Micah 7:18-19, “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression  of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. ⁹ You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot  and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.”

Forgiveness is without a doubt one of the toughest aspects of Christianity; and yet, it is one of the most important aspects of it. We often hear the phrase, “Forgive and Forget;” but, the reality is, while we may “forgive” it is next to impossible to “forget.” Forgiveness gives us the freedom to no longer be controlled by the actions of others. The pain, bitterness, and anger no longer infiltrates our hearts and minds daily. We are given relief from it through forgiveness. Some of us have sin in our lives, and we need to discuss it with God. We walk around as if no one will catch us or God won’t see it.

When I was a boy, I wrote a letter against one of my teachers to a buddy of mine. I drew a picture of her with horns and a tail with a red cape and pitchfork in hand. The character of my drawing was standing at a chalk board and there were students in desks around her. Fire came from her mouth with the bubbled words, “I snack on little kids like you!” My buddy passed it around the room and of course, she confiscated it and tucked it away in her desk drawer. I didn’t like her because she gave a lot of homework and taught a subject I didn’t enjoy.

All through class, I thought about my parents. Any moment my mom and dad would walk through the doors, and I’d be in hot water. The end of the day came – nothing. I went home – nothing. I came to school – nothing. I went home – nothing. My mind couldn’t grasp it. What was going to happen? When would the blade of the guillotine fall? By the end of the week, I could not stand it any longer. I waited while all the other kids went to recess and approached her desk.

“Yes Michael, is everything ok?” she asked, her eyes glaring above the rim of her glasses.

“Yes, Ma’am. I mean no Ma’am; I mean, about that letter… I’m really sorry,” I managed to mutter.

She simply stared at me. My palms began to sweat. I felt my brow bead-up with perspiration.

There was a large jar behind her. I never knew what it was or why she kept it behind her desk. It was half-full of tiny pieces of paper. She turned in her chair and lifted the glass jar to her desk.

“Do you know what this is?” she asked.

I shook my head.

“It’s my forgiveness jar. When I need to forgive, I write it on a piece of paper, talked to God about it, tear it into shreds and put it in here.”

She opened her desk drawer; tore the letter into a hundred pieces; opened the lid of the jar; and raked the paper in the jar.

My eyes swelled up with tears. I didn’t know what to say.

“I think your classmates are waiting for you on the playground and I have papers to grade.”

And that was the best lesson any teacher ever taught me.

God is waiting. He wants to hear from you about what you’ve done to someone or Him; He wants to hear about the sin you are committing. He wants to tear your transgression up, stomp all over it, and fling it into the ocean. He is waiting on you to talk with Him about it.  Stop wondering when the blade is going to fall on your head and start communicating with God. His forgiveness jar is somewhere at the bottom of a very deep ocean. Wouldn’t you rather your sin be there than in your heart? Make it right with Him today.

Galatians 2:20, “ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Most of the original 12 disciples were crucified because of their ministries. But when Paul wrote this, he wasn’t suggesting the same for us obviously. He wanted us to realize that in order to have spiritual victory over the evil of this world; in order to live as Christ lived; in order to allow Him to move and work in and through our lives, we had to be crucified with Christ. No longer do we have the right to control our own lives. In being crucified with Christ, we find the power to live a life filled abundantly with the joy, power, and abilities of Him.

Christ left so that the Holy Spirit could fill us and live in us. This gives us the ability to do “what Jesus would do.”  Through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, whatever we encounter, we have the ability to conquer because Christ lives and works within us.

Today, in your prayer time, talk with God about living through you. Here are some guidelines to help start a dialogue with Christ:

1. Express to Him that you want very much to be a person of God. There are times when you feel defeated and inadequate. There are times when you do not know how to deal with certain people or do certain things. Admit to Him, you need Him.

2. Accept the authority of Christ to give you exactly what you need, whether it be in words or actions, believe you can overcome every obstacle because Christ is directing you.

3. Surrender to Him. Give Him express permission to live His life through you. Release the controls. Be crucified in Him.

You may have to pray this prayer on a daily basis until you can freely surrender to Him. Discipleship begins when we allow Christ to live in and through us.

 

Have you ever heard the adage, “The early bird finds the worm?”

Mark 1:35 says, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed.”

We should change the adage to say, “The early bird finds God.”

Mark suggests a model that we must apply to our lives. The Son of God knows we must give God our first and best.

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,  for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”  – Lamentation 3:22-23.

Jesus prays in the morning, very early in the morning, because His spirit is still fresh and unencumbered by the activities and problems of the day. After a night of rest, He is rejuvenated and wants to give God His best self. While the others are back at the house snoring away, Jesus is meeting with God. Mark also tells us that Jesus found a solitary place, a place away from the morning news, cell phone, radio, and computer. He found a place where He could devote His fresh energy to God.

While scripture tells us to “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,”  (Thessalonians 5:16-18), Mark describes the importance of time alone, away from life’s distractions, fresh and new, before the day burdens us with problems.

Make a committment to start your day with God. Give Him your first attention. It can be hard for parents of little ones, I know and remember well; but, make a schedule with your spouse. If you are a single mom or dad, try to find uninterrupted time before the kids wake-up. With a little creativity, you can prioritize God in the proper place and watch how much your life changes because of it.  Somehow, isolate yourself; get alone with God; allow Him to access you life.

Several days ago, I had the opportunity to teach at a conference.  When I finished, one of the attendees asked a tough question.  How do we know God exists?

Multiple arguments for the existence of God have been offered through the centuries.  An example, the universal belief argument, purports that every person is born with knowledge of God in their inner most being.  No matter who they are or where they are from, every person has an awareness of a supreme being in the core of their being.  That knowledge produces worship.  Some psychologists may argue against it, but anthropological study reveals that in every society in the history of humanity, regardless of geographic and cultural trappings, mankind has worshiped what he perceived to be the supreme being.  Whether it was the sun or a star, humanity has consistently bowed to the being believed to be supreme.  That inner desire, it is argued, must come from a God who exists.

A second argument for the existence of God is the cosmological argument.  When you observe the world around you, there is an order, a design, a rationality to everything.  The way everything is put together distinctly implies there is something out there, someone who put it all together.  Since for every effect there has to be a direct cause, a rational cause must have developed the rational world.

My favorite illustration of this argument comes from Sir Isaac Newton.  In his office, the universe was modeled.  A gold metal ball in the center demonstrated our sun.  All the planets were formed revolving around the sun.  As many stars as he could make were affixed in their places perfectly.  All was made of metal, intricately designed and exquisitely made.  It made sense of the universe.  With that model many of his students were able to understand much more regarding the physical workings and relationships in the world of space.  One day an atheistic scientist walked into his office, saw that intricately designed universe, and said, “Wow … that’s fantastic. Who made it?”  Newton seized the moment, “Nobody.  It just fell together.  One day I was sitting at my desk and all the metal just started wrapping around itself and developed into that beautiful structure you see sitting there.”  As with most of us, the atheist got the picture of a Divine Designer…the cosmological argument for the existence of God.

Romans 1:20, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”

One need only to look around and realize the wonder and beauty of God: the hand of an infant, the soft fur of a bunny, the delicious scent of a rose, the sweet taste of an orange, the glow of the stars, the bloom of a cherry tree, and the splendor of white fluffy snow. We are without excuse to question His existence.

I found a card David made for Connie probably when he was around 5. It reminded me of a very similar card I had made for my mom when I was around 5 or 6. As our culture evolves and changes; as society develops new ways of doing and saying things; there is a constant that holds true since the beginning of time – a mother’s love.

M is for the Many things she gave me,
O means only that she’s growing Old.
T is for the Tears she shed to save me,
H is for her Heart of purest gold.
E is for her Eyes with love light shining,
R means Right and Right she’ll always be.

Put them all together, they spell MOTHER.
A word that means the world to me.

Over the past few weeks I have been thinking of Eve in anticipation for Mother’s Day and what I wanted to say to you on this important day for women.

When I was little, I used to marvel at the idea of being first at something – first to walk on the moon; first to fly in a body suit; first to invent a cure for cancer. But for Eve, she was the first to sin and she was the first to birth a child and be a mother. During Connie’s first pregnancy, I saw her read book after book. She had baby showers. Friends came over and helped her set up the nursery and the advice just flowed. I was not welcomed even to be around as the women talked about labor and breast-feeding and changing tables and strollers. But Eve, she had no one but God to tell her what to do.

I overheard my mom telling Connie once, “Women have been having babies for thousands of years. You’ll be just fine.” Eve didn’t have a mother, and she was the first to go through it all. It is hard to even imagine how frightened she must have been. We know through scripture that she had 3 sons:  Cain, Abel, and Seth; but, the Bible tells us she had many other sons and daughters as well.

I do not know how she interacted with her children but I believe she probably set the stage for all mothers: demonstrating a selfless love, devotion, deep-rooted loyalty, and commitment.

Today, I applaud women all over the world for their love and devotion to children – whether their own children or someone else’s children. What a blessing you are in our lives. Thank you for your contribution and example. Thank you for your understanding and compassion. Thank you that when no one else is there,  moms always are.

To the women who have touched my life – my wife, my mom, and my grandmothers – thank you!

For all of you who daily strive to be the best for our children – thank you!

Happy Mother’s Day! May your day be as special to you as you are in our lives.

 

“I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day. When its cold outside, I’ve got the month of May…” The Temptations’ song from the mid 60’s played over in my mind the other day. The lyrics of the song are written about a girl who makes the singer smile, but shouldn’t we apply that to our lives as Christians?

I read a quote the other day, it said, “Life is easy. It’s living it that’s difficult.” I’m not sure who said it, but in reality, he/she is correct. However, I would change the quote to say, “Life is easy. It’s how we live it that’s difficult.”

God has called us to a higher standard, and He should expect us to live accordingly.

Wouldn’t it be “day” changing if we all agreed to wake up tomorrow morning and our sole intent was to make those around us smile. If that were your challenge, you’d open your eyes with a different attitude. You’d take a deep breath and proceed with a positive outlook. You’d probably sit on the steps outside your home and pet your dog; prepare breakfast for your wife or husband; write a special note in the kids’ lunch boxes. Maybe as you grabbed a biscuit at McDonald’s, you’d say a few compliments to the Drive-Thru attendant, and thank the person who handed you the food. As you walked into work, you’d greet everyone a little differently, remembering your purpose, to make people smile. Your dealings with customers would be at an even higher standard. Those with special requests you may stop and pray for them. You’d drop a card in the mail to your mom or dad. Bring home flowers to your wife or pick up a special treat for your husband on the way home. Play ball with your kids or bake cookies. And as you went to sleep that night, you’d remember all the smiles you got that day. Would tomorrow be different?

“I’ve got sunshine, on a cloudy day. When its cold outside, I’ve got the month of May. I guess you say, what can make me feel this way, My God…talkin ’bout My God…My God!”

I challenge you to spread a little sunshine for God today.

Acts 16:25, “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.”

In Acts 16, Paul and Silas meet a woman who is a fortune-teller. She is following them around as they are preaching and continues to echo, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” After several days of this, Paul and Silas turn to her and command the demons in the name of Jesus Christ to leave her. Fortune Telling provided money for her owners, and those owners are angry that Paul and Silas have removed this ability from her.

The owners take Paul and Silas to the Magistrate and have them arrested. The crowds join in the attack against these men, and Paul and Silas are beaten within an inch of their lives and thrown into jail. The worst of criminals (those most dangerous to society) are held in stocks. Paul and Silas’ feet are anchored down in stocks, a very painful process. Also, they are heavily guarded.

It is fascinating to read what Paul and Silas do. First, imagine what you would do. Maybe you would demand a lawyer or protest that the treatment you had received was unlawful. Possibly, you would cry out to God in agony and defeat.  I can hear it now, “I am preaching your word, Lord! Get me out of this mess!” But the scriptures tell us that Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God.  You guessed it; the other prisoners were listening.

Who is watching you? Who is listening to you? Maybe it is a co-worker or a neighbor. Maybe it is your son or daughter. Maybe it is your brother or sister. Maybe it is a complete stranger. How we respond to adversity is one of the greatest testimonies we can offer to God; it can also be the most damaging when we respond incorrectly.

Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, you are an instrument for God. He will come to your rescue. He will deliver you. Remember Paul and Silas the next time you are faced with less than ideal circumstances. Allow God to use your struggles to witness to others.

Do you play video games? That seems a nonsensical question. In American culture, in particular, is there anyone who hasn’t played a video game? That is the better question. The basic rules of the video game, whatever you are playing, is to get to the next level – to eat the right berries, or pounce on enough white rabbits, or speed passed enough cars, or kill enough creatures. In video games, winning the battle is all about advancing to the next level; without advancement, you are stuck right where you are.

Do you know the same is true with God? God knows how to get us to the next level. He knows how to orchestrate our lives in such a way as to prepare us for Level 10, Level 50, Level 101. The problem arises when we don’t want to do what it takes to advance.

Here are some keys to help you get to the next level with God:

1. Know who is in charge. You’re not and God is.  As one of our church ladies puts it, “God is large and in charge.”

2. Praise and worship Him even when things are not working out as you planned. Understand, He’s got a better plan! Follow it!

3. Accept that God can fix the messes in your life if you let Him. So, let go of the reigns.  He will steer.

4. Don’t allow Satan to taunt you with discouragement. Press forward. Do what you know to do and let God take care of the rest.

5. Be bold. Never say never. Everything seems impossible until its done. God is the God of impossibility. He has a proven track record. He will pull you out. Believe in Him.

Jeremiah 29:11, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'”

He’s got the blueprints! Trust Him!

Coming home last night I noticed blue lights ahead of me, which is much better than noticing blue lights behind me! There was a safety check, a major undertaking involving a large amount of officers and cars. People were pulled over and police officers had flash lights looking in automobiles. The road was blocked and we all sat in a line waiting to be reviewed. I pulled out my license and registration and waited. There was a large 18-Wheeler in front of me; a car full of teenagers pulled over to the side being questioned; two ladies looking frustrated leaning up against their car on the other side. I wondered what their violations were. I was rejoicing that  I don’t have teenagers anymore.

In our Christian life we need safety checks too. Here are a few to tune up your Christianity:

1. Act like a Christian

John 13:15, ” I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

Ephesians 5:1, “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children ² and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

1 Corinthians 11:1, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”

Do you know what it means to imitate Christ? To follow His example? To walk in His way? It is impossible to know what Jesus would do if you don’t really know what He did and how He did it. The only way to know is to study His example in the Bible. Make sure you are studying the Bible daily and learning how to act as He acted.

2. Acknowledge your mistakes.

1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Acts 2:38, “Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 3:19, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord…”

We all make them. We all sin. We all fall short. Acknowledge, repent, and move forward. If you have not prayerfully asked God to check your heart; if you have not gone to God in prayer about your faults; if you have not repented of your sins; it is time to do so. Make sure you are asking for forgiveness and removing that particular act from your life.

3. Develop a time of prayer.

Ephesians 6:18, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

1 Thessalonians 5:17, “… pray without ceasing.” 

Romans 10:13, “For everyone  who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Your prayer life is an important part of Christianity and your relationship with God. It keeps the lines of communication open. Daily prayer is essential. Make sure you are making time for God each day in prayer.

4. Serve others.

1 Corinthians 10:24, “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”

Matthew 23:11, “The greatest among you will be your servant.”

Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁴ not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Jesus came to serve; not to be served. We must evaluate our lives. Are we givers or takers? Look at your life. How are you serving others? What do you do on a daily basis to help someone else?

A young officer checked me out as I pulled through the line. Everything was in order and

Luke 1:26-28, “In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.'”

When I read these verses, I want to know more. Don’t you? The words jump off the page and surround my mind, “…You who are highly favored.” Don’t you want to know how she is favored? What did Mary do in such a short time of life to be singled out, to be visited by Gabriel, to be qualified as highly favored?

She isn’t the first to be highly favored in God’s sight either. Throughout the Bible, God points out people He favored: Noah, Abraham, David, Joseph, Hagar, Isaac, Rahab, Tamar, Daniel, Moses, Paul, the disciples, and the list goes on. These people were chosen by God for a specific task. It is easy to look at the list and remark, “True. But they are all ‘hot shots,’ ‘big Bible names.’ God does not pick people like you and me.”

Exodus 31:2-4 talks about a man named Bezalel. Have you ever heard about him?  “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, ³ and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— ⁴ to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze…”

So what’s the secret to receive God’s favor? How do you and I become ‘one of the list’? What is the similar trait, the connecting tissue, the key element in the lives of those God favored?

Proverbs 8:35, “For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord.”

Proverbs 16:7, “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

Deuteronomy 28:1-2, “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all His commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. ² All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God.”

It’s not about your skin color, your age, your education, your community status, your abilities, your talents, your intelligence level, your fashion, your big home, your humble home. It all boils down to your obedience, your release of life, your full reliance on God, and your faith in Him. When God asks, He must know your heart will say, “YES!”

Talk to God about your desires to serve Him, wholly and completely, following His Word, His laws, and His way. Be a person God favors. Allow Him to use you in mighty ways.