Category Archives: Maturing in the Lord

A Verse For Troubled Times

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“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10, NIV)

If you look back into my archives, you will find this verse used more than once as a jumping off place for blogs. That is because it is significant in my life. I will share the whole story but in the short version.
About five years ago, I was teaching Vacation Bible School. Isaiah 41:10 was our memory verse for the day, so I memorized it. It was a Wed. It was a day forever etched into my memory.

That night I was awakened by a phone call. The caller said my son Ryan had a brain bleed and was in the ER. He had lost half of his eyesight. I had a 2 hour drive to get to him. During that long stressful drive, this verse was the thought I dwelled on, and it became the hope of my heart.

I meditated on the verse for days. After testing, brain surgery, and a pathology report, we had the answer we dreaded. Ryan had brain cancer. The tumor was completely removed, and the prognosis was good. So I held on to this verse.

About two years later Ryan called to say that a follow up MRI had shown another tumor. He was going back in for surgery ASAP. Again this verse became the center of my thoughts, and God used it to increase my trust in Him. I remembered lessons I had learned two years earlier. I remembered miracles God did through the situation. I remembered the love and kindness that poured out as Ryan suffered through this terrible disease. It was not easy, but I knew I could trust God.

Now about three years later, our family is again in the midst of Ryan’s ongoing battle against brain cancer. He had another tumor removed this week. From the initial reports, we believe he will have to undergo chemo and radiation again. This news is sad and at times almost overwhelming. Future difficulties abound. But I do not lose hope.

The Creator, the Giver of Life, The Eternal One, is my God. I do not need to fear for He is with me. I should not be dismayed for the I AM, the Existent One, the God who is there, is in a personal relationship with me. He will strengthen me, and He will uphold as I face every difficulty in my future. He will do what is right and in power and strength, He will carry me through every difficulty I face.

Because He says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10, NIV)

You Will Have Trouble

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“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”(John 16:33, ESV)

In this world, you will have tribulation. This verse is pretty straight forward. It is not ambiguous, but clear. It is not confusing. It would be hard to put another interpretation to it. You will have trouble. I have read this many times. I even have it memorized. So why am I always so surprised when things go wrong?

We have a wedding in our family this weekend. My daughter is getting married. My family and I are so excited about the wedding, and all of our plans are coming together well. We expected a perfect day. Then I hurt my back. Ok, a little setback. I will not be able to do all the things I envisioned, and I will be in some pain. It will still be fabulous.

Then we heard from a loved one that a serious medical condition needed attention. This was not the update we expected. We also were concerned about how to deal with the wedding and aftermath with this serious situation before us. Many mixed emotions flow from our hearts.

We love Jesus and know He loves us, so love and gratitude are pouring from our hearts. We are also questioning what God has planned. We are joyful about the wedding. We are sad that someone so dearly loved is suffering. We are confused. We are frustrated that we are unable to change things. We are proud of all involved for their strength and faith. We are excited, nervous, unsure, hopeful, scared, and some of us are even angry.

So, I have to question what I am thinking and what my goals are if the problems surprise me. I have to admit. I was not expecting anything but a picture perfect wedding. It is going to be something different from what I expected, but it is going to be exactly what God has planned.

Jesus told the disciples; you will have tribulation. Some versions say trouble. Trouble is coming guys, don’t be surprised or let it overwhelm you. I have overcome the world. So take heart, or have courage, because I, Jesus, God of the Universe, have it all under control.

After Jesus tells the disciples to be courageous, He prays. The prayer that he prays speaks of the future. It speaks of eternal life and God’s glory. The disciples heard Jesus pray for God to be glorified. He also says that God will be glorified because he gave us eternal life. It seems that our focus on God’s glory and eternal life are the key to remaining courageous during times of trouble.

If I am concerned about eternity and God’s glory, I will not be fazed by the trials of life. I will expect tribulation, but I will not worry because I know that Jesus has overcome all of the struggles of this life. He has given me an eternal hope. I must keep from being short-sighted and earthly minded. I need an eternal perspective. I must keep going for I have an eternal hope and purpose. “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14, NASB95)

A Thief Believes The Truth

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“And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.” (Matthew 27:44, ESV)

“And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.” One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”” (Luke 23:34–42, ESV)

Like many other believers, this Easter I was reflecting on Jesus death and resurrection. I spent much time wondering about the attitudes of the thieves that were crucified alongside Christ. They were being punished for sins they had committed. There was no question about their guilt. Maybe that is why they could not imagine that Jesus could be innocent.
They joined in with the crowd and ridiculed Jesus. They mocked and humiliated him with their words. Something strange happened that day. Jesus prayed for those that were torturing him. He prayed that they would be forgiven. He did not fight back. He didn’t lose his temper. While suffering horrific physical pain, extreme emotional anguish and severe mental fatigue, Jesus was kind and loving.

One of the robbers changed his mind about Jesus. Scripture does not say what made him change his mind. I think that he respected how Jesus suffered. Jesus did all things for the glory of God, including suffering well. I am sure people were astounded that Jesus kept his composure the entire time he was being ridiculed. I think the thieves started to notice that Jesus was acting differently than they were.

Jesus spoke compassionately about his enemies. His grace and love took center stage as he suffered well. Finally, one of the criminals not only noticed, but he changed his mind about Jesus. He spoke up. He tried to convince the other thief of the truth. But only one of them received salvation that day.

These men saw Jesus and were witnesses to his Divine nature. They experienced his righteousness, compassion and love. It is sad that only one of them trusted in Jesus that day. I wondered why. Then I thought about how often people are confronted with the truth and ignore it.

It is well documented that smoking is bad for your health and yet over a billion people still smoke. It is a well known fact that obesity leads to health problems and yet we continue to eat a lot more food than we need. According to the statistical information, it is much safer to travel by plane than in an automobile. Still many are afraid to fly, but spend hours in a car each week.

The truth is that the Son of God, Jesus, The Messiah died on the cross in real space-time history. The evidence is overwhelming. The best evidence is that only someone with an unlimited capacity to love would have forgiven the sins of the people that day. Jesus, God incarnate was tortured to death, and yet his unlimited love caused him to be kind and compassionate to those around him.

One of the robbers trusted in The Truth that day. One looked at the evidence, and it changed the way he lived. He lived the rest of his short life on this earth as a witness to the glory of God. He lived as a testimony of God’s power to change hearts. His testimony has touched lives for 2000 years. His short life here on earth was just the beginning of an eternal existence with God in paradise.

What changed him? He had faith in The Truth, Jesus. His faith was based on facts, but he still had to make a decision to believe. Unfortunately not everyone changes when they hear the facts. Will you?

Do the Simple Things

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I recently posted a quote by Pastor Rick Warren on my Facebook page. This was the quote. “The last thing many believers need today is to go to another Bible study. They already know far more than they are putting into practice. What they need are serving experiences in which they can exercise their spiritual muscles.” Rick Warren
I also added, “I agree”.

For a long time, I have been convicted about this very thing. It is one of the reasons I wrote my book, Naked, Embarrassed, and Exposed? Then Put Something On. I took simple truths from the Bible and gave practical ways to live them out. I needed to learn how to put on the character of Jesus, not just know about it. I thought that others might need that too. So I wrote down the lessons I was learning.

I am glad I wrote it because I need to reread my own book! During the past few days, I have again been reminded that I often fail to obey in the simple things. I have also thought about how important those little things can be. If we feel that only the big, important projects of life are worthy of our attention and neglect the simple stuff, life can become disastrous. Let me give an illustration.

I own a home. I could skip the simple and seemingly mundane and invest all my time and effort on major renovations and projects. I could plant a great garden. I could paint the exterior a great new color. I might even choose to remodel the kitchen. But if I do all of that and neglect the simple things my work will be in vain. I must take out the trash, wash the dirty dishes, and scrub toilets. If I neglect the simple, I will have problems with the smell, pests, and eventually it will drive me from my home.

Have you spiritually neglected the simple and focused only on the big projects? Are things starting to smell? Do you have pests bugging you? Are you feeling driven from the calm, comfort and peace of your earlier Christian life? I know when I see these things in my life, I need to get back to taking care of the simple things.

I have been working on some bigger projects lately. I have been working on a couple of new books. I have been keeping up with my responsibilities in SISTER ministries. The problem is that I have been neglecting the simple stuff and it is starting to stink.

So I once again I come back to this verse, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin” (James 4:17, ESV).

I Have to Do What I Know Is Right

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“Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17, NKJV)

I have been negligent in my writing lately. I haven’t felt particularly creative. I have been extremely busy, and it seems that when I sit down to write, my mind isn’t brimming with new ideas. I was praying about this and the Lord brought to mind the day he called me to write.

This reminder came at a good time. I was doubting whether writing was truly a ministry that I should continue pursuing. It is getting harder to find the time to commit to it. Another difficulty is that I’m not quite sure of the impact since I never see or meet most of my audience. Feeling uncertain about the future of my ministry, I prayed. The Lord brought to my mind the words from James 4.

I know that I was called to speak, teach and write. The Lord has worked in and through me for many years using my giftedness. But still I question it at times. I get distracted from the goal, which is to do good solely because God told me to. And then, I end up in sin because I am not obeying.

I’m not writing today because something profound and amazing caught my imagination and I had to write about it. I am writing because I know it is good, and I am choosing to be obedient. I do not want to sin against God; therefore, I will do what I am called to do. The results, the impact, the responses are in God’s hand. I am just writing because it is right.

If this blog is only for an audience of One it matters! It matters because I am stepping out in obedience and serving God. That always matters. I am joining with God in his work. This work is then available for God to use in the way he sees fit. Whether it makes a large or small impact doesn’t matter. It is a gift for him, and he can use it as he will.

My prayer today, O Lord, is that you will be honored and glorified in my obedience. I know what is right. Give me strength to do it. Even when I’m not excited about the work I still want to walk in obedience. It may not be my best work, but my work is a gift for you. Use it as you see fit.

Peter Preaches About the Resurrection

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“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know—Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.” (Acts 2:22–24, NKJV)

This sermon astounds me. In the light of the upcoming celebration of Christ’s resurrection, I would like to share the things that excite me the most when I look at this passage.

Peter preached these words to the people of Jerusalem. The public forum where Peter preached wasn’t hundreds of miles from the incident where it would be hard to verify the facts. It was right in the city where Jesus’ resurrection happened. Anyone could ask around to find out the truth. In Luke 24:18, it is implied that everyone in Jerusalem knew what had happened. Peter spoke of the miraculous events and appealed to eyewitnesses of the facts. When he finished speaking, 3000 people believed and were baptized. If this was a hoax, legend, or fairy tale, how did Peter convince 3000 people in Jerusalem to believe him?

He preached these words just 50 days after Jesus death. The people Peter spoke to were witnesses of the power of God. They had also experienced the power of God through Jesus’ ministry. He reminded them that they had seen Jesus do miracles. He talked about the crucifixion of Christ. He also presents the resurrection as a fact. Peter is preaching to people who knew the truth because they had been there. They confirmed the truth when they believed that day.

Peter is preaching this sermon. Something convinced Peter (and the other disciples) that Jesus was alive. Later in the same sermon, Peter says, “This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses”. This is an astonishing testimony of the truth of the resurrection. Less than 2 months after Jesus rose from the dead, Peter is in a public forum discussing the resurrection as a verified and witnessed event. If it had not happened, I think Peter, along with the other disciples, still would have been hiding.

Peter wasn’t brave. Remember, he denied Jesus because he was afraid. Peter and the rest knew the torture that would come from associating with Jesus, and yet something emboldened them. It filled them with enough courage to change the world. They no longer coward from the threats of mere men, but were compelled to speak out by the power of God.

This passage excites me. It excited Peter too! Here is something he wrote later on the same subject. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:3–9, NKJV)

For more information on the resurrection read Josh McDowell’s book, The Resurrection Factor and The Bible

An Unfinished Blog

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Sometimes I have a hard time writing my blog. It is not because I do not have a lot of ideas, but because I don’t have a lot of answers. I have a difficult time formulating a complete blog if I am not sure how it ends. Today I’m not sure how this blog ends, so this may only be a partial blog, but please keep reading.

I’m writing the ideas I’ve been having. I am hoping that you will have some conclusions for me. Maybe you, the reader may offer answers that will bring some conclusions to my scattered thoughts. Please add your comments or email me with your ideas. I would love to hear from you.

Lately, my mind has been mulling over ideas about community in the Body of Christ. These mental wanderings started because I have been uncomfortable about the lack of community I have felt. I’m not saying that there isn’t community; I’m just saying my experience is vastly different from the ideal I envision. Maybe my ideal is wrong.
What is God’s idea of the Body of Christ? How do we support and love one another today, right now, with all of the distractions and busyness we encounter? We are commanded to love the others in the Body of Christ. I think it is hard to love others when we don’t spend enough time together to know each other. I also think it is difficult to love when we don’t make efforts to communicate with each other. When we don’t share our lives or selves how does love grow?

I guess I should start at the beginning. Sin separated us from God. Jesus died to restore this relationship. Jesus has enabled us to commune with and enjoy God. Sin also separated us from one another. Jesus sacrifice also offers substantial healing to our relationships with others, so we can have real communion and enjoy one another. So why don’t we?

I was once in a church that provided insulation and paneling for an elderly lady because her house was unfinished and extremely cold in the winter. The church members didn’t only give money, they gave their time. Many people gathered to do the labor. It was a time of work but also a time of fellowship and communion. We spent time together, getting to know each other. We also served someone we loved, and we served God. We also ate together that day.

That was a time of fellowship and community. I felt as if I were a part of something more important and bigger than myself. I wonder where I can get involved in Christian community that serves, fellowships, works, and openly shares with one another. It is my heart’s desire to do life with others. It is too hard doing so much of it alone.

It feels to me like the Body of Christ often works as separate limbs and organs rather than a unified body. I think we would be seeing a greater impact on our families, communities, and countries if we could figure out how to cooperate and serve together as an integrated whole. I think we need more cohesiveness than the very loose bond that listening to the same sermon on Sunday provides. I think we need to do life together. But how?

He Cares For You and Me

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“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7, NIV)

When my kids were little, we listened to Psalty, the singing songbook. Psalty taught kids to praise God with their songs and their lives. I loved hearing my children sing praises to Jesus and the Kids Praise series featuring Psalty, certainly encouraged it. I’m not only thankful for the impact this music had on my children’s lives, but I’m also thankful for how it has encouraged me.

This morning I found myself singing “The Cares Chorus” from Kids Praise 5. This song is a prayer calling the petitioner to release burdens and cares, leaving them to God. It is a song of humility, admitting ignorance and finiteness. It is a cry from the heart that begs God to carry whatever is weighing us down.

It is a simple song based on 1 Peter 5:7, simple and yet profound. We can take any bother, worry, stress, care, anxiety, or burden and throw it God’s way. He will gladly receive it and deal with it because he “cares for” us. The Creator of the Universe, the Great and Mighty, the Self Existent One, cares for me.

This astounds me. With more than 7 billion people currently living in the world, God cares for me. He cares so much he is willing to ease my anxiety levels by caring for my burdens. It reminds me of another Psalty song, and Bible verse, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God” (1 John 3:1, KJV).

God has poured out his love on me, and I am blessed. I am so thankful for God’s Word and how it draws me into a deeper relationship with my Heavenly Father. I am also thankful for the faithful ministers that have been a blessing in my life. I have never met Kelly Willard, but she has encouraged me by writing the “Cares Chorus”. Debby Kerner and Ernie Rettino have encouraged and blessed many through the Psalty recordings. I have never met them either and yet they have had a lasting impact on my life and my Christian walk.

I pray that today as I write, choosing to be faithful to the calling God has given me, I will bless someone’s life. I pray that someone will read these words and find peace. I pray that someone out there whether I know them or not will be blessed by the lessons that were handed down to me by his faithful servants. God cares for us and desires to relieve us of our stresses. He cares because he loves us so much. Have a blessed and stress free day!

Very Near in Times of Trouble

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“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah” (Psalm 46:1–3, ESV)

““Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”” (Psalm 46:10, ESV)

I have often found comfort in Psalm 46. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” I love that God is near when there is trouble. When the whole world around me is crumbling, God is near. But he isn’t just close by watching, wringing his hands, dismayed at the disaster that has fallen. He is near and helping.

God is our refuge. He is our place to hide and rest when the world is falling apart. He is our safety and our protection. We are eternally secure in him no matter what befalls. Even if the very ground we walk on should fall out from under us, we will be safe in him.

I was in Louisiana after a hurricane with a disaster relief team. Trees had been uprooted, buildings were growing mold, power outages were rampant, and people were without food. Our team set up, and we cooked for hundreds of people every night. It was an incredible time.

God was near, and he was working in miraculous ways. We did not need to fear even though the earth had moved under the weight of the ancient trees toppling and falling buildings crashing down. The water had roared and foamed, and yet God was near. God was a very present help. Resources were coming from far and wide, volunteers came flooding in, and the Gospel of Truth was being preached. It was a busy, hard and fruitful time.

The best part was at night. After an exhausting day, we would get still. Our site would get quiet. We would focus on God’s presence and kindness. In those moments of calm, we would exalt God. We would praise him for his marvellous works. When we would get still, we had time to recognize God in his power and majesty.

God was exalted far and wide throughout nations as we texted, emailed, and asked for prayer from friends and loved ones far and wide. The stories of salvation and God’s goodness were shared all over the world through our witness and by the media. The Lord God Almighty was exalted among the nations.

I reflected on this time as I read Psalm 46. The trouble was devastating and yet God was there in our midst. He was very near during this time of trouble. And as we found stillness and quiet in him, he was exalted.

Today in my struggles and problems, Lord, let me be still and know that you are God. Let your name be exalted among the nations.

Speak the Word of God

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The Word of God

The Word of God

“For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”” (Romans 10:13–15, ESV)
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17, ESV)

I listened to one of my favorite Christian speakers the other day. I had an opportunity to hear her speak, and I was so excited. She has a gift. She is captivating and moving. She is funny and profound. Her style is unique, and she honors God in her life and work.

She is also an author. Her works have led me into a deeper relationship with Jesus. She is a student of God’s Word and a passionate teacher of God’s Word. I have enjoyed her written material immensely. I keep many of her books on my shelf as handy resources.

I have to say, the latest talk I heard was disappointing. I didn’t get a lot out of it. The information was true and right, but I wasn’t being moved, convicted, or encouraged. It seemed that I was learning but not growing spiritually. It did impact my intellect, but not my soul. Something was wrong. Was it the teaching or was it me?

I prayed about it and later analyzed the situation. The Lord gave me a clear understanding of the problem. The lesson I received was a motivational lesson by a Christian. It was true and right. There was nothing wrong or heretical in the teaching. But there was a problem. This speaker was not using God’s Word in her lecture.

She talked about hymns, anecdotal experiences, and her personal life. She taught practical skills. But the Word of God was absent. This startled me. Not because I question this speaker’s motives or heart for God, but because I realized how easy it is to depend on our knowledge and how shallow that is.

How often have I shared stories or experiences in hopes of encouraging people in Lord, but failed to include God’s truth in the account? How many times have I taught a Bible study that was mostly my experience or thought? How often have I skipped reading the Bible to read a book about the Bible instead?

The Word of God needs to be the center of my life, teaching, encouragement, witnessing, and discussion if it is going to change lives and build faith. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.

My prayer today Lord is from the Book of Acts. “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:29–31, ESV) Fill us with the Spirit in power and boldness so that we can proclaim your truth to the praise of the Lord Jesus and for the salvation of many.