I Love this Song

Wash. Rinse. Repeat

There’s a summertime memory that will forever be in my mind.  It is the day we washed the car seven times!  That’s right.  We washed that 1977 light blue Cadillac seven times in a row!  It wasn’t that we were bored – in fact we had a number of activities we would much rather be a part of like baseball, tree-climbing, and exploring the great outdoors.  But that day my father was trying to teach us the fine art of scrubbing bugs off the chrome grille and rinsing suds from the top down, not the bottom up.

Car washing is both an art and a science.  Not only must the car look good but you must follow the proper techniques as you scour the grit and grim off the metal.  Books can be written on the subject.  “How-To” videos could be sold for just $19.95.

I was recently reminded of all this as I stood in the driveway with my children trying to help them learn the basics of getting our vehicle clean.  Only this time I was the teacher, not the student.  It seemed like a rite of passage for me.  What it really turned into was a time the Lord spoke to my heart.  As I held the hose reminiscing about the aforementioned “good-old days”, I started to think about how often my heavenly Father has to teach me the same lessons over and over again.  It’s not that the Lord wants to punish me with his repeated instruction.  In fact, it’s quite the opposite.  His goal is to equip me for life.

Have you ever wondered why God seems to be teaching you the same lessons over and over again?  It could well be that you have yet to truly apply what He’s teaching.  Perhaps you need a good review because you’ve forgotten what you learned.  Or it may be that the Lord wants you to one day help others who will be walking down the same path you’re on right now.  The Lord says, “… whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil” (Proverbs 1:33).  It is God’s part to instruct and teach.  It is ours to trust and obey.

Saintly Citizens

Independence Day in Independence!  What better place is there to celebrate the freedoms God has given to us as citizens of the United States of America?  If you hadn’t read it lately, I encourage you to read through the Declaration of Independence.  It’s always good to revisit our roots as a nation and remember “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Over the last 230 years battles have been won and lost.  Our nation has experienced success and failure.  We’ve advanced and we’ve regressed.  I’ll leave it to others to comment on the details of our nation’s history, but I do want you to consider how we as Christ-followers here in the U.S.A. are supposed to live.   The Apostle Paul gives us some clear guidance in this area when it comes to being saintly citizens.

1.         We are Called to Respect the Leaders of the Land.

In Romans 13 we read, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. (verses 1-2).

Of course this does not mean we blindly agree with every policy that our leaders develop, nor does it mean we are to refrain from questioning the direction our country is heading at any given moment.  What we are called to do is submit, recognizing that God ultimately establishes each and every authority.  Our faith in Christ should be modeled by the way we respect those God has put in authority over us.

2.         We Are Called to Obey the Laws of the Land.

In verses 3-5 Paul reminds us, “For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. ⁴For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. ⁵Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.”

Don’t ever get the idea that it’s acceptable to ignore the laws of the land.  Sometimes we feel that as long as there are no police around we can do as we like.  While we may not be caught by the police, we are often caught by our children or neighbors or simply by the Holy Spirit.  Those who follow Christ should be stellar examples of what it means to be a good citizen.

3.         We Are to Raise the Spiritual Welfare of the Nation.

Paul continues to teach us in verses 9-10 by stating, “The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”

In order to raise the spiritual temperature of America we must determine that we will be the thermostats and not the thermometer.  In other words, our lives are to adjust the spiritual climate around us, not reflect it.  Consider how this will change your workplace, the conversations you have in your home, or the way you interact with others in the community.

What changes do you need to make in order to become a saintly citizen?  What may be keeping you from making those changes?  I’d love to hear your response.

Gold Medal Christian

The course was icy, bumpy, and dangerous. The shin was bruised, swollen, and even tough to walk on, let alone ski. The expectations of others were higher than the mountain itself. In the minds of many, Lindsey Vonn was to be to American Skiing what Michael Phelps was to swimming: the way to Olympic glory.
Her parents, family, and friends waited at the bottom of the menacing course hoping for the best but fearing the worst. They too had sacrificed much in order to see Lindsey’s dream come true. Now everything hinged on this maddening 65 m.p.h. trek. Twisting around turns and between flags, Vonn push aside the doubts and silent whispers in her mind that urged her to quit. 1 minute 44.19 seconds later Lindsey finished her course, won the race, and was crowned Olympic champion.

The women’s downhill event was a 2 minute microcosm of the Christian life. There are plenty of reasons offered to cause us to give up pursuing Jesus. Think of the friends you’ll lose, the fun you’ll miss, the hardships you’ll face. Then there’s the course itself. Others have tried to pursue Jesus and have failed. What makes you think you’ll be any different? And then our past track record hasn’t been perfect either. Why would Jesus accept you since you’ve failed him in the past?

Like Vonn, we too must choose not to listen to the doubts or the whispers of defeat. The only way we can win is if we finish the race. Paul modeled for us the very same when he said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

Let’s be honest with one another. There are times when the Christian life is difficult. Temptations to quit do threaten us all, and it’s true that none of us have run the perfect race. But at the end of the day we each must decide to finish the course. The really great news is that the reward is not given only to the best or the fastest or the first across the finish line, but to all who long to see Jesus.

No matter what’s happened thus far in the race toward heaven, don’t give up. We’re closer to the finish line than ever before.

When God Opens a Window – Go Through It

                 I know what you’re thinking.  “Pastor Bob, it’s, ‘When God opens a door, go through it.’”  That is the normal way we talk about opportunities the Lord gives us to serve him, but I wanted to share with you about a window that is wide open.  It’s called the “4-14 Window”.  This is an amazing opportunity God has opened for us to reach those who are ripe for the Gospel.  When a person is within the ages of 4 to 14 it’s the most fruitful time for spiritual decisions.  The percentages of people coming to Christ later in life are drastically lower than those who receive Him in their youth.

                 Researcher George Barna has found that most people form their worldview by the age of 13 and that within the current generation of teenagers only one in ten approach life from a biblical perspective.  Think of what the next generation of leaders, parents, even church attenders will look like if only 10 percent of the population approaches life with the Bible as their guide. Look at this comparison of those who accept a biblical worldview versus those who do not: 

Issue	Biblical Worldview	Non-Biblical Worldview	Difference
Accepting of Cohabitation	2%	62%	31 times less likely
Endorses Drunkenness	2%	36%	18 times less likely
Condoning Homosexuality	2%	31%	15 times less likely
Accepting of Profanity	3%	37%	12 times less likely
Believes Adultery is Morally Acceptable	4%	44%	11 times less likely

                In addition, less than one-half of one percent of those with a biblical worldview said voluntary exposure to pornography was morally acceptable (compared to 39% of other adults) and a similarly small proportion endorsed abortion (compared to 49% of adults who lacked a biblical worldview).

 Into this window God sends us, His disciples at Hope Wesleyan Church, to make reaching those most receptive children now.   Because of their receptiveness now we must not merely make Children’s ministry permissible we must make it a priority.  Schedules must be adjusted.  Methods must be changed.  Resources must be invested.  Now- while the window is open!                               - A Biblical Worldview Has a Radical Effect on a Person’s Life.  George Barna, 2003

                This is why the Awana program is being implemented at Hope Wesleyan Church.  We not called to raise “good” kids; we are called to raise godly ones.  Instead of passive workers, we need active disciple-makers.  

                So before I get too “preachy” (some may think it’s too late for that) let me simply ask you, “What role will you play in reaching our children for Christ?”  Will you be a prayer partner?  Will you help a child learn Bible verses?  Will you lead a game?  Will you share a devotional?  Will you bring your neighborhood children?  Will you go through the window God is opening for you?             

                In light of eternity, I have to ask, “If not, why not?”

The Motions

Running on Empty

          I meant to buy gas the night before but I was running late so I headed straight home. My plan was to get up early (not an easy task for me) and leave with time to spare so I could pull in for a quick pit stop on the way to work. Miracle of all miracles, I did get up early and I did leave with time enough for that pit stop. But as I made my way through a series of “S” curves on State Route 39 I heard “chug, chug, chug.” One glance at the gas gauge and I could see I was on the wrong side of empty.
          My first thought was to try to start the engine. Engines don’t start without gas. My second plan was to share a series of curses at the car. This didn’t work either. I even blamed my parents. After all, if they hadn’t made me take that paper route when I was eight years old, I wouldn’t have grown up so fast and wouldn’t have run out of gas that morning. (It sounded more reasonable that morning than it does right now). But denial, swearing, and blaming others doesn’t fill up an empty tank. Nor do they fill up anything else that’s empty.
          No matter what the problem is, the only way to have empty things filled is to get back to the source ASAP. Unfortunately, our past patterns have a way of haunting us when the tank has run dry. We analyze and organize. We evaluate and calculate. But far too often we do so without factoring Jesus into the equation.
          Let’s get personal for a moment. Suppose you and you’re spouse are about to have an argument. You can see the thunderclouds coming on the horizon. The wind is picking up and lightening is flashing. You both need patience but both tanks are empty. What if one of you would say, “Time out”? What if one of you suggests, “Let’s talk to Jesus before we talk to each other. In fact, let’s talk to Jesus until we can talk to each other.” I’m sure it wouldn’t hurt. It might even help. After all, wasn’t Jesus the one you asked to help you love honor, cherish, and keep him/her as long as you both shall live? You’d be surprised how full your tank becomes when you bring it to Jesus.
          As I pushed that car into a nearby driveway, I heard the familiar sound of my father pulling up behind me. He helped by get the car refueled and on my way again. Isn’t that what our Heavenly Father does?
          Maybe you think your problem is too large or your need to great or your temptation too strong or your future too frightening or your sin too wicked. I do know this: “God is able to accomplish more than we might ask or think (Ephesians 3:20 NLT). Bring your empty tank to the Lord and he will fill you with all you need.

Here Be God

When ancient sailors would make their maps or the seas, they oftentimes gave us a sneak peek into their deepest fears. They’d chart the location of islands the best they could or record water depths whenever possible. But on the edges of their maps, in the areas of the unknown cartographers wrote words such as these:
     “Here be dragons.”
     “Here be demons.”
     “Here be sirens.” (Greek mythology for half woman-half bird who preyed on wayfaring seamen).

I wonder what a map would look like if you were to draw one of your world. I’m sure you’d be able to chart frequently traveled roads and locations, but what if the chart you were drawing included not places but problems. What phrases would you record, even if no one else were reading, on the edge of your map? Would your personal notes speak of dragons when it comes to troubles in your marriage? Would you make reference to some demon in your past that seems to creep back onto the scene or lurk in the shadows? What old sirens or nemesis would you mention when you’re not sure what the future holds?

In the days of King Henry V, Sir John Franklin was a master mariner who sailed uncharted waters like many of his colleagues. Yet when he came to waters he was unsure of, instead of responding with fear, he responded with faith. He would take a map from a fellow seaman and cross out the references to dragons and demons. In their place John Franklin would boldly write “Here Be God.”

You may be facing uncharted waters right now as a family. Perhaps your employer is sending your signals that breed fear. Have you received news from the doctor that has proven disappointing? Oh dear soul, now is the time for us to respond with faith. Mark it down. You will never go where God is not. You may be transferred, reassigned, admitted, or commissioned but you can never be where God is not. Jesus promised, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20).

Put into practice what the Hebrew writer tells us to do, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1-3).

A Different Kind of Deeper

The city pool is open! A few days before the gates opened for the season a neighbor girl came to the house to talk all about it. I told her the pool was filled with water. “Not the deep end,” she said. I’ve smiled about that ever since.

I’m always impressed by those who’ve walked with God for a long time. Mind you, I didn’t say those who’ve been in church a long time or those who’ve been around a long time. No, I’m impressed by those who’ve journeyed many miles with God as their guide. They seem to have a deep sense of God’s presence in their lives. There’s a winsomeness about them that is captivating. There’s a boldness that enables them to overcome the subtle hurdles that can far too easily trip us up. I wonder what their secret is.

Those who’ve walked with God a long time are what we often would call “Deep Christians”. I suppose that is in contrast to “shallow” Christians. It seems that we often equate “Deep” Christians with “Intellectual” Christians: those who are able to make convincing arguments in theological discussions. While I am all for loving God with all our mind and strongly urge you to be able to give a clear defense for your faith and to have an ever increasing understanding of why you believe, we must be ever “mindful” that deep doesn’t merely mean smart.

Jesus told us “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” In the mind of the One we want to please the most, deep Christians are those who put into practice what He commands. Obedience is not the means of salvation; it is the fruit of salvation. In Ephesians 2:8-10 we see this clearly:

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:8-10
Clearly, we see that our redemption is purchased by grace (vs 8-9), but demonstrated by our works (v 10).

The question we all must wrestle with is, “Am I a Deep Christian?” You answer reveals a number of things about your walk with God, including, “How serious do you take God’s commands? How do you demonstrate your love for the Lord? What is your understanding of salvation and obedience?

I’m praying for God will raise up Deep Christians. I pray God will help me to demonstrate that life for my family, my church, and my community. I pray you will not be content to stay in the shallow end of obedience, but instead will plunge into the deep end. Come on in. The water’s great!

Getting To Know Your Father

The miraculous landing of the US Airways plane into the Hudson River reminded me of another crash-landing.   On night in 1968, the pilot of an airliner bound for New York realized the landing gear on his jet would not engage.  He manipulated the controls to no avail and was forced to land the plane on its belly.  Foam was sprayed over the runway and emergency crews were in position for a rescue.  The pilot was told to land the plane the best he could.

            After instructing the passengers on how to prepare for impact, the pilot said, “We are beginning our final decent.  In accordance with International Aviation Codes established at Geneva, it is my obligation to inform you that if you believe in God, you should commence praying.”  The plane then performed a belly landing, and miraculously, came to a stop with no injury to those on board.

            If that pilot hadn’t found himself in a crisis that day, his passengers would never have known about the airline’s provision for prayer.  But isn’t that the way it is for most people?  As long as everything in life goes smoothly, they rarely think about talking to God.  It’s those times in life when crisis comes that we most often turn to God.

            Isn’t it troubling to you that, while we never question the reliability of putting a stamp on an envelope, setting it in the mailbox in hopes that, despite it traveling through who knows how many hands and machines and vehicles, it will arrive safety to its destination.  We rarely doubt that process yet we look dubiously at God’s promise to answer our prayers. 

            Jesus said, “Have faith in God!  Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ if he doesn’t doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.  That is why I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours” (Mark 11:21-22).

            That’s a huge promise!  It’s like Jesus is daring us to believe.  You can almost hear him saying, “Trust Me.” 

            We’re not told to find the right words or the right time or the right place or the right feeling.  Just believe.  Do you think the thief on the cross used the right words or prayed at the right time of day or worried about getting to the right place or position to pray or was trying to conjure up the right feelings when he prayed to Jesus?  I don’t.  I believe he believed.  It’s not the formula that matters.  What ultimately matters is our willingness to believe God in prayer.

            So what do you need God to do for you?  Do you believe he can?  Do you believe he will?  Do you believe he is?  Then pray.  Right where you are, right now – pray.  Pray believing he hears and he cares and he knows how best to answer.  Again, Jesus said, “I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours.”