Embrace The Journey

The Israelites left Succoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness.  The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night.  And the Lord did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people.  Exodus 13:20-22

This past weekend represented the end of the football season.  I am sure there is a mixture of sadness if you are a fan like me and relief if you are like my wife.  That all being said, one must realize that a journey started well back in July last year culminated for one team, Kansas City, out of thirty-two celebrating a Super Bowl championship.  However, that was not what they were thinking early in November when they lost to a team they would later have to beat for the chance to win Super Bowl.  Back then, they were barely the best team in their division let alone the league.  But that was the last game they lost in the season.  For them, it had to be an amazing journey each team member will relish for the rest of their lives.

Sometimes our journey of faith is like a season.  It ebbs and flows having various changes in courses.  I can speak to that having suffered a lot of disappointment and pain lately.  However, I was reminded of a story of a Vietnam veteran named James Stockdale, who was imprisoned and tortured for over seven years.  His story of perseverance has been studied by not only military leaders but also business and religious leaders as well.  The question that he was asked was quite simply how he survived in such dire circumstances.  His answer, which is better known as The Stockdale Paradox, was this:

You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end — which you can never afford to lose — with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.

You see, his faith was that he would get out of there even as things looked incredibly bleak in isolated moments.

We must always view our relationship with Jesus Christ as a long journey where God’s glory is there even if we cannot see it at that moment.  Today, we come to the part of Exodus where Israel has been freed by Pharaoh, and God is leading them on their journey to the Promise Land.  There was an easier road that was more direct road there, but God chose to have go a different way.  The Bible said, “So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle.” (Exodus 13:18) This was much like I spoke earlier in the story of God ‘setting the stage.’  However, today I wanted to focus on the ‘how’ and not the ‘what’ God was doing.  He led and guided them every step of the way by clouds, light, and fire.  They traveled day and night knowing where to go and which way to turn.  As I thought of my own journey thus far, I did not always know where I was going.  But there was a time that I began to fully put my trust in Him, and time after time, He would lead me the right way.  So, I now trust Him even as I know the twists and turns are upon me and I cannot see the ultimate destination.  But through the storms and battles, there is God leading the way, and we know the destination at the end where there is as said in the Bible ‘milk and honey.’  It’s that faith we must maintain even in the most trying circumstances.

God is always the light in front of us.  Ours simple but challenging task is to simply follow.  Martin Luther King once said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.”  Understanding this, we must fully commit to finding this light and following it even if it appears to lead us somewhere, we might not have anticipated.  We should learn as Israel did that God loves to set the stage for His glory to be revealed for all to see.  No matter where you are today in your journey, recommit your trust in Him to guide you to the Promise Land.  Where are you in your journey today?  Are you following the light God has placed in front of you?  My prayer is that we trust in God and embrace the journey.  Amen.

Information For Good Decisions

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Mark 1:16-18

My mother was an avid reader of Consumer Reports magazine.  She would keep old copies of it so that when it came time to shop for something, she could pull up one of the old articles giving ratings on various brands, and then weight cost and quality to what would ultimately would be her decision.  She passed that on to me, but I was not the one who enjoyed having magazines laying all over the household.  However as kids says nowadays, there’s an app for that.  Thus, finding brands and researching on them right down to the model number became easy.  I love my microwave oven that we replaced years ago because it was that good.   It gave me this sense of surety and confidence that my decision would work out just fine because I had enough information.

The decision to follow Christ was a decision I made just about fifteen years ago.  However one might ask what took me so long?  It took me a while to figure out that Jesus wanted me to follow him.  When you are an imperfect person who saw His followers as perfect, you do not believe you are worthy of such a blessing.  Thus, God had to provide me with a lot of information.  Through His watching over me, He loved and protected me.  He gave me scriptures through devotions, and words of encouragement through followers.  Thus when the time came to make the decision, I was ready to follow.  The choice was easy because much like my mother taught me when finding the right brand, God had shown me His goodness, love, and finally, His grace.  So the decision was easy.

Making choices for Christ is easy once you have the right information.  This sounds like a very simple and easy Devotion to take in.  However, it is not the information that is difficult.  The application and practice to come to the decision is.  Our life is a constant struggle to make good decisions because of our sinful nature.  As Paul so well put, “I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.” (Romans 7:19)  This is the challenge we have as followers.  We all fail in some degree or another.  This is why Christ’s sacrifice was necessary.  We alone could not cover our failures, and through Him, we are made perfect.  Thus, we must always remember that following Christ, while an easy choice, is a challenging journey if we do not have practices that ensure our walk of faith stays true to His word.  Understanding this provides us with the information needed to make good faith based decision that allow us to walk as Simon and Andrew did trusting in Jesus without hesitation.

Our choice to follow means embracing the adventure that God lays before us.  The journey of faith is one that is filled with choices that have both blessings and at times heartache.  But Jesus wants us to know that no choice is without God’s watchful and loving eyes there to help and protect us.  We do not ever get to either know or understand this unless we have chosen to take up His cross and follow Him.  So let us always remember Jesus Christ as our savior as the foundation of all choices, and utilize the information we’ve gathered in our journey of faith going forward.  What information are you needing from Christ today?  What decisions might you need to wait on God for?  My prayer is that we trust God as our source of information to make good decisions.  Amen.

Making Old Things New

The old way, with laws etched in stone, led to death, though it began with such glory that the people of Israel could not bear to look at Moses’ face. For his face shone with the glory of God, even though the brightness was already fading away.  Shouldn’t we expect far greater glory under the new way, now that the Holy Spirit is giving life?  If the old way, which brings condemnation, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new way, which makes us right with God!  In fact, that first glory was not glorious at all compared with the overwhelming glory of the new way.  So if the old way, which has been replaced, was glorious, how much more glorious is the new, which remains forever!  2 Corinthians 3:7-11

Change is never easy.  The other day, I was looking at my work routine, and realized there was something that I was not making enough time for.  Now I know how to incorporate changes in my routine.  That’s the easy part.  However, the challenge for me is to do something new.  How can a person with a successful regular routine start to do something new?  Anyone who tries a new diet or starts an exercise routine knows that the journey is easy to start but challenging to consistently continue or finish.  It was in that I focused on those things that God makes new; namely me!  The day I was born again meant that I was made new.  However as I look back, I am far different from the person I was then.  So perhaps trusting God to change me was the ‘new’ then, and knowing God intimately is the ‘new’ today, and in the future, I will find another ‘new.’

God continually makes old things new.  We spend a great deal of time focused on the words of God.  That may very well be the ‘new’ part of a follower’s journey.  Perhaps it is how the word changes one’s heart, or it could be acting on God’s prompting sooner.  Maybe you might be at a stage where you’ve done all that, and are trying to prayerfully figure out what is next.  All of this is change inspired by God, and it is important to take a moment to stop, pause, and reflect on what God is doing in your life.  Think about where you were when you gave your life to Him.  How about the last greatest challenge where hope seemed lost and you thought you’d lost faith.  Maybe you are thinking about the first time you trusted God and He showed His faithfulness.  We have all grown to know God better, and proof of that is looking back to know how He has shaped us step by step.  That is exciting stuff!

Surety of eternal life through Jesus Christ is truly the best change ever!  I love Paul’s excitement in today’s verses telling us of both our sad punishment and God’s grace.  As we focus on the law that sentenced us to death, through Christ, we are given a new life that with greater faith and growth changes us into new people willing to follow Him out of love.  Let us rejoice over an awesome God who continually changes us to resemble the one who saved us in the very beginning; Jesus Christ.  What changes in your life would you like to give thanks to God?  How can your encourage another’s change through sharing your transformation?  My prayer is that we celebrate God’s grace that continually makes old things new.  Amen.

Stay Woke

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.  Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.  1 Peter 5:8-9

The world has always be an uncertain place, and as an American, it feels like things are more uncertain now than ever.  There are many who worry in fear, but other worry not because they are afraid.  They worry because they see those around them fully accepting of what is happening in the world as ‘the new normal.’  It is a world where lies are acceptable, apologies are viewed as weakness, and we listen only if we agree with what is being said.  There are some who have adopted a calling by refusing to fall for the fallacies of current day times.  Their saying is simply, “Stay Woke.”  It is a reminder to always be alert and willing to stand up to wrongful things even if others will simply ignore or try to normalize it.  In thinking of this saying, it reminded me of our faith and how our staying comfortable in our faith can be very much like accepting a ‘new normal,’ and we too must always be on the alert.

We must be willing to become uncomfortable in our journey of faith so as to maintain spiritual alertness to what God is doing.  Spiritual growth is never about staying in the same place of comfort.  Furthermore, it is not about being successful all of the time.  It is about following God to learn about His will for our lives and getting up and continuing our walk if we falter.  We must stay alert to have an awareness of God’s intention for us.  It could be as simple as helping a child at Sunday school or as complex as adopting a child.  It may require a moment in your day to share the gospel or a drastic change in your career to answer God’s calling.  Regardless of God’s prompting, we must respond in order for growth to occur.  Failure to do so means we are subject to attack from an enemy who seeks to keep us stagnant where our spiritual journey will abruptly end as we our ‘devoured’ by the world as we know it.

None of us suffer in vain for God is always watching.  Today’s verses serve as both encouragement to stay strong in our faith and a warning to be aware of ways of the world.  God always maintains a light where we can see in the darkness, and He listens to our prayers.  So do not be afraid to move from where you are.  God is with you each and every step you take.  Trust that He will catch you if you fall and reward you abundantly for being faithful to His will for your life.  Keep alert to all that God is calling you.  What is it that He seeks from you today?  How can you ensure you are alert to what God calls you to do?  My prayer is that we push for our spiritual growth by choosing to ‘Stay Woke.’  Amen.

Our Journey to Adoption, Part III - Moving forward

We finally got our foster license in February 2015. It took 9 months to complete all the paperwork, interviews, background checks and training to become a licensed foster home. I wrote a devotional about it at the time… Anyway, we got a call 3 weeks later for an 8 day old baby girl! We were shocked and excited! My Mom and sister washed all their baby stuff in the 3 days before we were to pick her up. Then, we got another call that it was decided to keep her in the temporary foster home she was already in. We were all very disappointed.

The next few months were quiet. No more phone calls came. We were told it might take a while since we were only open to certain children 18 months and younger. However, never having done it before, we weren’t led to change any of our restrictions.

Last week I talked about multiple “right” choices before us at times and that sometimes God seems to want us to take one step of faith forward with the wisdom He’s given us. He doesn’t always give us step-by-step instructions. So, as we waited for a foster child, a friend recommended another fertility doctor and we made an appointment. We went through repeat tests and some new tests and the doctor did find one possible hurdle to pregnancy. For several months we tried some natural things to counteract. However, we still didn’t get pregnant and didn’t get a call to take in a foster child.

I do like it when God lays things in my lap and I often want to sit back and wait for that in each situation! We were willing to patiently wait for the children God had for us, if children were His will. However, He wanted us to actively participate.

God expects us to move forward in faith with the wisdom He’s already revealed to us. In Jesus’ parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), the one that took the talent and did nothing was rebuked harshly.

Matthew 25:26-29 His master replied, “you wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. “

“Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.” 

As we move forward in faith, God grows our faith (gives us “more” faith). Where are you sitting back waiting for God to work, when He might be waiting for you to take a step forward in faith before He reveals the next step? 

Alice

Paul's Notes Are Greater!

Always be joyful.  Never stop praying.  Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

When I was in high school, we would have lots of books to read for our English classes.  Most common were works by Shakespeare.  No one liked Shakespeare because it was both difficult to read and in many cases boring.  Then when reading Hamlet (one of those difficult Shakespeare works), one of the students came in with this cute yellow book called ‘Cliff’s Notes,’ which gave a summary of the book.  Like many others, I was fascinated by it, and took a quick read through it.  I wish I could say it helped me do well on the exam, but it did not.  I still had to read the book to do well, but it did give me great insight as to what the author was trying to impress upon his audience.  Now having read the Bible, I have no desire to read the Cliff Notes of it because like Hamlet, I do not get the full breadth of what God is trying to say.  However in reading the Bible, I often get a nice little summary of how one is to live for God much like those notes did for Hamlet.

Learning to spend time reading the Bible is essential in helping one live a Christ centered life.  In reading the closing chapter of Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, one gets so much wisdom about how to live for God.  The verses for today jumped out at me about things that we should aspire to do every day.  There are three operative words we should focus on; always, never, and all.  First, we should always be joyful.  Joyful is what we aspire to be over happy for happiness can be fleeting but joyfulness stays even when circumstances may warrant time for sadness or mourning.  Never stop praying.  In case you have not been prayerful, let me just say what prayer has done in my life.  It has helped me love my family better and saved me from harm way more times than I can count.  The more we pray, the more God shows us.  Be thankful in all circumstances.  Yes, it is fairly easy to be thankful when times are good, but what about when things are not so good?  We are at times disappointed with what life throws our way, but God uses these experiences in many ways.  Sometimes it is to help us learn something, and other times it is because better and greater things await us.

There is so much God wants to say to us.  In understanding that, it becomes easy to know why the Bible is so long!  Even then, it speaks far beyond its words for if we not only read it but also truly study it, we hear God speaking to our hearts as well as our minds.  Even if you only have a moment I urge you to still take time to read a little for God will take that short moment and change your path toward a more life fulfilling journey.  It helped me, and it can do the same for you.  When is the last time you opened your Bible or digital Bible app?  How can you commit to reading His word more often?  My prayer is that we find just a little more time to read and study God’s word for Cliff’s notes are great but as we read today, Paul’s notes are greater!  Amen.

Overflowing Hope

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13

One of my favorite pastimes is watching the State of the Union address.  You see my family is deeply rooted in politics.  My mother worked heavily in government, and instilled in me both a high level of civic education and a heavy dose of political discussions.  So this has always been a big thing.  Over the years, it has lost a lot of its luster because of the numerous ideas laid out by each President’s agenda rarely ever comes to be reality.  Yet for one night, there is a moment of sincere optimism.  There is dare I say, hope that things will be better in the days to come.  As a follower of Christ, I always have the hope that I serve Him better and for better days to come. 

When we have true belief in God, we are filled with eternal hope.  Before I get into hope, I feel the need to define it better because I struggle distinguishing between hope and faith.  Faith is that which you have certainty of or as the latter portion of Hebrews 11:1 says, “Assurance about what we do not see.”  Hope focuses on the ideal situation or as the definition states, “what is wanted that can be had.”  In using these terms with Christ in mind, we have faith both in Christ as Lord and in our salvation declaring Him Lord over our life, and we have hope that the life we live both righteously and enthusiastically follows Him.  I often refer to a song We Fall Down because that describes what Christ’s hope in us is all about.  The chorus says, “We fall down, but we get up for a saint is but a sinner who fell down and got up.”  Hope says that no matter how far you have fallen and times you have failed, Christ loves and believes in you the one day you will be the person He envisioned.

We should always have hope because Jesus has hope in all of us.  From the story of Peter who denied Him to Paul who persecuted His believers, He always gives us another opportunity to follow Him.  Along those lines, we too should follow His example and have hope not only for God’s favor but also for other to be followers of Christ as well.  Who in your life can you instill hope in?  How can you trust God more to have greater hope?  My prayer is that our spirit overflows with hope.  Amen.

For You

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.  Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.  And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.  Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:12-18

Around this time of year, I give thanks for the many things God has given me.  Of course, I have thanked family members and friends along with my team and peers.  I also gave thanks to my fellow devotion writers.  Today, I want to give thanks to someone that inspires me each and every Wednesday to write my devotions even when I do not feel God inspired.  This is a person when I feel that I’ve lost my way gives me words of encouragement to continue fighting the good fight.  Today, I quite simply want to thank someone who I rarely directly acknowledge; you.

Each of you who chose to receive and read my devotions each and every week has driven me to write what God has placed on my heart.  This is not to say that God is not awe inspiring alone and does not give me fuel.  However sometimes, I lose sight of God.  I will just throw my hands up, and say to God, “I don’t know what to do or say.”  Then feeling confused and uninspired after hitting the proverbial button of doom that says ‘Post,’ one of you will say something.  “That’s what I really needed to hear today,” one said.  “Amen, and amen,” says another with exclamation points.  Each of us fights their own battle in the world, and as today’s verses remind me, you work hard, live in peace, challenge the status quo, and do what is good.  That gives me reason to rejoice and give thanks today and beyond.

Humility is knowing through Christ you can do extraordinary things and not much without Him.  Each of you humbly has the ability to inspire through His spirit that dwells within.  As you enjoy this Thanksgiving, remember that you can be the voice of God to others who have never heard Him.  Don’t think about it.  Know it.  Who can you thank for your journey of faith?  Who can you inspire or encourage with the heart of Christ?  My prayer is that your hearts are filled with the love of Christ in knowing that this God centered devotion is simply to give thanks for . . . YOU.  Amen, and have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!

The Spirit Within Us

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Matthew 28:18-20

This was a tough week personally as a member of my team unexpectedly passed away.  This was the first time I experienced the loss of someone who I saw nearly every day.  I asked for God’s wisdom as to why this person had to go when she did.  The thing that came to mind was that God sends angels among us, and many times, we do not know it until they have left us.  It became apparent that she had done her work among us because she had touched the lives of so many within our group that the spirit of her life was ingrained in us already.  It reminded me of the time when Jesus had spent all of His time with the disciples, and although He had conquered death, His spirit through the disciples would allow for the Gospel to spread throughout the world.

We should aspire to touch as many lives as possible displaying the spirit of Christ within us.  Today’s verses refer to the great responsibility we have as Christians (aka The Great Commission).  However, I want to focus on the moment.  The disciples had just witnessed the greatest miracle of all, the resurrection of Christ, and they anxiously waited for their next command from Him.  Jesus did not take the moment to celebrate with them or boast of His prediction coming true.  He simply stated His role as authority figure and for them to carry on His work until time for His return.  He laid the foundation for the early church, and once the message had gotten to others, the building of the church had begun.

We have greater influence on the spreading of the Gospel than we realize.  My friend’s life was filled with moments where she reached out to others and inspired them to live better.  More importantly, a bit of her spirit lives in each team member because above all, she was a child of God, and the team both responded to and loved her because of it.  Will your life to inspire others to become followers of Christ?  How can you better influence those near you through Christ?  My prayer is that we live our lives each day exemplifying the spirit of Christ within us.  Amen.

I'm Christian and I'm Proud

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  Hebrews 4:14-16

James Brown wrote a song back in 1968 when the civil rights movement was in full swing.  It stated quite simply, “Say it loud!  I’m black and I’m proud.”  Many of you might ask why on earth that would ever need to be said.  Well society back then was not always kind to African Americans.  Blessed with an incredible family, I grew up being proud of who I was even when there were subtle times society would question not only who I was but also whether I belonged.  This became my motivation and strength to persevere through those challenges.  I share this not to bring up my ethnicity.  Rather, it is bring up the conviction and strength one has when they know who they are.

As followers of Christ, we are to stand proudly on our faith.  Always!  The other day, I was putting a reminder of my Wednesday bible study in my online calendar.  I hesitated to put it there because my calendar is public to my team and peers and might be seen as politically incorrect.  Then like the lessons my family taught me, I asked myself, “Why do I need to deny who I am?”  We should neither hide nor shy away from the faith that has freed us from the bondage of our sins.  Much of who we are at work revolves around the fruits of the spirit (patience, love, honor, humility), and our coworkers and family feel secure knowing that we will do our best following the example of the God we adore and love.

As faithful Christians, who we are centers on the cross.  David said in the 27^th Psalm, “The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1a)  Our love for Christ trumps all.  Whether it is through actions or words, we should always embrace the God who gives us strength and is indeed mighty to save.  Where do you hide your faith?  How will you respond in a place where it feels uncomfortable to be a follower of Christ?  My prayer is that we like James Brown say it loud!  I’m Christian and proud!  Amen.

Remove Judgment, Insert God

When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.  John 16:8-11

One of my favorite discussions about God involved my son.  He had done something that was within his right but what most people would consider as questionable.  In his youthful exuberance, he made the statement, “No one can judge me but God.” I responded quite simply, “Yes, that is true, but having made that decision, do you believe God would be pleased with your decision?”  It opened the conversation to where I could ask how well he truly knew God.  Additionally, it showed a clear vision on how one can avoid judgment by simply focusing on God and not on one’s own opinion.

The key to avoiding being judgmental is to separate ourselves from the situation and inserting God into it. We all have a sense of what is right within us.  As Christians, we are given that sense through the Holy Spirit.  Something says, “That does not ‘feel’ right.”  This guides us in our walk of faith.  However, I have to fight my own urge to project that onto others.  I will watch someone doing something knowing it does not ‘feel’ right.  My initial reaction is to pull them out and say to them, “That is wrong!”  But if I trust God, then my goal shifts toward awakening the Holy Spirit within them and less about judging their actions.  This does not say we should avoid saying something to someone who is living in sin.  Instead, we are to guide them to find God’s light, and say, “Don’t trust what I say. Ask God yourself.”

Today’s verses reiterate that Jesus is not only without sin and righteous but also perfect in His judgment. Jesus said, “The father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son.” (John 5:22)  If we trust in Christ as Lord, we can trust that the Holy Spirit will transform even the hardest of hearts and most sinful of sinners.  This is how we avoid judgment.  Where do you wrongfully judge?  How can we focus on what God places on our heart instead of our own judgment to win others over?  My prayer is that we remove judgment by inserting God.  Amen.  

Ending at Hope

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.  Romans 5:1-5

Why do we suffer?  Why must we endure pain even when those around us are seemingly at peace?  I looked to one of my very early devotions dealing with suffering.  The story revolves around one of Major League Baseball's most memorable moments known as "The Shot Heard Round the World."  Bobby Thompson, a New York (now known as San Francisco) Giant hit a home run against Ralph Branca and his Brooklyn (now Los Angeles) Dodgers in the bottom of the 9th inning to win the 1951 National League pennant playoff.  Below are Branca’s comments describing the aftermath of this historic home run:

I drove home that night.  Took Brooklyn with Ann (his wife), and you know.  It was a long lonely ride, and she started to cry because we were going to get married in 17 days.  When I got home, my mother and father of course was disappointed, and I think they bled for me.  My mother got a couple of phone calls.  "Teach your son how to pitch," you know, and they'd hang up.  And that's really vicious.  Brothers and sisters (heard) at work at the time, "Ah, your brother stinks."  You know, "Your brother lost the game."  Ann going to a gas station, and giving her credit card.  And guy says, "Ay, your husband threw the home run pitch, right?"  Shouldn't have to take that nonsense.

My cousin was a dean of Campus Ministries at Fordham, and I said, "Why me?"  And you know I was always in shape.  I didn't drink or smoke, and baseball was my love.  Why me?  And he gave the Jesuit answer.  He said, "God chose you, because he knew your faith would be strong enough to bear this cross."

We all should aspire to have a faith like that; a faith that even in the most trying of circumstances says as Joshua once said, “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15b - NKJV)  Paul’s message of hope and glory in the midst of our suffering reminds us that we have the final victory of eternal life with Jesus Christ, and there is a purpose for everything in God’s plan.  What can you learn from your most recent failure?  How will you maintain hope in the midst of suffering?  My prayer is that though we may start at suffering, we end at hope.  Amen.

Just Smile

Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you endured in a great conflict full of suffering.  Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.  Hebrews 10:32-35

People know that I love to smile.  I smile at those who I know well and care deeply about.  I smile at those who would call me an enemy because I want them to know the God I represent.  I smile because there is a joy inside knowing that I am saved from a sinful past that once told me grace was out of my reach.  I smile knowing I am God’s child.  Some people would accuse me of smiling too much.  My response is they focus on how they see the world too much and not the potential God sees in them.  This does not mean I do not have fears and struggles in my life.  What it does mean is that I believe with confidence Jesus came into the world, died for our sins, and rose to prove beyond any doubt He is Lord.

We must reflect the light of Christ even in our most trying circumstances.  Jesus says that we are the light of the world. (Matthew 5:14)  There are some days that we feel down, and others where the world punches us in the gut trying to take away the certainty we have in Christ.  But through Jesus Christ, we were given the precious gift of eternal life.  For that alone, we have a light within us that can endure any hardship or pain.  We must share that light without reservations, and no matter what the world may throw at us, it cannot put out His light that shine brightly within us.

With God, there is always reason to have joy in our heart.  While we may feel short term sadness over circumstances or be left with situations that concern us, we must never forget the suffering our Lord endured for us.  Knowing this, there is nothing we cannot overcome.  Where does your confidence lie?  How can you exhibit the light of God in times of struggle?  My prayer is that when the clouds of darkness head our way, we look at them, and confidently, just smile.  Amen.

Taking Ownership

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.  The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.  The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. John 10:11-13

My family decided to take a short trip to Chick-fil-a the other day.  I admired how dedicated their staff was to making the experience a memorable one.  All of them were cheery, and they treated us like . . . well . . . family.  Yet, they are paid no different from other fast food employees, and while they are a Christian owned business, there are other faith based businesses that do not go the extra mile like they do.  So what’s the difference?  Maybe, they believe in something bigger than themselves.  They choose to take ownership for their customer’s experience.  That is far more memorable than the spicy chicken sandwich or the free drink refills.

We as Christians have to own our faith.  Today’s verses are not just about how much Jesus loves us.  It is also a challenge to us as followers of Christ.  We are to be people of deep faith that willfully depend on what God teaches when we are under attack.  We are not to be painted into corners by those who either focus exclusively on God’s law or disregard God altogether. Instead, we are to live with an understanding of the greatest commandment; to love God with all of our heart and to love our neighbors as we love ourselves (see Matthew 22:36-40).  Owning our faith means there are times we will not be popular and take stances others will not believe, but if we show God’s love through it all, we will be victorious for God's truth always wins in the end.

Believing in God is something bigger than us.  Jesus paid for our salvation in blood.  For that, we can choose to act like a hired hand and expect that He owes us something more, or we can go all out living for Him to make the world aware of His love, mercy, and wisdom.  Which would you choose?  How can you and I be more of an owner of our faith?  My prayer is that we truly take ownership of being faithful servants of God.  Amen.

All Experience is Relevant

The Lord will keep you from all harm—
    he will watch over your life;
 the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.  Psalm 121:7-8

I remember my first big interview for a major organization.  As such, I went to my mother to help me prepare for this opportunity.  She could sense my inner doubts, and she asked me where it came from.  My response was that I had never had experience in working with people at that level.  She simply replied, “Kent, all experience is relevant.”  Needless to say, I got the job.  Looking back on my life, there are many experiences that I questioned their importance in my spiritual development.  But even when something bad happened, I have remembered that God has been watching over me even before I was born.  Thus, there was always something relevant to God’s plan that I had to learn from those experiences.

Our life long experiences prepare us for God’s plan of the future.  The verses of Psalm 121 are a reminder of something we know but often may lose sight of.  God is always with us whether good times and bad.  We are humbled by His favor, and find joy even through our struggles.  In all situations, we learn lessons, and are revealed God’s purpose for our lives.  Thus, we are given a wonderful opportunity to grow spiritually through those experiences, and it is only through recognizing that God is both in control and watching that those experiences have relevancy.

Experience is truly the greatest teacher, and the experiences of Jesus Christ reveal our greatest lessons.  Through His life, we have victory over death, but it is worthy to note that even He had to experience death on the cross to teach us that one’s darkest hour can lead to ultimate triumph.  Remember that no matter where you are in your spiritual journey, God is with you now and forevermore.  How does God’s omnipresence reassure you?  What experience can you see differently through a God-centered lens?  My prayer is that in connecting with God we remember as my mother said, “All experience is relevant.”  Amen.

Focus and Refocus

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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:1-2

Do you ever lose focus of God?  When I got home, the house looked like utter chaos.  This left me in a very bad place mentally, and I sat in silence trying not to let the spirit of anger get the best of me.  As I calmed down and reflected on the moment, I realized that my focus on God was totally gone at that moment.  While I am glad I did not say anything that would have really caused problems, it occurred that I needed to do better focusing on God then, and then refocus today when I have my discussion with my family over what happened the night before.

Keeping our focus on God allows for positive outcomes in our lives.  Paul’s comments in Hebrews point out both the necessity of focusing on Jesus Christ as well as hindrances and sin that can take us off that path.  Hindrances are the things we have full control of that are good but not God centered (tasks that take time away from God focused activities or prioritizing tasks above God).  Sin is the thing that can control us that are bad (anger, defiance, impure acts).  Both are serious issues, but if we can discipline ourselves to refocus when we lose the path (daily prayers, structured reading of the word, devotion reading), we can maintain that focus that is so important to our walk of faith.

The pathway to God is not an easy one to follow.  We may fall down, but we have a loving God who has shown us grace through Jesus Christ, and like all great teachers, He has patience with and love for us to watch us learn and grow.  Thus, we must as Paul says, “Fight the good fight of the faith,” to maintain our focus on God (1 Timothy 6:12).  How do you maintain focus on God?  What structure can you use to refocus on God when it’s lost?  My prayer is that in challenging times, we both focus and refocus on God.  Amen.

It's Not About Me

Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
      my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
    and he will bring justice to the nations.  Isaiah 42:1

We all remember the first moments of our being born again.  I was reminded of that this past Sunday during church service.  The pastor talked serving God above all other things.  It took me to the very first thing that I learned in my first days as a born again Christian.  I had started reading Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life, and the very first sentence of the book has been my guiding principle of my walk of faith.  It simply says, “It’s not about you.”  That phrase always gives me peace and clarity as to God’s expectations of me.  When I feel like complaining or don’t really feel up to doing the right thing above ‘the easy thing,’ I am reminded it is about serving God.  It’s not about me.

We should always remember that our walk of faith revolves around serving God and not how God can help us.  In the book of Isaiah, the prophecy of the coming Jesus Christ is told.  While we know He is the son of God, He is noted as a servant who is upheld as an authority figure by God.  In living a life like Christ, we are to remember that our relationship with God is one of admiration, love, and servitude just as Jesus’ relationship as the Son is.  Put another way, we are to give of ourselves selflessly and completely toward being a servant of God.  We are giving without expectation, and following without question.  That latter one is tough for me because I always want to understand why.  However, my understanding is secondary to God’s expectation of me to be a good and faithful Christian servant.

While our walk of faith is both rewarding and fun, it is not always easy.  Even Jesus asked God for clarity when following the path which led to His crucifixion (see Matthew 26:42).  What is noteworthy is Jesus asked that God’s will be done over all that he might have wished for.  That is what we must understand.  Us doing God’s will trumps all.  What are your struggling with God about?  How can you be more submitting to God’s will?  My prayer is that we remember that it’s about serving God. It’s not about me.  Amen.

Living in a Vaccum

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.  For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.  For

“All people are like grass,
    and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
    but the word of the Lord endures forever.”  1 Peter 1:22-25

One of the favorite lessons my mom taught me was an action speaks louder than words.  Many times, I will read a particular book on  leadership or business, and someone will share various tips or steps on how to be successful.  While it always sounds good on paper, it can at times become really difficult to apply to real life situations.  After all, everyone would do it if it were so easy, right?  This brought me to God’s word.  We read God’s word, but is it active in our lives?  Or does it stay in a vacuum fully active in the ‘God zone’ and idle in the ‘real world?’

God’s word is intended to live through us at all times.  I love the many lessons in the Bible that allow for true life application.  However, there are times we just love the word but struggle to apply it for various reasons.  Our journey of faith is one just like the Bible itself; living.  It is not something that we should simply read to say, “Gee, that makes sense.”  It is something that requires us to both think and respond to.  The reason why the Bible is called the ‘Living Word of God’ is because it lives within anyone who reads it, takes it to heart, and applies it in their own lives.  This does not mean just shaking our heads in agreement.  It requires actively living it out.  No staying on the sidelines.

Jesus was a man of action.  While He spent much of His time teaching, He went out, and performed many miracles and acts of grace and kindness.  We are given a new life both through God’s truth in His word and Christ’s love for us.  Do not let it just sit idle.  Be courageous, and live it out each and every day to all whom you touch.  Does your Bible readings guide and change  your behavior prior to reading it?  Does it reaffirm and/or encourage you to act?  My prayer is that we actively live out the teachings of the Bible and not live in a vacuum.  Amen.

Focusing On The Gifts

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.  1 Corinthians 12:4-6

  

This past week, I had a opportunity to teach a class that I somewhat feel was made for me.  I focuses on understanding and developing your strengths.  The basis of the class is very simple.  We are all gifted with certain things that we do  exceedingly well.  The key to personal success lies in our ability to both understand and master use of those strengths.  It always made me focus on one simple question; why did God give us all different strengths (or gifts)?

We are given different strengths so that we can see others as God sees us.  We spend a great deal of our lives trying to focus on the things we are not.  Maybe we are not the smartest person or perhaps we do not look as good as we think we should.  These are stories the world tells us.  However, God does not see us for our imperfections.  He sees us as His children.  This is not to say we are perfect, but instead, we are His greatest creation.  His masterpiece.  God sees the beauty in us all, and when we are indeed connected to Him and utilizing the gifts God has given us, we are a perfect reflection of Him.

God created mankind in His own image (see Genesis 1:27).  We are given gifts as a reminder of His brilliance for all of us to see.  If we as Christians can see people for the things they are rather than focusing on those things they are not, we will have grown spiritually by leaps and bounds.  God wants the best from all of us.  What is stopping you from releasing it?  Do you know the gifts God has given you?  My prayer is that we focus on the gifts God has given each and every one of us.  Amen.

Each Day Closer

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.  I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.  Ephesians 1:17-21

I pray that I am an example of a follower of Christ who is both a shining example to other Christians and a flawed person to those who seek Christ.  Why the last part?  Because none of us are perfect, and the last thing I want is to be on a pedestal.  It is far better they find me as someone who they can come to when their life is messy and broken and ask the question, “You’re life is like mine, and yet there is joy in your life.  Why?”  Then I can share the joy God has brought me in spite of my trials, struggles, and failures.  The bottom line is that I just pray my walk of faith continually brings me closer to Christ.  Each day is better than the last.

Our goal as Christians is that we are in a continual state of growth moving ever closer to the image of Jesus Christ.  We so often get caught up in the things we want for our lives.  It can be so hard when we are bombarded with things that interfere with one fundamental need; the need to be closer with a God who loves us so much.  It does not matter either how great we were or how bad we failed yesterday.  Today we can move one step closer to Him.  Whether it be by prayer, action, or word, He is right where He has always been; watching, caring, protecting, and loving us.

No matter where you are in journey of faith, God wants us to know it is going to be alright.  If you feel close to God, have peace knowing you will only continue to grow closer.  If you feel distant, know God is still there sounding a beacon for you to keep walking toward the sound of His voice.  This is the hope of both Paul’s prayer at the beginning of the book of Ephesians and a savior who died so that we could have strength knowing He will neither leave nor forsake us.  How can you grow closer to Christ today?  What from the past must you lay at Christ’s feet to move forward?  My prayer is that we do what is necessary today to move closer to Christ today and beyond.  Amen