Follow the Leader

The point of this blog is to refresh those of us in ministry--and we should all be involved in full-time ministry whether or not we receive financial compensation. Jesus was not about blocks of time, divvying up work, home, friends, fun, and "ministry" or church. When He says, "Follow me," that's what He means. You. Follow. Me.

Jesus wasn't referring to changed behavior, although that should happen. He wasn't referring to being homeless or eating a specific diet, taking on political figures or drawing large crowds. So what did He mean?

http://www.inekekamps.com/photography/follow-the-leader/

- You. Whomever "you" are. God gave you a specific temperament (Psalm 139). He put you in a specific place at a specific point in time (Acts 17:26-27). He already knows every day of your life (Psalm 139:16). You are you. God made you that way. He designed and purposed your work, life, marriage, family, ministry, environment, location, friends, etc. He knows exactly who and where you are. So when Jesus, through His Word and by His Spirit, says, "Come," He isn't expecting someone different. He's talking to you, and He knows who you are. He's not disappointed or surprised to discover your failings or struggles. He is calling you for your benefit (not His--although the goal is His glory).

- Follow. Based on social media, we think "follow" means I can experience your life vicariously. That was not the meaning of the word in 1st century Israel. The literal interpretation is, "come." When Jesus calls us to follow, He intends for us to go to Him (versus our liberal interpretation of Him coming to me, serving me, answering me, caring for me). Going to Jesus, following Jesus, means I give up my desires, plans, and modus operandi. I learn of Him (Matthew 11:28-30). When confronted with a dilemma, personal struggle or sin, I seek to address it the way Jesus would. He is my reason for living. Pleasing Him is my goal (2 Corinthians 5:9, 15). I choose to leave behind what others value, what I once valued, and put Jesus front and center. I no longer measure myself any standard but His because He bought me with His precious blood (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Peter 1:18-19). I belong to Him. I am His slave and bond servant. He is my master (Luke 17:7-10).

- Me. Who is this Jesus? I must know Him to follow Him. I cannot follow Jesus if I am not reading His Word and submitting myself to its truth. I am not following Jesus if I don't care to talk to Him. To go to Him, to follow the way He leads is to love others more than myself. To follow Jesus is to give up my "rights," to be humbled and humiliated, to sacrifice for others, to please and obey God. To follow Jesus is not a list of doing, but a way of being. It is leaning on God instead of myself; trusting God to provide instead of worrying or seeking control. There is more to Jesus than I can every put into words or begin to know and understand in a single human lifetime. But God has given me enough. His Spirit, Word, and people can and will actively guide me in Christlikeness when He is at the center.

So the question: Am I following Jesus? How am I following Him today? This moment? If not, what needs to change? If so, how am I praising and thanking Him? That is clear evidence of His presence.

 All the way my Savior leads me,
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living Bread.
Though my weary steps may falter
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me,
Oh, the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way;
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.

"All the Way My Savior Leads Me" by Fanny Crosby, 1875

Inside Out and Upside Down

How often are you on the path to success when you realize you've got it all wrong? It's inside out and upside down?

https://www.pinterest.com/leisensee/baby-bums/?lp=true

That's what happens when we believe our relationship with God is a result of our choices and actions. The Bible teaches (and we inherently know) there's a connection between what we do and God Himself. The problem is that, if we don't know better, we think that's all there is to it.

Instead, God says it's the other way around: our relationship with Him affects our choices. Our choices do not affect our relationship with Him. That might get you a little excited. And you may think I've lost it and gone heretical. Yep. Because that's what Jesus says--and it runs against everything we want to believe.

In reading today, the Pharisees and Sadducees  were "coming for baptism" (Matthew 3:7). And I had to ask myself if I'd read that right. Really? They wanted to be baptized by John? That made we wonder why? Why would the most religious members of Jewish society go to a man in camel skin clothing from the wilderness for baptism? And the answer, based on their reputation, is that they were doing one more thing to guarantee a right standing with God. They really, really wanted to be righteous, holy, and blameless. That's what they lived for; it's what they were willing to kill for.

What, then, do I think I need to do better? More of? Less of? What is my "if only" that will finally clinch my holiness, reputation, and righteousness? I'm sure the Pharisees and Sadducees found their list growing: as soon as they made one change or added one new habit, there was a new one. That was Benjamin Franklin's discovery in his 13-week self-improvement plan. It's never enough. There's always more and the way is fraught with failure.

John answered, "...bear fruit in keeping with repentance; and do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father...’" (Matthew 3:8-9). In other words, change is evidence of a life that belongs to God, it does not create a life lived for God. If you really know Him, your life will be different. You will think, speak, and act the way He does. You will change from the inside out. Repentance begins with the way we think about God--that He is the instrument of change, we are not.

And, really, the fact that Abraham is your father is a great excuse for sin. Most of us can't use that one, but I know I have others. The truth is that we can depend on our parent's reputation, lives, and actions to a point, but it doesn't work when it comes to personal, spiritual responsibility. There is a level of acting in accordance with God's grace once we've received it; after we put Him in the place of doing and winning our salvation. But thinking we have any part in making it happen is where we get it wrong.

If there's a list in my head, or a series of spiritual self-improvement goals that will finally get things right, I've missed a huge piece of God's plan. God's plan is already done. Finished. Complete. And accomplished from eternity past to eternity future in Christ.  If that sounds like heresy, then I've got it right. Grace is anti-effort. Grace always pushes the envelope. Grace is always better than it sounds. Grace is God at work, not me. And that's what makes it so amazing.

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun

Living in God's Favor

I'm starting a new Bible study and will share this morning's insight while it's fresh on my mind. The assignment was to compare Luke 1 with John 1:1-4, followed by a series of thought-provoking questions.

As I read about Zacharias, Elizabeth, and Mary outside of the Christmas season, their stories were less predictable and more fresh. I wasn't anticipating "baby Jesus." I just saw their lives--and how God upset their plans. None of them knew what lay ahead, that they would sacrifice each and every day from that moment forward. None of them anticipated how God would use them personally, but He did. How did they respond to God's intrusion into their lives?

Elizabeth said, "This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me..." (Luke 1:25). Mary said, "May it be done to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38).
Zacharias said, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us...." (Luke 1:68-69).

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/153755774753856363/?lp=true

From this point forward their lives would be radically changed. Each of their homes would be indwelt with the Spirit of God (through John, filled with the Spirit before birth, and Jesus, God Himself). This was new--convicting, challenging, different, sometimes unwanted! Others would see them as strange, both because of their earthly circumstances  and the tenor of their lives and homes (no wine or liquor, etc.). They would be ridiculed for their testimony ("Tell me about the angel again, Zacharias/Mary!") and choices. Their future would be one of pain, suffering, and loss (your sons will be beheaded and crucified--that's how God treats His chosen ones?).

And yet. Yet. Their belief in God and their view of His redemption stood firm: God chose me! God has shown me His favor! God is moving, working, redeeming, and He is using me. He is the Mighty One, my Savior, He has done great things for me, He is holy, merciful, He fills the hungry with good things, He exalts the humble, He scatters the proud, He has sent help for Israel, He keeps His promises (Luke 1:46-55).  He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people, He is our salvation, He will rescue and deliver us, keep His covenant, bring forgiveness and tender mercy, He will light our way and guide us into the way of peace (Luke 1:68-79).

Yes, life would be hard, different, and painful--but God was at work. What is greater than being part of His plan and purpose? Change didn't happen in a day, a week, or a year. It took decades--and most never saw or realized the scope of God's plan. We still wait for the revelation of God's full redemption, believing that He is who He says He is and He will do what He says He will do (Hebrews 11:6). Life is hard; but God is good. Serving God is a privilege and honor, not because the way is easy, but because God is worthy--and He makes it all possible.

For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised God has chosen, the things that are not, so that He may nullify the things that are, so that no man may boast before God. But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)

Stuck!

Yesterday I got myself in trouble by committing to something that wasn't really mine to do or give...Argh! I hadn't taken the time to think it through. I had prayed, but I didn't want to wait for God to say "No." And I didn't want to ask for anyone else's advice either. Please tell me you've been there?

After a couple of hours of stewing, worrying, praying, and playing out "what if's," this passage came to mind,

My son, if you have become surety for your neighbor,
Have given a pledge for a stranger,
If you have been snared with the words of your mouth,
Have been caught with the words of your mouth,
Do this then, my son, and deliver yourself;
Since you have come into the hand of your neighbor,
Go, humble yourself, and importune your neighbor.
Give no sleep to your eyes,
Nor slumber to your eyelids;
Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hunter’s hand
And like a bird from the hand of the fowler. (Proverbs 6:1-5)

So I did. I really did pray, "Lord, what would it look like for me to humble myself in this situation?" and I really did wait. Then I picked up the phone, admitted my mistake, and released myself from bondage. What freedom! I know it doesn't mean there aren't or won't be other consequences, but I am free from the "what if's."

My other example of making a commitment without prayer has been that of Joshua and the Gibeonites. The Gibeonites deceived Israel and Israel made a covenant with them "and did not ask for the counsel of the Lord." (Joshua 9:14). Spoil Alert: It was not the best situation, but God remained sovereign, accomplishing His will (see the end of the story in Joshua 9:27).

Prayer doesn't get God right with me; it gets me right with God. And that's exactly what I need. All day. Every day.

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:6-9)

Bitterness in the Camp

What is bitterness? How can you spot it? Here's an easy test: bitterness uses another person as an excuse for disobedience.

In other words, "I would do such-and-such, if it weren't for such-and-so." "If such-and-so is going to be there, I'm not going." "It's not my fault."

..but God is greater.

As I read about the Israelites in the book of Joshua this morning I came to these verses:

At that time the Lord said to Joshua, “Make for yourself flint knives and circumcise again the sons of Israel the second time.” So Joshua made himself flint knives and circumcised the sons of Israel at Gibeath-haaraloth. This is the reason why Joshua circumcised them: all the people who came out of Egypt who were males, all the men of war, died in the wilderness along the way after they came out of Egypt. For all the people who came out were circumcised, but all the people who were born in the wilderness along the way as they came out of Egypt had not been circumcised. For the sons of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, until all the nation, that is, the men of war who came out of Egypt, perished because they did not listen to the voice of the Lord, to whom the Lord had sworn that He would not let them see the land which the Lord had sworn to their fathers to give us, a land flowing with milk and honey. Their children whom He raised up in their place, Joshua circumcised; for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them along the way. (Deuteronomy 5: 3-7 NASB)

Did you see it? The people were so hardened against God they did not want their children identified as His people. "Sure, we're stuck here in the wilderness. We don't have a choice, but He's not going to get our children." There was a sense of entitlement (I deserve)* which led to a consumer mentality (God's here to serve me):

The rabble who were among them had greedy desires; and also the sons of Israel wept again and said, “Who will give us meat to eat? We remember the fish which we used to eat free in Egypt, the cucumbers and the melons and the leeks and the onions and the garlic, but now our appetite is gone. There is nothing at all to look at except this manna.” (Numbers 11:4-6)

When God didn't meet their demands, they fell into a victim mentality (I can't help it; It's not my fault). When they realized they had no control and they were stuck with manna for forty years, they surrendered to a perishing mentality (We're all going to die). This type of thinking always results in rebellion.  The Apostle Paul broke it down like this for the New Testament Church:

Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and stood up to play.” Nor let us act immorally, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. Nor let us try the Lord, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents. Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. (1 Corinthians 10:11-13)

Even with the perfect Rock, the perfect Father and Provider, they fell into bitterness, seeing themselves as the center of the universe. They refused to be satisfied with God's provision and demanded more. We do the same. Maybe we want a better job, a different family, a better wife, children, home, car...whatever it is, it's not good enough for me. Then, as my thoughts cycle around and around, and I struggle with discontentment, I end up angry and bitter. The result is me justifying my sin: I won't talk to them; I can mistreat them; I won't go to church; I refuse to go out of my way, God doesn't deserve my _______ (fill in the blank)... In the case of the Israelites in the wilderness, God doesn't deserve our children, so we won't circumcise them. And the root grew deep, defiling many (Hebrews 12:15).

The Bible uses Esau as the prime example of bitterness: See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; that there be no immoral or godless person like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal. For you know that even afterwards, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought for it with tears. (Hebrews 12:15-17).

Bitterness. Like all sin, it is an act of rebellion that creates destruction; but it is not outside the hand of God. He can and will use all things to glorify Himself. Know someone who's bitter? Get involved. Call them out. Pray for them. Love on them. Don't let their bitterness be an excuse for your disobedience. Are you bitter? Look to the Lord. Confess your self-centered desires and demands then ask God to help you turn it around so you can forgive, love, and serve others as Christ did. What about your enemies? God says,

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:14-21)

Guess what? God lives longer than people. His way and will prevails. And He is faithful. He raises us leaders and kings--and in the case of Israel, He raised up Joshua to lead the rebels' children. Our disobedience, rebellion, and bitterness will not, cannot, stop God. But confession and repentance restore our relationship and give us a God-designed purpose: that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:11)

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)

* See Mark Shaw's book, Addiction-Proof Parenting: Prevention Strategies for Parents

Moving Forward

The way I understand it, not all of the Bible is written to me, personally. Yes, the truths of the Bible are timeless and God never changes, but the stories and letters were written to specific people at a specific time. They have a context that may or may not apply to what's going on in my life right now. Whether you agree or disagree with my viewpoint perhaps you will be encouraged as I was this morning.

(After time off to rewrite and study the book of 1 Corinthians, I'm back at my chronological read through the Bible....)

When I left the Old Testament, Moses had reviewed Israel's time in the wilderness and God's commands. Then, after a longing gaze on the Promised Land, he died alone and the Lord buried him (oh, how God loved Moses!!).

Its time to move forward. Joshua has taken over and Israel is ready to get on with it. Here are some of my thoughts from Joshua 1-4.

1. 1:3 The LORD said: “Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses.” God has not given me literally every place my foot treads, but every step of my path is the place He has brought me; it is the place He has given me, for this moment, for His purpose. While I’m here, I am to continue to meditate on God's Word and do it! (Just do it--as Kevin Carson says, "God doesn't pay you to think, He pays you to obey" --personal paraphrase). 
2. 1:8-9 And then He said: “…meditate on [this book of the law] day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed for the LORD you God is with you wherever you go?”
3. In the moments of uncertainty, going, and doing life, God’s call does not change. I am to remember Him and His Word, to obey, and walk in His way regardless of my circumstances, trusting Him with the outcome (see point 1).
4. 2:17-18 The spies did not know how God was going to give them Jericho, but it made sense for Rahab to set apart her home from the others in the day of battle. Not only did Rahab act in faith by hiding them (James 2), they, too, acted on faith that God would provide a means of rescue for her and her family if they followed practical steps of obedience, doing what made sense, and trusting God with the outcome.
5. 2:24 The spies reported, “Surely the LORD has given all the land into our hands; moreover, all the inhabitants of the land have melted away before us.” God, in His goodness, showed them that even the people who lived there were afraid of them and what God was getting ready to do. God doesn't just take care of the surface details, He works every bit, down to the very thoughts, motivation, and emotions of the people involved.
6. 3:10-11 Then, as a means of showing His might and intentions, God gave them (and the surrounding nations), and unforgettable sign. He is so good! He knows our tendency to doubt, question, and give in to our own way instead of moving forward in faith. “Joshua said, ‘By this you shall know that the living God is among you, and that He will assuredly dispossess from before you the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Hivite, the Perizzite, the Grigashite, the Amorite, and the Jebusite…” as He stopped the water of the Jordan and dried it before the nation.
7. 4:8-9 As a reminder, they placed stones--one for every tribe--in the Jordan itself before it overflowed its banks once more. i.e. Remember!!! We are such forgetful people!
8. 4:23-24”For the LORD your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed, just as the LORD your God had done to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed; that all the peoples of the earth may know that the hand of the LORD is mighty, so that you may fear the LORD your God forever.” In other words, "This is not about you. It never was. This is about God showing His might and power--this is about man seeing himself and his incredible limitations and turning to worship almighty, omnipotent God, the One who makes it all, who goes before you, who is worthy of all praise and adoration. He is worthy of your obedience and your life.

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Who's Your Shepherd?

I was unloading the dishwasher this morning, thinking of the nights I worked as a labor and delivery nurse in the barn. One of the most common questions people ask about sheep is, "Are they as stupid as people say they are?" And the answer? Yes.

But in my mind the thing that gets sheep in trouble is not their lack of smarts but their fear. They are creatures without the ability to protect or care for themselves--without sharp teeth, hooves, the ability to hide or run fast. God created them defenseless. That is why they need a good shepherd.

Our sheep are not frightened most of the time. They live within a sound fence and barn with cattle, dogs, chickens and cats as companions. Each day they are provided clean water and grain or grass. Their needs are met; they have no fear, which is evident as they mosey from one end of the pasture to another. Content sheep don't run willy-nilly, they graze, lie down, and quietly mind their own business.  That got me thinking about people; scared, frightened people.

If you don't  have a good shepherd, you will be afraid. You should be afraid. Suffering from fear and anxiety is a natural response to being in a bad place. Whether we admit it or not, people were created from the very beginning as helpless, depending creatures. And not having the right shepherd is terrifying. The good news is, there IS a Good Shepherd--and it's not me. If I have enough sense to stop and look at where I am when anxiety rises in my gut, I may find that I've wandered away. I'm trying to be my own shepherd. Perhaps I'm trusting someone or something else. Neither is a good option.

But when I turn and run to God and come under His shepherding through Christ, my needs will be more than met. I will even walk through the valley of the shadow of death, without fear.

The next time fear and anxiety threaten your heart stop and ask, "Where is my shepherd?" You'll find Him right were you left Him--and He'll be looking or waiting for you.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
(Psalm 23 ESV)

How to Know and Do God's Will

This week I've been reflecting on how to find a new direction.When life changes, how do we know where to go or which way to turn? It's where I'm at--and I've had the same discussion with at least four others this week. Circumstances have changed, life has changed, there has been a loss--now what?

http://kesaus.org/frequently-asked-questions/

Here are some words of encouragement for myself and others:

God's Word is vital. No, the Bible will not tell me which job to take, hobby to pursue, or which church to attend, but it will tell me "how" to make those decisions.

-  God's Word distinctly tells me God's priorities--1) to love Him first, to love Him most and 2) to love my neighbor as myself (Matthew 22:36-40).

-  It guides my motivation: I should do all things for the glory of God, not selfish ambition or empty conceit (1 Corinthians 10:31, Philippians 2:3).

-  God's Word also gives me a goal: to make disciples.

Even if I don't know which passages to study or where to look, God promises to make Himself known as I seek Him (Jeremiah 29:13).

The problem is that I'm often asking the wrong questions when it comes to decision making. Most of the time we want to know "what," "when," "where," or "who:" What should I do? Which job should I take? Whom should I marry? Where should I go to school?

Instead, the Bible says:
For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality.... (1 Thessalonians 4:3

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)

Great. But but that still doesn't answer the question of "what" to do. I have learned to be careful about making decisions based on the "open door" philosophy. If you're not familiar with that form of Christianese, it generally means: "If you have an opportunity that's an open door from God. Take it. If you face opposition, it's a closed door. Stop."

Instead, Scripture says:

[God] opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. (Acts 14:27)

I [Paul] came to Troas for the gospel of Christ and when a door was opened for me in the Lord... (2 Corinthians 2:12)

... praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ (Colossians 4:3).

In God's words, open doors relate directly to sharing the gospel of Christ, not making decisions. (Sorry to crash your party.)

So how does one move forward and make good, God-honoring decisions? Here are things a few things to keep in mind:

-  Pray. God promises wisdom when we ask (James 1:5). He commands us to ask for help (Matthew 7:7-11). And when we cry out, He hears and answers (Psalm 18:6).

-  Study God's Word. What am I missing? What are God's priorities? I know God calls me to trust and obey. Using His Word I can evaluate my heart--am I trusting? Am I obeying what I already know? (Psalm 119:105--God's Word is a lamp to my feet (where I am) and a light to my path (where I'm going).)

-  Ask others. Proverbs teaches that there is victory in an abundance of counselors (Proverbs 11:14). I need to talk to people I can trust; people who know me; people with life experience and people God has blessed. I have learned there is wisdom in asking questions and listening even if I disagree. They may have insight that I need to hear; things I wouldn't come up with on my own. Sometimes they tell me things I don't want to hear but are truthful and helpful.

- Get busy studying God. If God's priorities are loving Him first and foremost, I must start there. Am I committed to daily time in His Word and prayer? Am I faithfully attending church in worship and fellowship with other believers? Am I a witness of His goodness and the gospel? Am I a good steward of the resources He's given Me--my home, family, time?

Get busy studying others. The only way I know how to serve and love others is to spend time with them asking questions and listening. Then I look for practical ways I can help? I can always pray--sometimes I can pray aloud with them in that moment.  Maybe I could watch their children, run errands, provide a meal, stop in and visit,  or make a phone call. If people are God's priority they need to be mine, too. Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might...."

Get busy studying self. What do I do well? What do I enjoy? How might God use my gifts and abilities to bring Him glory and serve others? What do I need to do to improve in those areas? Take a class? Ask a friend to hold me accountable? Seek out someone who is willing to invest in helping me learn?

What God has given us is not simply for our benefit. His design, plan and purpose is for us to use everything He's provided as a means of bringing Him glory and loving others. He wants the world to see Him and know Him. More importantly, He is worthy. He deserves all of my praise, every breath, ability, and resource He's given (because, ahem, He's the One whose given it and He's the only One who is worthy to receive it). In other words, God's will isn't about the what. It's about the Who--who He is, what He's doing, what He's given, what He's worth.

Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved. (1 Corinthians 10:31-33)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory. In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.


For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the [w]knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:3-23)

Hearts: a Sunday Vignette

Katie sat in church, wondering why she was the only one with doubts and struggles. Life was so hard. Did God really love her? If He did, why didn't she feel like it? And if God loves me, why do I have to work so hard to get what everyone else already has? Peace and joy. Is that too much to ask?

Ryan sat ahead of her, wishing those kids would stop jostling long enough for him to keep a train of thought. I'm trying to worship, for crying out loud! What was wrong with their parents? Didn't they know church was for sober thought, reflection, and awe? This was his one shot at worship and they were ruining it. Next time he'd sit somewhere else.

Jane was afraid. Afraid people would see who she really was. She never did anything right. Her husband said so and she had the bruises to prove it. What if everyone knows? They would say the same things he did. She would never hear the end of it. Never be safe.

Courtney sat alone; felt alone. The more she needed people the more they avoided her. She didn't know how to reach out, how to get past herself. No one cares anyway. Why would they?

Jim smoldered in the pew. Half a handshake. Wimpy fingers, insecurity. He expected to be treated like the man he was. He'd caught his coat in the car door in the parking lot and looked like a fool. Life was fight. Always had been. Always would be.

Karen admired her new shoes. What a miracle! They matched her purse perfectly. Sue would absolutely die of envy. Speak of the devil. "Sue! Sue! Did you hear about the sale at Dillards? You're never going to believe how much I paid for these adorable shoes."

Dan thought of nothing. He'd made it to church; a little hungry, no time for breakfast. Lunch would be worth waiting for. Nothing. Sing. Nothing. Yeah.

Erin's hair was arranged nicer than usual. She hadn't missed any buttons this morning and remembered to polish her shoes the night before. She was ready to worship. Distractions aside, heart free, thoughts focused. Others saw a gray woman, wrinkled and worn, chunky black loafers, sagging hose, aged cardigan. But her heart--her heart had been meeting regularly with the Master. Each morning, she looked into His face, saw her poor reflection and prayerfully made adjustments. Little by little, hour by hour, she shifted her thoughts, fed kindling to the flame of desire for her Lord, and rearranged her choices. In the darkness of the night, when fear crept out of the dark, she brandished the torch of truth and hummed quiet tunes of praise. She didn't see people the way they saw her. Free from judgment, fear, need, she saw the hurt, fear, loneliness, anger, despair and she prayed, loving them, loving her Lord.

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave,free; but Christ is all, and in all.

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:1-17)

Jesus Has Left the Building... Or Has He? (with Guest-Writer, Brittany Whitcher)

Our teenage daughter was unusually snappy a couple of weeks ago; distant, reserved, short. Instead of addressing it, I decided to pray, observe, and wait. And guess what? It wasn't her, it was me. I was distracted, giving her little time, little attention, little care. Words were not enough. I would have to prove I loved her by giving up something valuable--just for her--again and again. I did. And she responded. How did I know it would work? I followed a great example: God.

God showed His love for me by sacrificing His greatest treasure--Jesus, the most valuable asset in the universe--to meet my need. I have no way to come to Him; I cannot earn His favor or grace, but because of Jesus, I no longer face condemnation and judgment. Now that I belong to Him, He has given me the ability, by His Spirit, to love others.

Here's a  jump that could put some of you on the defensive. That's not my intent, so please hear me out.

Christians--fundamental, Bible-believing, Christ-honoring, conservatives (we know who we are)--when people around us are snappy, maybe it's because we aren't loving them the way God loves us. Yes, the gospel is offensive. But look. Stop, look, and ask, "What am I sacrificing to meet _______'s  needs?" Personally, I don't have this nailed down and I never will. Pride rears its ugly head over and over and I struggle to be like Jesus--but despite personal failures, our family strives to love our community, neighbors, and schools. They are our friends, classmates, fellow parents, and community. We know them, pray for/with them, and give of ourselves because of Jesus.

So here's what's been rolling around in my noggin. How many school shootings, bullying issues, drug overdoses, and suicides could be averted if more authentic, Jesus-filled students attended public school? If you hear yourself saying, "That's not my problem," I think there's something bigger going on.

But if you love your neighbor as yourself, if you want a different, God-honoring neighborhood, community, and society, think about how God could use you to love others. What does it look like when compassionate Christ-filled students sit with lonely, rejected, hurting ones? When praying students walk to and from class silently lifting up teachers, support staff, and students? When thoughtful students meet for Bible study or prayer once a week (yes, they can)? When caring students ask questions, see needs, and look for answers? I'm here to tell you if they don't, someone else will. Confused, hurting, and needy people prey on confused, hurting, and needy...creating a cycle of self-destruction.

https://www.edgarsnyder.com/images/large-550/people/kids-getting-on-bus.jpg

What if godly, caring parents were in classrooms, interacting with teachers, diligently praying, serving students, going on field trips, getting involved in school boards, holding after-school Bible clubs? What if someone cared? Someone with real answers? Someone who offered the lifeline of Jesus--only Jesus--because they lived, looked, and acted like Him? What would our society look like if people of hope intersected hopelessness? If joy took on despondency? If freedom encountered slavery? If love, people of love, simply cared?

Society has not taken God out of schools. We have. Christians. Parents. And we still are. But Jesus has not left the building.

Anywhere God's children reside, He is there. Our children do not go to school alone. He is with them. Their family and church are praying with and for them; they know what's going on and offer support. Christian children in public schools grow in their dependence for God, their love of others, and their knowledge of personal sin.

If you are a parent you may ask, "What about our kids?" Listen to the voice of Brittany Whitcher, daughter of David and Melissa, who wrote this paper as a school assignment for her high school English class:

Our Purpose is the People: What I’ve Learned In a Public School by Brittany Whitcher

I spent the first several years of my life as the typical Christian homeschooled kid. My parents were missionaries, and we traveled around the country almost constantly. My mom would teach us in a little room in the corner of our house, and the only kids I ever saw were the children at churches or the ones I passed in the grocery store. 
The real, unsaved world was foreign to me, and an environment I never believed I would really be submerged in. When we moved to Texas and I was enrolled in a public school, I was in for a huge perspective change. 

The Wrong View
As a child, I took to heart the admonishments of my Sunday School teachers: “Be careful who you are friends with!” and “Don’t let the world influence you while you spread the Gospel!” I interpreted this mostly as, “Stay away from the unsaved, unless you are immediately witnessing to them!” 
Without knowing it, I had developed an erroneous but understandable fear of, and even a sort of disgust for those who were not saved. 
I never saw myself as mean. I was kind to everyone, and those who were kind to me in return became my friends. But when I saw someone acting up, doing what I had always been taught was wrong, I watched from the sidelines in horror and steered clear of them. 
There is nothing wrong with avoiding sin and trying to dodge destructive relationships. However, it does become wrong when we begin to despise and fear the people. Even up until recently, I found myself almost hating those who were rude, disrespectful, and obviously unsaved. 

The Godly View
I didn’t realize how much I despised my fellow classmates and how wrong I was until I was reminded of a verse from Matthew. Jesus, in the midst of His ministry and being assaulted with hatred from the Pharisees and religious Jews, looks out upon the people, and has compassion on them. 

‘But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”’   Matthew 9:36-38

Wow. Though Jesus had every reason in the world to despise the Jews for consistently disobeying God, and though he knew that they would all deny Him and cry out for His death, He looked at them and felt compassion for them. He saw the crowds, lost with no purpose in life, no true happiness, and no loving God to guide and care for them, and He pitied them.
Now, Jesus by no means loved their sin. He hates sin. The Bible says that those who sin are at enmity with God. The question is, does He want any man to be His enemy? Certainly not! Do not forget the widespread, moving verse:

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believes on Him, should not perish, but have eternal life.”    John 3:16

With these verses in mind, I now see my classmates in a very different light. That one boy, with a problem with authority and a foul mouth? How sad and pointless his life must be! That one person, so obviously addicted to drugs? What hopelessness and hunger for more must have led them to seek solace in such a substance! They may not see their own lives in so harsh a light, but it is true. Without God, we are every one deprived and helpless. 
By what leaps and bounds would our ministry grow if we saw every sinner as God sees them! 

The Reason Behind the Sin

Upon coming to the realization that my entire viewpoint on my fellow man was wrong, I began to wonder: why do we let ourselves be so blinded to the truth?

The only answer I could come up with was this:

Pride.

We are proud of being Christian. We take pride in the fact that we know what is sin and that we avoid the atrocities of the world. We look at our Christian upbringing with pride, and admiringly examine our daily Bible and prayer time. The fact that they would choose to do what is so obviously wrong automatically makes us see them as beneath us. 

To sum it up, we show off the gift that was given to us freely, which we really did not deserve. We take pride in the fact that we simply accepted salvation. We brag about God’s endless work in us, which we could never accomplish ourselves. We look back upon our upbringing which we had no way of controlling and shake our heads at those who were not so fortunate or blessed. 

If God were to take away what He had freely bestowed upon us, and is abundantly willing to bestow upon anyone else, we would be just as bad as them, if not worse. 

So, it is nothing other than pride that causes us to hate the unsaved and look down upon the lost.

Our Purpose

So what do we do now? 

We understand that our previous bitter views stem from irrational pride.

We see that the unsaved are no worse than us, and that if we are truly being Christlike, we will love them and have compassion on them.

What comes next?

Notice the last few sentences of the passage from Matthew. Jesus says that there are not enough laborers to take in the blooming harvest. 

In other words, there are plenty of people out there who need to be saved, and who would be saved, but there are not enough Christians out there labouring in the field of souls, working to lead the hearts of men to the threshing floor of the cross. 

So, what is our purpose when we are thrown out into the world? What should we be doing while we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses? 

The answer is simple. 

The people are our purpose. We should be always receptive to the Holy Spirit, constantly looking for opportunities to share the amazing love of God with the people we come in contact with. We were put on this earth to glorify God, and what better way to do so than by bringing more men and women to an awareness of His glory and wondrous gift? 

Lord, open our eyes so that we see the people as You see them: lost, as sheep without a shepherd. Help us to recognize our purpose and pursue it. Give us a burden for the people, we pray, and enable us to spread the Gospel lovingly and unashamedly, labouring diligently to bring in the harvest of souls.

If you believe God can use you, your children, and your family to love your community through the public school system, pray, do your homework, and get ready for a great adventure!

I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders?  (1 Corinthians 5:9-12)

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (John 3:17)

I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. (John 17:15-19)