Make it Your Own

Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?

Acts 19:15

Rafe had always felt he had a meaningful relationship with God….until two hours ago. Now he realized he’d only been giving Him lip service. He’d been challenged over a statement he’d made. When the man challenged the validity of his statement, he had adamantly argued his point, saying, “I know what I heard the pastor say!” referring to the evangelist he’d seen on TV. 

But the challenger had shown him in Scripture that his belief was wrong.

Faced with the truth, Rafe had feebly responded, “Well, I must have misunderstood what the pastor said.”  

The whole way home he’d felt the quiet conviction of the LORD. He realized with startling clarity that his relationship was a compilation of snippets and sound bites, borrowed from people he’d watched, the books he’d read, and the CDs he’d listened to. He’d never taken the time to search out what God’s word actually had to say…he’d simply taken other’s teachings as Gospel.  

Broken and ashamed, he lay weeping in repentance for his cavalier attitude toward the Author of the Book he professed to know so well.

†

Relying on others for our faith can foster false and erroneous beliefs with disastrous consequences.  

In today’s text, one demon-possessed man beat seven men until they were naked and bloody. Simply quoting something we believe to be part of God’s word not only doesn’t make it effective, it is dangerous!

We need to search the Word of God until it becomes OURS! Many times in the past I caught myself quoting a verse of scripture, saying, ‘So and So said…’ or after reading something I would say, ‘So and So wrote…’ not realizing there was no power in the verse through third-party connections.

It’s not wrong to watch, listen to, or read spiritual material. Spiritual wisdom and understanding can be gained by doing these things. But if we fail to make it our own, relying on others to study for us and not digging into scripture ourselves, we will walk this earth powerless…and the enemy will have his way with us from time to time.

Prayer

“Give me a passion for Your Word, LORD. Create in me a hunger to know for myself what You have to say about every issue in my life. Amen.”

Blue Collar Apostles

We worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.
1 Thessalonians 2:9

Roger had just come off a ten-hour shift at the plant he’d worked at for the past twenty-seven years. His friend Marcus was quizzing him on how he managed to work full-time and pastor a church of some ninety parishioners.
Roger continued, “Paul did it. This is God’s call, not mine. When Paul, Silas, and Timothy were in Thessalonica, Paul realized that he and the disciples’ presence could be a burden on the resources of this young church. Rather than strain them and cause reason for grumbling, they paid their own way, attempting to teach the Thessalonians that hard work was something to be embraced, not shunned, as they were in the habit of doing; they would rather employ slaves than do manual labor themselves.” Then Roger added, “In the same way, Grace Community can’t afford to pay me a full-time salary right now.”
Marcus persisted. “So how long are you willing to do this? I mean, do you actually think this is God’s plan for your life—working yourself weary?”
Roger smiled and replied, “God’s desire is that our little church would flourish and grow doing the work of the kingdom. Until they can afford a full-time salary, I intend to ease the burden as much as possible.”

†

In his first Epistle to the Thessalonians, Paul reminded them of how hard they had worked among them in order to have an opportunity to preach the gospel. He wasn’t complaining about the work; he was teaching them that God calls us to be laborers with Christ.
Many, today, believe that God will provide everything they need on the basis of belief in Jesus Christ. And although God loves His children, He wants them to understand that hard work is synonymous to kingdom work. We cannot say, “God will take care of me” and do nothing to assist Him.

Prayer

“Teach us to embrace co-laboring with You, Jesus. May we never allow ourselves to become a burden that would cause grumbling. Move us from our perspective of entitlement to a right-minded understanding that we must labor in Your employ. Amen.”

Crossing The Line

Fathers, do not exasperate your children...

Ephesians 6:4

Glenn had taken one look at the way Jeff was dressed and decided the best way to discourage his son from wearing pants four sizes too small was to make an example of him. So…focusing the video camera, Glenn said, “Turn around…slowly...keep your hands up.” Reluctantly, Jeff did as his father instructed. “It looks like you done stole a midget’s pants! I bet you can’t even pull ’em up!”

Angry for being subjected to such treatment, Jeff hoped this impromptu documentary would soon end. But his nightmare was only beginning, because Glenn, figuring he had enough footage, uploaded the clip to the internet. He turned to Jeff, “You think lettin’ your underwear hang out looks cool? Let’s see what people on YouTube think.”

In less than twenty-four hours the video went viral, getting over 280,000 views. In the ‘Comments’ section people wrote things like, Kudos to you, pops! and Now that’s novel parenting! I’da never thought of that! and Awesome, dad!

After reading another dozen such comments, Glenn figured he’d made his point and deleted the link.

†

At first look this appears to be a harmless form of apparel censorship; even a little amusing. But, was Glenn’s attempt at unconventional discipline appropriate? Was what he did acceptable parenting in a world where senseless people say spanking is child abuse?

Answer this question: Would you strip your son to the waist, pull his pants halfway to his knees, and put him on display in the town square, open to everyone’s ridicule, a target for their lewd remarks? Not only would he be open to the ridicule of every sane passerby, he’d be free game for those who are just plain mean, and the mentally ill. You could be creating a potentially dangerous situation.

Had Glenn stopped at just shooting the video, and then compelled Jeff to change clothes, it might have been effective without crossing the line. But airing family issues on YouTube goes against today’s text, because we should never, for any reason, humiliate our children.  

If you don’t approve of the clothes your kids are wearing, sit them down and discuss the matter; set guidelines, and enforce them.

Prayer

“Lord, help me remain sensitive to the possible consequences of how I discipline my children. Help me to be a loving parent. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

This is from the next volume: More Snapshots: Continuing the Spiritual Journey, due out by the end of the year...

Blessings Without Measure

She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed."

Matthew 9:21

As the young mother turned back to the shopping cart she found her son rifling through everything. “Shane, sit back and leave things alone!” she admonished.

He heeded her warning for all of ten seconds. That’s when the four-year-old spotted one of his most favorite things in the whole world: ice pops! Seeing his mom’s attention directed toward the shelves, Shane stretched out his hand, reaching as far as he could. The prize remained just out of reach. Undaunted, he reached down and unbuckled the little seat belt holding him in place, and nimbly climbed toward the ice pops. Just as he grabbed the unfrozen popsicles Mom turned to place something else in the cart.

“Shane Kaufman…!” She began…then stopped herself, staring in wonder at the tenacity of her son. He would not be put off. He would achieve his goal, nothing would deter him.

As much as she knew that blatant disobedience could cause problems in the future if not given the proper direction, she couldn't help but be impressed by his persistence. The look of triumph in his eyes made her smile.

†

In today’s text Jesus, full of the Spirit without measure, was walking along the streets of Capernaum, pushing a virtual shopping cart full of blessings. Among a great throng crowding against Jesus, this woman with the issue of blood was the only one who understood that there was power available to heal her. So, in faith, she reached in and took what she needed, appropriating her healing through unwavering faith! Jesus even commended her for such tenacity, “Daughter, your faith has healed you.”

Oh that we would have the simple faith of a child to believe that every blessing we will ever need is at our disposal through the power of the Holy Spirit.

True faith believes and appropriates what it needs, knowing it is available. And the only way we will know is to draw near enough to God to hear His heartbeat.

Prayer

“I want to know You for Who You are, Abba Father. Not that I might have power for myself, but so that I might know You, and Your Power. Amen.”

Made for Laughter

A cheerful heart is good medicine.
Proverbs 17:22

Nancy and Craig constantly looked for little ways to make each other laugh and enrich their marriage. This particular morning found Nancy headed out the door for the day as Craig was finishing breakfast. They never parted company without a what-if kiss: What if something terrible happens and we do not see each other again? So, getting up from the table, Craig joined his beloved at their favorite spot: the doorway between the dining room and kitchen. Nancy stood on the step above the threshold, Craig on the kitchen floor, several inches below her. This offset their height difference, making for the perfect fit.
As they embraced and kissed, a mischievous thought came unbidden to Craig. Not given time to brush his teeth prior to Nancy’s heading out the door, he realized, with increasing amusement, here was a moment given by God! Leaning back while still holding her around the waist, he looked into Nancy’s eyes and said, “I guess this makes me a cereal kisser!” Spontaneous laughter with a twinkle in their eyes gave testimony to the love they shared. These precious moments given of God deepened their relationship with each other and God.

†

We were created with an expressive nature, and it testifies to what’s going on in our heart.
Many of us suffer from heavily burdened hearts, rarely displaying any sign of joy or happiness. God Himself desires to bring complete joy to our lives that we might recognize His nature and learn to emulate it.
It is my belief that we bring a smile to our Creator’s face when we laugh with abandon. One of my favorite paintings is of a head-thrown-back, all-teeth-showing, belly-laughing Jesus.
We weren’t created to walk around with a downcast countenance, showing everyone how miserable we are. We will find what we look for; joy is optional. Yes, there will be sorrow, but if we look for a light heart, we just might find one filled with laughter.

Prayer

“Help us look to create those seemingly insignificant moments in life, Lord. Teach us to laugh as You intended, to love each other passionately with fervor and great joy! In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

In the Fury of the Storm

I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm.
Psalm 55:8

Clarence watched in horror as the funnel cloud dropped from the sky. He turned and shouted to his wife, “Michelle, grab Christy and Tim and head for the basement. Now!” He took one more look before turning to join his family.
The twister was bouncing from point to point as if it were choosing specific geographical locations. Every time it touched down, debris was lifted skyward. The closer it came, the darker the funnel got. Clarence stood, paralyzed by the awesome display of destruction.
“Clarence? What are you doing?” came Michelle’s anxious cry.
Snapped to his senses, Clarence descended through the basement door, pulling it closed as the updraft threatened to rip it from his grasp. Descending the stairs two at time, he forced a measure of calm to his voice and said, “Over to the corner. Take this blanket and cover up under the workbench.” As they huddled beneath the meager protection, Clarence began reciting the Twenty-third Psalm. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me … ” As the family joined him, the storm raged above. They could feel the house shake and hear windows breaking. Through it all, they would remember the peace that surrounded them in the fury of the storm.

†

God’s promise to us is a place of shelter away from the storms of life. He does not promise we won’t experience trouble, only that in the midst of the storms we can find peace and comfort beyond what the world has to offer.
Our response in times of crisis determines whether we will continue to be tormented or receive strength from above. Just as Clarence was mesmerized by the power of the tornado, we too can be held in a dangerous place longer than we intend. And like Michelle’s cry, David urges us to take shelter from the storm. He’s telling us to hurry and not delay in fleeing from our pursuers.

Prayer

“Storms come upon me so quickly, Lord. Help me see the clouds before the tempest is upon me. Rescue me from my enemies, for I am in need of Your strength. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

We Can Expect a Complete Recovery

I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.
Psalm 57:1

A sickening snap could be heard above the noise in the crowded gymnasium. Amy grabbed her leg, severe pain evident on her face. The conspicuous bulge below her right knee gave mute testimony that the leg was badly broken. While teammates and coach watched from a few feet away, team trainers tended to the injured girl. Mom and Dad had been court-side and now hurried to Amy’s side. EMTs took her vitals, stabilized the leg in a temporary air splint, and loaded Amy into a waiting ambulance to the crowd’s empathetic applause.
Amy was transported to the local hospital where surgery was required to mend the break. After removing tiny bone splinters, they reset the break by realigning the jagged edges and placing surgical screws through the bone. They finished by placing the leg in a cast. There had been no complications; the break would heal just fine. Amy would be on crutches for eight weeks and then placed in a walking cast. They could expect a complete recovery.

†

We would never leave a broken leg unattended. Yet there are those who, for one reason or another, fail or refuse to admit to their broken spirit. It is God’s desire that we bring Him our brokenness.
When spiritual breakage occurs, it leaves jagged edges that rub together, causing scar tissue to form. Left unattended, our spirits cannot heal correctly. We live in turmoil, never finding the joy or peace promised us and possibly never realizing our full spiritual potential.
We live from our hearts; they must be safeguarded! When David was hurting, he took refuge in the shadow of God’s wing, allowing the threat to pass.
In the same way Amy’s broken bone was realigned, our broken spirit must also be brought into a position that will promote healing. We must seek refuge in Jesus Christ. The wound must be stabilized and given time to heal so it can bear weight again. Jesus says if we come to Him, we can expect a complete recovery.

Prayer

“I don’t admit to this kind of pain easily, Lord. I don’t want people to know I am wounded. Help me put aside my foolish pride and begin the healing. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”