February 5, 2022

 

Really Pray

 

So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.

– Acts 12:5

 

Most of us are familiar with this story. Herod had Peter arrested and he was to bring him to trial the next day. Peter was bound with chains and sleeping between two soldiers. God sent angels to rescue Peter and lead him out of the prison.

 

This story reminds us of God’s power and that anything truly is possible when our hope is in Him. But let’s not rush past this sentence in Acts 12:5. The church was earnestly praying to God for Peter. They weren’t talking about praying. They were praying.

 

A dear friend shared a post about her sister, who is currently on a ventilator fighting Covid. The request was simple and powerful. The writer asked for prayer. He specified that he wanted real prayer. Not the kind of prayer where we post images of hands in prayer or even that simple word that tells others we are praying. He wanted people to please take a moment and really pray for my friend’s sister. The power of prayer when God is our only hope.

 

We talk a great deal about our lives being in God’s hands. We know that while we cling to an illusion of control that we really aren’t in control. Our lives could end in a moment. Our lives could be upended with one phone call, one diagnosis, one ugly rant. We are so often at the mercy of circumstances and situations that we can’t choose or control.

 

God is our only hope. Always. We don’t even need words because we have the Holy Spirit to intercede for us when we don’t know what to say. (Romans 8:26-27) God hears our anguished hearts. He provides comfort and strength no matter the outcome.

 

When someone asks you to pray, do it. Don’t just throw out some words and call yourself done. Actually pray. Take a moment to close your eyes, quiet your mind and ask God for healing, strength, direction. Your words and your heart do make a difference.

July 18, 2021

 

God Doesn’t Have Favorites

 

Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” – Acts 10:34-35

 

I’ve never understood why some Americans believe that God favors the United States above all other nations except, perhaps, Israel. It’s not in the Bible. In fact, we are told again and again that God loves everyone equally. Yet some cling tightly to the belief that we are somehow favored above all others.

 

That belief fuels so much discord and hatred. We look down on people who speak in a different language or have different cultures. We angrily condemn the poor as “lazy” and the unwed mother as “promiscuous.” We don’t know their stories but we judge and condemn them as though we do.

 

“Not in my neighborhood,” we shout. “Stay out of our country,” we spew. “We don’t want that kind in our church,” we explain. “They should help themselves,” we insist. We are full of justifications and excuses for why refuse to do what God commanded us to do.

 

Love people. Welcome people. Extend a helping hand. Not send money to a foreign land or pray for someone while keeping them far away and not telling people they are welcome after they clean up their lives. We don’t want to be inconvenienced. We don’t want to actually do the work. We don’t want to kneel down and wash another’s feet.

 

We are better than others. It’s what we believe in our hearts. Except those same hearts are getting judged by the only One who truly sees. What does God see when He looks into your hearts?

November 6, 2018

Follow Your Own Path

When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” – John 21:21

Jesus had just told Peter how the disciple would die. While Peter was willing to follow Jesus anywhere, he sure didn’t want to do it alone. So, Peter asked Jesus what would happen to John.

Isn’t that just like us? We get called to do something and we want to know what others have to do. It’s that comparison thing we’ve got going. We all do it.

Jesus told Peter not to worry about what John would do. It certainly wouldn’t change what Peter would face. John’s calling belonged to John and Peter’s calling belonged to Peter.

That’s how it is for us. Each of us are called to be unique. We are gifted in special ways to achieve God’s purpose for our lives. It doesn’t matter what someone else’s calling is. It shouldn’t even concern us. But it does.

We do that in all areas of our lives. We want to play the piano like someone else, ignoring the fact that we are talented in voice or sewing or teaching. We want to look like a certain person, ignoring the fact that we are wonderfully made in the image of God to be who we are. We want to always be different than who we are rather than embracing the person God created us to be.

We also try to put our own characteristics onto others. It’s like we want to remake them in our own image. We tell someone they like something when the reality is we like it, not them. We try to force our children to follow us in music or career or style. We manipulate others to get our way rather than allowing them to be who they are.

What’s wrong with someone being different from us? You like brown and taupe and other neutral colors. I like turquoise and fuchsia and lemon yellow. Neither is right or wrong. We are simply uniquely made with different tastes. I’m amazed at the people who would put someone down simply for not liking the same colors as they do.

Look at our political world. Today is election day. There will be lots of put-downs going on, some subtle and some not so subtle. Why do we think that someone who votes differently than we do is stupid? Why do we need to criticize or ridicule someone who doesn’t agree with our political opinions?

Peter wasn’t sure about what his future held. He would do anything for Jesus. He’d already betrayed Jesus once. He wasn’t about to do it again. Peter would indeed become the rock on which the church was built. But it didn’t stop Peter from wanting to know what John would be doing.

We are all different. God calls us to our own unique paths, using our individual gifts, to bring Him glory. So, stop worrying about what someone else is doing or what someone else looks like and just focus on being who you are. Follow God’s plan for your life and don’t compare it to anyone else’s path.

August 29, 2018

Why Do You Doubt?

By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

   – Acts 3:16

We ask God constantly for things. It might be healing. It could be a request for a new job or saving grace for a lost child. We bombard Him with requests every day. But do we truly believe that He can and will do what we ask?

James says that we don’t have because we don’t ask. And we don’t truly believe. Oh, we know that God can do anything. We just don’t believe He will.

My favorite movie is Facing the Giants. It’s a Kendrick Brothers movie that focuses on many issues we all deal with. How do we keep believing God will show up when day after day we hope and pray and life still seems to go from bad to worse?

Then God shows up. He always does. And have you ever noticed when God shows up He does it in a big way? In the movie, the underdog team that wasn’t supposed to have more than a mediocre season ends up winning the state championship. The coach who was on the verge of being fired, gets a pay raise and job security. And the coach and his wife, who are facing infertility end up pregnant.

Let’s continue: the soccer player turned kicker, who doesn’t believe he can do it, makes the winning field goal. Did you catch that? He didn’t believe he could. But the coach asked him if he believed God could help him make that kick. Well, of course. It’s what all of us would say. The coach tells the player to go out there and give it everything he’s got and trust God with the rest.

God can and will do anything for His children. But we have to ask. We have to show up and try. And we have to believe in His goodness to know that He loves us and truly wants only good for us.

We keep waiting for the miracle before we start forward. God is saying trust Him, start moving and know that He is there and will use whatever is going on for our benefit and His glory.

In this passage of Scripture, a man who was lame from birth asked Peter and John for money. Peter demanded that the man look at them, then he told the man they didn’t have money to give him but “in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk” and then he helped the man up.

Everyone saw the man walking and praising God. They were amazed at the miracle. Peter asked them why they were so surprised. He then reminded the crowd that they’d handed Jesus over to be crucified but God raised Jesus from the dead. It is Jesus who made the man strong. It is Jesus who makes us strong.

What would happen if we stopped doubting God’s goodness and trusted that He would see us through whatever we’re facing? What would happen if we stepped out in faith and trusted that God would lead us down the right path instead of holding back in fear and doubt?

There are days when your faith probably burns like fire and you are on that mountain top ready to take on anything you face. And then there are days when you’re likely cowering back, afraid to try, afraid to change, afraid to believe. Step out in faith anyway. Just reach out and put your hand in His and trust in Him. God loves you. God is good. When you don’t trust in anything else, trust in that.

August 28, 2018

How Strong Is Your Faith?

“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” – Matthew 16:18

She is a rock. Her faith is solid. Her presence is calm. There is a joy that radiates from her. She’s the one you want when your world falls apart.

Life has tested her in ways few could withstand. She lost her first husband in a car wreck. Years later she lost her son, his wife and their two children – her grandbabies – in a horrific wreck caused by a drunk driver. Yes, she has known suffering. Deep, deep pain has brought a testimony of faithfulness.

She has been through the fire, turning toward God for strength while many would turn away.

He was once an alcoholic. I guess he still is. His smile comes to mind even as I type this. He’s been in recovery a long time. He could make excuses. His alcoholic father gave him plenty of reasons to follow in his footsteps. His sister tried to find a different path but eventually she died by her own hand.

He spends his time helping others. He’s walked their path. He knows the pitfalls. He is stern. Excuses don’t work with him. Honestly, I think he’s heard them all. That kindness mingled with firmness draws others to him. They listen as he shares his faith. He gives all the credit to Jesus. He gives all the mistakes to himself.

There’s something different about those who have traveled through the storm and made it to the other side. There is a depth to their faith. The Bible isn’t just words and church isn’t just what they do on Sunday mornings. Jesus is real and so is their dedication to Him.

The news reporter said last night that suicide rates are rising. So is the rate of those diagnosed with mental illness. Everyone wonders why. I wonder why they don’t see it.

We’ve lost our hope in Jesus. We’ve placed it in ourselves, our jobs, our toys, our bank accounts. Except those things will never hold us up, will never fill us up, will never truly satisfy that deep place inside of us. It’s a frantic cycle that can’t end well.

I was truly surprised the other day in Bible study by the number who admitted they’ve never read the entire Bible. These are women who love Jesus. They do. And they study – bits and pieces at least. They are busy. Aren’t we all? Maybe it’s a shift in priorities, where ball practice and dance and dinners out can’t seem to co-mingle with time alone with God.

That’s where we find our strength. It’s where we find hope. It’s where we fill ourselves up to face whatever the days bring. We want a relationship with Jesus but we live as though He’s just an acquaintance we spend time with whenever it’s convenient.

Until one day our lives are shattered in a way we never imagined. We struggle for answers that only God can provide. Our priorities change. Our faith deepens. We finally realize we had it all wrong. Jesus lifts us up, placing us on a rock of deep faith. It’s a solid foundation. We stay and we grow and one day we become that person of deep faith that we once admired so much.

May 29, 2018

Each Calling Is Unique

Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord what about him?”

Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” – John 21:20-21

Cows are some of the nosiest creatures on this earth. They always want to know what’s going on, especially when it’s something that shouldn’t concern them at all.

The other day the dogs had a tussle with a racoon. The cows had been in a completely different pasture. They heard the dogs barking and here they came. I almost felt sorry for the racoon. It had escaped from the dogs to the other side of the fence but was too badly injured to go any further. The cows were going up to it, sniffing, and trying to figure out what had transpired. Just like it was any of their business.

We are exactly the same way. We want to know all the details about something that isn’t even remotely our business. We are “concerned.” Give us all the details and we’ll be sure to pray about it. It’s almost comical except it’s just so sad.

Do we not realize that gossip is a sin? If you’ve discussed it with someone else, you’ve gossiped. There is a huge difference between sharing necessary information and getting involved in something that doesn’t involve you.

We have a natural curiosity, just like the cows do. Most of us live fairly boring lives (of which I am thankful) and nothing really exciting happens. So we fill our days with the drama and stories that come from others. I guess that’s why reality television shows are so popular. They allow us to be voyeuristic in a socially acceptable way.

Does it make us feel better about ourselves to see the mess other people can make of their own lives? Does getting caught up in the dramatic outbursts of others bring excitement to our own lives? It’s almost like the soap operas that my grandmother watched so faithfully.

Maybe it makes us feel better about our own lives, our own sins. “Well, at least I haven’t gone through that,” we tell ourselves. “Oh, I would never stoop that low,” we think as we play judge over someone else.

We assume someone else’s journey is better than our own. We want their marriage, their children, their jobs, their house, their cars, their vacation. And on and on it goes. We’re so busy wishing we could have the lives of someone else that we miss the blessings of the life God has so graciously given to us.

And we miss the calling God has placed on our lives. I have a sweet friend who is an exceptional pianist with an amazing voice. I am filled with gratitude every time I hear her. But that is her gift, not mine.

I have another friend with an amazing talent for arranging flowers. Every week she takes the altar flowers and rearranges them into small vases that bless the sick and the shut-ins from our church. That is not my gift either but I am so grateful for the encouragement she brings to others with her gift.

We each have gifts and talents, blessings and lives to live according to God’s calling. Don’t get so concerned with what someone else is doing or not doing that you miss the special plans God has for you.

April 5, 2018

Into the Storm

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. – Matthew 14:22-24

This is the passage of Scripture that begins with a boat ride and ends with Peter walking on water. We get so enthralled by the image of Peter walking over the churning water toward Jesus. We lament that he took his eyes off of Jesus and began to sink. We cheer when Jesus reaches out and catches him, remembering again that we’ve no reason to fear when Jesus is near.

It’s a beautiful story of risk and faith. Sometimes we even remember the 11 who stayed in the boat. You know. The other disciples who played it safe while Peter, bold and impulsive, jumped out of the boat and headed toward Jesus.

What we sometimes miss is that Jesus sent them into the storm. Jesus knows all things. He knew that by sending His disciples ahead, He was sending them out into dangerous waters. Literally.

Peter, James, John and Andrew were experienced fishermen. They understood the sudden storms that could occur. They weren’t likely to be easily frightened by wind and waves. But some storms are harder than others. Some storms make us feel as though we won’t survive until morning.

Has Jesus ever sent you into the storm? Have you ever prayed and prayed about something, then believing you’ve heard a clear “yes”, step out in faith only to have it blow up in your face? Yeah. Me too.

It’s difficult not to be angry with Jesus, isn’t it? After all, it’s one thing to do something and expect Jesus to bless it after we’ve already done it. We shouldn’t be surprised when He throws up His hands and leaves us to our own mess. But when we are trying to follow Him, to do His will, and find that He’s lead us toward the storm, well, that’s hard.

How can a God who wants good things for us, let us be hurt unnecessarily? That’s how it seems, anyway. We can somehow grasp cancer and heart disease and other illnesses. We can somehow make peace with violence and job loss and accidents. But to be heading straight toward Jesus and find ourselves in the middle of a mess? Well, that’s tough.

We live in a fallen world. We’re quick to say that but do we really understand what it means? We are under constant attack from Satan and his followers. We never know when the next knock will come, when the next challenge will present itself, when the next heartbreak will make us want to retreat. But Jesus knows. And still He sends us into the storm.

A sweet friend explained that sometimes it really isn’t about us. Sometimes it’s about being an example for another person, ministering to someone else, causing another person to pause and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. Maybe He’s just using us for a greater good. Okay. But it sure does hurt, doesn’t it?

Maybe it is about us. Maybe Jesus has decided to completely break us so He can rebuild us. That’s not a fun thought, is it? Who wants to invite pain into their lives? Surely, there’s another way – especially when we really want to do His will.

When Peter saw the wind, he began to sink. The wind became his focus instead of Jesus and Peter was frightened. It was in that moment that Peter cried out to Jesus. And what happened?

Immediately, Jesus reached out his hand and caught him, “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt.”

– Matthew 14:31

Indeed, why doubt the journey when the One who created us all is in charge? There’s always a reason for the storm. Our job is merely to ride it out, focused on the One who has all the answers and a purpose for every bit of our pain.

March 3, 2018

Is Jesus Your Lord Or Your Advisor?

And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.”

– Mark 8:31-33

Pride. It’ll get the best of us when we aren’t even thinking about it. Can you imagine the nerve of Peter reprimanding Jesus? Oh, my! We would never do that.

Except we do it all the time.

Jesus is our Lord and Savior but how often do we place Him in the role of consultant or advisor? How many times have we “claimed” His blessing for something we wanted, all the while ignoring His teaching?

Those were some of the questions our pastor asked recently. “We can not expect to knock Jesus off His throne and still expect Him to bless us,” the Rev. Ryan Martin said. Except we do.

Martin denounced what he called the “prosperity theology” that is growing in popularity. We want something, we claim it by “faith” and demand that Jesus give it to us. That’s not biblical but it sure does draw in the crowds.

As Martin said this, I immediately thought of a man who does this regularly. He is quick to quote the Bible and offers up beautiful prayers. People look up to him as a true man of God. At least the people who don’t know him well look up to him. His life doesn’t reflect the gospel his words proclaim but it sounds good and some think highly of him because of it.

When was the last time you truly placed Jesus on His throne and worshipped Him alone? When was the last time you acknowledged Jesus as your Lord and Savior and followed Him to those scary places faith sometimes takes us?

Pride demands that we get our own way. Pride tells us it’s okay to hit our spouse, to threaten schools, to get our own way. Pride is a coward masquerading as someone who is in control and worthy of being held in high esteem.

When was the last time you let something you wanted go so you could give your tithe to the church, Martin asked. When was the last time you set aside your dreams, your plans, to follow Jesus where He asked you to go?

“You prove your faith by how you serve, what you give up, what you deny, and by what you give,” Martin said.

Faith appears awesome when it allows us to live the life pride tells us we deserve. True faith places Jesus above us all and us in the place of follower. Is Jesus your Lord or your advisor? Your actions answer for you.

March 25, 2016

Betrayal Hurts

47 While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” -- Luke 22:47-48

Have you ever been betrayed by someone close to you? It hurts, doesn’t it? Jesus certainly knows about that.

Jesus wasn’t betrayed by a stranger. He wasn’t betrayed by a religious leader threatened by His popularity. Jesus was betrayed by a man who was part of His inner circle. He was betrayed by a friend.

What’s even worse is that Jesus -- knowing everything -- knew it was coming. He knew that Judas would betray Him yet Jesus didn’t cast Judas aside. Instead, Jesus waited until Judas chose to turn on Jesus.

We think we would never do that to Jesus -- but we do. All the time. We deny Him when we choose a different path rather than the path that leads us closer to Him. We betray Jesus when we harden our hearts against the poor, the hurting, the outcast.

Do you still think you wouldn’t betray Jesus? Consider Peter. He loved Jesus. Really. Truly. Yet Peter denied Jesus three times -- just as Jesus predicted that Peter would do. It’s hard to stand firm for Jesus when the court of public opinion ridicules you or threatens your way of life.

It’s also hard to be kind to those who betray you. We must. But it isn’t easy. Have you ever worked with someone who played people off of one another? It seems like every workplace has someone like that. They enjoy stirring things up.

It’s also hard to get past someone who betrays a confidence. We’ve all been on both sides of that grief. The truth is only God is trustworthy when it comes to keeping secrets. Our circle of friends who are truly trustworthy is really quite small. We’d all do well to remember that.

Another type of betrayal is when we expect support from those closest to us and instead they turn on us. A sweet friend just went through this and her heart is broken. She needed support from her sisters and instead they unfairly -- and wrongly -- judged her. Now she has the trauma of all that happened heaped on the betrayal that came with her sisters’ disapproval.

This is Good Friday. Jesus is betrayed and crucified. Betrayed in the most horrible of ways. The resurrection hasn’t yet arrived. Hope seems lost. And, yet, it is not. There is life after the betrayal. Thank you, Jesus.

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Pray To See God’s Will, Not Your Own

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” -- Acts 4:12

Tell me about your religion. What first comes to mind? Do you hurry to describe the building where the church meets? Are you quick to point out the style of music? Do you talk about the types of people who attend? Or is the first word that rolls off your tongue the name Jesus?

I decided to check the dictionary definition of “religion” just to see how it was officially defined. Here’s what it said: 1. beliefs and worship: people's beliefs and opinions concerning the existence, nature, and worship of a deity or deities, and divine involvement in the universe and human life; 2. system: an institutionalized or personal system of beliefs and practices relating to the divine; 3. personal beliefs or values: a set of strongly-held beliefs, values, and attitudes that somebody lives by.

Interesting. So if religion is our belief in God, in our own set of values, what is the most important thing? Or whom is the most important one? Jesus. Because without Jesus Christianity and our faith, our beliefs, our religion, doesn’t exist.

We humans are forever seeking something to fill us up. Those of us who are fortunate to know Jesus have come to understand that only He can fill that void inside of us. Others are lost until we share with them. Oh, they may sense that God exists but they really don’t understand the One True God until they know Jesus.

Jesus is God’s attempt to reach humanity, Pastor Rob West said recently. Jesus shows us God’s heart, God’s love and God’s grace. Jesus is the bridge between God and sinful humanity. His sacrifice reunites us with God.

It is that simple and that complex. Because we want to make it so much more complicated. We want to talk about buildings and style of worship and money and good deeds. We want to proclaim His vision to the world, whether we truly understand it ourselves or not.

Politics always manages to bring out the best and the worst in us. Okay. Usually it brings out the worst in us. We loudly proclaim our personal views and give God credit for them, regardless of whether those views fit with His character or not. We are concerned for our own pocketbooks first rather than caring for the poor, the sick, the elderly.

Our religion defines who we are as people. It dictates our values, our morals, our political choices. The challenge then becomes distinguishing between our personal beliefs and those that truly belong to God.

This political season take time to search the Bible for answers, not necessarily to support your already established views but to truly seek God’s Word and His Will. Then pray not for God to agree with your will but that He would align your political views to agree with His Will.

Friday, February 24, 2012

Step Out In Faith

When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”

Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”

-- John 21:21-22

Jesus had just told Peter what he was to do. It wasn’t some little job. Peter was to go out and spread the gospel. Peter was to follow Jesus -- all the way to the cross.

But Peter wasn’t concerned about what he was supposed to do. He wanted to know what John was supposed to do. Isn’t that so like us? We can’t focus on our own tasks because we’re too busy worrying about what someone else might, or might not be, doing.

We constantly compare ourselves to other people. And we never quite measure up or they never measure up to us. Except it’s not a competition. We all are unique with different strengths and weaknesses. Why can’t we embrace our differences and support each other? And why can’t we just get on with what we’ve been told to do.

Ah…there’s the real issue. Procrastination. So long as we’re focused on someone else and what they’re supposed to do, we don’t have to focus on ourselves and what we’re supposed to do. We get to put it off. And off. And off some more.

We’d rather do nothing, it seems, than step out in faith and do what God has called us to do. Maybe we think we’re not capable. But God never calls us to do something without giving us the ability to do it. Or maybe we believe that our assigned task is too small, too insignificant, to matter. We’ll wait until we can do the grand gesture -- that never comes.

You don’t need to wait until you retire to find time to volunteer. Just make a phone call once a week to someone who is lonely. Just give a Saturday once a month or so to help with a missions project. Just invite an elderly neighbor over for a meal every now and then. Start small and see where it goes.

You also don’t need to win the lottery to give money beyond your tithe. If God calls you to give $1 to the Mercy Fund or whatever charitable fund your church has, give it. No amount is too small. Remember that as the body of Christ, we work together. If everyone gives $1, it really starts to add up. You do what you’re supposed to do and let God handle the rest.

We spend so much of our lives making excuses for not doing what we know God has called us to do. Don’t worry so much about what other folks are doing. Just follow where God calls you and see what blessings He has stored up just for you.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Who Are The Hypocrites?

When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong. Before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. -- Galatians 2:11-13

What is a hypocrite? Who is a hypocrite? Seriously. How do you determine who is a hypocrite and who isn’t? To me, a hypocrite is someone who pretends to be something or someone they aren’t. To others, a hypocrite is someone who proclaims what is good and then does who is wrong.

Which is right? Both? Neither? The dictionary defines a hypocrite as someone who pretends to have admirable principles, beliefs, or feelings but behaves otherwise. So maybe both views are right.

Let me ask you another question: Should we stay away from church because of the hypocrites we’ll no doubt find there? There are many, many people who offer up that excuse when someone wants to know why they don’t attend church. Personally, I think we should attend church to worship God and not worry so much about what other people do or don’t do. It’s that whole plank in the eye thing the Bible talks about.

But we do care about what other people think and do. Especially, it seems, in church. Do we believe that somehow we cease to be sinners when we walk through the doors? Do we think those around us somehow leave all their flaws outside?

Peter cared so much about what the church leaders thought, that he pulled away from the Gentile believers lest the Jews think less of him. Remember that before Jesus, Jews and Gentiles didn’t exactly hang out together. But Jesus tore down that barrier. Didn’t He? So why did Peter care what this “circumcision group” thought?

Paul didn’t care. Paul was fearless in his faith and he challenged Peter face-to-face. He didn’t go behind Peter’s back. He didn’t discuss it with the church elders. Paul went directly to Peter and confronted him.

So how do you handle disagreements within the church? How do you react when someone does something you don’t agree with? Do you gossip and complain and leave church over it? Do you take it to the church elders? Or do confront the person directly and work it out?

Hypocrisy happens when we pretend to be better people than we are. And when we expect others to be better people than they are. The thing is, we’re all human. We’re all sinners. And we all fall short of the Glory of God. Give yourself a break. Give those around you another chance. And don’t let anyone keep you from worshipping and servicing our great God!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

What Has God Taught You Today?

These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold -- and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. -- 1 Peter 1:7

Some days you just wish God wouldn’t feel the need to test you. Some days you’d just like things to go smooth and easy. Some days you just want to make it through because you know tomorrow has just got to be a better day.

Probably everyone knows what I’m talking about. We’ve all had days like that. I one time sat for hours in a hot car with two dogs in the back seat because my car decided to die on the wrong side of the interstate. No one could find me in rush hour. Go figure. That’s a day I’d rather not ever repeat. But, you know, I have a lot more sympathy for people who are having car trouble now. I may not stop and help strangers but I do try to always say a prayer for them. I didn’t do that before.

A great many people have no doubt learned a few things during this economic downturn our country continues, to endure. Some have learned that hard-working people can’t always find a job. They’ve learned that honest and decent people sometimes lose their homes, cars and dignity through no fault of their own. They’ve learned that downward spirals can happen to anyone. Maybe they’ll remember to have empathy, compassion and lend a helping hand when they get on their financial feet again.

That’s the thing about lessons from God. He always uses the bad and the ugly to turn us into better people. God can turn even the worst things into good, if we’ll only let Him. No. God doesn’t want bad to happen to us. But He does sometimes allow it. Our promise is that we’ll never suffer anything we can’t endure with His help.

It’s something I’ve really thought about recently as a friend recovers from a serious motorcycle accident. God’s hand is everywhere during this awful time, bringing blessings and healing from something that could have been so much worse. His Presence has carried us through and will, without a doubt, continue to do so during her long recovery.

Peter tells us that our faith is more precious to God than gold. We are more precious to God. He wants us to know how much He loves us. God wants us to depend on Him, to learn from Him, to grow in faith and inner strength.

So what has God taught you recently? It kind of puts a different perspective on hard days and tough times, doesn’t it?

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Do You Deny Jesus

Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times." And he broke down and wept. -- Mark 14:72

Have you ever disowned Jesus? I'm not talking about denying His existance. I'm not even talking about failing to acknowledge His sacrifice. Nope. I'm talking about the denial that comes when you don't live your life according to His Word.

I know right about now there are folks shaking their heads. They'd never do such a thing. Deny Jesus? Uh-huh. No way. They follow Jesus. They do all they can to do exactly what He says. They're upfront and bold in their faith.

And they are first in line to throw stones at people they see as less than themselves. Oh, they do it with a pitying smile but they do it just the same. Their hearts are hard when it comes to helping other people. They're so busy judging and refusing help because the person in need "made bad choices," that they can't see themselves in the mirror. They wouldn't like what they would see.

Everytime we turn away from a person in need, we deny Jesus. Everytime we refuse to help someone in trouble, we deny Jesus. Everytime we harden our hearts and judge others, we deny Jesus. How? Jesus lives within the hearts of believers. He never turned away from someone who needed Him. When we, who claim to be believers, turn away from the needy then we are betraying Jesus.

Oh, I know. Some folks are up to no good. They're asking for money that they'll use to buy drugs. Their "begging" is just another job and they truly aren't in need. How do you tell them apart? How do you know who to help? By asking Jesus. He'll guide you if you only listen to His voice. And if you don't? Feel the conviction down deep in your soul. That is, if Jesus truly lives inside you.

Don't worry about whether the other person truly deserves your help. And don't worry if you're enabling them rather than giving them a hand up. That's God's area of expertise and He'll do what is right. We're responsible for what He has called us to do. So the next time someone asks for help, think a moment before you say no. Ask God for guidance. After all, do you really want to deny Jesus?