Up, Up and Away! (Waiting for the right fuel supply)

Please read Acts 1:1-14

Can you imagine the thoughts that were going through Jesus’ disciples those forty days after His resurrection?  Just think about it.  The foundations of their understanding, their culture, and their whole world were shaken.  Some beliefs were even crushed by this God-man, Jesus.  He proclaimed that to lead you must serve, to be first you must be last.  Love your enemies.  Pray for those who harm you.  All of these dichotomous thoughts and actions were now amplified by Him who was once dead but now lives.  I don’t know about you, but if He said “Do not leave…in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”, I’d stay right where I was when He said it.  I’d likely set up camp right there where He flew up, up and away, just to make sure I wouldn’t miss Him or His Holy Spirit when they appeared.

That’s where today’s scripture puts us, watching Jesus ascending to His Father while we contemplate all that He has said, all He’s shown, and hoping in all that He has promised.  He said to ‘wait here’, and yet He doesn’t want us to be idle.  He longs for us to commune with the Father and each other in prayer.  He wants us to individually and corporately purpose in our hearts and minds to “Seek first the kingdom of God.”  He has shown us that when we do wait, and when we do seek, we will receive a gift greater than anything we’ve experienced yet, His Holy Spirit.

Is there an area of your life, a time in your schedule that has become so busy that there’s no room for the Holy Spirit?  Even ministry schedules and activities can steal our focus and time.  We edge the Holy Spirit out of the place He longs to be, not to mention where we need Him to be by “doing God’s work”.  Sometimes we just need to “wait” in order to move ahead.

Coming Soon to a monitor near you…

We will continue our journey with the apostle Paul in a few days.  My focus has been on caring for my wife for a few days. Now I’m playing catch-up.  Thus today I offer you something off schedule.

The Shadow of Words Spoken

I begin by sharing a story from my past.  I share it with you because this incident has had long lasting effects on me and how I interact and who I am today.  I have no idea the influence for the negative or positive I had on all of the others present at this incident.  What I do know is that I am a changed because of what I said.

Back when I was probably fourteen years old, I loved going to camp.  Being the son of an evangelist I got to go to quite a few camps but there were a few that were really special to me.  One of those was the district camp meeting of my home state.  Nothing compared to the spirit in the air at denominational district family camp.  There were always the best speakers, the best music, not to mention all of the beautiful girls from the district in one place at the same time.  I thought it was almost like being in Heaven, especially if one or two of those girls liked me.

This particular summer I had my eye set on Barb.  She was a pastor’s daughter, attractive and fun to be around.  Because of her appearance and great personality Barb attracted a following of friends who just liked being around her, and several of which were guys like me who wanted to get to be even better friends with her than the rest of the crowd.

I tell you all of this to help set the stage for my life altering event.  You see, one day there was a group of us gathered outside the dining hall.  The guys all were doing their best to look and act the coolest so that Barb, or one of the other girls would affirm some value in them.  I’m guessing the girls were doing the same thing to attract the guys.  Anyway, it’s in this setting that one of the guys swiped the baseball cap off of my head.  At first I tried to act all nonchalant and cool and simply said, “Alright, give it back.”  He just smiled and tossed it from his right hand to his left hand.  With slightly more force I said, “Come on.  Give me my hat.”  He laughed and tossed it up above his head to taunt or mock me.  I got off my seat and said, “Will you please give my hat back?” And he responded, “Come and get it.”  I started to pursue him and then stopped and said the words that have hung like curtains over happy camp memories.  I said, “It’s just like a (insert offensive racial slur here) to steal my hat.”  He dropped my hat as if it were diseased and walked away.  I had crushed him with one word.  The rest of the “cool” crowd quickly disbursed, leaving me to my own thoughts and my precious little hat.

Even writing of this horrible and embarrassing incident sends shivers down my spine.  I was taught to love all people, short & tall, big and small, Christian and not-yet-Christian, and from the whole spectrum of pigmentation.  I knew better than to say what I had, but I said it anyway.  If my parents had heard me, you can bet I’d have been chewing on a bar of soap, not to mention experiencing the heating of my back side, and that’s after they’d had me find the fellow I’d crushed and apologize to him.  Needless to say, they didn’t hear me, thus I didn’t apologize.  I’ve also never been afforded the opportunity to repent and reconcile with any of the kids who were there.

It’s been over twenty years since that incident and my heart still aches for the pain my words have caused.  You see, in one simple moment I changed the perspective of everyone who was witness to this incident.  The guy who was playing with my hat probably thinks the whole crowd thought the same thing about him.  The crowd, by their silence justified or condoned my words.  And me, because I am a Christ follower I feel remorse over how my focus on myself and what I wanted led to the corruption of a time of great fun, great fellowship, not to mention a time of spiritual awakening or renewal.

In James, chapter 3, the Bible talks about how when you control your tongue you control your whole body.  On the other hand, if you don’t control your tongue it brings trouble.  In fact, Solomon wrote in Proverbs 10:19 “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” And says even more in Ecclesiastes 5:2-3.

As little children we’re taught a simple little song that, if taken to heart and practice, will help us along.  It goes,

“Oh, be careful little mouth what you say

Oh, be careful little mouth what you say

For the Father, up above, is listening with love

Oh, be careful little mouth what you say”

I guess it’s all summed up in Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Take it from me, glorify God with your words by encouraging, challenging and building others up and you’ll never look back and wish you could change things.  The world does enough “trash talking”.  Let’s do better, be better.  It’s what He’s called us to do.

Talk about being unpopular

Please read Acts 21:27-36

Paul has made it to Jerusalem and celebrated God’s blessing in his ministry thus far. He has also faced slanderous rumors and proven them wrong. In today’s passage he is faced with the wonders of going against popular opinion. Paul is seized and in the process of being beaten to death when the Roman centurions step in to find the truth and make sure justice is served. His presence and testimony result in nothing less then pandemonium.

This brings to mind a youth pastor from my younger years.  When Pastor Dan stood before the City Council and the School Board voicing his concern for the degradation of morals and values in our public schools he raised some eyebrows. But when he went on to say that our church would be boycotting the public school’s arts programs so long as they intended for the high school drama program to perform a play with a rape scene in it, he drew outright disdain and public ridicule. He and our church were front page news in the local and area papers. We were labeled “right wing”, “ultra-conservative”, and even blind to the truth. Through all of this Pastor Dan stayed true to the Word and his convictions. Our youth group pulled out of the arts programs. The families in our church withdrew our support of all of these activities as well. After the school and our community saw that this was not an issue on which we would bend or surrender, they reassessed their position. They pulled the “questionable” presentation from the roster and moved on with a higher discernment for future programs.

Not always are we called to a life of leisure and comfort. Sometimes we will face a foe that is daunting and ominous. What we can and must rely on is the fact that we are fully in the center of God’s will and aligning with the standards which He has set in His Word. The day may be coming when we will even face death because of our beliefs and convictions. Are you ready to be unpopular? You don’t have to wait. Live a life of purity out load and you’ll get there fast, but that’s OK. I and Jesus are unpopular too. Won’t you join us?

Yanking the band-aid off

Please read Acts 21:1-14

Sometimes you just have to do it.

Today we read of warnings to Paul that he should not go to Jerusalem, and in today’s passage we even read prophesy of his capture.  Most people will take an umbrella if rain is forecast, or wear heavier clothes or a coat if the temperature is to be low.  Yet Paul tells the people that regardless of the warnings and prophesies, he is ready and willing to be captured, persecuted, and killed for the good of the kingdom.

Why wouldn’t a person heed the warnings put before them?  Why would they proceed in the face of imminent danger?  Some may ask these questions but to one who is at peace in the hand of God, there is no alternative but to do what He has purposed in your heart to do.  If you go against His will you will only experience the loneliness of having lost your Dearest Friend, knowing that it was you who drove Him away.  More than likely you will still face dangers in your life, but now you’ll face them alone.

I enjoy driving.  I have heard reports of people who have driven into a deer that was in their path causing substantial damage to the vehicle and great bodily harm to those within the vehicle.  I have seen the “Deer Crossing” signs.  I continue to drive nonetheless.  I know that there is risk.  I have seen the signs and heard the warnings.  Never the less I must proceed in order to complete my task.  I will do my best to avoid the deer, but if I should encounter one, I will do so knowing that I was doing what I had to do.  Often times it is only in taking risks for my God that I see fulfillment.  Sometimes you just have to do it. Live in His Way in spite of the warnings from naysayers. It’s what Jesus did.

Did you hear the news about…?

Please read Acts 21:15-26

Paul has finally made it to Jerusalem. He’s sharing stories of all of those who have come to the Lord on his journeys and the people are rejoicing for the Kingdom’s sake. And then James drops the bomb. People have been saying this and that about you. We know it’s not true but we know there are those who believe it. So Paul lets his life and actions show the error of these rumors.

Everybody likes a juicy story. It has all of the right elements: enough of the truth to make it believable; enough sensation to make it scandalous; and the right character as its victim to make you want to repeat it.  One might even add just a little to it to make it all the more juicy. We’ve all heard them. We may have even shared some of them. It’s possible that some may have even fabricated one of these juicy stories because of their popularity. The sad thing is that though we may estimate and attempt to perceive what could come of these stories, we can never know the amount of damage that will occur until it’s all over.

I’ve known more than one Christian who has faced the defamation of his or her character as someone assaulted them with attacks on their character, beliefs or actions. There are some who proved the horrible stories true by becoming what they had been called. And then there are those diamonds. There are those who have proven that they are true soldiers of the cross, because of their humility, long-suffering, and consistent faithful living proving the slanderous and defaming statements wrong. They’ve been passed through the fire and have come forth as pure gold. How are you doing? Is your faith in the right place? Can and will you withstand the fire of public and perhaps church scrutiny when the accusations are hurled? Trust God. Though you lose your job, or even your life, stay true to Him and you will have overcome.

Regardless of what you got, you can have More

Please read Acts 20:17-38

Paul knows that he must continue his missionary travels.  He also knows that this is the last time he will see these brothers and sisters this side of heaven.  Reminding them of their days together maturing and growing in the Lord, Paul now says Watch out!  You have hard days ahead.  Keep the faith.  Trust in Jesus and His words.  Live as I have lived, pursuing Christ and proclaiming His love to all you meet.

I don’t know anyone who enjoys saying “Goodbye” to those they love and care for; especially when you know it’s for the last time.  I know that when I got the call that my grandma had been rushed to the emergency room with congestive heart failure, I thought of of how much I wanted to see her again.  I thought of all the things we hadn’t said or done.  I thought of how much I longed for her to be with us forever.  Instead, God took her to His kingdom.  My memories of Grandma are good and challenging to me as I mature in my faith.  She set a high standard for living, not because she ever put herself above others, but because she served others through, and due to her love for God.  Grandma’s memories cry out, “Stand tall for the faith.  Don’t let the wolves tear you away.  Love and serve others in His name and you will see fulfillment.”

God created us holy beings.  He intends for us all to be holy.  He’s made a way for us to be holy but our selfishness and pride tears us away from that reality and will continue to get in the way of our experience of His holiness if we allow it to do so.  We must submit ourselves to His will every moment of the day, overcoming our dependence on possessions, wealth, self-reliance and pride.  As Paul and the New Testament church experienced we will know God’s love and purity in its fullness if we allow Him to maintain control in our lives.  His hand will never lead us astray. Trust Him today.

There’s Been A Change Of Plans

Please read Acts 20:1-16

Changing ones plans is not always fun or easy.  Nonetheless Paul knew that there were those who were plotting against him and he must alter his plans or chance ending his mission in their hands.  He recognized the threat and made an adjustment to his plans in order to allow God to continue to paint the bigger picture.  Paul didn’t get wrapped up in his own pride.  He didn’t proceed on his journey because he was “Paul, the almighty.”  Instead he took a different route, altered his schedule to see that the work of the Lord was done.

Wow!  What a challenge.  I like to have a schedule and to stick to that schedule.  Please don’t get in my way when I need to accomplish my task.  I don’t really want to hurt you but I may have to if you’re in my way.  Clearly this isn’t the method or mentality that Paul had come to live.  He knew that the shortest route from “A to B” is a straight line, but he also knew that God’s message came before his personal preference or pride.  God’s call and message must make it through no matter what.

Sometimes it’s difficult to slow down, rearrange our schedule, or alter our habits.  It puts pressure on our comfort zone.  It means CHANGE, and we all know that change is hard, or at least uncomfortable.  Never the less we have been charged with a duty.  We must fulfill it.  Yet, sometimes God actually wants us to take the circuitous (scenic) route to get to our destination because in the pursuit of this path we are drawn to trust Him more.  He’s ultimately the One in control.  We need to be reminded that we are His hands and feet.  He is the head.  He tells us where to go, what to do.  Let’s respond accordingly.  Let’s trust Him to complete every good work.  He is God.  He can do it and we can help.

You mean money’s not where it’s at?

Please read I Timothy 6:6-19

When you stop to think about it, from the very beginning, the fall of mankind in sinfulness came about because of greed and selfishness. It’s the, “I want what I do not have and am willing to break the rules in order to get it” that gets us, hence the warnings and exhortations in today’s passage. Desire for wealth brings temptation. The love for more personal gain is foundational to our fall. Command those who are rich to verify where their faith lies. “Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.” Store up your treasures in Heaven.

What a contrast to what our world today proclaims. We are often labeled or perceived as “misguided” if we put others ahead of ourselves, that is unless we  know that they’ll owe us one. We are delusional if we are committed to setting aside a percentage of our holdings for use by the church, unless we can then use it to manipulate the church to support us in some cause.

Can we actually fulfill these biblical exhortations? Is it possible to stand as a beacon of light in this world of moral decay? Can we really show them the truth through these archaic beliefs and methods? These questions approach the topic from the wrong perspective. We must recognize and accept that the Word of God was written long ago, but God is always in the now. He’s not just yesterday. His word is current and applicable to our lives in every moment. These are not archaic beliefs and methods. They are a heartfelt passion. They are the signs of life in our dying world today. They are the beacons of light shining into the darkness, drawing the lost and curious. When we have surrendered our hearts and lives to the shaping and molding of the Holy Spirit, we will live out the love and passion for God’s kingdom in all that we do. That means that He sanctifies our wallets, our homes, our businesses, our entire lives. All we have is His for the using. Let’s give it up.

Do miracles still happen?

Read Acts 19:11-20

Today’s passage tells of things that would be hard to believe if I didn’t already believe that these Scriptures are Holy and infallible, the written words of God through divine inspiration by His Holy Spirit.  After all, who could believe in healing and evil-spirit exorcising handkerchiefs?  Who’s ever heard of such a thing?  How could it be possible?  Oh, and then there are the frauds or shams, you know, the ones who are “bandwagon” healers and exorcists.  They had heard of this popular new way to “get attention” and jumped on board, hoping no one would notice that they didn’t know the Truth, that they were great pretenders.

It’s not something I’m proud of, but today’s passage brought back memories of a day when I was a pretender, similar to Heath Ledger’s Will Thatcher of A Knight’s Tale.  It wasn’t all that hard to be one.  I had gone to church all of my life.  I knew the lingo.  I knew the motions, the facial expressions, and the “presence”.  I might have gotten a Grammy, or more likely a Daytime Emmy for my performance.  All it took was one person with the discernment of even the demons mentioned in today’s passage to question me for my “patents of nobility”, asking for my “spiritual birth certificate” proving that I was no more a child of God than I was Sir Ulrich von Liechtenstein from Gelderland.  I was guilty of impersonating a child of God and now I was exposed.  In retrospect, I’m glad it was only my pride that was stripped and beaten.  This incident challenged me to become more than I was.  I had been “weighed on the scales and found wanting“, tested and found lacking.

Under which category do you find yourself today?  Are you a Spirit filled follower of Christ willing to obey in miraculous ways, or are you a pretender and a fraud?  Have you ever experienced the miracle working power of the Holy Spirit in and through you?  Or instead, do you put on a front so others won’t know the truth?  Take a moment to ask the Spirit to search you and know you, to see if there is any wickedness within.  Seek Him earnestly today.  Submit to His reformation of your heart and Will (Knight’s Tale pun intended).  I’ll look for you on the field of battle to see if you’re wearing and wielding the full Armor of God.

Does it really matter what “they” say?

In Acts 19:1-10 we read of those who hear the truth and respond in faith.  We also read of those who hear the truth and reject it and even “malign The Way.”  To malign means to slander, smear, or criticize.  Paul spoke the truth for three months and yet some rejected, criticized, and slandered the truth.  In turn Paul took those who did believe and discipled them for two years.  His persistence and faithfulness in proclaiming and teaching the truth in the face of resistance brought results, “…all of the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord.”

Are you a mentor or discipler?  Have you ever fit one of these titles?  Both titles make me uncomfortable.  I am simply a sinner saved by grace.  That doesn’t qualify me to be a mentor or discipler, or does it?  It might help us to acknowledge our responsibility to others if we ask different questions.  Since accepting Christ as my Savior have I grown spiritually?  Have I experienced trials or temptation?  Have I resisted or overcome said temptation?  Have I sought the Spirit’s indwelling, to replace my old man with what God has designed me to be, holy, and in daily communion with Him?  Will others benefit from my sharing of these experiences?  Can I share these experiences with those within my spheres of influence on a daily basis?

I, and likely you can answer yes to most, if not all of these questions because of the grace of God and the continuing work of the Holy Spirit in us.  We could never accomplish the changes in ourselves of holiness and purification on our own.  Without Him we are nothing, but with Him we can be holy.  It is He who qualifies us to be godly mentors & disciplers.  We can share our experiences in Him with others to help them avoid sin and to stimulate growth and maturation.  After all, Jesus has commanded that we all be disciplers.  We can do it.

I wrote this post long in advance of today’s news that Oral Roberts has been promoted to Glory.  Regardless of his humanity and his publicized missteps, Dr. Roberts has served the Christian community and the world at large greatly through his years on earth.  I join his family in mourning this loss but praise God for allowing people like you, me and Dr. Roberts to make an impact for Him in this world.