Lay The Foundation

By the grace God has given me, I have laid a foundation…

1Corinthians 3:10

The Pastor shared a story from his childhood. His father, who at the time was well-known, and was experiencing tremendous growth in his church. Through prayer, he felt led to begin receiving offerings to build a larger facility to accommodate this welcomed growth. “One day my Daddy was approached by a friend who asked how the building fund was coming. ‘Well,’ Daddy replied, ‘we have $20 thousand so far. It’s a good start, but we need a lot more before we begin breaking ground.’ Daddy’s friend responded, ‘$20 thousand sounds like enough for the foundation. 

Why not put action behind your faith? Lay the foundation, and see what God does!’ 

And that is exactly what they did! They broke ground, poured the footers, and began to lay block. Over the next several weeks Daddy was humbled by the giving of his parishioners. That building fund continued to grow and remained sufficient to meet each need as it was presented. In just four months construction was completed; ahead of schedule, with the new building completely paid for! The week they moved into that new building my Daddy preached about putting actions behind your faith. He ended his message by reminding them of a fundamental truth they had been witness to, “When God sees your faith in action extraordinary things begin to happen!’”

†

Many times God will not reveal His intentions until we take a step toward Him. He knows our faith is strengthened exponentially when it’s put to the test. When we act in faith we can expect Him to reciprocate, not because He is beholden to us, but because He loves us and is more than willing to reward our trust.

This extraordinary response from Heaven to acts of faith is available to anyone willing to risk their future to a God, Who, time and time again, has been proven faithful.

We each have a choice. We can limit ourselves with excuses or we can experience unparalleled growth through grace by putting actions to our faith. He only asks us to lay the foundation.

Prayer

“Teach me to activate my faith, Lord. Help me trust that You’ll be there to meet me as I take each step. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

 

No, All Roads Don’t Lead To Heaven

and narrow the road that leads to life…

Matthew 7:14

Approaching Columbus, Trent posed the question to Alisha, “So, should I take I-270 or I-71?” He wasn’t so much seeking her opinion as he was trying to transfer responsibility for possibly ending up in a traffic jam. If he could get her to make the decision, she’d become responsible for the outcome!

“Oh no you don’t!” she said. This wasn’t her first go-round with her husband’s you choose and let me off the hook ploy.

Trent lamented, “270’s always under construction. But 71 narrows to only four lanes downtown. Traffic usually slows to a creep this time of day.”

Alisha decided to take the high road, “I saw on the news last night that there are several detours on 270.We may not be able to get back on 71 and we’d have to backtrack.”

“Are you saying I should stay on 71?” he baited her again.

“I’m saying…whatever you decide, I’ll endure...but if we stay on 71 we’ll eventually get where we’re supposed to be,” she finished diplomatically.

“71 it is!” Trent exclaimed triumphantly.

Fortunately, traffic was light and they didn’t lose any time, “I’m glad I made the right decision,” he crowed, stealing a glance at his wife. The look on her face said, I nothing, mister! but she graciously remained silent.

†

If you look at a map of the Continental United States you readily see that all roads do not lead to the same destination. As a matter of fact, there are few exceptions where you can deviate from your original route and still reach your intended destination without some major backtracking.

Many preach: “We’re all headed for the same place, just taking different routes.” This is simply not true, and leaving the path that leads to our eternal home is dangerous; we may not make it back. Detours hold pain and suffering. And, if we survive, we can choose to correct our path. Unfortunately, many never make it back.

Heaven is accessible only through Jesus Christ. There is no other road that serves as His substitute.

Prayer

“Help me be narrow-minded when it comes to the road I travel, Lord. Keep me on the straight and narrow path that leads to Heaven. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

 

Letters From Heaven

…you are a letter from Christ…written not with ink but in the Spirit of the living God...

2Corinthians 3:3

They had just wrapped up the Sunday School lesson on being a good witness for Jesus, when one adult rose, and exited the classroom. A murmur immediately spread throughout the class, and one statement was heard above the rest: “Must have felt convicted!”

The teacher, knowing why the man had left, let the murmuring continue for a minute and then called the class to silence, “I asked John to leave the class without interruption, and without explaining himself.”

The class looked to each other with puzzled expressions. With no answer forthcoming, the teacher continued, “Uncomfortable as this is, it is a valuable lesson for us all. I don’t care who made what statements. I did this as an example of how we sometimes give false witness.

“There is always someone standing on the sidelines waiting to judge Christianity by its mistakes. The murmuring that followed John’s departure is a form of gossip. Several of us defamed John’s character unjustly. If a non-believer had been present they would have heard the family of God criticizing one of their own.” He paused. Scanning each face, not wanting to single anyone out, yet not giving them room to escape the true conviction that had entered the room.

In closing, he simply stated, “We are each letters from Heaven, written in the Spirit of the living God. How would you like yours to read?”

†

It’s been said that many Christians are the only Bible some people will ever read. If that’s the case, what are those who are reading us getting from the Bible? Do we draw them toward a relationship with Jesus Christ, or do we confirm the cynicism of those who see Christianity as a hypocrites’ religion?

Paul took responsibility for his witness. He also challenged those he was responsible for to witness well.

When we witness poorly it reflects not only on our walk with the Lord, it puts a black eye on the Source of our faith. We must be mindful of the statement we are making.

Prayer

“May the pages of my book be considerate and encouraging, Lord, drawing people into relationship with You, instead of driving them away. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

 

Therefore…

Therefore…in my absence…it is God who works in you…

Philippians 2:12, 13

Sober for eight months, Dale was thankful for God bringing Glen into his life. Through Glen’s mentoring, Dale had found the strength to say ‘no’ when tempted to run from his problems by drinking. Instead, he had learned to face each day, meeting his problems head-on.

Glen had also introduced Dale to Jesus. He was adamant about telling Dale, “Look, I’m not always going to be around. But that’s okay, because God is the One you need to trust for your sobriety anyway. So, in my absence, look to Him for help. Remember, it’s not you, but God in you that makes the difference.”

Glen was away on business, so today was the first time Glen’s instruction would be put to the test. Dale would be in close proximity to alcohol because of his job, and knew it would test his resolve. It was one thing to resist temptation when Glen was around…quite another when he was on his own, with no one but God watching. But he was determined to trust God for the outcome.

All day long when temptation surfaced, Dale quietly proclaimed, “Not me, but God in me.” And that night, when he laid his head on his pillow, he did it sober.

†

When we attempt to battle sin, in any form, in our own strength, we will eventually lose the battle. When that happens, Satan accuses, “You are hopeless, helpless, useless, and powerless. You are a failure.” Sadly, many people, due to pride and deception, never recognize Satan’s lies or learn the truth of what Glen taught Dale: that in his weakness, and Glen’s absence, Dale needed to cry out to Jesus!

Paul told the Philippians the same thing, knowing they needed to understand this truth so they could mature in Christ by surrendering their own strength in order to gain His.

The strength we need to overcome anything we struggle with is found in Jesus. When faced with temptation, cry out to Him, asking that He fight the battle.

Prayer

“In my pride and denial I find it hard to admit I need anyone to fight my battles, Lord Jesus. Forgive such arrogance and pride as I move aside and let You do the fighting for me, today. Amen.”

 

Grace Is For Today

We urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain…now is the time for God’s favor,

2Corinthians 6:1, 2

Sharon awoke with a migraine, “Lord, I’m not sure I can do this again today…” It wasn’t as much a statement as it was a frustrated plea. Actually, it wasn’t the headache that caused her frustration. It was her four-year-old daughter, Kaylee’s medical condition that continued to wear on Sharon’s resolve.

Knowing what she needed to do, yet not really feeling like it, Sharon prayed anyway, “Lord, give me the grace to make it through this day. Help me be the right example for Kaylee. Please hold her and carry her through these last two chemo treatments. Help Don and me to be faithful in the midst of adversity, and teach Kaylee more about You today than she knew yesterday; show her Your favor. Guide our steps as well as our words, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Sharon got out of bed, took a couple Tylenol, and headed for Kaylee’s room, “Rise and shine, Kiddo!” Sharon said brightly. “Only two more treatments and you get a vacation!”

“Oh, Mommy!” Kaylee said, matter-of-factly. “I told you…its no big deal. I’m a big girl; ’member?”

Grateful for her daughter’s positive outlook, Sharon smiled a mischievous smile and dove toward her daughter, knocking her backwards, onto her bed. The ensuing pillow-fight was just what they needed. And miraculously, when it was over, Sharon’s migraine was gone!

†

Each day we awaken to many of the same problems we had when we went to sleep the night before. But yesterday’s grace won’t cover things today; it isn’t meant to.

We are to draw anew on the favor of God each day, asking only for enough grace to navigate today.

God did not give us the promise of no adversity. He did, however, promise the grace to make it through each new day as we come to Him for solace, comfort, wisdom, and favor.

God wants to meet you where you’re at today, with exactly what you need.

Prayer

“Lord, I thank you for each new day You provide. Help me look for the possibilities instead of moping around in self-designated grief. Thank You for Your favor and grace this day. I give You praise in Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

 

Giving Our All

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart.

Colossians 3:23

Billy had been blessed with the skills of a natural athlete. He’d carried a .360 batting avg. throughout his college career and was an all-star shortstop. Today Billy was attending winter tryouts with the Cleveland Indians organization.
“Okay, Mitchell, let’s see you take a few!” the infield coach hollered, and hit a screaming grounder in Billy’s direction. Billy fielded the ball with little effort and threw a line-drive to the first baseman. After several similar plays the coach hit him some fly balls. With deceptive ease, Billy positioned himself under each pop fly, caught the ball, and sent it on a string to home plate. Coach told Billy to come by his office following tryouts.

When Billy knocked on the door the coach asked him to take a seat, “You know, Billy, you’re a rare one…a natural. They’re considering signing you. But I need to know something.” The coach continued, “You've got talent, Son, there’s no denying it. It comes easy to you…maybe too easy. Everyone else out there today had to give their all to make an impression. You on the other hand coasted right on through.”

Billy’s response was expected, “I gave you 110 percent today. What more do you want?”

“I want more than just enough to get by. And by the way, you can’t give more than 100 percent. And if you think you gave your best today you’ll never reach your potential. Quite frankly, that’s what I’m afraid of.”

†

God wants our all, not just enough to get by. When we hold out, our relationships suffer; with God and everyone we encounter.

The widely-used oxymoron, “I gave 110 percent!” is, at best, a misnomer that we have the ability to give better than our best efforts at any given time. And sadly, society has adopted the mindset that when we find something worthy of our better-than-best effort, we give it!

You are 100 percent God’s creation. It’s impossible to give more than you are. But what you are is exactly what He wants; your best, no more, and no less. Do the math.

Prayer

“May You find in me the willingness to give You all that I am, Lord, at all times, in all things. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

 

More Than Just A Chance

…it is appointed unto men once to die,

Hebrews 9:27 KJV

Trying to assimilate the doctor’s devastating diagnosis of stage-4 colon cancer, Jeremy had decided to speak to his pastor. Pastor Raymond Miller listened as his long-time parishioner and friend shared how he felt about it, “I never seriously thought about dying, Ray. I always figured I’d live forever.” After a pause he added, “Or that Jesus would Rapture me and the Church first.”

Jeremy spoke candidly, comfortable with this man, “I know what the Bible says, Ray. You know…the part about our appointment with death.”

Ray remained silent, knowing Jeremy would work his way through this.

“But now…” Jeremy picked back up, making an attempt at levity, “now there’s a chance I’m actually going to die!” Jeremy went silent; his crooked smile belied his true feelings.

Ray broke the silence, “Jeremy, you said that you might die from this cancer…and that’s one possibility. The truth is—that short of the Rapture—we must all face death. It’s more than just a chance, as you jokingly said, it’s a fact. But it’s also an opportunity…an opportunity to lean on God instead of trying to navigate life in our own strength. Jeremy, God wants you to be rightly-related to Him, not just saved…and to fight for life until the day He takes you home, no matter when that is.”

†

The human mind is wonder-filled. The scope of its full potential is unfathomable, yet it is equipped with a tremendous capacity for denial where death is involved.

Not many of us really contemplate our own death. We watch those we know and love face it, but for some reason we don’t really believe it will happen to us any time soon; if ever.

Each of us is on a collision course with death. It is imminent. We are literally unable to cheat it. With such knowledge, how can we allow our salvation and/or sanctification to remain in limbo, hanging on to the chance that our death won’t occur today?

Being rightly-related means moving toward our goal, not holding it at arms length.

Prayer

“Draw me ever closer, Lord Jesus. My mind wants to deny the truth that death is more than just a chance. Help me live like I might just see Your face today. Amen.”