Gravedigger

     What do you do when a friend digs their own grave? What can you pray when someone's sins are about to turn their world completely upside down?  Most of us avoid these gravediggers; I think because we're afraid we'll get sucked into the pit with them.

     A man named Jeremiah faced such a situation a little less than 3,000 years ago. The Israelites sinned constantly until God couldn't take it anymore. "They've dug their own grave," He said in essence. "In fact, do not pray for them, Jeremiah" (Jeremiah 7:16). When someone's dug their own grave, what do we do?

Weep

     Jeremiah was known as the weeping prophet because of his many tears for Israel. God basically told him there was no hope for his countrymen. Jeremiah prayed otherwise. He hurt for them. It's O.K. to hurt for those who have passed the point of no return. Instead of passing them off as collateral damage, go ahead and hold onto the high value you placed on friendship...and family. It is painful to hear about or watch a friend spiral down an endless rabbit hole. But your broken heart will lead to intercession.

Pray

     Jeremiah disobeyed the Lord; he prayed for his country even after God told him not to. He couldn't help it.  I will admit that sometimes I'm at a loss for how to pray for a friend who is about to hit rock bottom. Didn't they dig this grave? Didn't they do this to themselves?  Jeremiah, on the other hand, put himself in their shoes (Jeremiah 18:20) and spoke on their behalf to God.  Maybe God was just testing Jeremiah.  Either way, his love for his neighbors brought him to his knees.  

Stay

     The most damaging thing about sin is separation. The sinner is separated from God, and the "non-sinners" (even though there is no such person) avoids them like the plague. Stay with your hurting brother or sister as long as possible. You may be the only Jesus that shows true friendship by sticking around while everyone else threatens to throw stones. Jeremiah also stuck around sinful Israel after the threats of the Babylonians became reality. He stayed to hold hands, share meals, and weep some more.

     Everyone acts differently when they come across a gravedigger. Most people keep moving along as if nothing is happening. Others go the other extreme by grabbing a shovel and digging a deeper hole only to push them in. I think most gravediggers know their fate. They're just looking for someone who cares; someone who can spark hope and life.  

Gravediggers may be looking for someone to help them bury the hatchet.

     How will you respond when a gravedigger near you starts digging their own grave?

Deaf or Dumb?

     Deaf or dumb?  I've been accused of both.  Which would we choose, spiritually speaking?

     At the beginning of this 2013th year our church went through the Daniel fast.  I can only say with honesty that I tried to participate.  However, we were all encouraged to seek a goal throughout the 30 day prayer-emphasis.  Mine was to hear the voice of God!

     The fast has long since been over, and my goal has continued on even in this month of May.  I'm inspired when I read about the prophets in the Bible who HEARD the voice of the Lord.  Some of those men seemingly heard God's voice audibly!  Can you imagine?  My dream is to hear God's voice so clearly that  I can undeniably carry out His instructions with faith and fervency.  But . . . I think there is a problem with my logic.

     In order to have faith, I think there is by definition a certain degree of uncertainty; an unseen path; and perhaps an unheard command.  That's what the writer of Hebrews alludes to: "Faith is being . . . certain of what we do not see."  If this is true it bothers me.  It's uncomfortable.  Even scary.

     However, I'm more afraid that I've been influenced by a world that says, "Seeing is believing."  My prayer has become, "Let me see You so I can follow;  let me hear You so I can obey."  Aha!  And there's my problem . . .

To obey.  REGARDLESS of whether or I hear or not.

     I wonder if the reason the prophets were able to hear the voice of God so clearly is because they obeyed.  This isn't about doing something to earn God's love or salvation.  It's about what we do after we receive the knowledge of God's love and salvation.

     I also wonder if God can trust me with hearing His voice.  Should I learn to be obedient regardless of my circumstances?  Regardless of my opinions?  Regardless of my doubt?

     If I had to choose, I'd rather be deaf than dumb.

     (Now, before you bombard me with theological rebuttals, I'll have you know my aim is to hear AND obey.)

     What is God telling you to do?  Are you in a position where you need to obey the Lord without question?  

God Named You First

     Did you know that God named you first?  Yeah, God has a little white rock that says so; but we'll get to that in a bit.

     In a world that tells you to be different and stand out but then push you to conformity, I can see how easy it is for an identity crisis to develop.  Now more than ever we are asking, "Does my life matter?"  "Do I have a purpose or a destiny?"  And, "Who am I?"

     I have good news!  Whether your birth was planned and your parents picked your name out when they were in first grade; or perhaps you were a surprise, or even unwanted – the One who really gets the credit for your existence is God.  In fact, before you were formed in the womb, He knew you (Jeremiah 1:5).

     So, before you pursue your identity, let God illuminate His purpose!

     The reason for this post isn't to expound deeply on the purpose of our lives…but only to encourage you to seek first Christ, the author of your life-book.  The object of our being is both universal and individual.  Generally speaking, we were created to glorify God!  This is our collective destiny; God’s original plan for us.  However, He also made everyone as unique as their thumb print, with personality and dreams to match. 

     Why not seek the great Designer before trying to figure out the design?

     Here's the deal about that little white rock I was talking about earlier.  Check out Revelation 2:17: “To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna.  I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.”  Think of that day when Jesus pulls us closer to Him, reaches in His pocket and pulls out a rock!  He’ll look around to make sure no one is looking, and He’ll show us our TRUE identity!  (Mine will say Hercules. I know...you're not surprised.)

     Yes…we may not see this rock until we enter Heaven, but I submit to you that because Revelation was written in the first century, our identity (or our new name) was established long before we were born.  Your blueprint is available upon request, submission, and obedience!  We don’t have to wait to find out who we were created to be.  Lose your life for Christ’s sake, and there you will find it (Matthew 16:25).

     Maybe you like your name . . . and then again, maybe you’d love to legally change it like Metta World Peace did!  The truth of the matter is: GOD NAMED YOU FIRST!

The Reason I Like Rainbows

     Whenever people want us to pick our favorite color, I get perplexed because I like them all.  It's probably because I don't want to leave one out.  Being an artist, I can’t imagine a pallet with a missing color.  It would be like a mechanic with a toolbox without a socket wrench, or a chef with drawers that have no whisks.  Sure you could get by for a little while, but why?

 

     I often get teased because I openly embrace the rainbow.  The sentimentality isn't political, but artistic.  There’s just something about a band of colors that unite and stretch across the sky to show the world that differences can be overlooked!  Can we learn from the rainbow?  We, too, can work together to glorify the Creator of those colors.  The same One who painted the universe also made different personalities available to the Church so that she would be brushed with life and character.  And that’s the real reason I like the rainbow so much.  

     Do you feel like God gave you something to offer this world?  Do you ever feel like others can sometimes try to fit you into a mold you weren't created for?  I can so relate.  The answer, however, isn't found in individuality and forcing your views on others.  Instead...

What I’ve learned is that if I want others to accept my differences, I must also accept the differences in others.

     The Bible says that God commands His “blessing and life forevermore” on those who choose to live in unity (Psalm 133).  Do you have a roommate?  Do you live with your family?  If so, you know firsthand how difficult it is to mesh lives.  There is nothing worse than being in the mood for a certain cereal and grabbing a bowl, a spoon, and the milk only to find that your cereal is gone!  I don't know about you, but it's enough to get me mad!  But I believe God invented the family to smooth off our rough (& selfish) edges.  This translates well for the church family too.

     I heard a pastor (Dr. Ron McManus) talk about a newcomers meeting he held regularly for inquiring members.  He made sure he said the following, “Here in our church someone’s going to make you mad.  That’s when we’ll see what you’re made of!”  The truth is that living with unity is difficult.  

     I’ll tell you a secret.  The key to unity is our willingness to let the Holy Spirit work in our relationships.

     My former pastor Don Yandell says, “The Holy Spirit is the oil of relationships.”  That reminds me of a time I drove for a food vendor delivering cold sandwiches.  Everything was smooth sailing on the highway with pretty blue birds flying overhead, and the smell of fresh-cut grass in the air . . . I think I even saw a rainbow in the sky.  Then all of a sudden, BAM!  My Suzuki box truck came to a screeching halt on a busy 3-lane highway.  I pulled over safely amidst the smoke rising from the hood.  Come to find out I ran out of oil!  One of the pistons had all it could take with the intense heat and friction and decided to crack the engine block.  It cost the company ten grand.  One little quart of oil could have spared many tears and a serious rump-roast back at the office!  The Holy Spirit acts as the oil in our relationships that helps prevent friction.  A small encounter with the Holy Spirit on a daily basis can make a large impact in the body of Christ.  The fruits of the Spirit will help us treat each other the way Christ has commanded us: with love.

     Everyone has a place in God's kingdom!  So the next time you think you can do without your Christian brother or sister, think of how the rainbow would appear without the color yellow, or red, or blue.  Or purple.  Let's not forget green.  Oh, and orange . . . and . . .

Behind Every Great Man . . .

     Surely you've heard the quote, 

“Behind every great man there’s a great woman.”

     It should be:

“Behind every great man there’s an even GREATER woman!”

     Now before you dismiss this post as some devious way to exalt myself, please allow me to admit and openly confess that I am not a great man.  I’m really a nobody that ended up meeting a somebody!  This post is all about my better half.   She is everything I wrote down in a prayer to God about a future wife, and then some.  With Valentine’s Day in mind, here’s to the special and amazing woman of God you are, Brenda Joy.

     Being a married man since 2002, I can see now (and hope to continue to see more in coming years) how influential and powerful the woman is in the home.  As a couple weaves their lives together as one under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they begin to hold sway over the other in ways that are intense, psychological and spiritual.  For instance, good or bad, my attitude, mental and spiritual well-being are directly affected by the status of my relationship with Brenda, my wife.  If we’re at odds, I’ll do life on a poorer level than when we’re at peace and in complete unity.  The old adage is true:

“If mamma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.”

     Most women know and use the power they have over men.  But most women fail at understanding that if they could build their husbands up with that same influence it would benefit their relationship on every level.  It’s actually a fulfillment of the law of Christ that you carry the burden for, encourage, and love others.  How much more true and magnified is this than in a marriage?

     A strong woman takes the weight off!  Believe me.  I would crumple under the weight of the world if I didn't have the security of my home in place.  That security isn't in the fact that Brenda and I are so compatible we could have easily been matched on eHarmony.com.  And you won’t find it in our check books or gas tanks or closets or refrigerator either.  Our security is found only in Christ!  When I see my wife reading the Bible and living out the fruits of the Spirit in our relationship, I know we’re going to be O.K. no matter what obstacle we face.  All that does is spur me on to read the Bible more and challenge my own integrity and character in everyday life.  W.W.B.D.?  It’s not like she doesn't experience weaknesses; but her steady resolve to put Christ first in every part of our marriage takes the weight off!

     Some men have money or power or fame.  I have a Godly, gorgeous wife.  So, bam. 

     Now, I’m sure I need to be helping her out like doing the dishes, or laundry, or something besides writing this post . . .

I Love the Law! Wait...what?!

     The other day I was reading in Psalms and came across a disturbing verse.  It was Psalm 119:16 and says, “I delight in Your decrees . . .”

     I stopped reading and thought, "Wait just a minute . . . so let me get this straight, Mr. Psalmist, you like rules?"  Well that’s the first.  I don’t know anyone who particularly enjoys rules (especially when the penalty of consequence is invoked upon them).  Most of us agree that we need rules.  We need that stoplight in town telling people to go or stop so that the student driver doesn't T-bone my car with my kiddos in it.  We need the signs at Wal-Mart and Target that say “Stealing will not be tolerated” to help avoid our sky-scraping inflation from being further damaged by people who want to live outside the law.  But to like these rules is entirely different.  Obviously the psalmist isn't talking about the general laws of the land, but about God's laws; but the same principles of our love and obedience to them still applies.

     As I read on in Psalm 119, another verse popped out that I could relate to better: “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law” (v. 18).  Now that’s more like it.  I’m all about honesty.  Sometimes I want to say, “God, Your laws stink!   So help me to see the good in obedient living!”  It’s usually about this time that God will smile and pull me closer to Him like a father does his son with a gentle side hug.  He’ll show me a verse like in Psalm 119:24 that says, “[My] statutes are [your] counselors.”  Then He’ll show me several more verses like 67, 71, 92, 105, 130, 140 and then back to 59.  “You've done it your way, cowboy,” He will say.  “And your way never works!” 

     God’s right, you know.  He’s always right.

     The psalmist writes in verse 32 that the purpose of God’s laws is not for restriction, but for freedom!  Jesus said that His burden is light.  He doesn't want to harness us with a lifestyle of rigid rules.  In fact, He only has two basic rules that all other rules flow out of.  Consider these two rules the mother and father of all laws and regulations: 1) Love God with everything in you, and 2) Love and care for others like you love and care for yourself (Mt. 22:36-40).  Now that’s simple.  Not only simple, but truly liberating as well!

     Maybe that’s what the psalmist figured out. 

     Consider the old saying of the hippies, “It’s all about love, man.”  They were on to something . . . but never joined that idea with God’s Word.  The marriage of love and obedience is really what it’s all about.  As I continued reading on in Psalm 119, I learned how the psalmist loved God’s law and chose to follow and obey them.  It may sound easy and honorable, but he ends 119 with a confession: “(v. 176) I have strayed like a lost sheep.  Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commands.”  Isn't it funny how the closer we get to God the further away from Him we seem?  Perhaps I’m weird that way. 

     Like the psalmist, all I know is that I need God to guide my life.  I am a miserable screw-up that will continue to get it wrong all the days of my life when I do things MY way.  Thank God for His Holy Word that helps me; guides me; and encourages me!  It makes me want to jump up and shout, “I love the law!  Wait…what?!”

Leadership Trick: Pull, Don't Push

Are you in a position of influence over others?  

               If so, you’ve probably struggled with people who possess stubbornness, pride, ignorance, and some flat out cold hearts while leading them.   As a minister that helps oversee a flock, I am endlessly trying to find ways to influence people for their betterment.  Although it is easier (and lazy) to point and say, “Go that way!”, I heard a challenging quote about leading by example: “It is better to pull rather than push.”

               The thought provoking statement reminds me that no one likes being pushed and possibly bullied (at least from their perspective); but everyone likes a helping hand.  Most people will readily accept a word of advice or a word of experience from someone who has done it before or are currently modeling inspiring behavior.  

                I have learned two general reasons why people will not be “pushed” toward a goal.  The first reason is that they may not be ready.  The second is that I may be a hypocrite.

                The difficulty of motivating people has been written about one thousand times a thousand.  Let’s face it: some people aren’t ready to change!  Allow me to give you Biblical examples from the New Testament.  Peter did not change overnight; he was as stubborn and bull-headed as some of us are.  What about Judas Iscariot?  Even Jesus couldn’t (or wouldn’t) force change from him, who arguably never moved toward any goal of righteousness.  So, to expect a change of behavior from everyone in your sphere of influence is unrealistic.  Some people just aren’t ready. 

                Something we should always consider before giving advice or direction is looking in the mirror.  Self-evaluation and repentance are the keys to discipleship.  We are called to make disciples of Christ; but we will NEVER MAKE disciples of we are NOT disciples ourselves.  Are you familiar with drowning rescue procedures?  It is better if you stay in the boat and throw a life-line so that you can pull someone back to safety.  But perhaps you decide to jump in the water: experts teach to drag (or pull) someone toward safety rather than push them (and risk both of you drowning).  The inescapable truth is that we cannot lead someone where we haven’t been.

                I can’t force people to change; but especially so if I haven’t experienced change, myself.

                We all would like to be known as influential people.  There’s a simple trick of motivation that many overlook: to lead by example.  Some may never change; sometimes due to the condition of their hearts . . . but never let your lack of personal growth be the reason.  If we are on the Rock promising relief to those in peril, we will find that it is much easier to pull rather than push.

Judging Samson

                The Bible dares to include stories of good people doing bad things.  One such story is of a man named Samson and is recorded in the book of Judges.  Ironically, many of us feel the need to JUDGE Samson’s life (as well as the lives of many others).  We ask questions like: “Was Samson a man of God who was loyal and dedicated?”   “Did he live his life for God or for himself?”  “How good a guy was Samson, really?”  And my favorite, “How does my life compare with Samson’s?”  Samson was supposed to be dedicated to the Lord but was consistently impulsive and angry.

                We ask questions of judgment all the time about the Samsons of our day; whether it is about our neighbors, acquaintances, coworkers, and many others.   In fact, I constantly size myself up with people that I ought not.  The Bible encourages us not to compare ourselves; that it is unwise (2 Cor. 10:12).  I wish I could tell you that I don’t judge people.  What I can tell you, honestly, is that I’m slowly getting better at not.

                There is not much good to find in the record of Samson’s life, and it would be easy to pass him off as a selfish, egotistical jerk who manipulated others to get his way.  He committed fits of rage; married an ungodly woman outside of his heritage; slept with a prostitute; murdered thousands of people in an act of war; and sought revenge rather than pardon.  Yet, for some strange reason, Samson is listed as a hero of faith in Hebrews 11:32.

                It seems to me that God is willing to overlook a lifetime of failure for a moment of faith. 

               I have to tell you – that relieves me!  But then, why am I so quick to categorize people into cute little boxes labeled: “Sainthood,” “Decent,” “Fence-Rider,” “Sinner,” and “Hellbound”?  Why must I project the hatred I have of my own failures onto others?  The truth is if God is willing to love all people and to forgive upon request (no matter how often), then so should I.

               "God, help me to see people through Your eyes.  When the Samsons in my life perform selfishly and arguably in evil ways, remind me of Your great mercy - not only for me, but also for the many undeserving 'Samsons' that are mentioned in Your book as friends!"