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 7, 2018

Praise Him Boldly

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

– 1 Peter 2:9

God seems to have a thing for the loser and the underdog. That’s something our pastor pointed out to us on Sunday. Unfortunately, we don’t always share God’s passion for the least among us.

We want it to be about us. That’s what the prosperity gospel teaches. It’s all about us and how God will bless us. God does bless us. He shows us mercy and grace we don’t deserve. And He does it because of the blood of Christ. That’s very different than assuming God will always give us everything we want if we will only just believe.

We also give ourselves way more credit than we deserve. “I” chose to follow Jesus. It’s “my” ministry. “I” choose to do this. “I” choose not to do that.

Newsflash: We aren’t in control. God is. Scripture tells us that He chose us first. He leads us where He wants us to go. Do we have freewill? Absolutely. But don’t you think the God who made you already knows the path you’re going to “choose”?

We are chosen to serve God and to bring Him glory. It’s not about us. Really. It’s not. I know you’ve heard that so many times but do you believe it? Do you understand that when you belong to Christ, you give up your independence?

We are a stubborn people. We want to be in charge. We want to tell God what we will and won’t do. I wonder sometimes if He views us as rebellious teenagers who refuse to follow the rules and be blessed. We’d rather wander in the desert for years than to acknowledge that God knows what He is doing.

When you are truly called by God, there is no choice. Just ask Jonah. He didn’t want to go to Ninevah. Guess where he went? Ninevah – with a little detour inside of a giant fish. We will go where God wills us to go.

What has God called you to do? It varies by person and by season but one thing it isn’t is to exalt yourself. We are called to self-sacrifice, to be the least, to serve and live lives that point others toward Jesus.

Have you ever wondered why God has a soft-spot for those who are considered losers and underdogs? Because we know how desperately we need Him. Those who are focused on “I” don’t truly recognize their need for God. Their pride keeps them from opening their hearts to His calling on their lives.

In our society, we place so many gods above the one, true God. We worship money, power, prestige. We look down on those who have less money, less education, less stuff. We think more highly of ourselves based on the exterior of our lives. God looks at the heart. What does He see?

Our lives are meant to be lived as praise for God Almighty. What does your life look like?

June 14, 2018

Doubts Are Normal

When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” – Matthew 11:2-3

There are moments of clarity, times when you know what God has called you to do and you step out boldly in faith. Then real life settles in and the doubts start playing with your mind.

Did you really hear God correctly? Is it truly the Holy Spirit leading you or is it Satan telling you what you want to hear? Are these obstacles just another hurdle to overcome or are they sent by God to stop what He hasn’t ordained?

Don’t you wish you could have a clear reading of exactly what God wants you to do? I’ve often joked that I wish God would give me MapQuest directions for my life journey. I want to do His will in all things but sometimes it sure is difficult to drown out the voices of the world and concentrate on what He is telling me.

It consoles me to know that John the Baptist had doubts too. He knew who Jesus was. Listen to this:

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” – John 1:29

John was confident that Jesus was the Messiah. At least, until John found himself sitting in a jail cell. There’s something about being alone with your thoughts that lets the worry seep in. There’s something about idle time that causes you to question what you thought you knew.

John was fortunate that he could send his disciples to Jesus and ask for confirmation. Jesus didn’t brush off the questions. He didn’t seem offended by John’s sudden doubts. Instead, Jesus provided the reassurance John needed to continue his journey toward death.

So how do we get confirmation for our own journey? Ask the Savior. If you truly seek God’s voice, the Holy Spirit will tell you what to do.

The problems come when the world tells us something different. There’s always someone around to say you can’t do what God has called you to do. There’s always someone to point out all the difficulties that lie in your path. There’s always someone to doubt your calling.

But at the end of the day we aren’t meant to follow the world. We are meant to follow Christ. We are to do God’s will, recognizing that He is the God of miracles. He doesn’t call us to something without intending to make it happen.

That doesn’t mean it will be instant. There is frequently a season of waiting. That’s hard. We are an instant people but God sometimes has lessons to teach us as we wait. Ask what the lesson is. Do all you can where you are. Trust that God didn’t call you forward to abandon you before the end.

Everyone has doubts sometimes. The key is to seek reassurance from the One who knows all things. Don’t give up. You may not see the path but trust that it’s there. God knows the way. Your job is to follow Him one step at a time.

June 1, 2018

Why Are You Afraid?

Moses said to the LORD, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since your have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” – Exodus 4:10

We are good at excuses, aren’t we? God says to go and we respond with “but” and proceed to list all the ways what He’s called us to do will never work. It’s just common sense, we explain. It can only end in disaster, we assure Him.

He, of course, is Almighty God. Nothing is too hard for Him. Nothing is impossible with Him. But, truthfully, we really don’t trust Him with the unknown. How many blessings do we miss because of that?

Moses was afraid to confront Pharaoh. He gave God excuse after excuse. God rebuked every excuse. God finally agreed that Moses’ brother Aaron could help Moses. Do you think that hurt God? He had called Moses to greatness, to lead His people to freedom, but Moses didn’t trust that God would give him the words and protect him on the journey.

We’re no different. We want to step out in faith. We really do. But there’s that pull of comfort and what we know. Satan whispers that God’s plan will never work. People around us tell us we’re foolish or lazy or destined for disaster. So we sink back into what we see and miss what could have been.

What is your dream? Do you want to go back to school and become a teacher? Do you want to stay home with your children but you just know your family could never survive on one income? Do you want to start an after-school outreach program? Are you feeling led to begin a new Bible study? Maybe you feel drawn to include your elderly neighbor in a weekly meal? I could go on and on because there are just so many ways God speaks into our hearts.

But none of that matters if we choose to sit on the sidelines. Nothing will ever change unless we step up and step out in faith.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. – 2 Timothy 1:7

Do you want to be the person who, at the end of his life, looks back and sees all the things he wished he had done. Do you want to end your life regretting missed opportunities? Do you want to stay comfortable and miss the blessings true faith brings?

The Bible tells us repeatedly not to be afraid. Scholars who count such things say He tells us that 365 times. One “do not fear” for each day of the year. Do you think God believes it’s important?

I wonder if sometimes we say no because we’re afraid God might lead us on a path we never wanted? What if the life God has planned for us is totally different from the life we had planned for ourselves?

And what if that life is better than anything you ever could have imagined? Will you be faithful enough to find out? What are you afraid of?

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.

February 27, 2018

What Are You Doing?

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. – 1 Peter 2:21

How often do you volunteer at your church? How often do you volunteer in your community? How often do you sacrifice your time and money to be Jesus in the world around you?

Most churches and outreach groups are hungry for volunteers. Everyone has good intentions. We mean well. We’re just so busy. Too busy. Surely, everyone else understands.

No. Actually. We don’t. “I just want to show up and not have to do anything,” came one excuse. Well, so would I. Except we wouldn’t have the ladies’ Bible study if I did that because none of the hundreds of women at our church will volunteer to lead a study.

“My work schedule is just so crazy,” came another excuse. Most work schedules are crazy. So what? Offer to pick up someone who can’t drive and take them to church for worship or other functions. Help coach the softball team. Take a turn in the nursery. Help make coffee or provide a covered dish to a grieving family.

“I’ve got young children,” is a common excuse. What a precious blessing God has given to you! Have you considered including your children in outreach ministry. My Mother was so excited when one woman brought her three young boys to the rehab facility. The boys wore Santa hats and passed out candy to all the residents. Everyone – children and residents – had a wonderful time and were blessed by the experience. Such a simple gesture on a quiet Sunday afternoon.

I could go on and on with examples. The truth is that most of us just don’t want to be bothered. We don’t. We’d rather stay in our staid little worlds and let someone else be the hands and feet of Jesus.

For most of us, God didn’t call us to organize a massive march on Washington. He didn’t tell us to start a world-wide relief effort. Nor did God say we were to sell everything and go live in a hut in South America. God called us to serve right where we are.

I wonder how many elderly people would give anything for a visit form a young family or, better still, to be included in a meal or outing? I wonder how many single people would love to be part of a family gathering?

Maybe you have a gift for flowers and plants. Did you know that some folks aren’t healthy enough to do that and, yet, they don’t really have money to hire it done? Your talents and their needs could benefit you both.

Maybe you know a teen who spends most of his time alone while his parents work. He or she sure could use a mentor. Surely you have some time to offer. Or what about that young Mom who is so overwhelmed? An encouraging word, and maybe a casserole, would brighten her day.

We aren’t called to live focused only on ourselves. We’re to reach out wherever God places us and touch those closest to us with kindness, compassion, and help. Even if that means we must sacrifice of ourselves.

February 7, 2016

God Uses Flawed People

23 By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.

24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.

29 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.

-- Hebrews 11:23-29

Moses was a murderer. Did you know that? It’s right there in Exodus, chapter two. Moses, while still living as Pharaoh’s daughter’s son, witnessed an Egyptian beating a Hebrew so he killed the Egyptian.

It’s not something you would think someone listed in the Hall of Faith would have in his past. We focus on the good -- and there is mostly good -- but it’s also important to remember his start. It helps us realize that we all have potential if we turn our lives over to God.

When Moses fled rather than face the consequences (death), he ended up defending the daughters of a priest in Midian. Their herds got water and Moses ended up with a wife.

What do the two stories have in common? Moses, who would later lead God’s people out of Egypt, had a heart for those who were being mistreated. With God’s grace and guidance, Moses became a man whom God spoke to as a friend. (Exodus 33:11)

We often make excuses for ourselves. God could never use us because of what we’ve done in the past. God could never use us because we aren’t qualified, we aren’t smart enough, we aren’t creative enough. Whatever God wants us to do, we’ve got an excuse.

But God isn’t calling us to do His will with our own power and knowledge. God is calling us to do His will with His might, His power, His knowledge. We just have to get out of the way and let Him do it.

Moses was a flawed man just as we are all flawed. But He loved God and chose to do God’s will. It wasn’t an easy calling. Moses didn’t feel qualified. But he went anyway. There’s a lesson in that for all of us.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Don’t Be Afraid To Follow His Call

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. -- Psalm 32:8

The woman agonized over her decision. I tried to be helpful and patient. She sought her mother’s advice. She stood back and gazed at the old wood paintings. After about 20 minutes -- literally -- she finally made her selection. As she walked toward the cashier, I heard her questioning her choice.

I felt sorry for her. I did. How horrible it must be to agonize over something so simple as choosing either a blue fish or an orange fish on an outdoor painting for a friend. She probably second guessed herself for hours. And, really, it wasn’t that important. I can’t imagine how she manages to make life-changing decisions.

Or maybe I can. A dear friend has been agonizing over one of those for almost three months. She’s finally decided but she’s having a hard time letting go. I understand. Leaving a job you like for something more satisfying is a risk. One place is comfortable because you know it and you know what to expect. The other is scary because it’s new.

We’re all about comfortable, aren’t we? Our Sunday school class has been studying John Ortberg’s book, If You Want To Walk On Water, You’ve Got To Get Out of the Boat. This is one of the topics he discusses. We get so comfortable that it’s easy just to stay right in the boat. Then we end up missing so many blessings because we never trusted God enough to follow His call.

Indecision is all about fear. Procrastination is all about fear. Busyness is all about fear. We don’t want to make a decision, a choice, to leave our comfortable place because we’re afraid that walking on water might not be all we thought it would be. But we’ll never know unless we try.

And, sometimes, fail. We don’t want to fail. Nobody does. But everybody fails at some point. Some of us manage to do it spectacularly. Others fail slowly by bits and pieces. But we all fail at something.

The key then is to learn and grow from the experience. God promises to use it if we’ll let Him. Then we can gather ourselves together and try again -- only this time with the lessons that we’ve learned. That’s the difference between those who succeed and those who don’t. Those who succeed learn from their failures. Those who don’t end up letting their failures define their entire lives.

Don’t keep waiting for a certainty that will never come. Nothing is guaranteed in this life except that God will be with you through the journey. So take His hand and take a chance. Get out of the boat and follow His calling on your life.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Your Calling Begins With One Step

But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, not did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus. -- Galatians 1:15-17

Whenever we feel called to do something, we seem to need a committee to help us decide if we should do it or not. We’ve got to weigh the pros and cons. We’ve got to analyze it to death.

Sometimes caution is good. Other times caution is just an excuse to keep from stepping out in faith and following God where He would have you go.

Most Christians will tell you that they want to do God’s will but they simply don’t know what it is. Maybe that’s so. It’s difficult at times to drown out our own wishes and the comments from those around us to really hear what God has to say. But we can do it by spending time in His Word, in prayer, and in solitude.

And let me make something clear: You’ll never hear God if you don’t learn to be quiet. While God sometimes comes in flashes of light, most often His voice is the whisper we hear down deep in our souls.

Another way to determine God’s will is to follow your own passions. What excites you? What gets you all riled up at injustice? What breaks your heart? Those emotions are some wonderful indicators of how God made you.

That said, don’t expect your calling to be easy or always fun. Expect hardships. Expect ridicule. Expect to work harder than you ever have. And expect a satisfaction like you’ve never known before.

Also ask yourself a key question: Why do I feel compelled to do this thing? Is it something you simply have to do, regardless of the cost or whether anyone ever notices? Or is it something that will bring you glory, maybe a pay raise and a lifestyle change? Because if it’s a calling from God, you won’t care about anything else. If it’s external stuff, well, that never comes from God and will never satisfy your soul.

It is okay to sometimes ask for advice, just be really careful. Everyone has an agenda, whether they realize it or acknowledge it or not. It can’t be about them and what they want. Your calling is uniquely your own

Also, the person(s) giving advice shouldn’t tell you what to do but should lead you to discover your own motivations and desires and how those line up with God’s will. Remember: A calling from God is never about you.

Paul didn’t wait for permission to begin his ministry. He didn’t hesitate. He simply took first one step and then another in faith. So should you.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Follow God’s Plan For Your Life

We work together as partners who belong to God. You are God’s field, God’s building -- not ours.

-- 1 Corinthians 3:9

This certainly puts a different perspective on our own goals and dreams, doesn’t it? We are not our own. We belong to God. We are to spend our lives serving Him.

I can hear the chorus of “buts” loudly about now. I know God wants us to be happy. But, truthfully, aren’t we happiest when we’re doing what God has called us to do? Isn’t there a satisfaction and peace that comes from being exactly where we’re supposed to be?

Sometimes especially when it really isn’t where we ever wanted to be. That’s always been the funny part to me. How we can end up happy we’re doing something when we resisted for so long.

One man has worked in prison ministry for 21 years. He rarely misses a Tuesday night of teaching and praying and guiding men who are incarcerated in the county jail. He didn’t choose to do this. God chose him.

He laughs now when he recalls how he only meant to ask a co-worker how his experience ministering at the jail had gone. Without intending to, he found himself providing spiritual nourishment to the lost. He says he prayed for two years for God to get him out of prison ministry. Then he accepted it, and others have thrived because of it.

The reason? He submitted to God’s will. And he still does. Because some weeks he just doesn’t feel like going. And some weeks he is so stressed in his own life that he doesn’t have anything to give to anyone else. But he shows up anyway, trusting God to give him words and a heart that is open to the hurting around him.

Why do we wait until we “feel like it” to do what God has called us to do? Because we’re never going to feel like it and we’re always going to make excuses. It’s easier that way. We don’t have to leave our comfort zone. We don’t have to do something we’ve never done before. We don’t have to have compassion for others whose life experiences don’t reflect our own.

Oswald Chambers writes that we have no right to judge where we should be put. Nor should we have preconceived notions as to what God is preparing for us. We have skills we don’t realize. We have compassions we’ve yet to uncover. God has prepared us for works we never dreamed of.

We belong to God and He will use us to glorify His name. If we say yes. If we show up. If we trust His will for our lives. He will bless us in ways we can’t even imagine. All because