for me lately" God but a God who looks for opportunities to to show Himself strong on behalf of all those whose hearts are loyal and full of Him (2 Chron. 16:9).  This principle, that there is always assurance of salvation and deliverance for the person who trusts and calls to God, rings true in nations ruined by sin, corrupt governments, failed businesses, fractured churches, and broken families.  Organisations may fall apart, marriages might dissolve, and relationships between parents and children may be severed, and physical health be abysmal, but there is salvation for whoever calls upon the name of the LORD.  Your life may seem to be painfully torn into pieces, but there is safety, protection, healing, and wholeness for all - for you - if you will call upon the name of Jesus Christ.

The grim reality is most of the time we do not believe this.  We carefully devise our escape routes, scheme backup and contingency plans, and forget by worrying we cannot accomplish a thing.  Even if we have a perfect plan, it does not mean we have the power or ability to put it into practice - much less change the hearts or minds of others!  Listen:  look to God and be saved!  There is no bondage too great, sin too abhorrent, generational curse so powerful the blood of Jesus cannot cleanse and redeem.  No host of demons can overpower Jesus, no prognosis is so awful God is hamstrung, and no situation so convoluted God is confused or overwhelmed.  God is rich over all who call upon Him, so call upon the name of the LORD in faith and be saved.  There is hope in Christ this world cannot know, an absolute assurance based upon the Word of God which is eternal and will never pass away, that Jesus is a Saviour who loves you and will never leave or forsake you.

There is no genuine hope for anyone from this world, but there is hope for all who love God.  Look to Jesus and call upon Him fervently with expectancy.  Do not be impatient or weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not (Gal. 6:9).  Those who endure to the end will be saved.

God's Home

As a child I had the impression the church building was an important place.  It was place for keeping your voice down and walking only.  It was a place where it was polite to remove your hat and treat with respect.  It was "God's house," after all.  Thinking back, however, I can't recall a single occasion when I actually met with God by virtue of being in a particular building or room.  Tradition sanctifies a room or location over another when God seeks to meet with people who love and trust Him wherever they might be.

The church is God's house in one sense, but not the way you might expect.  When the tabernacle and temples stood in Israel, the presence of God dwelt within the most holy place.  But after the veil was rent, Jesus ascended into heaven and the Holy Spirit was sent, God makes His dwelling place in each person who comprises the church - the Body of Christ.  The church is not a building but people!  Paul proclaimed to an idolatrous culture in Acts 17:24, "God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands."  Paul incredulously asked believers in 1 Corinthians 6:19, "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?"  We are the temple of God not made with hands.  Jesus affirmed the kingdom of God is within us (Luke 17:31).

Now there is nothing wrong in itself to set aside dedicated places or times to worship God, being mindful to walk in love towards others who have come away to seek fellowship with God and followers of Jesus.  But God's presence is no nearer to you in the "sanctuary" in a church building than in a public toilet at a park.  If we will humble ourselves to draw near to God, He has promised to draw near to us.  James 4:8 exmphasises the need for repentance and purity in seeking the LORD:  "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded."  By faith we love and trust God.  In Israel today it is said God's presence never leaves the Western Wall, and that is why many go there to pray.  Jesus said He is the Way, Truth, and Life, and when we choose to believe and obey God will come to us.  It is written in John 14:23:  "Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him."

Isn't it remarkable Jesus comes to us and stands and knocks at the door of our hearts?  Our belief and obedience is the key which opens to the door to fellowship and intimate relationship with God.  Jesus will not summon a divine S.W.A.T. team to smash the door in.  He calls your name because He knows you, loves you, and wants to spend time with you.  Out of respect for a salesman we will open the door and tell him we are not interested:  shouldn't we open the door to Christ and let Him take possession of the home He joyfully paid for with His own blood?

God's Love Has No Strings

I've been reading Love, Acceptance, and Forgiveness by Jerry Cook and one theme repeated throughout the book is God's love is active and without strings attached.  Jesus did not heal people because their agreed with His doctrine, nor did He die on the cross because people promised to respond positively to that demonstration of love.  Our "love" often has self-serving conditions attached to it.  Consider this excerpt from the beginning of chapter 8:

A radio station specializing in rock music offered the local churches in its area an opportunity to present a five-minute daily program.  The pastors could preach as they saw fit, but they were not to plug their own churches or give their church names and addresses.  Not one pastor responded to this opportunity.  Yet three of them bought time on another station so that they could promote their own churches.  I don't understand the mentality of Christians who feel that the interest of their own church must be served by everything they do - who won't serve the Lord Jesus Christ unless they can use it somehow to hook people for their own fellowship. (Cook, Jerry O., and Stanley C. Baldwin. Love, Acceptance, and Forgiveness: Being Christian in a Non-Christian World. Ventura, CA: Regal, 2009. 120. Print.)

A quote from Jesus Christ is shared later in the chapter from Luke 6:32-35:  "But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. ³³ And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. ³⁴ And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. ³⁵ But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil."  Christians receive recognition from God when we love those who do not love us.  Jesus loved His enemies, even spilling His life's blood for people described as unthankful and evil.  Since God's love is active and freely given to all, so we too ought to freely love others, "hoping for nothing in return."

When we do good, lend, and love others hoping for a beneficial return for ourselves, we have attached strings which bind our hearts with bitterness and resentment when our hopes are disappointed.  Do you know love never disappoints (Romans 5:5)?  When love is of God there is no remorse or shame in loving others fully.  If we withhold good because we don't believe there will be upside for us, we can know for certain we are not exercising God's love.  There is no hook hidden in God's love.  It is priceless but given freely to all who will receive.  If we give and find ourselves annoyed or irritated with how our gift was received or used, it may have been better viewed as a bribe.  We can angle for things without even knowing our good deed concealed motives which included a hook to snag a little something for ourselves out of the deal.

It is wondrous and miraculous when we perceive God's love at last flowing unhindered through our lives.  Our motive in giving and response to how a gift is received reveals if we have loved as God loves us or when we have given with strings attached.  Our gifts, even service in church can be elaborate performance traps to ensnare others.  No matter how generous a philanthropist might be, no matter how great the sacrifice a person makes in giving, if there is a nearly invisible line of monofilament connected with our actions for our benefit we have cause to repent before God.  How many times have I given from my own limited supply of human love rather than the infinite supply of God's love!  Concerning family, ministry, and all matters of life, may people know we are Christians because God's love is demonstrated through our lives - with no strings!

Better Than Gold

How important it is for Christians to adopt a biblical perspective!  The wisdom of this world is foolishness to God, and when we consider and heed God's Word we walk in His wisdom.  If someone offered you the choice of bars of gold bullion or a painful trial, what would you choose?  Speaking for myself, I would choose the gold because I know it has resale value.  Every ounce of that gold today is valued more than $1,600 Australian dollars.  Gold is considered a wise investment because it has historically held its value, has high demand, and is more stable than currencies.  People hold to the belief money and wealth helps problems disappear, so why choose trials?

Consider the surprising things Peter wrote to suffering Christians scattered by persecution in 1 Peter 1:6-9:  "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷ that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, ⁸ whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, ⁹ receiving the end of your faith--the salvation of your souls."  In so many words Peter said genuine faith in Jesus Christ is worth all the gold in the world.  Gold can be stolen, sold, traded, or lost.  A man might have millions in gold in the bank, but after he dies it is of no use to him.  Genuine faith in Jesus is revealed through the trying times, by endurance through painful trials accompanied with praise of God and joy.

It is for this reason the trying of our faith by trials is of great value.  It was the trial of faith on the open sea which caused the missionary John Wesley to realise he was without peace, afraid to die, and therefore not a genuine believer!  What if Wesley had only experienced smooth sailing and comfort in his adult life, having claimed to follow Jesus as a lad?  He might have been happy all the way to hell and his soul would have been lost forever.  We can therefore rejoice in trials, for whilst they are temporary they supply eternal benefits for us.  We will be rewarded for our endurance.  Faith in Jesus Christ will result in the salvation of our eternal souls, and this is precious in God's sight.  People sell their souls in exchange for things of this world that will perish like fame, money, and power.  Like Esau who gave up his birthright, many are deceived to think their "soul" is worthless when it is the only thing man possesses which will endure forever.

How good it is to be tried, to be refined by a loving God - painful though it may be.  Various trials will grieve us, but it is only for a little while and we have the promise of God's consolation.  Better to face the fiery trial now and repent of our faithlessness before God than face the eternal fires of hell in self-righteous pride.  You who claim to know Christ, are you filled with anxious thoughts, worries, fears, and cares of this world?  Could it be your claim to faith in Christ is in word only and is not a reality in your life?  It is God's grace to deliver a person to Satan for the destruction of the flesh so their soul can be saved in the Day of our LORD Jesus.  If in the trial you can rejoice with inexpressible joy in the LORD, that is evidence indeed of His divine power within you.  Trials have great value.  Better than gold is the assurance of scripture to those who trust and obey!

The Gold Standard

While preparing for the discipleship course at Calvary Chapel Sydney, I was struck by the words of Jesus speaking to His disciples in Mark 14:27:  "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: 'I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.'"  Consider how Jesus appealed to scripture to confirm what would indeed happen.  His appeal to the truth of scripture shows how powerful and unfailing it truly is.  Being the Son of God Jesus could have appealed to His own prophetic gift or even His judgment of the loyalty and courage of His disciples.  Yet He didn't.  If it is written, it will most certainly be done.

Now Peter didn't believe what Jesus said.  He didn't believe the Word of God applied to him given his feelings at the time.  Mark 14:29-30 reads, "Peter said to Him, "Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be." ³⁰  Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times."  The scripture and Jesus both spoke the truth, and the next verse is telling for all people of our natural tendency toward unbelief.  Mark 14:31 says, "But he spoke more vehemently, "If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!" And they all said likewise."

Did you catch the last sentence?  Peter and all the rest of the disciples refused to believe the scripture cited by Jesus Christ.    We are all capable of doing the same thing.  There are warnings in God's Word we shrug off and promises we forget to claim.  We worry because we do not entirely believe what God has said.  Frankly we do not think the Bible is always relevant to us or our current circumstances.  Surely we are an exception to the rule!  Because the Word of God cannot fail, all the disciples did indeed flee from Jesus and Peter denied Him three times.  God be praised that Jesus restored Peter and his vehement claim ended up being strangely prophetic, for a day came when he refused to deny Jesus and died for Him as a martyr.

If Jesus quoted the Bible concerning future events as the unfailing standard, than that is how we should view God's Word ourselves.  The value of gold fluctuates with the market, but the Bible is the gold standard of truth which is perfect and true without fail.  Its truth does not shift with culture or lose power over time.  This world will pass away, but the word of the LORD will endure forever.

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?

Power of Love

As I drove home from church this afternoon I heard a familiar refrain with a twist:  "You've got the whole world in your hands."  It was set to the tune I used to sing in Sunday School as a lad proclaiming God has the whole world in His hands and all is under His authority.  It turned out to the be an ad by ABC Radio promoting a new app that puts the "whole world in your hands."

It occurred to me that this perspective has appeal to people from the beginning.  What was the temptation dangled before Eve in the Garden by Satan?  "You will not die but shall be like God, knowing good and evil." (Gen. 3:4)  From the beginning man has wanted to be like God.  We have an insatiable appetite for knowledge and the supposed power it brings.  We want to sit in God's judgment seat and do what is right in our own eyes.  The false idol of every age has been self.  It is not self-hatred but the sin of self-love which ensnared men in its tendrils from the beginning.

Jesus came to this earth and demonstrated love for His heavenly Father and fellow men.  Jesus created this world by His words from nothing, and despite His power and authority He became a servant of all.  He sacrificed self out of love for others, giving no thought of His own life.  If a sinful man was god, he would live quite differently.  Jesus could have crushed His enemies with legions of angelic beings and protected Himself, yet He embraced the suffering of the cross and death so we could live through the Gospel.  Jesus allowed His body to be pierced with crude Roman nails so His redeemed could be engraved on His hands (Is. 49:16).

This is true power.  Jesus was willing to suffer so others could be saved.  Knowledge is one thing, but actually following through with a spirit of gentleness and meekness in the face of pain for the good of others is another.  I encourage you to read through the Gospels and recognise how differently Jesus responded to opposition, hatred, and betrayal than we naturally do.  His self-control, wisdom, and grace is beyond compare.  May Christians demonstrate His love, mercy, and strength in our everyday interactions so His name will be praised.

The Judgment Alert

Lately, for whatever reason, it seems people are highly concerning about the hypocrisy of others.  I hear them talk about it and I see people pointing out the hypocrisy of others on Facebook.  Everyone seems to have burning observations about the recent election which are focused on the behaviour of others.  I imagine you have seen this phenomenon too so I likely do not need provide examples.  People are boasting, complaining, angry, shocked, mourning, accusing, slanderous, gleeful, resigned, or couldn't care less.  As I observe others I do well to first examine my own heart and motives, knowing what the Bible says about me.

After Paul explained how God is holy and we are all under His judgment for sin, Romans 2:1 begins with this zinger aimed at the self-righteous:  "Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things."  God's judgment is one thing, but man's judgment is another.  This passage teaches us when we judge others we only condemn ourselves.  Take hypocrisy, for example.  If I am keen to point out the hypocrisy in others it reveals my own hypocrisy.  Before God I need to own the sin I judge to be in others.  "It takes one to know one" is an appropriate cliche in this context.  God's judgment comes from a place of righteous, holy perfection, but my judgments are naturally justified by my own crookedness.

This works in a similar fashion concerning our suspicions of others.  If we are suspicious people are talking about us behind our backs, it should be a signal to alert us of our own modus operandi.  If I am bothered by people gloating over a victory, I can know it is my natural inclination to do the same.  A person who is preoccupied their spouse could be cheating on them may themselves be unfaithful in their hearts.  We are all without excuse, for we are all sinners before the righteous Judge of all the earth.  Instead of judging others for their faults, we are called to repentance and obedience before God.  If we love Him, we will walk in the light as He is in the light.  Should we see a fellow Christian in sin, we are to check our own hearts and seek to restore such a one in a spirit of humility and meekness (Gal. 6:1) because we too can succumb to the exact same sin.

Those who judge practice the same things.  We do better to remove the plank from our own eyes first so we can see clearly to dislodge the speck from someone else's eye.  What I have found to be true is when I confess my sin and repent for my plank-eye and look with clear eyes on others, the specks often disappear.  Praise the LORD for clarity of vision He brings through His Word and the Holy Spirit into a world darkened with hypocrisy.

The Royal Tailor

Last night I was reading through Zechariah when Joshua the high priest was standing clothed in filthy garments before the LORD and His angels with Satan opposing him.  Satan is an accuser of the brethren, and likely in his mind he had a valid point given Joshua's filthy appearance.  But God rebuked the devil and did not debate the fact Joshua was indeed filthy.  God compared to Joshua being a "brand plucked out the fire," and if you have ever touched wood which has been scorched you know soot and ash is nigh impossible to clean.  God knew full well Joshua's condition before He brought Joshua into His presence.  God's grace would prove abundant.

Now the part of the story which opened my eyes with excitement is in Zechariah 3:3-4:  "Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel. ⁴ Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, "Take away the filthy garments from him." And to him He said, "See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes."  See what God did for Joshua?  He plucked him from the burning, removed his filthy garments from him and had rich robes prepared especially for Him.  Notice God removed Joshua's stained clothes, supplied new robes, and also clothed him with them.  Joshua had no power to remove his clothes himself, as they were a picture of his iniquity.  Joshua also could not clothe himself with the robe God promised to supply.  He needed to submit to God for His cleansing and his new clothing.

This is a great picture of how Satan works to oppose and accuse Christians who have been saved from destruction through repentance and faith in Christ.  The devil doesn't stop his attacks by virtue of us being in God's presence:  he may ramp up his assault!  But God be praised, for our Saviour rebukes the enemy, removes our iniquity, and imputes unto us His righteousness.  We can fall prey to the devil's accusations because of our sin and despair, forgetting God desires to cleanse and restore us.  We can become frustrated in the efforts of our flesh to absolve ourselves of guilt and to walk in holiness.  Only God can do these things and He is glad to do so for all who repent.

How gracious is our holy God, who loves us enough to pull us out of the fire, remove our iniquity, and clothe us in His royal righteousness.  Let us rejoice along with God's people in Isaiah 61:10:  "I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."  Jesus Christ is our royal tailor, and our righteousness is in Him.

Your Choice on Election Day

"Thus says the LORD: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the LORD. ⁶ For he shall be like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see when good comes, but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land which is not inhabited. ⁷ "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD. ⁸ For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit."

Jeremiah 17:5-8

In Australia the upcoming United States presidential election is big news.  People ask me all the time for my thoughts on the election "as an American."  As someone who has called Australia home for six years, I feel a bit distant from the pulse.  But I tell you the truth:  the problems facing the United States are beyond the capacity for any man or woman to change for the better.  It is not primarily a social, racial, medical, or financial problem but a spiritual one.  Even government authority and godly leaders established by God cannot by themselves affect positive change in people who have placed their hope in man.

After God birthed the nation of Israel and He established them in Canaan, it wasn't long before they wanted a king like all the nations around them.  They would not have God rule over them any longer and wanted a man to lead them and fight their battles.  It wasn't long before they resembled the idolatrous and weak nations around them.  The passage in Jeremiah explains the progression well:  when a man trusts and looks to men for strength his heart departs from the LORD.  He will find himself under a curse, dry and thirsty "like a shrub in the desert."  Looking to men for strength causes a man to find himself parched, not able to receive the good things God desires to supply.  Years of drought will cause him to wither, fear increased heat, and be anxious at the prospects of drought.  When you consider a potential 8 years of President Clinton or Trump, do you think America will resemble an oasis or a wasteland?

Yet consider the different picture of the man who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is not in man but in God!  No matter the social or economic circumstances this one will find rest, abundance, and fruitfulness in the LORD!  A tree does not stockpile food, weapons, or ammunition in fear of an uncertain future, nor does it threaten to leave a country if a particular man or woman is elected president.  Followers of Jesus Christ shall be blessed even when the heat comes, when there are decades of godless leadership, even when a peaceable life seems impossible.  Your vote or voice may not seem to be heard by men unworthy of trust, but God hears all who call upon Him in faith.  Hope from God does not depend upon Republicans or Democrats, on Presidents or Prime Ministers, on government policies or welfare payments. The scripture says blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and cursed is the man who trusts in man.

Choose this day if you will be cursed or receive God's blessing.  If the outcome of this upcoming election shakes you to your core, confess and repent before God you have placed hope in men, and find a firm foundation in Jesus Christ to set your trembling feet.  In Him is life, Living Water, and rest for your soul.  You can be like a well-watered and fruitful tree no matter the political climate when you trust in God and make Jesus Christ your hope - or you can be weak, dry, not seeing when good comes, afraid, anxious, and fruitless.  I pray you make the right choice this election day and always!

What Grace Teaches

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, ¹² teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, ¹³ looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, ¹⁴ who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works."

Titus 2:11-14

Grace is a gift of God Christians ought to receive with joy and walk in.  A quick search revealed 17 books in the New Testament begin with a salutation which mentions grace and peace together.  It is only by the grace of God we can have peace with God.  Paul wrote in  Romans 5:1-2, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."  We are saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-10), and we also stand and rejoice in God's grace continually.

Though grace is a common theme throughout the entire Bible, it is commonly misunderstood.  It can be frustrated and abused.  God's grace can erroneously become a "cloak" for sin, and antinomianism is strongly spoken against in the New Testament.  The Titus passage quoted above plainly says the grace of God ought to teach us many things:  we ought to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts; we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this world; and we should live knowing we will be required to settle accounts with a holy God on the day of judgment.  God's grace should bring to remembrance the massive price Jesus paid in shedding His own blood for the atonement of sinners, purchasing for Himself a church He desires to be pure as He is pure.  We are not saved by works, but by God's grace we have been saved unto good works for God's glory.

Since we have been born again by the grace of God and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, our conduct, thoughts, and words ought to reflect this transformation.  By the grace of God we can experience the peace of God which passes all understanding.  By God's grace we have access to the joy of the LORD which is our strength (Neh. 8:10).  The grace of God had a profound impact on Barnabas, as we read in Acts 11:23:  "When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord."  The grace of God isn't something we talk about.  It is not a theological doctrine but produces tangible fruit in the life of Christ's disciples.  When Barnabas saw this grace of God, he was glad.  This also prompted him to encourage all that "with purpose of heart they should continue with the LORD."  With the certainly afforded Christians with the resurrection by God's grace, Paul echoed this sentiment in 1 Corinthians 15:58, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."

Let we who follow Jesus ensure we are learning the lessons God's grace is intended to teach us.  The Law is compared to a tutor who led us by the hand to Jesus in Galatians 3, and it could be said grace is a loving embrace by God which inspires us to personal holiness.  As we continue in this earthly pilgrimage, let us cling to our God of all grace as we walk in the way which pleases Him.  1 Peter 5:8-11 says, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. ⁹ Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. ¹⁰ 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. ¹¹ To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen."

Unexpected Deliverance

It occurred to me recently how God brings deliverance and salvation in ways we could never expect.  He raised up deliverers for His people from unexpected places, men like Moses who was a Hebrew raised in Pharaoh's house and David whom God prepared as he kept his father's flock.  God also used means seen as unthinkable by God's people to chasten them to repentance and humility.  He is willing to go to lengths what men might consider extreme to revive and restore a faithful remnant before Him.

Reading through the prophets there is found a common theme of surprise among devout Jews God would employ King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (whom God called His servant) to bring the nation into captivity.  Habakkuk the prophet of God was left astonished at this revelation.  How could God possibly use a heathen nation who was under God's judgment to chasten God's people?  In the New Testament Peter explained judgment begins at the house of God (1 Pet. 4:17).  God was not turning a blind eye to the idolatry, witchcraft, and sin of the Babylonians.  They would face judgment before a holy God.  They would be God's chosen yet unlikely rod of discipline - unthinkable from the perspective of God's people, of course!

The scriptures also reveal God uses unlikely means to correct and humble His people:  unclean spirits.  When King Saul was lifted up with pride, the Holy Spirit departed from Saul and God sent an evil spirit to torment and harass him.  This is stated as a matter-of-fact in 1 Samuel 16:14-16:  "But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the LORD troubled him. ¹⁵ And Saul's servants said to him, "Surely, a distressing spirit from God is troubling you. ¹⁶ Let our master now command your servants, who are before you, to seek out a man who is a skillful player on the harp; and it shall be that he will play it with his hand when the distressing spirit from God is upon you, and you shall be well."  What may surprise you is God allowed a messenger of Satan to afflict the apostle Paul, a man who remained loyal to God.  He explained in 2 Corinthians 12:7, "And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure."  King Saul started well and Saul who later became Paul finished well, yet they both received treatment from God we might think odd from our limited perspective.

The scriptures prove God is in control of nations and individuals, of those who fear God and to those lifted up with pride.  People both near to God and far from Him remain subject to His authority and are offered His peace and love.  He sovereignly allowed Job to suffer at the hand of Satan, and also graciously restored double-honour unto Job after the trial.  God is willing to allow those He loves to experience pain and buffeting so we will be refined and cling closer to Him.  God knows the deadly danger of idolatry and pride and loves people too much to allow us to be comfortable on the broad path which leads to destruction.  The fact God allowed Satan to enter Judas who betrayed righteous Jesus Christ to suffer and die on a cross to demonstrate His love for us and extend salvation to all who repent and trust in Him cannot be overlooked.  If we should receive such consolation and comfort from the sufferings of Christ and even Paul, isn't it likely in our suffering God has redemption and revival in mind? (2 Corinthians 1:3-6)

Let us not be dismayed when we too face difficulties in this life.  I have come to believe if a child of God is defeated, God is the one responsible.  We can think the devil is responsible when God Himself is refining us!  He allows the burdens of life to be heavy upon us to test us, to see if we will trust and obey God in pain or go our own way to try to avoid it.  God is good to crush us under the weight of our sin, inadequacy, and apparent fruitfulness so we might cast our cares upon Him in humble desperation.  It is written in Isaiah 57:15, "For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."  If a car fell off jack stands and crushed down on a man's chest as he worked on a car, he would instinctively struggle to free himself from the weight.  When the conviction of sin come crushing down upon us, when our failures seem heavy, when we make a mistake when we try to wriggle free.  It is good for us to humble ourselves in repentance before God, for God dwells with the humble and contrite - the crushed, the broken - and will revive the heart and spirit of the same.

This crushing is not pleasant or fun, even though God redeems it for good.  Paul prayed fervently on three occasions the spiritual attacks would stop, but God did the unthinkable:  He said no.  Let us hear from Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:8-10:  "Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. ⁹ And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. ¹⁰ Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."  Paul did not cower in fear, nor was he disillusioned or depressed as if God had forsaken him.  God allowed a messenger of Satan, but with the buffeting provided bountiful consolation in God.  Paul responded to this beautifully as we also ought, gladly rejoicing in infirmities and the sufficiency of God's grace. Paul's accuser delivered him from pride and caused him to abide with God in humility and truth.  Because Paul suffered and overcame by God's grace, and in weakness discovered strength, we can do the same even when God allows things we can't explain or escape.

Pour Out Your Heart

"Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah."

Psalm 62:8

How good and refreshing it is to pour out our hearts to God!  We are commanded to be casting our cares upon the LORD because He cares for us.  I confess sometimes my prayers better resemble a small trickle than a pouring.  When we are finally content to be empty of self the Holy Spirit floods into our hearts with sustaining power, peace, and joy.  How easily we can hold onto cares when God urges us to trust Him and simply pour out our hearts before Him!  Is He not able to accomplish what concerns us and all others today?

It is wonderful we do not need to have answers or even all the information to pour out our hearts before God.  He is not like an earthly judge who requires us to present all our evidence before he will act according to the law, but God knows our needs even before we ask and will supply them by His grace.  We don't have to be privy to insider information or use spiritual lingo.  God knows what He will do even before we are compelled to pray!  How great is our Saviour!  How gracious and generous He is to us, we who instinctively hold onto our sins, worries, and concerns!  At all times He is a trustworthy refuge who will protect for us.  All we need is found in Him.

"Selah" means to pause and think about what was just said.  Take some time think over what the Psalmist has said and affirm it is true to your experience.  Are you trusting God today?  Have you poured out your heart before Him?  Do you realise God is the true refuge you have been desiring, far more glorious and lovely than the circumstances we have begged Him to change?  Let us pour out our hearts before Him holding nothing back, brothers and sisters of little faith.  We will find our peace, rest, and joy in Him today and always.  

The Dresser

After experiencing consecutive sunrises in a plane, my trip to Israel ended safely this morning with my arrival into Sydney.  As I rode on the train home from the airport, I was filled with praise unto God.  He was with me every step of the way.  All unknowns were met by His gracious provision, and He guided and protected me at all times.  His merciful hand coordinated my transportation as well as times of sharing from God's Word.  The time of fellowship with Christians in the Holy Land was sweet indeed.  Despite the lengthy periods of travel and speaking my soul feels refreshed, though the body is weary.  How great God is and worthy to be praised, for He does not grow weary or faint!

On the last leg of my journey from Bangkok to Sydney, I watched a BBC television film called "The Dresser" starring Ian McKellen and Anthony Hopkins.  The story is primarily about two aging men, a renowned actor in ill health and his dresser who labours behind the scenes to ensure the show goes on.  "Sir," played by Hopkins, is plagued by the potential end of a career without the fame and notoriety he believes his lifetime of sacrifice deserves.  A scrapbook of articles chronicling his successes is one of his chief treasures, but even a full house and a curtain call leaves the man empty.  The dresser Norman, expertly performed by an inspired McKellen, struggles also with the same problem.  His constant labours to prepare the disoriented and ill "Sir" for the stage are completely overlooked - even by the man himself.  He loves and despises his "Sir" at the same time, for all his dreams live and die with him.  Without someone to dress, what good is a dresser?

I found the film moving because it hits upon a key note in Christian ministry:  motivation.  I thought to myself, why do I do what I do for Jesus?  Why do we make the personal sacrifices to obey God?  Do we preach or write to be known or to make Jesus Christ known?  Sir desired rave reviews, a knighthood, and that people would speak well of him after his passing.  Norman fed off the praise of his idol, for when Sir was praised he vicariously and greedily gobbled it up.  Both men were empty in the end, having poured out their souls for what could not satisfy.  Such is life, and such is even service unto God when our hearts are not pure before Him.  We must be willing to labour behind the scenes without recognition, grateful we have been chosen and divinely helped to serve Jesus Christ.  If we long for the applause and approval of men, even if we obtain all we desire we shall remain in want.

Unless our motive is for the glory of God alone, the Preacher in Ecclesiastes speaks the truth, "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity!"  How praiseworthy is our God!  We do not need to "dress" Him up and make Him look presentable, for He is good, glorious, and awesome in power.  Holding onto the accolades and praises of men leaves us empty, but giving all honour to God fills us with joy and thanksgiving unto Him.  Praise the LORD!  By God's grace when we humble ourselves our best days are yet ahead!

The Sin of Moses

A subject which has come up several times lately is the claim Moses was prevented by God from entering the Land of Promise because he "misrepresented" God.  Let us allow God Himself to speak on the subject directly before we misrepresent scripture!   The sins of Moses were unbelief, rebellion, and that he did not sanctify God among the people.  The following passages make it clear Moses was disciplined for these reasons, not because he ruined God's typology concerning Christ or according to many other theories I have heard.  Numbers 20:10-12 says, "And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said to them, "Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?" ¹¹  Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank. ¹²  Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them."  Moses struck the rock the first time (Exodus 17:6) and it seems he did not believe God to obey Him in only speaking to the rock.  God gave Moses authority, but he transgressed in acting as if the power of God was his to command, thus not hallowing God before the people.

The other main passage is found in Numbers 27:12-14:  "Now the LORD said to Moses: "Go up into this Mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given to the children of Israel. ¹³  And when you have seen it, you also shall be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother was gathered. ¹⁴  For in the Wilderness of Zin, during the strife of the congregation, you rebelled against My command to hallow Me at the waters before their eyes." (These are the waters of Meribah, at Kadesh in the Wilderness of Zin.)"  Moses rebelled against God's command and disobeyed by striking the rock.  If this does not convince you of the explicit reasons why Moses was strongly disciplined by God, it may be you are placing greater weight on the words of men than God.

The common claim of "misrepresentation" brings another pertinent question forward:  was Moses at any time supposed to "represent" God to the people?  That is how Roman Catholics view the Pope, yet I do not find any biblical evidence to support this approach.  Are pastors supposed to be elevated to godlike status who speak with the unquestioned authority of God?  God forbid!  Christians are called ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20), messengers (2 Corinthians 8:23) and thus representatives in a sense, but we do not represent Him to the world.  There is a difference from a representative and a representation.  We are called to direct the gaze of people to admire, worship, and praise God alone.  It is not my job to represent God to my wife, children, or friends, but to be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, believing and obeying  Him, hallowing God above all.  To "sanctify" or "hallow" means to consecrate God as supremely unique and distinct, to set Him apart as infinitely superior to me and all others.

By His grace God has made us holy and sanctified Christians unto Him, but we are not Him.  The Holy Spirit dwells inside us and empowers us, but we are not God and will never be.  Oh that we might live as He does righteously in this world, free from the stain of sin!  Moses made the mistake of rebelling against God in unbelief, not sanctifying God in the sight of the people.  God was angry with Moses for the sake of the people, for Moses was never to be their ruler:  God was.  The death of Moses is a stern reminder to all who God has called to minister unto Him that we must continue to believe, obey, and hallow God all our days.  Our steps may be made to stop just short of the full inheritance God has ordained for us on the planet.  We may see the promise afar off with our undimmed eyes, but we won't experience all the victories God has prepared for us.

Live In the Light

Today I went on a walk around the Old City of Jerusalem - literally.  It took me about an hour and 15 minutes from stepping out the door of my hotel to follow the rampart walk path, walk up the Mount of Olives for a few pictures of the Temple Mount, and then complete the circuit around the ancient walls.  When I have the proper cable connection, I will share a couple pictures!

One of the themes which has been on my mind of late is the importance of walking in the light.  Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:1-2, "Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. ²  But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God."  Christians freely confess their belief that God sees all, yet this knowledge does not mean we naturally walk uprightly.  We tend to hide sinful and shameful things rather than confessing and renouncing them publicly.  Our hearts can be littered with sins and we can be like an overwhelmed housewife who feels compelled to apologise for the mess to her guests.  The laundry on the floor, dirty dishes on the table from two days ago, and the overflowing rubbish bins may very well be a normal sight in the home, but the apologies keep coming because it would be embarrassing to admit the mess is normal life.

Every human heart is messy, and using the analogy of our heart as Christ's home it is good for us to open up the windows so light can stream in.  He should have unrestricted access to all parts of our lives.  It is good for us to see the dust, grime, and sticky residue so we can take steps to clean the place up.  This sounds great in theory, but "spring cleaning" is actually a thing because it is not long before stuff starts to accumulate.  Rooms can be so piled up with stuff it is hardly a functional space any longer.  In a spiritual sense we must be willing to bring our entire life into the light for examination by our Saviour, not hiding our sins in cluttered junk drawers and darkened closets.  We are very good at keeping our living room presentable when we know guests will be arriving soon, but we ought to live as if we expect a surprise inspection by an eagle-eyed associate from the rental agency with a penchant for copious notes.  We live in borrowed bodies, for we aren't our own.

God doesn't want to expose our faults for all to see to humiliate us but to forgive.  Should we continue to conceal our sin it opens us up for deadly sinful infestations.  Rodents and vermin which carry disease and spread filth begin to multiply in the darkness.  Some hoarders come to a point where their homes become dangerous, and simple tasks critical to a functioning home like washing and cooking are impossible.  Woe to the man who hoards and hides sin!  Spiritual power correlates directly with purity, even as a clean and organised kitchen is a useful one.  If Jesus is the Light of the World, how can we be in Christ if we prefer to remain in darkness?  This is the condemnation, that Light has come into the world and men preferred darkness!  It follows, therefore, those who are in Christ must live their lives in the light.  God's Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.

It is written in 1 John 1:5-9:  "This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. ⁶  If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. ⁷  But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. ⁸  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  Instead of apologising because we are embarrassed for sins we'd rather not anyone know about, let us confess and renounce them.  Bringing them into the light breaks the power of secrecy they once held over us.  Then we can actually have fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ and walk in the joy of redemption, forgiveness, and salvation.  That is way better than trying to hide our problems from men and the God who can forgive and deliver us from all sin!

The Safe Place

Last night we met at Christ Church in the Old City, the oldest protestant church in the Middle East.  It was a refreshing time of worship through song and the study of God's Word.  It was wonderful to "come away" into the LORD's presence for a sweet time of fellowship.

While expounding on the first dozen verses of Hebrews 11, the speaker talked of the ark Noah built as a picture of the safe place we have in Jesus.  The rain fell and the waves billowed, yet those who sought refuge in the ark were saved from destruction.  He also mentioned the house of Rehab the harlot in Jericho as a safe place.  It was a city doomed for a great fall, but after she obediently hung a scarlet cord in the window all who took refuge in her home would be saved.  Cities of refuge were also spread throughout Israel, places where those who were guilty of manslaughter could face a fair trial before the priests and the congregation.

There is one safe place (albeit quite ironic!) which came to mind which wasn't directly spoken of during the sermon.  When the ship transporting Paul and other prisoners was driven by a great storm, God divinely revealed to Paul all the people who remained on the ship would be saved - though it would run aground on a certain island.  This is exactly what the sailors feared.  No one wanted to run aground and be at the mercy of strong winds and battering waves.  A moment came when some of the sailors secretly planned to escape the ship using a lifeboat.  Acts 27:31-32 says, "Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved." ³²  Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the skiff and let it fall off."

Now a sinking ship is a very unlikely location to be deemed a "safe place."  But because God had promised He would save alive all the people who remained on the ship, it was the safest place to be!  The way to eternal glory for Jesus was through being crucified on a cross, and Jesus says those who lose their lives for His sake with find Him.  He is the safe place where we find eternal life and rest for our souls.  He is able to uphold and help us every step of this earthly pilgrimage.  1 Peter 1:3-5 reads, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴  to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, ⁵  who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

Whether you find yourself in green pastures beside still waters or tempest tossed by contrary winds, in Jesus you are in the safe place.  We can rest in Him, abiding in the shadow of His wings.  The first part of Deuteronomy 33:27 says, "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms..."  We are called to trust and He will keep us by His power.

Death to Life

Yesterday I walked with a friend through the Arab Market in Jerusalem to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre for the first time.  Believed by many to be a church built over the place of Christ's crucifixion and where He was entombed, it is a tourist attraction frequented by Catholic pilgrims from all over the world.  A crowd of people filled the courtyard, and it was even more crowded inside.

The first thing which struck me as I entered the building was how crowded and dimly lit it was.  Though I had seen pictures of the interior of the church before, they didn't capture how big and sprawling the place was inside.  Ambiance aside, it was the activities of the visitors which surprised me most.  People were kissing stones, prostrating themselves on the ground in prayer, and crawling under the foot of a cross to kiss and touch a picture.  In a word, I felt it was bizarre.  People queued up before stones and relics like people at Disneyland for rides, venerating the stones which some believed had witnessed Christ's final hours and resting place for days.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a place perpetually focused on the death and burial of Jesus.  Painting and mosaics in the dim atmosphere portray Christ being crucified, mourned, and prepared for burial.  I had the feeling people were paying homage to dead stones in memory of Jesus.  It was a somber veneration of death without remembrance of Christ's resurrection!  It seemed an incongruent assembly, to remember and mourn the Light of the World Jesus Christ among tombs when He is risen and living.  It is good for a man to remember His death, but not to the neglect of the celebration of new life through Him.

There is a massive contrast between the two areas many believe to be where Christ was crucified and buried:  the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Garden Tomb.  The Sepulchre is dark, musty, and filled with relics whilst the Garden tomb is filled with living plants with the bright sky overhead.  Birds can be seen and heard in the trees.  On the door of the tomb it says, "He is risen!"  In the Church of the Holy Sepulchre there was no such light or life, the trappings of religion rather than joyous relationship, veneration of stones rather than praise of the Cornerstone who lives.

I believe everyone should visit both sights to compare and contrast them.  They are both versions of the same story, yet one is focused on death and the other a proclamation of life.  Jesus died and was buried, but He is risen in glorious power and life.  We should proclaim the LORD's death until He comes, the One who has delivered us from idols to serve the living and true God.  Stones are not holy because a dead body laid on them, but we have been made holy living stones by God's grace through faith in our risen Saviour.  Let us walk in newness of life and rejoice in His light!

Clear Vision

Jerusalem is filled with people these days because of Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles.  It is wonderful to see many families with happy children thronging the streets.  My hotel is located just inside the Jaffa gate which is a major thoroughfare for foot traffic.  At the gate you will see armed policemen, monks, tour groups, vendors selling bread and pomegranate juice, orthodox Jews, and pilgrims from all over the world.  There was a group of people whose matching bright-green shirts caught my eye.  On the back of the shirts was printed, "Vision for Israel."

As a person who has immigrated to a different country from where I was born, this shirt sent a message I imagine Jew or Gentile living in Israel finds offensive.  Their intentions may be noble, but the only One with a relevant "vision for Israel," Australia, or any other nation is God!  Scripture makes it clear God has a clear vision and plan for people, cities, and nations.  On one level it seems a bit presumptuous to claim you have a vision for others when your own life is a vapour!  "Vision" is a loaded word that means different things to different people.  But since our God does more than we could ever ask or think, it is clear my greatest visions leave much to be desired.

I am convinced the best ministers are not those who have a vision for a nation, but those who have a clear vision of the risen LORD and Saviour, Jesus Christ.  Isaiah was a man greatly used by God - not to accomplish fruitfulness or revival we often envision - because in seeing a vision of God his own need was revealed.  His life was lived in the glorious illumination of the God who called and sent Him for His own purposes.  Isaiah 6:1-3 says, "In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. ²  Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. ³  And one cried to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!"  In light of this revelation Isaiah saw his inadequacy and discovered the sufficiency of the Almighty God.

Visions and plans for the future by themselves do not compare to the God who knows the future and will ultimately accomplish His perfect will.  Since God has revealed Himself to us in Jesus Christ, we are to look to Him for wisdom and strength, being guided by the Holy Spirit.  God is the One who brings visions to pass.  Should God give you a vision, like the Macedonian man who appeared to Paul or the sheet which was dropped from heaven before Peter, the vision is never to be our guide.  That is God's territory, for we need Him to help us every step of the way.  Whether or not we see our vision fulfilled, we can have all confidence Jesus is worthy of our admiring gaze for eternity.  This much is clear!

Foundation for Life

It's often hard times which cause people to evaluate their lives and help to re-align perspective.  Jesus told a parable about two men who both built houses which were exposed to a fierce storm.  One built his house upon the rock, and the other built his home upon the sand.  They chief difference between the two was the foundation they chose to build on.  The aftermath of the storm provided evidence who built wisely:  the house on the sand was completely destroyed, and the house on the rock endured.

Jesus told this parable to illustrate the difference between those who hear His words and those who actually put them into practice.  The one who heeded the words of Christ and obeyed them was compared to the man who built his house on the rock, a solid foundation.  Today it dawned on me that it required a storm to reveal which foundation was worthy.  When weather was fair all seemed well, even when the foundation was not trustworthy.  God allows Christians to face strong storms as a testimony to the world of His sufficiency, not only for this life but for eternity.  Those who are observant will recognise a circumstance which overwhelmed one person with fear and worry was unable to rattle the one who placed their faith in Jesus.

As important as mementos and pictures are, they pale in comparison to the value of life.  If the flood waters were rising, no sane parent would choose to save photos over their only child.  The living child is infinitely more important then pictures printed on paper.  God created man and breathed into Him a living soul, and saving souls from destruction was the primary purpose Jesus has come to earth.  He alone has the words of life, and only through Him can we come to God in faith and receive salvation.  Peter spoke concerning a man miraculously healed in Acts 4:10-12, "...let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. ¹¹  This is the 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.' ¹²  Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

Are you facing a storm, believer?  If your life is founded on Christ through faith demonstrated by obedience, you will be divinely helped to stand firm as a testimony to others of the saving power of God.  In the aftermath you can know your foundation is one founded in wisdom which will endure.  It's amazing how God can use something like a storm to prove He is worthy of trust for eternity.  And if the trial sweeps you off your feet, thank God He has revealed the insufficiency of your foundation while there is still hope of change.  Instead of lamenting the loss of false security, in Christ we only gain.

Worthy of Worship

It's not every day I am excited about a scientific discovery, but the most recent revelation from NASA has kept me happy for days.  In the 1990's - not the 1890's - it was estimated there were about 200 billion galaxies in the known universe.  Well, according to most recent data, those facts were only 10% correct:  it turns out there is in excess of 10 times more galaxies than previously estimated.  This is mind boggling, right?  If there are estimated to be 2 trillion galaxies now, imagine what a more accurate count might be in twenty years' time!

Now I am not saying the original estimate was "wrong," because the estimate was simply that - an estimate.  But when I hear a highly-touted "landmark" study being 90% off from what we now know is a more accurate estimate based on factual evidence, it only increases my faith in God and the Bible.  I would never consider myself among the "best and brightest" and I certainly have no scientific credentials, yet I am an avid observer of scientific discoveries and have a long memory.  I have seen the estimated age of our universe grow almost three-fold since my childhood.  Now I have seen this new study improve on twenty-five-year data by 90%!  Based on the evidence, would it be wiser to trust the best estimates of men or the unchanging truth of God?

God created man to reason, with creativity and curiosity.  Curious minds want to know and study everything they can.  We love puzzles, games, thought-provoking stories, and exploration.  We all want to know more about the world we live in:  are there any out there who want to know more about the God who made it?  God hasn't told us how old the universe is, and I suspect in the light of eternity it really doesn't matter.  Even if it did matter, God is under no obligation to tell us!  But praise God He does speak, He does not change, and His Word will endure forever.  The scientific community seems to worship facts, but when the facts change are they still worthy of worship?

I don't presume to know when God created the heavens and the earth, but I am convinced He did.  If I knew the tune I would sing along with the elders in Revelation 4:11, "You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created."

Hope for Everyone

There is hope in Jesus Christ for all who repent.  A person whom you consider the worst of the worst - even the "chief of sinners" - can be forgiven, born again, and be chosen to be a vital part of the Body of Christ.  Paul was one such man.  In 1 Timothy 1:13 he expressed thanks to Jesus for enabling him to be God's minister though he was once a blasphemer, persecutor, and an insolent man.  The man guilty of murdering Christians became a Christian himself, one mighty through faith in Jesus.  God accepted Paul before his wary fellow Christians did, and we really can't blame them.  We too have been suspicious when we should have trusted God.

Paul wrote later in the chapter in 1 Timothy 1:18-20, "This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, ¹⁹ having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, ²⁰ of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme."  It appears Hymenaeus and Alexander were men of genuine faith who had "suffered shipwreck" and were guilty of blasphemy.  After Paul became a Christian blasphemy was no longer a pattern of behaviour in his life.  It seems a strong wind of false doctrine had blown these men off course.  Perhaps their lives resembled a vessel where the captain had become drunk, fell asleep, and ran his ship aground on rocks.  They were men who should have known better than to remain stubbornly in sin, so Paul had been forced to excommunicate them from the safe haven of the church before they pulled any other Christians down with them.  Hopefully a few cold nights adrift in the deep with sharks circling would bring them to their senses.

I love that there was hope for Hymenaeus and Alexander if they repented and returned to Jesus Christ in faith, even as there was hope for Paul when he was a blasphemer who had never known God in truth.  Being "delivered to Satan" in itself did not provide any hope, but falling into the hands of the enemy of their souls would provide strong motivation to return to their Saviour who was their joy, wisdom, and peace.  Even as the loving father in the Parable of the Prodigal was willing to let his son leave home with his inheritance in hand even though he would waste it all, God loves us enough to let us suffer shipwreck concerning the faith so we might come to our senses, think better of Him, and return to His fold.  He values us as His only Son and desires all would come to repentance.  What grace, that there is hope in Jesus for sinners and saints!