Truth Matters

Gratitude

2011-02-16T22:32:00.000-06:00

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” ESV John 14:15

As I read through the Gospel of John this past week with my daughter Ashley, this verse captured my attention. I confess to being just as fascinated by what it does not say as I am by what it plainly declares; the latter being that if you love Jesus you will keep His commandments.

But think with me for a moment about what the verse does not say. The verse does not say that if you keep the commandments of Jesus that He will love you. It doesn’t say that Jesus has any duty or obligation whatsoever to bestow His love on you because you keep His commandments.

Now, lest I offend too many, let me say that I am certain that Jesus is pleased (happy if you will) when you keep His commandments because the Bible tells us plainly that God loves righteousness and hates evil. But being pleased by an action is altogether different from being obligated by an action.

Back in the late sixteenth century a document was commissioned in Germany that outlined the basic tenets of the Christian faith. That document, held in high regard in its day and still very useful today, is The Heidelberg Catechism. I mention it here because of its three basic divisions that are captured well by the title of book published by Banner of Truth; Guilt, Grace and Gratitude.

The catechism begins by highlighting mankind’s desperate condition of guilt and assured damnation because of sin. The second section explains the gracious gift of salvation and reconciliation to God made possible through the finished and complete work of Jesus Christ. The Heidelberg Catechism concludes by with an extensive section explaining what biblical gratitude looks like. Hint—it looks like John 14:15!

When you think about it, could anything be more natural? If you were convicted of an offense that carried a death sentence, yet pardoned because of the actions of another, wouldn’t it be natural to express your gratitude towards your benefactor forevermore? Sure it would. You’d love that person forever.

Is it, perhaps should it, be any different in the life of a Christian? Guilty of sin against a holy God, yet pardoned, reconciled to God through the actions of Jesus the Son, could anything be more natural than expressing appreciation and love towards your benefactor than in keeping His commandments? I think not.

Many strive to live good and righteous lives. Those who love Jesus do so as an expression of love for their Savior.

God bless.

Evil and the Tucson Shootings

2011-01-17T19:15:00.002-06:00

“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.² For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,³ heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good,⁴ treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,⁵ having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” ^ESV2 Timothy 3:1-5

I was stunned as I heard about the senseless murders in Arizona this week that killed six people and injured fourteen others. How could such a heinous act occur? And Why? Why did innocent people die? Why are parents grieving over the loss of a beautiful nine-year-old girl? Why is a federal judge dead? Why is Congresswoman Giffords lying in a hospital room with a bullet wound to her head? Why?

As I watched the news the following morning, while still stunned by the facts of the event, I was initially amused by the reporting. My amusement quickly turned to dismay and then to anger when I saw the “spin” that the talking heads of television were putting on the horrible event. On more than one channel the “spin” pointed a finger of blame towards political opponents of the Congresswoman. Really? Give me a break! Does every event in this nation have to be politicized? Can we not call a spade a spade in this country?

My feet are firmly planted on solid ground when I say that the senseless murders in Arizona were not the blame of The Tea Party, The Republican Party, or any party or individual politician. No, the murders in Arizona are the product of the evil, sinful actions of an evil man, living in evil days, in a self-glorifying society that has generally abandoned God. The root cause of the Arizona murders is sin.

We Americans love ourselves. Not our neighbors necessarily, but literally ourselves. We want to do things “our way.” We want things now; not later. Held captive by self-love we begin to covet and become “proud, arrogant, abusive…ungrateful…heartless…brutal” and lacking even basic levels of “self-control.” And our scripture tells us that by loving ourselves so dearly, we become “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.”

The Arizona murders were rooted in the self-centered pleasures of an evil, sinful man.

I pray for the families of the grieving. I pray for the healing of the wounded. I pray for swift justice for the assailant. I pray that America would recognize sin as the blame. Lastly, I pray that this senseless act awakens America from her slumber and turns her (us; you; me) to God.

Will you be a lover of self or a lover of God?

Living Life Again

2011-01-17T19:15:00.001-06:00

“…Martha welcomed him [Jesus] into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving…” ESV Luke 10:38-40

A good many people adore Billy Graham and regard him as a stalwart of the Christian faith in modern times. Certainly nobody denies his tenacity in preaching. Even near the end of his public ministry, he was still filling stadiums around the globe for his evangelistic crusades.

Now 92, Reverend Graham has slowed down, stepped out of the public eye somewhat and I presume has had time to reflect on his life. He shared some reflections with Greta Van Susteren on Fox News back in December. One of his comments stood out in my mind as particularly noteworthy.

Greta asked Reverend Graham: “If you were to do things over again, would you do it differently?” The Reverend replied forcefully and without a moment’s hesitation: “Yes. I would study more, I would pray more, travel less, take less speaking engagements; I took too many of them in too many places around the world. If I had it to do over again, I’d spend more time in meditation and prayer and just telling the Lord how much I love him and adore him…”

Reverend Graham’s words are stuck in my head as I begin a new year. As is so often the case when we turn the page on our calendars from December to January, this is a year filled with new and renewed aspirations; a year of new hopes and desires; a busy and full year.

I wonder though, is our true joy and fulfillment often lost in business? This year, will the truly important things in my life be crowded out by urgent things? If I were to ask 100 of you what your top priorities in life were, I’d venture to guess that God, family, work and health would rank near the top with almost everyone. Do your daily activities match the order of priority of these important things?

Mary prioritized her activity and focused on that which was most important; sitting at the Lord’s feet. Looking back, even Billy Graham would have re-prioritized some of his activities to focus on the most important things. How about you?

Today, ask God to grant you the wisdom, energy and discipline to focus your activities on those things which are most important this year.

God bless.

Humble submission

2010-12-05T15:41:00.002-06:00

“But Naaman was angry and went away, saying, “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call upon the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place and cure the leper.” ESV 2 Kings 5:11

Naaman was a very important man in his country. Scripture tells us that he was commander of the army for the King of Syria. Don’t you suppose that Naaman, in his position as a commander, was accustomed to having most events unfold just as he planned or imagined? Certainly his attendants and soldiers would have gone to great lengths to know his likes, dislikes, and personal whims and I suspect they would have done everything possible to please the man.

A commander demands more than a smidgen of respect and obedience from those under his authority and Naaman would have been no different. Few would fault Naaman for being a proud man, but Naaman was also a leper. When I think about it, it must have been frustrating for Naaman to be an outcast, a leper, yet also be among the elite of the King’s household.

One day, word comes to Naaman of a possible cure for his disease in Israel and with the blessings of the King he assembles and entourage and heads out. After first stopping by to see a very surprised and distressed King of Israel, he eventually arrives at the house of a prophet named Elisha; the man of God who can offer him a cure.

From inside Elisha’s house it must have been quite a sight. I mean Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army, had come calling and was parked in his front yard with horses, chariots, and animals loaded with silver and gold. I wonder what the neighbors thought?

Naaman, after staging such a grand entrance, and being such an important man and all, was not ready for Elisha’s prescription that arrived by messenger: “Go and wash in the Jordon seven times, and your flesh shall be restored…” Naaman was insulted and angry. Surely the healing of someone of his stature would be something of a public spectacle with hand waving, speeches and such. But no, Elisha told him to go bathe in a river that was downright nasty by his standards; how humiliating.

Naaman didn’t like it, but he was eventually convinced to follow Elisha’s instructions. He did and he was healed. Naaman left Israel a changed man inside and out. On the outside, his leprosy was cured. On the inside, he was praising the one true God.

How often I wonder does our pride rob us of the blessings of God? Do you have certain expectations you expect to be met before you worship and praise Him? Has a church leader or member wounded your pride somewhere along the way?

Scripture doesn’t guarantee that outward healing is ours for the asking, but I can assure you that spiritual healing is available to everyone who humbly submits to God’s word. “Repent, and believe in the gospel (Mark 1:15).”

Ask, seek and knock

2010-12-05T15:41:00.001-06:00

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” ESV Matthew 7:7

We are a demanding society. I heard a great example of our demanding attitude the other day as I was listening to a sermon by Alistair Begg. He says that you need to walk no further than your local coffee shop or restaurant to see just how demanding we are. Just approach the counter and listen as people place their orders and you’ll here phrases like ‘give me a _____, or I’ll take a _____, or mine is a _____.’ Gone it seems are the days of patience and the common courtesy associated with the word please or phrase may I?. No, we want what’s ours and we want it now!

My fear is that we are equally demanding and discourteous of God when we go to him in prayer. How often have we prayed: God, give me _____; God, here’s what I need; or God, here’s what would ease my mind. But, one might argue, our verse from Matthew 7 is pretty simple and straightforward isn’t it? Ask, seek and knock and it is yours for the taking, right? Well, not exactly.

Matthew Henry places this verse in proper perspective by noting that ask, seek and knock should be properly interpreted to mean: “Pray; pray often; pray with sincerity and seriousness; pray and pray again; make conscience of prayer, and be constant in it; make a business of prayer, and be earnest in it. Ask, as a beggar asks alms.” My ESV Study Bible links the same words (ask, seek and knock) with humility, action, and persistence on our part. Notice the total absence of a demanding tone in either explanation, and rightly so. God is not in the “name it and claim it” business.

As I read the prayers of Saints in scripture, even prayers of Jesus Himself, one thing stands out; their prayers and requests were ultimately for the glory of God. Read the prayers of Moses and you’ll find that while he often prayed for the deliverance and well being of the Hebrews, he always qualified his request so that God would be glorified by answering it. The same could be said of King David. David often prayed for personal deliverance from perils and hardships but he always asked in a way that would give God glory by answering him. Even Jesus, when he prayed in Gethsemane before his betrayal, made his request known to the Father and then added, “…nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” (Matthew 26:39).

Now friends, if even the saints of old and the son of God Himself make their requests known to God with humility and earnest desire that God the Father receive the glory in answering them, shouldn’t we do the same?

So yes, ask, seek and knock just like Matthew 7:7 says, just be mindful to do so with God’s glory as your ultimate aim and not your personal gratification.

Eternity in view

2010-12-05T15:40:00.002-06:00

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” ESV Colossians 3:1-2

Alcohol. It’s the subject of much discussion in my hometown of Russellville as the citizens wrestle with the merits of legalizing its sale. It’s a subject for which many display an intense passion so I hope these words are received with the graciousness of their intent (Ephesians 4:29) by everyone.

Try as I may, I cannot find a strict biblical prohibition against alcohol and many of the scriptures commonly used for its condemnation are equally applicable to the food we eat. Yes, even eating is detrimental to our bodies, and unbiblical, in excess. But at least let us all agree that alcohol, along with many other things, is sinful when consumed to excess (Proverbs 23:20-21).

Having said that, let me point out that drunkenness is condemned by scripture in many, many places; I Corinthians 6:10, Galatians 5:21 and Ephesians 5:18 to name just a few. And Proverbs tells us that it is unwise for kings and rulers to consume strong drinks because it could affect their judgment (Proverbs 31:4-5) and hence their legacy.

The Apostle Paul observed once that not everything he was permitted to do was necessarily beneficial (I Corinthians 6:12) for him to do. And, in the same passage, he states his resolve to not be “enslaved” or addicted to anything. As we weigh the question before us I think it is both wise and prudent to consider Paul’s convictions.

One of the arguments commonly associated in favor of legalizing alcohol is that it would increase our tax revenues and attract nice restaurants; thereby increasing our quality of life. Yet a casual observation of other communities that have adopted legal alcohol sales in recent years doesn’t convince me that they are demonstrably “better off” than we are today. Argue to the contrary if you desire, but when all things are considered, regulations, inspections, enforcement, etcetera, it is very much like pouring water into a leaking bucket.

Some of the rhetoric surrounding the issue is so temporal and self-serving at times that I fear a view of eternity is too often lost entirely. Yet, at the end of the day Christians are called to set their “minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth (Colossians 3:2).” Christians are always supposed to keep eternity in view.

To quote the Apostle Paul once more, “…whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (I Corinthians 10:31).” Whatever you do, including when you vote your convictions on this issue, I encourage you to do so with eternity view and with the intent of glorifying God.

God Bless.

Truth is not manufactured

2010-12-05T15:40:00.001-06:00

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” ESV Colossians 2:6-8

Why do you suppose antiques are valuable? Why is one person’s antique just another person’s junk? By definition antiques are old, but age itself is not necessarily a virtue. The value in antiques is a bit of a mystery to me because I don’t have an “eye” for it; I have not been trained in the craft. Even so, a novice like me would be suspicious, as Jim Rohn says, if I saw someone “manufacturing antiques” for sale. Think about it—aren’t antiques “old” by definition?

Truth is similar. Truth is certainly valuable and enduring and it is necessarily “old” by definition. You can’t manufacture truth anymore than you can manufacture an antique can you? No, of course not. Instead, truth is discovered. Solomon said that there “is nothing new under the sun.” The same thing can be said of truth.

It is no surprise when a novice like myself buys an old piece of junk mistaking it for a valuable antique. But for someone with a trained eye, the same a purchase would be an embarrassing mistake. Christians should find themselves in a similarly embarrassing situation when they’re caught following the advice of society instead of the truth found in the bible.

It would be impossible for me to number the times that I’ve talked with a fellow Christian about a problem or situation only to find that their situation was being compounded because they were embracing human philosophy and tradition instead of depending on the truth of God’s word. It is an amazingly easy trap to fall into.

As I read Paul’s letter to the church at Colossae, it seems that he is warning against that very error. Paul is admonishing Christians, those who have “received Christ Jesus,” to act like it! He’s telling them to live by faith in Christ, to be ruled by the teachings of Christ and not by the deceitful musings of human philosophy and tradition. By doing so of course, that is living by the truth of God’s word, you run the risk of being labeled “different.” But, shouldn’t Christians be different?

Resolve to be different. Don’t be an untrained believer in Christ. Train yourself in the faith by immersing yourself in God’s word so that “truth” is obvious to your trained eye. In doing so, you’ll save yourself from much pain caused by following the logic of this world. Remember, truth is not manufactured, but it can be discovered in the word of God.

Thankful for the Holy Spirit

2010-12-05T15:39:00.000-06:00

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” ESV John 14:26

Too often I think the work of the Holy Spirit in the church today is ignored or at the very least unappreciated but He is ever present and at work in the world today. In the Gospel of John, Jesus referred to the Spirit of God four times as the Helper. And while He helps us in many ways, I wish to give thanks today for the work he does inside of Christians that brings knowledge of truth and the desire to persevere in the faith.

I’ve just recently returned from India where I met with Christian men and women from all over the country who, in the face of tremendous obstacles, persevere in the Christian faith and share the good news with others because they have the Helper; the Holy Spirit. So, today I want to give thanks for the Holy Spirit and…

…for the young Christian man who lives on his father’s front porch with his new bride because he doesn’t have an extra $30 per month for rent. This same young man shows no fear as he proclaims Christ to unreached people across the region.

…for the missionary’s wife that designs and sells Christmas cards to supplement their income while her husband works full time, pastors a small church and has a vision for planting a church in every corner of his state.

…for the young man that has been imprisoned because of his faith, put in jail simply because he is a Christian, yet wears a smile that brightens the day of every person he meets.

…for the young college student who was saved as she read through the New Testament. She made it to Matthew, chapter 5 before the Spirit opened her eyes and brought understanding. She and her fiancé intend to be missionaries.

…for the South Korean Christian who left his home country has been working in youth ministry in India for sixteen years in an extremely inhospitable region.

…for a large group of Christian pastors who refused to accept financial aid because of theological differences with the donor. They understand that truth matters.

…for the young couple ministering to neighboring Christians in house fellowships because having a church building and gathering in public is prohibited.

…for Desiring God Ministries (www.desiringgod.org) who has donated a suitcase full of books on three occasions for me to deliver to pastors.

…for HeartCry Missionary Society (www.hcmissions.org) who financially supports, equips and teaches over 100 missionaries around the world.

…for Tharptown Baptist Church (www.tharptown.com) who gives generously to missions locally, nationally and around the globe.

This Thanksgiving, among the many, many things you have to be thankful for, remember to give thanks for the work of the Holy Spirit.

Justice comes slowly

2010-12-05T15:37:00.000-06:00

“Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me; deliver me from those who work evil, and save me from bloodthirsty men.” ESV Psalm 59:1-2

Varanasi. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and perhaps the oldest city in India. Like most Indian cities, it is densely populated and not particularly clean. And while the city is considered holy by both Buddhists and Hindus, the Hindus hold the city in reverent regard in accord with its ancient meaning; The City of Light. The name holds much irony in my mind.

Though Christians are a small, small minority in Varanasi, there are Christian churches in the city and Christians are allowed to worship in relative peace. Though, that’s not to say that discrimination doesn’t exist in various forms; it does.

When we arrived at our appointed meeting place, we were greeted by our gracious host pastor and striking adobe buildings, including a sanctuary, that were almost two hundred years old. The building walls were eighteen inches thick with layers plaster, adding to their character.

As the ceiling fan whirred overhead in the heat of the evening, we listened as the pastor explained that we wouldn’t be meeting in the sanctuary except on Sunday because of a disagreement, sadly and ironically, with another group of professing Christians. Yet, in my mind, their actions deny the very faith they proclaim.

Though locked out of the sanctuary, our host was most humble in the way he dealt with the inconvenience and prayed on more than one occasion in our presence for God’s blessing and glorification in the situation. Even as he observed that in India, “justice comes slowly,” his actions bore out the faith he professed. More so, his confidence rests, not in the justice of the state, but in God, who is ever faithful.

The Psalms, perhaps more so than any other book of the bible, are filled with prayers to God for deliverance from various trials and persecutions. Too often our response to trials is to take matters into our own hands and lash out at those whom would do us harm. We seek to bring justice swiftly. I wonder though, how often do we rob God of glory when we take matters into our own hands? Wouldn’t it be infinitely better to commit our trials to God and marvel in his deliverance?

Don’t rob God of his rightful glory. Pray for those who persecute you. Seek refuge in God.

Timeless Counsel

2010-08-18T06:50:00.001-05:00

“What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” James 4:14 ESV

The short hand in the upper right hand corner would be meaningless to all who might wander across the page, but it stands as a reminder to me, almost a caution, that I must be guarded, prudent and wise with my time; a constant battle it seems. At present, there are four simple notes dating back to 2004 that remind me of when I last read the pages that follow. And, as the sermon is aptly titled, it reminds me of “The Preciousness of Time, and the Importance of Redeeming It.” The sermon, by Jonathan Edwards, is dated December, 1734, but its message is timeless; permit me to share some excerpts.

“Time is precious…because a happy or miserable eternity depends on the good or ill improvement of it.” Here, Edwards makes the point that we have no assurance of tomorrow and that securing reconciliation with our maker—God, the Creator of heaven and earth—is something that must be done in the present. He continues, “…when the time of life is gone, it is impossible that we should ever obtain another such time. All opportunity of obtaining eternal welfare is utterly and everlastingly gone.”

Reflecting on time past, Edwards asks, “Have you let the precious golden sands of your glass run?” Certainly, we cannot live in the past nor can we relive the past. But, we can reflect on our lives with a penetrating eye to gain wisdom as to how we should act in the present.

In reference to mindlessly wasting time Edwards quips, “If men were as lavish of their money as they are of their time…we should think them beside themselves, and not in possession of their right minds.” It has been said that “time waits for no man” and I believe that’s true. One of the most repeated dadisms heard around my house is, “You’re burning daylight.” My point being there is no time like the present to tend to important matters of the day. Also, in the big scheme of things, I’m convinced that time can be employed most profitably during the day—not during the night.

Near the end of the sermon Edwards poses this question that cuts to the heart of the matter: “Would you not behave otherwise than you do, if you considered with yourselves every morning, that you must give an account to God, how you shall have spent that day?” Today, would you burn endless hours in front of the television or computer screen if you had to give an account to God this evening? Would you toss and turn in your bed during the morning if you had to give an account in the evening? If God were to pass judgment on how you spent your day, would you be as captivated by the affairs of others as you are?

The sermon concludes with three pieces of advice: (1) “Improve the present time without any delay.” (2) Take special care not to waste special seasons of time (like your youth) and (3) don’t waste time in useless diversions or amusements. Instead, make use of each day as if you would give an accounting to God each evening.

Mind Games

2010-08-16T17:38:00.000-05:00

“Take to heart all the words by which I am warning you today, that you may command them to your children, that they may be careful to do all the words of this law. For it is no empty word to you, but your very life…” ESV Deuteronomy 32:46-47.

It isn’t often that I’m tempted into a theater but, after reading reviews and hearing comments about Inception, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, curiosity got the best of me this past weekend. I won’t ruin the movie for you, but it highlighted the power of a thought and plumbed the (fictional) depths of a thought’s beginnings. It was a mind-bender of a story that unfolded in a world where dreams and human imagination are indistinguishable from reality. But then again, what is reality?

What is reality? The question is not a recent one. It’s been asked over and over throughout the ages. John Locke (1632-1704), a British philosopher, proposed that the mind was like a blank sheet of paper that could only be filled through experience. Locke’s hypothesis would lead one to conclude that reality was very much an individualistic phenomenon. Even earlier, Plato (427-347 BC), though not quite so individualistic in his thought, proposed that visual perception (shadows in his example) represented reality. In Plato’s world, reality was circumstantial and dependent on one’s vantage point. Both ideas are dangerous. (reference: Looking at Philosophy, third edition, by Donald Palmer.)

Remember the old television commercial with the tag line “Is it real or is it Memorex?” ? For those of you without gray hair, the commercial was refers to an ancient recording media known as “tape.” The theoretical challenge was to listen to a sound and determine whether it was authentic or pre-recorded. Was the sound “reality” or was it a representation or a shadow of reality?

Moses had a firm grip on reality; he didn’t dance with shadowy thoughts. As you read Moses’ final words to his people, it’s obvious that Moses wanted to be sure that the nation knew and passed on truth; that they grasped reality. Moses knew that grasping the truth of God’s word was not a thing to be trifled with. He knew that false doctrines, warped ideas, and creative thinking would come their way. He knew that they would encounter idols. He knew that their children would be especially vulnerable to strange teachings. He knew that the mind was prone to wander. That’s why he went so far as to exhort the people that their very lives and the lives of their children depended on them understanding God’s word; reality.

Now, I propose to you that the warning of Moses is no less dire today. The mind is creative, mind games abound, and our thoughts carry a curious influence over our concept of reality. Don’t be deceived and don’t let your family be deceived. Avoid foolish, shadowy thoughts and grasp hold of the truth of God’s word. Grasp hold of reality—your very life depends on it.

The Antics of Nations

2010-08-16T06:54:00.001-05:00

“All the nations are as nothing before him, they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness. To whom then will you liken God, or what likeness compare with him?” ESV Isaiah 40:17-28

The United States, in addition to being engaged in two serious wars, is engaged in joint war games this week off the coast of South Korea in a show of force meant to impress North Korea and to deter North Korean aggression. It is a display of military power and strength; a bit of posturing and muscle flexing if you will. For its part, North Korea does a good deal of posturing on an ongoing basis; most recently by sinking a South Korean ship.

India and Pakistan regularly fire warning shots at each other, literally and figuratively, over a spot of land known as Kashmir. This posturing and muscle flexing has gone on since the late forties.

I would be remiss in any discussion of the antics of nations to omit the long history of defiance and bravado from Fidel Castro in Cuba or the arrogant voice of Hugo Chavez in Venezuela. Time and space require that I omit the middle east and eastern Europe.

The antics of nations are endless it seems.

Yet for all their brashness, for all their fearsome muscle flexing and posturing, nations and the antics of nations amount to nothing when compared to God. Isaiah says that nations are “less than nothing” in contrast to God. Now, I don’t know about you, but “less than nothing” ranks high on the scale of insignificance in my mind.

Are the wars we fight important? Sure. Men and women die for their nations. Is deterrence by show of force important? Absolutely. Should leaders be confident? Yes. My purpose is not to pass judgment in these examples but to emphasize their relative insignificance before God.

God is big. He’s bigger than any war this nation has ever waged. He’s bigger than any personal battle raging within you. God is bigger than any challenge you can possibly be facing today. God is big. Let your mind wander a moment. Go ahead, think of the grandest display of power, might and magnificence that you can--God is bigger. God is bigger than life.

I’m taken aback at how little we think of God and of how small we make him. As a nation it is obvious we don’t maintain a reverent fear of God and that, in and of itself, is a fearful thing. Individually, too often our confidence is in the antics of nations instead of God. We’d do well to grasp hold of the truth that even nations are “nothing before him” and place our confidence in he who is beyond comparison; the most high God, creator of heaven and earth.

Wailing in the Night

2010-07-14T12:43:00.000-05:00

[This article originally published in HeartCry Magazine, volume 65. The entire volume is available at www.hcmissions.org.]

The sound was not jolting, but as it sliced through the night it cut me to the core; eyes wide open, I dared not move. Instead, I lay perfectly motionless in my bed; straining my ears, I listened intently. It was pitch dark and nothing was moving outside my barred windows. What was that sound? A voice? Yes, but what was he saying? A song? What did the wailing mean? My mind raced as the hollow third floor of my lodging place amplified it like a megaphone. Then, as quickly as it began it started to fade. It was over and the city came to life as if it had just heard a wakeup call. Halfway around the world, in a very different culture, I had just heard the morning call to prayer broadcast from the village mosque.

Matt Glass, HeartCry’s Asian Coordinator, and I were in a remote village within sight of the Himalayans visiting with local Christian missionaries. Hopefully, we would have an opportunity to share our faith from God’s word in the coming days; both to our Christian friends and their lost friends.

As I prayed that morning for the events of the coming days, I also offered a confession for my fears and weak faith. Why had the strange wailing in the night bothered me? Why did I, even for a moment, lean on my own understanding and let my mind wander instead of fully trusting in the living God? I serve the true God; Creator of heaven and earth!

My payers were answered; fear abated and hope changed to joy as we arrived to find a crowd of people gathered into our meeting space that morning. One couple traveled over thirty kilometers (no small adventure in this region) by taxi in order to hear teaching from the bible, giving us all the more encouragement to be faithful in the proclamation of His word.

As the praise and worship progressed into the third hour of the second day, women held and rocked their children in the heat, bible pages rustled as we searched scripture, and, unbeknownst to us, the gatekeeper listened intently from below. When the services were over, he ran up the stairs as we prayed, pulled our missionary friend aside and announced that he wished to know more about Christianity. I can only pray that he was moved by the Spirit to repent.

As I write this, images of the Haitian earthquake are fresh on my mind. Thousands upon thousands died in that quake. How many perished without the gospel? Had the same earthquake hit the Asian village where we taught, the same carnage would lie in its aftermath. How many might perish without hearing the gospel?

I am reminded of the tower of Siloam where souls perished in the aftermath of its collapse. Jesus warns the crowd that calamity is at their door and that unless they repent, they will “likewise perish” (Luke 13:3) without the gospel; without saving faith.

Around the world, many souls are motionless in spiritual darkness and at the door of calamity. Many will perish without saving faith. Who will shake them out of their stupor? Who will bring the gospel within earshot? Who will explain to them the gospel; the good news of Jesus Christ? Faithful Christians. That is why indigenous missions is so important.

Independence Day

2010-07-11T12:43:00.000-05:00

Adam and Eve experienced an Independence Day of their own, but it was not a day to be celebrated nor recalled with fondness for years to come. No, their independence came through disobedience and separated them from the Creator of heaven and earth.

God was wrapping up His work in creation when the unfortunate day arrived. He had created the world, formed it, shaped it, and populated it with plants and animals. He had given Adam special dominion over the animals, even allowing him to name them, and prepared a special piece of land (garden of Eden) for him to keep. The final touch would be the creation of a suitable helpmate for Adam and of course we know that’s when God created Eve. Creation was finished and it was good.

Now, God had not placed a lot of burdensome rules and restrictions on Adam. We’re told simply that Adam was to “keep” the Garden. As a matter of fact, it seems Adam was given great liberty and freedom to eat of any tree in the Garden, all of which were pleasing to the eye and fruit bearing, with one exception; “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” God assured Adam that eating from the forbidden tree would surely bring death.

Why do you suppose God gave any restrictions to Adam? Scripture seems to be silent on the issue, but perhaps it was to allow Adam and Eve to freely demonstrate obedience to God. Regardless, Adam and Eve transgressed God’s command. They exercised their freedom, and “independence” if you will, by disobeying God and eating the fruit.

Of course, the inevitable came to pass. God, true to his word as always, caused Adam, Eve and all of mankind to experience death. Paul would later write to the Romans, “...just as sin came into the world through one man [Adam], and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned..” (Romans 5:12).

Before you cast too many stones at Adam and Eve for their disobedience that had such far-reaching consequences perhaps a little introspection is in order. Jesus said all the commandments could be surmised: ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all our mind’ and ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’ (Matthew 22:37-39). How obedient are you to these simple commands?

Why don’t you exercise your dependence today? Honor God by honoring is straightforward commands.

Fleeting Beauty

2010-07-11T12:41:00.000-05:00

“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” ESV Proverbs 31:30

Think with me for a moment about the bridal section of the newspaper. Typically, there is an engagement announcement along with a picture of a happy, vibrant young couple in eager anticipation of marriage. Just a few days after the wedding, we get an announcement describing the event along with a picture of the bride (alone) in a gorgeous dress. And that’s about all we’ll see about them in the news until they have a 30^th or 50^th anniversary (both are rare). If they get that far, their love and affection for one another will have no doubt grown, but their youthful beauty will have long since faded. Beauty is vain.

Our society is obsessed with physical beauty. Now, don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with natural beauty. As a matter of fact, I think natural beauty is a wonderful thing, but it is only surface deep. So, why do we obsess over it? Why do we allow our children to exploit it? Why do we twist and pervert God-given beauty into sensual temptations? Be honest—our society manipulates and exploits beauty.

I heard a pastor exhort a group of people once regarding beauty. He told them that if they lived long enough, they would all eventually be ugly! Now, he wasn’t being uncharitable to elderly people. Instead, he was highlighting the fact that youthful beauty is vain. No matter how hard we try and hang on to youth, age is gaining ground.

How foolish for a young man or young woman to marry based on youthful beauty alone. How silly for young women to buy into society’s lie and wear revealing and/or too tight clothing that tempts heads to turn as she passes. How silly for a young man to fall for the temptation. Beauty is vain.

How much more profitable would it be for women to pursue the Lord? How much more profitable would it be for men to desire a bride who fears the Lord? How wonderful is it to find a beautiful, yet biblically modest, spouse who loves the Lord?!

There are so many temptations to fall into society’s mindset regarding beauty that I’d like to offer at least two resources that offer biblical insight for men and women. The first (women only) can be found at www.girltalkhome.com. This is a wonderful website full of good advice for young women. If you go there, search for a document called “modesty heart check;” it’s great. The other is www.cbmw.org, which is the website for The Council of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood. While not as much “fun” as girltalk, this site offers serious advice to both men and women of all ages regarding biblical manhood and biblical womanhood.

Beauty is vain and fleeting, but fear of the Lord is praiseworthy and enduring. Which will you desire?

Making Much of Christ (p4): How shall we escape?

2010-06-22T12:41:00.000-05:00

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.” ESV Hebrews 1:1-2

Making much of Christ seemed to be the intent of the writer of Hebrews, especially in the early chapters. In the first installment on the subject I mentioned that too often even our churches err in making much of men instead of making much of Christ. By exalting somebody, putting them on a pedestal if you will, instead of Christ. But the writer of Hebrews makes no such error. Hebrews is focused clearly on God the Son. And while it is right to esteem highly those who devote themselves to the ministry of God’s word, no man is worthy of esteem rightly due Jesus Christ.

In part two, I mentioned John Flavel, one of my favorite Puritans, who maintained that the greatest expression of the love of God ever, past, present or future, was the incarnation; Jesus Christ in bodily form here on this earth. Isaiah had said his name would be called Immanuel, which means God with us, and that is literally what happened. It is incredible that God ever chose to speak with us—even through the prophets. But now He has spoken to us through His Son. How incredible is that?!

In part 3 some comparison was made between Christ and angels. Angels are soldiers for the living God; servants for the King. Their mere presence strikes fear into the most calloused men. And yet they are inferior to Christ in every way. Angels have never been credited with creation. Angels are not heir to all things. Angels have not been placed in positions of sovereign authority. Angels are not the exact imprint of the nature of God the Father, yet Christ occupies all these positions. There is none other like Christ.

Finally then, I’d like to draw your attention to a dire warning found in Hebrews 2:1-3: “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation..?” How shall we escape...

Here’s the truth of the matter. There is no escape for those who ignore salvation through Jesus Christ. There is no way to sugar coat it. To reject Jesus Christ in this lifetime ensures separation from God in the hereafter. To reject so great a salvation, so great an act of love on God’s part, in this life ensures you’ll endure His wrath hereafter.

In His public ministry, Jesus put it this way: “...the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15) The message and call hasn’t changed.

Making Much of Christ (part 3)

2010-06-09T12:39:00.000-05:00

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.” ESV Hebrews 1:1-2

Angels. Western culture I fear has a Hollywood perception of angels. Simply say the word “angel” and folks immediately get a mental picture of some soft, winged being that is perhaps wrapped in a white linen robe with gold fringes and maybe sporting a halo. The Hollywood angel is a very meek and approachable looking thing. But is the Hollywood picture accurate?

What did the Shepherds encounter that made them tremble with fear? Luke says that “an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.” (Luke 2:9) What was it about seeing an angel that caused Balaam’s donkey to lie down underneath him? Why did Balaam drop to his knees when he saw the angel? (Numbers 22:21-31) They saw a soldier of God.

The Hollywood image is wrong. Angels are not some kind of touch-feely, cuddly creature sent for our pleasure. Angels, in a very real yet somehow inferior way, project the glory, might and holiness of God. They are servants of the Most High God and command reverence, awe, and fear simply because they represent Him—they are soldiers of God!

Yet the writer of Hebrews says that in every way the angels are beneath Christ. Moreover, they are commanded to worship Christ. Think about it these things from scripture: God never called an angel his Son; only Jesus is worthy of the title. God has never promised angels that they would inherit creation but he says it was through Jesus that the earth was created and all of creation is under his authority. God has never hinted that an angel might sit on a throne but he says that Christ’s throne will endure forever. God never promised the angels that their enemies would be made “a footstool for [their] feet” yet he promises the same to Jesus. He never says that angels are the image of God, yet we are told that Christ “is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature...” (Hebrews 1:3) The prophets called Christ “Immanuel” which means God with us; a title only Christ can claim.

Now, if angels strike fear into calloused shepherds and prophets while in every way inferior to Christ, how much more should we be awestruck with Christ? If the mighty angels, soldiers of God, are commanded to worship Christ, what should our attitude be towards Christ?

The writer of Hebrews goes to great lengths to make much of Christ. Take hold of his words and do the same. Make much of Christ.

Making Much of Christ (part 2)

2010-06-08T12:37:00.000-05:00

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.” ESV Hebrews 1:1-2

Our text reminds us that in times past, before Christ, God spoke through the prophets, but something grander has occurred in “these last days.” Now, he has spoken to us through His very Son; but how? How has God the Father spoken to us through His Son? In person!

John Flavel says that Jesus Christ is the greatest manifestation of the love of God ever. The more I think about it, the more I agree. What could be more magnificent? What could be more an expression of love than to leave heaven, a place of unimaginable beauty and glory, to become a man? It is just absolutely fascinating that the Creator of heaven and earth would stoop to the level of created beings. Yet he did and we seem to take it for granted.

In what many consider to represent the beginning of His public ministry, Christ himself declared that He was a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah (Luke 4:21). With that proclamation, he began to publicly teach, perform miracles and spend time with people. Scripture records about forty parables from his teaching ministry alone. And how many people did He heal? I didn’t even try to count the miracles. Remember Lazarus? At Jesus’ command even dead people came to life and walked out of tombs! And in all these things, God was speaking to us.

What about the Disciples? Christ poured Himself into this handful of very ordinary men. He spent time with them, patiently teaching them who He was. He traveled with them. He prayed with them. And after His resurrection, He commanded them to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28) and to teach the nations all that He had taught them about Himself. In essence, was He not commanding them to go and make much of Him? Yes, and the command is still valid for disciples today.

What about today? How does Christ speak to us today? It’s one thing to think of Christ as Immanuel (which means God with us) but what about now? Didn’t Jesus return to heaven? Yes, perhaps he has left in bodily form, but, just as he promised, He sent the Holy Spirit, the Helper, and through the Holy Spirit He is still with us today and still speaking to us today.

When I read the first several chapters of Hebrews, I’m always impressed with the way the author makes much of Christ and equally convicted that I don’t make enough of Christ. Yet, it is arguably the duty of each and every Christian to make much of Christ, everyday.

As you live this day, this week, each and every day, make much of Christ.

Making Much of Christ (part 1)

2010-05-19T12:36:00.000-05:00

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son,…” ESV Hebrews 1:1-2

My friend Jim Elliff out in Kansas City says, “Churches should not be designed to showcase leaders.” As I thought about his statement, I began to think of churches that do seem to be designed to showcase their leaders; particularly pastors. Though it seems the height of arrogance, it happens nonetheless. Then I began to think of all the other things we showcase in our churches; the music, the lighting, the gymnasium or lack thereof, the food, the fellowship, the building and grounds, even our own children! All the while, the church should showcase Jesus Christ.

When I read the first several chapters of Hebrews, I’m always impressed with the way the author showcases Christ. Rather than “showcasing,” I like to think of it as making much of Christ. Hebrews certainly does makes much of Christ and it is arguably the duty of each and every Christian to make much of Christ; not just our churches.

As the book begins, we are reminded that in times past, before Christ, God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets. How did he do that? Think for a moment of all the different ways God communicated with his prophets of old.

Moses found himself communicating with God through a burning bush, a cloud and even a pillar of fire. Samuel heard an audible voice in the night. Jacob wrestled with God in the night. Joseph had dreams. Isaiah had a magnificent vision, as did Daniel. Balaam even got a revelation from the mouth of his donkey!

And how about signs and wonders? Think of how God revealed himself through signs and wonders in the Old Testament. The angel of death passed over the Hebrews and set the stage for their exit from Egypt—a pretty significant revelation to my mind. The Red Sea parted for the Hebrews yet it swallowed up Pharaoh’s army. In the wilderness, manna and quail mysteriously appeared in the night.

What about the epic battles of old? Every victory the Hebrews ever knew was won from a position of weakness. Goliath was slain by a young boy armed with a slingshot. Joshua and the armies of Israel prevailed so long as Moses arms were raised to the Lord. The walls of Jericho fell with a shout. The examples of God revealing himself in times of old seem endless.

Yet, says the writer of Hebrews in verse two, in these last days, something grander has taken place. God’s revelation in the Old Testament pales in comparison to the revelation in these last days. In these last days, God has spoken to us to us through his Son!

Lord of Calamity

2010-05-05T12:35:00.000-05:00

“...I am the Lord and there is no other. I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the Lord, who does all these things.” Isaiah 45:6-7 ESV

“Balloon-boy got more national news coverage than the Nashville flood” quipped one Nashvillian via Twitter. Sadly, I think he’s right. Another person I follow online commented abut the President attending a roast hosted by Jay Leno even as a huge natural disaster unfolds in the waters off his home state along the gulf coast. Neither statement was mean-spirited or particularly self-centered, nor would I expect either of these two Christian men to be anything less than gracious, but both were deeply personal observations regarding calamity unfolding before their eyes.

Now, pay close attention to the following comments from another Nashvillian, Thom Rainer, who departed Nashville ahead of the storms and was headed towards the sunshine state. His statements are deeply personal too, but they also paint a vivid picture of his faith in the Lord of all creation and they reveal where his treasure is.

“Turning back from FL to get back to Nash. Just learned that the Harpeth River has reached our home in the flood. Please pray.”

“Flood waters rising in our home. We are 4 hours south of Nash. Doesn't look good for the house. I will praise Him in all things.”

“Made it to Columbia, TN. Will stay in a hotel a few days until we figure out our next steps. God is good.”

Did you catch the comments that portray his faith? “Please Pray.” “I will praise Him in all things.” “God is good.” Here’s the testimonial. He made each of those statements at a time when he logically assumed that all of his worldly treasures would be washed away in the floods. He made those statements during a very stressful two-day stretch filled with much uncertainty and I can only imagine the emotional roller coaster he was riding at the time.

What kind of picture would your words paint if your certain all of your possessions were being washed away in a flood? Would your comments let folks no that your treasure is in heaven and not on earth? Would your comments display your faith in a living God who is still Lord over heaven and earth? Do you have faith in a God who is in control even in the midst of your calamity?

Nashville is in the midst of calamity. The families of eleven dead oil rig workers are in the midst of calamity. The entire gulf coast is facing an ecological and economic calamity of unprecedented magnitude. During these uncertain times let us all praise God who is Lord even in our calamity and look in faith to him for strength to bring us through.

Treasure of Christ

2010-04-29T05:47:00.001-05:00

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” ^ESV Matthew 13:44

Any parent can attest to the fact that children have to learn the concept of cost and value. Especially in America perhaps, where a consumerism mentality thrives and is still promoted in advertising even in the midst of a deep recession, children, teens, and some adults, seem oblivious to the fact that something of value is exchanged in every transaction.

With children, examples are endless; ice cream cones at the park, toys at the store, candy in the checkout lane, electronic games, etc. Parents are forever making purchase (value-exchange) decisions for children. With teens, the decisions are sometimes very similar, but the value exchange part of the equation is much, much larger!

I’m convinced that it’s not until we begin to work and earn that we begin to have an internal sense of cost and value-exchange (an internal compass of sorts) that enables us to begin making wise purchase choices. Sadly, it never “clicks” with some folks and they enter adulthood in a state of blissful ignorance with the eyes of a child.

Far from being a spendthrift, it seems that Matthew is writing about an adult who has learned the concept of value-exchange even though this person is willing to exchange all that he owns for a single field. Of course it’s not just any field; it is a field containing great treasure in the purchaser’s eyes; a treasure that he saw even as others walked past and overlooked. I can’t help but imagine people casually walking past the same field everyday and seeing nothing of particular value in it.

Now, just for a moment, imagine people walking past our churches and seeing nothing of particular value; no reason to darken the doors. Imagine people ignoring Jesus and seeing nothing of value in a relationship with him. Imagine casually walking past the person of whom God the Father commanded “...Let all God’s angels worship him.” (Hebrews 1:6 ESV) It happens every day with alarming frequency. We worship the red carpet. We are attracted (some would say distracted) by the latest, glitziest bit of bling that Hollywood and media dangles before us, all the while ignoring the person that even angels are commanded to worship.

Permit me two observations while emphasizing that this passage is about the treasure; not the church per se. First, the church today (at least in America) appears to be doing a pretty good job of holding the status quo; of keeping its members content and entertained. But, secondly, she also appears to be doing a poor job of revealing her treasure, her head; Jesus Christ. That is to say that the church is failing in its calling to make disciples (followers of Jesus) of all nations.

Christ exchanged his life for your eternal life. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s moving in our midst to reveal the treasure of Jesus.

The Checkbook Chronicles

2010-04-25T10:05:00.000-05:00

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

Money matters; and, according to Howard Dayton, “our checkbooks tell us more about our priorities than does anything else.” Your check register is a journal of sorts that records much more than your cash balance; it records (chronicles) your lifestyle and priorities.

In and of itself, it’s a harmless object, but its details can reveal where you’ve vacationed, your favorite restaurant, where you buy groceries, gas and medicine. It can tell where you buy clothes for the kids and how much your car payment is. For married couples it can be the fuel for many and angry fight. For all, the check register tells a story.

Every now and then you learn a phrase or principle that you commit to memory and carry for life. Once such phrase for me was, “It’s just money.” Far from being a careless comment about the importance of money, money is of course a vital means of trade for everyone, the phrase puts money in proper perspective. Money is vital as a tool but not a treasure. Let me explain.

To treasure something is to place a high, personal value on it. Off hand I’d say that most folks treasure their health and the health of their families more than their checkbooks. In our community, most folks might even agree that personal relationships are more important than their checkbooks. Both examples, though important, may be shortsighted. What about eternity?

We’ve been conditioned to live for today. Many folks live for today and also save for tomorrow (saving, by the way, is both prudent and biblical). A few folks are able to live today with a long-term perspective, but I’m afraid only a precious few live today with eternity in mind. If your Checkbook Chronicles were published as a book, what would it say about you? Would it indicate that your treasure and priorities are rooted in the here and now or would it show that you were living today with eternity in mind?

We must live today, but not “for” today, so don’t be taken captive by the here and now; it will be gone soon enough. True treasure is in heaven, so live each day with eternity in mind.

Limitations

2010-04-25T10:04:00.000-05:00

“Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.” ^ESVPsalm 72:18

What are you going to give up? That was the question Melisa (my wife) asked when I announced a grand new adventure that captured my attention. The question is both reasonable and common around my house. Oft times I find that my appetite for doing is greater than my capacity for doing. You’d have to look no further than my bookcase to see that my appetite for good books is greater than my ability to plow through them. But hey, it sure is fun trying! Anyway, it’s good to be reminded on occasion that there are limits to what one can do.

Paul Tripp has written a good book titled Broken-Down House: Living Productively In A World Gone Bad. (I highly recommend it by the way.) One chapter in the book summarizes limitations by pointing out that the human race is subject to three inescapable limitations. He says: “We are limited in wisdom, in power and in righteousness.” If you think about it, to argue to the contrary would be to argue that you are, in some sense, God; the only person with unlimited wisdom, power and righteousness.

As I thought about these limitations I was able to look back on the past week and see how each of these limitations was true in my own life. Had my words and actions in that meeting last week been charitable and wise? No, certainly not as charitable and wise and I would have liked. Did I have the power within me to change the opinion, thoughts or actions of others? No, I may have the power to influence others, but I don’t have the power to change them. And power to be righteous? I don’t even want to think about it.

Next week, I think I’ll purposefully remind myself each morning of these limitations in the hopes that the thought will allow me to live each day less dependent on myself and more dependent on God. Too, I hope that it will allow me to give God glory and credit for any and all “accomplishments” that I might otherwise be tempted to take credit for myself and thus feed my be pride.

In a prayer book called The Valley of Vision, a prayer titled God The All offers this food for thought: “I am well pleased with thy will, whatever it is, or should be in all respects, and if thou bidst me decide for myself in any affair, I would choose to refer all to thee, for thou art infinitely wise and cannot do amiss, as I am in danger of doing. I rejoice to think that all things are at thy disposal, and it delights me to leave them there.”

“....it delights me to leave [things in God’s hands].” Hmmm, what a concept. “Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.”

Teach the people

2010-03-31T17:47:00.001-05:00

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” ^ESVMatthew 28:19-20

It was a steamy, sticky, hot evening in the little wooden church in the jungle of northern Peru. Yet people filed in and listened from outside to teaching and preaching from the bible. As I sat in amazement at their attentiveness, I wondered, “Who will teach the children in this jungle village the gospel?” The answer of came quickly; the local Christian believers in their local churches would teach the children about Jesus.

The motionless city stirred to life when the morning call to prayer began echoing from the loud speakers at the local Mosque at 4:30 in the morning. India is a country of about 1.3 billion people. Christians are relatively few by any measure here while Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists thrive to varying degrees across India. Who will teach these masses here about biblical truth? The task will largely be accomplished through the few, dedicated local churches and Christian believers there.

My friend Luis and the people in his church in Santo Domingo ran into the streets as the ground shook beneath them completely unaware at the moment that the same earthquake had just devastated the country of Haiti on the other side of the island they share. As the devastation came into clear focus, the local church in Santo Domingo and other parts of the Dominican Republic began to mobilize to provide food, shelter, medical supplies and teaching about Jesus to this devastated region. They printed water bottles with scripture printed on them. They sent pastors and teachers into the devastated areas and they found ways to deliver their aid and the word through local churches in Haiti.

My friend and those local churches are still at work in Haiti today even as other relief agencies have begun to pull their resources. And when everyone else is gone, the local churches in Haiti will still be there—teaching and making disciples.

Do you see a pattern emerging here? Christ commanded us to go and make disciples (Christian believers) and to teach those disciples all that Christ had commanded. While I am not in the least diminishing the role of missionary endeavors, as a matter of fact they are a crucial part in the overall process, I see that teaching abut Christ is a necessary and often neglected charge for local congregations.

The church is the bride of Christ and until the bridegroom comes again it is her duty to make disciples and teach the world all that Christ has commanded. Is your church honoring its role as a teacher in your community? What might you do to make it more effective in making and teaching disciples?

Doom comes swiftly

2010-03-31T06:26:00.001-05:00

“Vengeance is mine, and recompense, for the time when their foot shall slip; for the day of their calamity is at hand, and their doom comes swiftly.'” ^ESVDeuteronomy 32:35

“'Boom,' it busted off and I saw him clawing for the edge with a startled look on his face, and then he disappeared.” That’s how a fellow climber described the sudden accident that took the life of his climbing partner, Joe Bohling, to KGW news of Portland.

A group had climbed to the top of Mt. St. Helens and paused for a picturesque photo at the rim. Unbeknownst to them their friend was perched on a precarious snow cornice that would give way suddenly and take his life in an instant. A navy helicopter would recover his body the next day. In an instant triumph turned to tragedy; “doom comes swiftly.”

Jonathan Edwards, an 18^th century preacher considered by many to be the greatest theologian the United States has ever produced, is perhaps best known by his harshest sermon; “Sinners in the Hands of an angry God.” Speaking of sinful men, Edwards used the text above in the sermon to point out that there will come a time, often suddenly and without warning, “when their foot shall slip” and they will meet their doom and the wrath of an angry God.

Now, I realize that the notion of hell is not one that will endear me to our modern culture. But the bible seems to me to be quite clear on the matter. Hell is much more than some theoretical place where souls simply cease to exist. Hell is a place of never ending torment and yet we carry on in our daily lives as if hell did not exist at all. We carry on as if we should have all the time in the world to be reconciled to God; tomorrow perhaps. Yet each day we stand on a slippery slope. Each day we are perched on a precarious snow cornice that may give way, much to our surprise, at any moment.

Edwards also points out, oddly enough, that it is the very hand of God that sustains us each and every day. It is the very hand of God that keeps our feet from slipping immediately—today. It is the very hand of God that grants us another day in which to seek reconciliation with him through Christ, his son. If not for the great mercies, patience and love of God, we would never have an opportunity to repent and believe the good news of Christ! Yet Christians and sinners alike live as though there will always be a tomorrow.

A day will come when your foot will slip and death will overtake you. Will you slip into the wrath of God or be welcomed home?

It's Just Money

2010-03-23T00:04:00.000-05:00

“A PSALM OF DAVID. The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.”^ESVPsalm 24:1-2

When it comes to money, and the things money will buy, perspective is everything. That’s why it is so vitally important to realize that money as we know it today has no intrinsic value at all; it’s just paper. What’s more, the things we exchange money for seldom bring contentment in and of themselves, but true wealth and contentment can be had without money.

I was reading a post on The Artist Farm website this past week and come across this thought in regards to wealth: “Rather than stressing about how you can get more money for money’s sake, focus instead on how you can provide more value to more people. All sorts of wealth will flow from this mindset.” Now that’s an interesting thought, living and working to serve others, but it’s not a new thought; Martin Luther maintained the same thing back in the 16^th century. But I digress.

The point I wish to make is that regardless of how hotly we pursue money or how successful we are at acquiring and growing it, it’s merely a means of exchange. More importantly, money and the things money can buy (everything) belongs to God. The earth is the Lord’s! Now that’s a revelation of old that we need to embrace anew.

It all belongs to God; everything. Can you say that about all your possessions? If you can’t, it may be time to examine whether your faith rests in the Creator or in the created. This Great Recession we find ourselves in should be an eye opener to the fragile nature of a currency-based faith.

Faith in the Creator allows one to remove the baggage and worries of ownership. As Larry Burkett put it, “When we acknowledge God’s ownership, every spending decision becomes a spiritual decision. No longer do we ask, ‘Lord, what do you want me to do with my money?’ The question is restated, ‘Lord, what do you want me to do with your money?’” Think about it.

The Apostle Paul maintained that he had learned to be content in whatever circumstances he found himself in at the moment. Paul was not a man of meager means, so it is safe to say that t he had learned to be content while ‘stewarding’ money. Yet his statement also indicates that he was content in the absence of money. As testimony to that fact, Acts 16:23-25 records an account of he and Silas praying and singing hymns while bound in leg irons in a foreign jail. Now that takes a contented spirit!

If money woes are troubling your spirit, if contentment escapes you, then let me challenge you to cease being an owner and start being a steward. It all belongs to God. Ask the Creator how you should manage His finances.

The Duty of All

2010-03-11T22:51:00.001-06:00

“The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,^{” ESV}Acts 17:30

(Adapted for print from a sermon recently delivered by Pastor Jonathan Sims of Shelbyville Mills Baptist Church located in Shelbyville, Tennessee.)

Last week in a small group study we talked about some basic things Christians believe and how those beliefs should drive our actions. Among other things, we talked about Christ sacrificing himself for our sins, his resurrection, and hell. Now, any discussion that includes candid talk about the gift of redemption and the torments of hell has to lead one to recognize the importance of outreach. With that in mind, I wanted to share the following sermon notes with you.

“Why must we urge all men everywhere to repent and believe the gospel? Because that’s what God commands! God the Son did this. John the Baptist did this.” The apostles did the same. The New Testament is built on the prophets and apostles with Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. If we want to biblical and faithful to scripture, we must do the same; urge all to repent and believe.

“Paul exposed the wrong and revealed the right on Mars Hill; that’s good preaching.” Paul urged all men to repent and believe the gospel (Acts 17:30-34) and from these verse, we can clearly see at least five reasons why we must urge all men to repent and believe the gospel:

1. Because all men are ignorant (Acts 17:30). People craft a god of their own imagination when they remain in ignorance. All people are like this. So, “What qualifies a man to hear the gospel? Is he breathing?”

2. Because God himself commands all men everywhere to repent. This is what the Spirit of God does through his preacher; “repent and believe the gospel.” God’s commands are not meant to be considered. God’s commandments are meant to be obeyed. It is the sinner’s responsibility to repent, repent, repent! It is appropriate to command people to repent.

3. Because all men will one day face the judgment of God (Acts 17:31). The standard of God’s judgment will be the righteousness of Christ. Yet we have all fallen short of that perfection. No man can attain the standard on his own. Assurances of these truths are contained in Christ’s resurrection (Acts 17:32). This nation needs faithful preachers to stand up and proclaim these truths.

4. Because, thanks be to God, some will repent and believe (Acts 17:32-34). To see someone cling to Jesus, to come to saving faith, makes the trials of ministry worthwhile.

5. Because this is our calling. God calls us to proclaim the gospel to all people. This is our life, our calling, our sacred duty. This ought to be our passion, to urge all men to repent and believe the gospel.

As I reflect on these notes and brother Jonathan’s sermon, I realize that this isn’t just a task for preachers. Outreach, evangelism, witnessing, making disciples, call it what you will, is a duty of all who believe. Tell someone about Christ today.

Many Afflictions

2010-03-03T23:26:00.000-06:00

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” ESV Psalm34:19

Don’t you find it difficult to pray “thy will be done” sometimes? I mean, don’t you sometimes want to pray for your own will to be done? Those were two thought provoking questions that came up in a small group bible study recently. And I think the answer is yes to both. It is difficult, especially when you find yourself overcome by some sort of affliction or hardship, to pray for anything other than relief. Yet while we should always yield to God’s will, it is not wrong to make your desires known to God in prayer.

One of the simplest definitions of prayer that I’ve seen comes from a book titled “Pray With Your Eyes Open” by Richard Platt. Dr. Platt describes prayer simply as a believer’s communication to God. Prayer is the means by which we “talk” to God. Pratt goes on to say that our prayers actually “project our faith” onto God. My observation has been that our faith shines brighter in prayer the deeper our afflictions. In the Puritan prayer “Valley of Vision” one line puts it this way, “The deeper the well, the brighter the stars.”

Christians are able to maintain their faith and project it through prayer during affliction because they know that this life is not the end. We don’t simply cease to exist when this life is over. Christians have what some have described as a “blessed hope;” a hope and faith in being united with Christ at his second coming. Peter describes the present reality of this hope this way: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1Peter 1:3) This reminds us that the Lord will ultimately deliver all his children from every affliction, though they be many, that they’ve faced on this earth.

As our discussion about prayer continued, someone reminded us of a time-tested method or system of prayer that makes it easier to yield our personal desires to God’s will. It’s called the ACTS method.

ACTS simply reminds us of four basic, orderly steps in prayer that glorify God and acknowledge him above and before our desires. The “A” stands for adoration. Hence, we should begin by praising God. The “C” stands for confession. It really is important (and biblical) to confess your sins before God and ask for his forgiveness. The “T” stands for thanksgiving. At this point, after confessing personal sins, how could you not be thankful that you worship a forgiving God? Finally, the “S” stands for supplication; this is the where you communicate your desires to God. If you follow this systematic way of praying you’ll find that your requests to God will be much more humble and your prayers will project your faith onto him.

Gospel Thoughts

2010-03-02T07:49:00.000-06:00

"Turn [look] to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.”

^ESVIsaiah 45:22

(Adapted for print from notes taken during a message delivered recently by Barry King. Barry is pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Wood Green, London.)

The simplicity of the gospel is remarkable; “Look.” How simple. This word refers to Numbers 21and the story of the wandering nation in the wilderness. There, the people were commanded to “look” unto God. Now, through Isaiah, God commands again “look” to me for salvation. But Isaiah also prophetically points to John’s gospel where again we see the command to look unto God for salvation. This is the simplicity of the duty of all men to believe.

But there are some among us who would complicate the gospel by placing an overemphasis on either introspection or education. The command is to look, not to lament. Have I been under enough conviction? Am I lowly enough? Good questions perhaps, but the command is to look! Do I really know enough? Have I really fully understood the gospel? Is my grasp of theology comprehensive enough? Looking back on my salvation, I’m not sure I understood my sin correctly; perhaps I didn’t understand enough. Again, this confuses the simplicity of the command; look! Sometimes we create tension and imbalance in the hearts of people who hear us by confusing the simplicity of the command to simply look unto God.

The exclusivity of the gospel cannot be denied. “I am God and there is none else.” There is no other name but Christ by which men can be saved. We must confirm the exclusivity of this duty of all men to believe.

The gospel call is universal in that all the ends of the earth are to look unto God for salvation. The command and call is not just for Jews or Gentiles; it is for everyone. The God of the bible is not just the God of western religion. The gospel and command to believe is for the whole world!

With God, all things are possible. Many examples exist in scripture of commands that are impossible for men yet possible by the power of God and the command to look is no different. The man with a withered hand was commanded to stretch forth his hand; something a well man might do but not a man with a withered hand. But when Jesus commanded him, he extended his hand and it was well. What about “Lazarus come forth!” Dead men don’t walk from tombs, but Lazarus did what was impossible at Jesus’ bidding. And likewise even the worst sinner can be compelled to “look” through the power of the gospel call.

“If it is the duty of all to believe, [and it is of course,] it is our duty to preach the gospel to all men.” We must exercise and act on our responsibility to evangelize. Call it what you will; evangelizing, witnessing, etc.; you must share the gospel. We are to share the gospel intentionally. We should be praying for a lost world. “When is the last time you wept over your city?”

Alone with God

2010-02-20T23:25:00.000-06:00

“That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea.”^ESVMatthew 13:1

Hectic is perhaps the best adjective to describe the ministry of Jesus. Once he began to teach the religious folks tried to make him stumble, educated folks challenged him in open forums, and crowds pressed on him everywhere he went. Once, while he was teaching, his mother and brothers came looking for him but such a great crowd surrounded him they couldn’t even get near him and were forced to stand on the outside and call for him. It had to be hectic and stressful.

How do you suppose Jesus dealt with the hectic pace? What was his stress relief? Permit me to give a partial answer.

Behind on my reading, I sat down the other day to read through several passages of Matthew in one sitting. Incidentally, reading wide swatches of scripture at once sometimes gives you a clearer overall picture of what’s going on than reading snippets. Anyway, I picked up on a thought that I had not considered much before; Jesus enjoyed stepping away from the crowds and spending time alone with God (see Matthew 13:1, 14:13, 14:22).

Withdrawing to be alone—just him and God—seemed to be a refreshment for Jesus. Sometimes the respite was very short but refreshing all the same. Then the crowds, hard-headed disciples, family, and travel difficulties returned, but Jesus always began to teach to them again with great compassion. It was “back to the grind,” but with a refreshed spirit.

Nobody would dare argue that our lives are not hectic today. How do you deal with it? Do you withdraw for a short time to be alone with God? Do you pray? The Psalmist admonishes us to “delight yourself in the Lord...” (Ps 37:4). Is that how you refresh your spirit? All too often I think we seek our refreshment in more doing and going instead of in the Lord. Be honest, do you ever come home from vacation tired instead of refreshed?

Jesus withdrew often to be alone with God. Does the thought of being alone with God seem to be desirable to you or does it strike a fearful chord deep down inside? Being alone with God was refreshing to Jesus because he stood in a right relationship with him but time and again scripture speaks of unrighteous spirits trembling at the mere mention of his name.

Alone with God; Christians should rejoice in the thought. But, if this seems a bit unpleasant, ask God to place you in a right relationship with himself. The times are hectic; ask God to give you refreshment in him.

True Love

2010-02-10T20:26:00.001-06:00

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,” ESV Ephesians 5:25

The bible has a lot to say about love but the picture that it paints hardly resembles the love embraced by society today. As I think about it, the picture of love that our society paints is actually quite selfish. It is a love that flows from what we can get or enjoy in return. On the other hand, the picture of love painted in scripture is an unselfish, giving love.

Think with me for a moment about gift advertisements you’ve seen lately. It doesn’t much matter what product is being promoted—diamonds, automobiles, even pajamas—the message is the same; buy this special gift for your loved one and in return you’ll get a happy, smiling, content for the moment loved one that showers you with affection because of your thoughtful expenditure. While there is nothing wrong with any of the gifts I’ve mentioned or gift giving in general, we should be careful to examine our motives in gift giving to make sure they’re not self-serving.

Love, as expressed in the bible is never self-serving. On the contrary, biblical love always serves other people. For instance, the gospels recount Christ’s command to “love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:31) Paul commended the Thessalonian church because their love for each other was increasing (2 Thessalonians 1:3) and the Gospel of John most certainly reveals the unselfish nature of biblical love: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) You see, the motive behind biblical love is serving; not self-serving. Biblical love is motivated out of what you can do for the other person, not what you can get in return.

So true love (biblical love) is perhaps best manifested not in occasional gifts, but in everyday service to loved ones. Getting up on a cold dreary morning for hard day of work can be an expression of love—serving family and others in your vocation. Getting up early to turn up the thermostat or stoke the fire can be a gift of love. Ironing an outfit before work or school can express your love. Simply listening to your spouse and children can be an expression of your love towards them. Even putting peanut butter on both sides of a sandwich so the jelly doesn’t soak through can be an act of love!

Sometimes it is the simplest things that best express biblical love. And simple, giving, serving, biblical love eventually develops into a love for which you would even sacrifice yourself for your loved ones just as Christ gave himself for the church. As a matter of fact, it’s a command, not a request.

This Valentine’s Day (even if you buy a gift for the holiday) why don’t you commit to expressing love to others year round in a serving, ongoing way without regard to what you’ll get in return just as Christ loved the church?

The Earth Groaned

2010-01-28T20:54:00.000-06:00

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” ESV Matthew 6:21

The cataclysmic movement occurred over eight miles beneath the surface and sixteen miles outside the capital city, but it was a deep, guttural groan that struck fear in the hearts of all on the surface as it reeked havoc in Haiti. In less than one minute on January 12, 2010 the face of a nation changed forever; hundreds of thousands of souls passed into eternity and all earthly treasures lay in ruins.

My friend Luis lives 125 miles away from the epicenter in Santiago, Dominican Republic. The first word I received from him said simply, “The earth shook very hard here today.” I learned later that even that far away the earth shook so hard that people poured into the streets in fear. When I spoke to him two days later, as the devastation became more evident, his church (Iglesia Baustista de la Gracia) was already mobilizing a relief effort; $6,000 had been pledged, 25,000 bottles of water had been ordered and they had agreed to pay the travel expenses for 35 local doctors to travel to Haiti for a week. Before the weekend was over, they would need an additional $20,000 for initial food and supplies for a clinic.

Buying the supplies was easy but getting them to Haiti would prove both difficult and dangerous. How would they avoid being robbed and looted on the way? By the grace of God! The Dominican Republic military volunteered to escort them to the border where the United Nations provided an escort on to Port-au-Prince and all arrived safely.

Now, almost two weeks later as hope for rescuing survivors wanes, the need continues. In a very short time, international news coverage will dissipate as public interest drifts to another calamity or everyday problems at home—but the need will continue. And I’m confident that when public interest and fascination wanes even more, Luis’s church will still be laboring and ministering however God enables them in this ravaged region.

When asked in a US radio interview how he was holding up to the stress of coordinating relief Luis replied: “Well, I’m actually very excited and very joyful that I’m a part of this [relief effort]. I think that very few things can give a man more joy than to serve and to serve God and to serve other people. It’s great not to be thinking about your needs but other people’s needs and I think it’s actually good for my soul and my heart. So, I feel very good.”

“….where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

If you’d like to help with the relief effort but don’t know how, I’d invite you to contact Tharptown Baptist Church (256-332-0063) or visit online at www.tharptown.com for more information.

Who is my neighbor? Haitians?

2010-01-20T07:43:00.001-06:00

But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" ^ESVLuke 10:29

Haiti is in ruins and the death toll could rise into the hundreds of thousands before order is restored for the living. International aid is flowing towards the country though, so it would be easy to look the other way. With a history of corrupt government and squandered resources, it would be easy to turn a deaf ear to their cries for help. We’ve become so calloused in recent years that it’s really pretty easy to close our eyes and pretend that the suffering and death is not mounting. But those folks are our neighbors; or are they? What is the biblical definition of a neighbor?

One time a lawyer stood up to test Jesus in a public forum by asking the question: “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Surprisingly, the lawyer and Jesus agree on the answer. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27) But the answer raises another question that I suspect is a nagging one for the lawyer: “…who is my neighbor?” For the lawyer, it was the question of the day. Perhaps he thought his neighbors were other lawyers; the Pharisees perhaps; other religious leaders maybe. Though we don’t have time to expound on it here, it is highly unlikely that the lawyer would consider a Samaritan as his neighbor.

But at this point, Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan. You know the story well. Three different people come upon a man who had fallen victim to foul play and left half dead on the roadway. The first two (both religious leaders) passed him by for reasons untold. The third was a Samaritan and a most unlikely candidate to lend assistance. But we know from Scripture that he did. He had compassion on the victim and went out of his way to lend a hand.

At the end of the parable, Jesus asks the lawyer a question: “Which of these three, do you think, proved [emphasis mine] to be a neighbor?” They agree that it is the person who showed mercy and Jesus commands the lawyer to go and do likewise.

Did you notice how Jesus phrased the question? The designation of neighbor doesn’t hinge on whether someone is physically located near me. Nor does it seem to matter what someone’s social status is. Ethnic background is thrown out the window as well. Jesus puts the emphasis on you, me and our actions. To whom can we prove to be a neighbor?

Today, Christians have an opportunity to prove themselves as neighbors by reaching out to Haitians during the aftermath of this earthquake. Will you be a neighbor?

If you’re looking for a way to be a neighbor to the suffering Haitians, feel free to drop me an email and I’ll direct you to some ways I’m aware of.

Resist the Devil

2010-01-15T07:28:00.000-06:00

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” ^ESVJames 4:7

Through a friend, a prisoner emailed me some time back to make this point: Demons are real and spiritual battles rage continuously. He made his point in a very vivid way and it has set me to thinking about how to resist the devil and his demonic army.

Often times when reading about war and military actions the word resistance comes up. And it usually carries the implication of conflict or the meeting of opposing forces. I looked the word resistance up online and found this definition: “the act of opposing.” Similarly, a quick search on the word resist yielded: “to oppose actively.” These definitions make an important point; to resist, or the act of resistance is not passive. Resistance is active.

So, to resist is to actively oppose or engage. Likewise, in the case of our verse today, to resist the devil would mean to actively engage and oppose him. Rather than being passive against evil and the power of the devil, James is telling us to actively oppose him and the result will be that “he will flee from you.”

I have a passing interest in Civil War history because troops from the North and the South spent a lot of time, and often fought, right here in our backyard. One day while I was reading from Shelby Foote’s Civil War about some troops stationed in Tuscumbia, I came across a rather brash quote from a young General that is meaningful to our discussion of active opposition. In a message to Jefferson Davis, John Bell Hood wrote this: “You may rely upon my striking the enemy whenever a suitable opportunity presents itself, and that I will spare no effort to make that opportunity.”

Now think about the parallels for a moment. Hood was engaged in a physical battle. Christians are engaged in a spiritual battle. Hood vowed to strike (actively oppose) his enemy. Christians are commanded to resist (actively oppose) our enemy; the devil. Hood vowed to strike whenever he could. Does James indicate that Christian resistance is part-time? Finally, note that General Hood vowed to “spare no effort to make that opportunity.” May I suggest that we are to do the same? Spare no opportunity to resist the devil.

Followers of Christ can anticipate, even expect the devil to be lurking around every corner. The bible says he is like a “roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1Peter 5:8) Why then should we spare any effort to expose him? Why should we spare any effort to reveal the devil who is camouflaged, hidden in the shadows, ready to pounce at the first sign of weakness? The answer is obviously that we shouldn’t. We must spare no effort to fight and resist the devil. And what is our chief weapon? The sword of truth; God’s word—keep it at your side and in your heart.

Take Courage

2010-01-07T06:23:00.000-06:00

"Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus."^ESVMark 15:43

The prisoners were all dead. The Roman guard made sure of that by either breaking bones or spearing them in the side. The centurion in charge witnessed the death of Jesus himself. The Romans were very good at executions. The next step, though perhaps not immediately, would have been to take the bodies down from the place of crucifixion and throw them in a garbage heap just outside the city. That’s what it was like to die with the wicked during the time of Jesus.

Hundreds of years earlier the prophet Isaiah had predicted that Jesus would die in the same manner as wicked men but he also tells us that Jesus would be entombed like a rich man (see Isaiah 53:9). How would God bring this improbable scenario about? All but one disciple deserted Jesus when he was taken into custody, public sentiment was at an all time low, and the gospel accounts mention only a few loyal disciples watching the crucifixion from a distance; enter Joseph of Arimathea.

Joseph of Arimathea was a respected member of the Council; perhaps one of the same governing councils that had convicted Jesus the night before. Joseph was different though. Joseph was looking and waiting for the kingdom of God and based on his actions, it’s not difficult to conclude that he saw that kingdom in the person of Jesus.

The move was bold and courageous; even daring. It took courage to go against public sentiment. It took courage to go against his friends and peers on the Council. It took courage to meddle in the affairs of a Roman crucifixion. It took money, time and effort, but Joseph did and expended all these things and then stood alone before Pilate and asked the question: May I have the body of Jesus? Yes, it took courage, but Joseph could not bear to see Jesus the body of Jesus discarded in a trash heap. It took courage to be a disciple even in death but it was a courage born of love for Jesus.

The rest of the story is familiar. Joseph took the body, prepared it with Nicodemus’ help, and buried Jesus in a freshly hewn tomb that was secured with a heavy stone. The Council, with Pilate’s permission, even placed a guard out front. But the tomb, not even death itself, could hold Jesus and three days later he rose from the dead and left the tomb. Joseph’s faith and love was well founded!

Take courage this day. Live as a disciple of Jesus. At times it will mean standing against society. At times it will mean standing against friends. At times it will even mean standing against family. But take courage and stand this day for the risen Lord Jesus.

Genuine or Imitation Faith?

2010-01-02T13:51:00.001-06:00

“…King Rehoboam made in their place shields of bronze, and committed them to the hands of the officers of the guard, who kept the door of the king's house.²⁸ And as often as the king went into the house of the LORD, the guard carried them and brought them back to the guardroom.” ^ESV1 Kings 14:27-28

(This article, adapted from one originally published in 2006, was inspired in part by a book titled Shields of Brass or Shields of Gold by O.S. Hawkins.)

When Solomon was King of Israel, he commissioned 200 large shields and 300 smaller shields that were made of solid gold. To put that into perspective, we are talking about over 2,000 pounds of gold! Oh what they must have looked like lining the palace walls. I imagine them in an outdoor procession with the sunlight reflecting off of a hammered gold finish. Can you imagine the splendor of it all? The shields were stored inside the palace and when Solomon ventured out, the shields were sent out before him; a symbol of his status, wealth and the financial health of the kingdom.

Unfortunately, Solomon’s legacy did not extend far into the reign his son Rehoboam. Rehoboam lost the shields, and most other kingdom treasures, to an invading king from Egypt just five years into his reign. But Rehoboam replaced the shields with shields of bronze. Oh, they looked like gold. And when painstakingly polished, bronze shines like gold and like Solomon, Rehoboam sent the shields out ahead of him in a public display every time he went to the Lord’s house. But though they glittered, Rehoboam’s shields were nothing more than a cheap imitation of the real thing; a deceptive false front.

As I reflect on this Old Testament story, it brings to mind many questions in about professing Christians today and the state of the Christian church in America.

But let us make it personal. How genuine are you in your commitment to God? If you attend church, do you attend because it is the socially acceptable thing to do or do you attend so that you can come together with other believers and worship God? When you dress up and go to the Lord’s house, is your worship genuine?

A New Year is upon us; the old has passed away. As you make resolutions for 2010, examine yourself honestly before God. Ask yourself this question: Has my commitment to God been the real deal this past year or has it been a cheap imitation of the real thing? Your walk with God and the Christian church in America will benefit from your genuine faith and worship.

Resolve to have and show genuine faith in God in 2010 and let your worship flow from a heart that genuinely desires His glory. Happy New Year!

Angels Worhsip Him

2009-12-23T07:52:00.001-06:00

“And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”” ESV Hebrews 1:6

Why worship Jesus? Why make so much of a birthday celebration? Why does the Christian community come together in unity for this event that actually stretches over several weeks? Well, the easy answer is that Jesus is known to Christians as the Savior of the world. But Jesus is really much more than a Savior. Jesus’ should be worshipped, not necessarily for what He’s done, but for who He is.

The writer of Hebrews spends the better part of five chapters making much of Jesus and describing how much more honor our heavenly Father has placed on Him than anyone or anything else. So, while there are countless reasons why we should worship Jesus, let’s look at just a few of the things mentioned in Hebrews.

We should worship Jesus because the Son of God and God the Father are equals. The bible never speaks of Jesus as being some kind of lesser god that came into being just to take on human form or to be the perfect sacrifice. No, on the contrary, the bible speaks of Jesus as God. Isaiah prophesied the same saying he would be called “Immanuel” (which means God with us). Hebrews tells us that Jesus is the “exact imprint his [the Father’s] nature.”

We should worship Jesus because God the Father spoke to humanity through Jesus. God has communicated to us in many ways throughout history. He spoke to Moses in a burning bush. He communicated to Balaam by enabling a donkey to speak. He spoke to us through the prophets who were given visions, dreams and inspiration. But, says Hebrews, “in these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son…”

We should worship Jesus because he was present at creation. Hebrews tells us that the world and everything in it was created through Jesus and that He upholds the universe today “by the word of His power.” The very next breath you take, the very existence of the universe, is dependent upon Jesus’ continued providence. Hebrews tells us that our heavenly Father has “left nothing outside His control.”

We should worship Jesus because one day creation as we know it will come to an end. Hebrews tells us that Jesus will “roll up” creation and it will be forever changed. The world as we know it will come to an end one day, but Jesus will never change. He will endure forever.

Finally, we should worship Jesus because He is our blessed hope for eternal life. Hebrews tells us that believers in Christ “share in Christ.” One day Christians will bask in the glorious presence of the triune God because their faith and hope was rightly placed in Jesus. One day we’ll stand with the angels and worship Him together.

Raging Seas

2009-12-16T07:51:00.000-06:00

“And they went and woke him, saying, "Master, Master, we are perishing!" And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm.” ^ESVLuke 8:24

Ever had the “holiday blues?” Unfortunately, millions of people will be depressed or at least ‘blue’ this Christmas even though they are celebrating in one of the most blessed countries in the world. Some will be sad at the thought of celebrating without a loved one who has passed away. Some will be disappointed that their traditions have changed over time. Some will not be able deal with the financial pressures to give, give, give.

For those who are blue, a quick Internet search will yield you all kinds of advice on how to cope during dark, depressed seasons. Here’s some of the coping advice I found online: use humor; be realistic; stay healthy; reach out; delegate; spend time alone; let go. Some of these make practical sense but some of them absolutely left me scratching my head; especially the “spend time alone.” I’ve never known anyone feeling blue that benefited a great deal from aloneness.

Strangely absent in the advice I found quickly and easily was any dependence on God. That strikes me as odd at the very least and is somewhat indicative of how self absorbed our society really is. We are so confident in ourselves that we seldom take time to look to God. It’s as if God is like a fire extinguisher mounted on the wall that we should use only in dire emergencies. Why do you suppose that is? Why would we not call out to God as a first line of defense when dark clouds approach?

In the black of night the disciples once found themselves in great physical danger. A sudden storm had descended on the lake they were crossing and overtaken them. The winds and waves buffeted their boat and it was quickly filling with water; surely they would sink. No doubt gripped with fear, they woke Jesus shouting, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” But instead of perishing in a sinking boat, our text tells us that Jesus rebuked the wind and the waves and calm prevailed.

Now think about this. The same Jesus that calmed the seas that night with a simple verbal rebuke can calm your spirit today. The same Master who saved the disciples from physical danger that night can rescue your spirits from darkness today.

I was reading a Puritan sermon by John Flavel this past week and came across this quote that I think is fitting to share here. Speaking of Jesus, Flavel says: “He that saith to the raging sea, be still, and it obeys him; he can only pacify the disquieted spirit.”

If you find yourself feeling blue this Christmas season, call upon the Master that calms the raging seas.

Faces In The Windows

2009-12-01T07:49:00.000-06:00

(This article was originally published in the May-June 2009 edition of HeartCry Magazine. I reflect on the experience often with thanksgiving and a renewed zeal for missions.)

Tears welled up in my eyes as I looked up and saw the faces in the windows. Never before had I witnessed such a desire to hear the preaching of God’s Word. The tiny frame church was full—maybe 80 people. At least fifty other people were standing outside listening to the loudspeaker. And faces crowded the open-air windows with the night sky as a backdrop.

Earlier in the day, not speaking any Spanish, I hadn’t understood the conversation behind me as we crossed the mountain in the back of a pickup truck. But a friend interpreted and whispered in my ear, “More Christians.”

Just before the first evening’s service, I could hear the whine of the engine as it began its descent into the jungle. Then the dim headlights began to flicker in the night. Were these people friend or foe? Locals perhaps? As they pulled into the compound I was dumbfounded. I turned to the young man next to me and asked him to count as I tried to take a picture under the night sky. Twenty more worshipers got out of the tiny truck. Overwhelmed, I walked to the edge of the compound and cried out, “Oh God, how can this be? How can it be that I am here among people of such faith?” I didn’t understand, but I entered the small church with a spirit of thanksgiving and praise.

It must have been 90 degrees inside the church. The daytime temperature had exceeded 100 degrees and the humidity was extreme. The smell of the earthen floor, the rough sawn boards on the walls, the hint of wood smoke from the cooking fires and the makeshift lighting created a distinctly un-American experience in the crowded church. Yet worship flowed freely and with great joy.

The room was silent except for the preaching and the whir of the gasoline generator; every eye and ear was tuned to the message from the pulpit. Mothers gently rocked their babies on the makeshift pews. When the little ones finally caved in utter exhaustion into a deep sleep their mothers lined them up on the cool earth outside the church (on the same cool earth where we would kill a tarantula the next evening) wrapped in alpaca blankets and under the watchful eye of a caretaker.

My heart was taken captivate by those little ones. Who would teach them about Christ? In this part of South America, children either get tough or die. I wondered what lay ahead for them? The thoughts haunt me still. And who would teach them about eternal things; the things of God? The answer was before me. Those mothers and fathers who, with great effort and much hardship had made the trip deep into the jungle to worship with us, would have to teach these children. Those people in their local church would have to teach them…those faces in the windows.

That’s why indigenous missions is so important. Pray that God would be glorified as HeartCry endeavors to support indigenous missions throughout the world.

Thanks to the LORD

2009-11-25T08:11:00.001-06:00

“Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!” ESV Psalm 118:1

It seems that everyone readily admits that for well over a year we have been enduring tough economic times here in the U.S. and abroad. While some industries and families are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel others are still held fast by the recession’s grip and many people have endured (and are enduring still) great personal trials during this time. How difficult is it to cultivate a thankful heart during such times as these?

Paul admonished the Thessalonians to be thankful in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18) even though they were living in a community that had its share of problems. The Psalmist in our passage today on the other hand admonishes us to be thankful for the right reasons; because God is good and because his love endures. He also notes the recipient of our thanks; God. So, even in times like these, we too should give thanks to God.

I’m reminded of a Puritan prayer, The Valley of Vision, from a book bearing the same title and edited by Arthur Bennett. It goes like this:

Lord, High and holy, meek and lowly,

Thou has brought me to the valley of vision,

were I live in the depths but see thee in the heights;

hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold thy glory.

Let me learn by paradox

that the way down is the way up,

that to be low is to be high,

that the broken heart is the healed heart,

that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,

that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,

that to have nothing is to possess all,

that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,

that to give is to receive,

that the valley is the place of vision.

Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from the deepest wells,

and the deeper the wells the brighter thy stars shine;

Let me find thy light in my darkness,

thy life in my death,

thy joy in my sorrow,

thy grace in my sin,

thy riches in my poverty

thy glory in my valley.

Yes, these are difficult times; a valley you might say. Let’s actively search for God’s glory in this valley while remembering and being thankful that God is good and that his love will never leave us.

Deceptive Appearances

2009-11-18T08:10:00.000-06:00

“On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. And he said to it, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard it.” ESV Mark 11:12-14

Jesus is God. That is a recurring theme in Mark. Over and over Mark gives testimony to Jesus’ deity and he does so once more in these verses. Who can speak commands to a tree and have them come to pass? Only God. But, one might counter that Jesus was a man because God would certainly have no need of food; and that too is affirmed in our verses. In referring to Jesus’ dual nature, some people use the term God-man because Jesus is fully God yet also was fully man for a season. Perhaps his Old Testament name, Immanuel (which means God with us), is the name most descriptive of his nature while on earth.

While Jesus’ dual nature is certainly true and affirmed in our passage, I’d ask you to focus your thoughts on the deceptive appearance of the fig tree for a moment. Figs, our passage tells us, were not yet in season, but from a distance this particular fig tree was deceiving because it gave the appearance of bearing fruit. It was in full leaf, which was a sign that it should likewise be loaded with fruit. So, Jesus made his way to the tree, no doubt anticipating selecting a few choice figs and satisfying his hunger. Profound disappointment replaced hopeful anticipation as Jesus searched the tree for fruit and the tree received his scorn.

Now consider this. If Jesus walked into our town, physically and mentally exhausted and hungry for the fellowship and worship to be found in the local church, what would he find? If Jesus spotted your church in the distance adorned with a steeple and Christian symbols and giving all outward appearances of being a church, would he be satisfied with what he found inside? Would he find a fellowship of true believers and a house of worship or a house of entertainment? Would there be any spiritual fruit to be found in the majestic, sentimental building?

In reference to our text and the broader passage J.C. Ryle gives this warning: “Let us remember these verses whenever we go to the house of God…Let us call to mind where we are…what we are doing…in whose presence we are engaged. Let us beware of giving God a mere formal service, while our hearts are full of the world. Let us leave our business and money at home, and not carry them to church….The Lord still lives, who cast out buyers and sellers from the temple…”

Could it happen at your church? Would Jesus feel deceived and disappointed if He came into your church building seeking fellowship and worship or would you receive His scorn? May it never be! Strive to be a biblical church in every way, worshipping the living God in spirit and truth each and every day.

The Rhythm of Life

2009-11-15T16:05:00.001-06:00

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” ESV Psalm 46:10

Having visited India just a few weeks ago, I am still fascinated with the contrast in cultures. As I gazed out the car window one day, with what I suppose was either a look of bewilderment or fascination, my traveling companion noted that the “rhythm of life” was different in India when compared to the United States.

The sheer mass of humanity in India (depending on your source something on the order of 1.1-1.3 billion people populate India) would lead one to believe that life is chaotic and frantic there, but that didn’t seem to be case. Ironically, things seemed to move in a very methodical, fluid and sometimes ancient fashion.

In the rural regions I visited I also noted the absence of leisurely distractions. It seemed to me that everyone was fully engaged, from early in the morning till late, late at night, in the simple activities of daily living; earning wages for the day and providing for the needs of their families. The concept of daily entertainment or retirement would seem strange to most of the people I met; yet their lifestyles yielded a rather peaceful rhythm of life.

In stark contrast, it seems that here in the United States we try to cram as much productivity into an 8 to 10 hour work day as possible so that we can entertain ourselves and our families each and every evening and look forward to retiring at a relatively young age from our labors. The result is a frantic rhythm of life.

Yet it seems that in both countries the rhythm of life leaves little time for the God of the bible. I specifically mention “God of the bible” because we most certainly have time to worship other things in both cultures.

The Psalmist warns against ignoring God. The first sentence of our verse “Be still and know that I am God” is well known and often quoted as an encouragement to slow down from the frantic rhythm of life and take a deep, relaxing breath. And while I would agree that it is refreshing to pause and enjoy with wonder the Creator of heaven and earth for a moment, this verse also carries a stark statement of fact that is a warning to us that God is more than a refreshing aside.

There will come a time, notes the Psalmist, when “I [God] will be exalted among the nations, I [God] will be exalted in all the earth.” You see, the “God of the bible” should be the very fabric of our daily lives. He is deserving of our worship and attention every moment and He should be the object of our obsession in the rhythm of life. He most certainly will be the lone object of our worship and adoration one day, and He most certainly should be today.

Answers here, there and everywhere

2009-11-09T23:46:00.000-06:00

“Ephraim is like a dove, silly and without sense, calling to Egypt, going to Assyria.” Hosea 7:11

Anyone who has ever been dove hunting knows that a dove is like a fighter jet in the sky. With their wings swept back into a distinct, aerodynamic point, they are quick, agile, and able to accelerate or turn on a dime. By comparison, their heavier cousin, the pigeon, lumbers along with its massive weight like a transport plane. All the while their lighter relatives, like sparrows, just sort of sputter from one place to the next.

In our generation the dove is many times presented as symbol of love or peace and some religious traditions hold it in high esteem as a symbol of their faith. But Hosea is speaking of the dove negatively in this context; calling its actions silly.

In the field, their distinctive form and speed make them easily recognizable by hunters. Their keen eyesight is the bane of many a hunter if he moves at the wrong time; move just a little too quick, or too soon in a dove hunt you’ll make your shot more challenging every time because the dove will go into “fighter jet” mode. At the first sign of movement it will accelerate and begin to pitch up and down and bank left and right in moves that would make an acrobat queasy; all in an effort to seek safety and security.

So why does Hosea speak of these characteristics negatively? In context, Hosea is writing about a nation that has abandoned God. Among other things, he likens them to an unfaithful spouse; a nation that has abandoned its first love and looked elsewhere for safety and security.

Forsaking God, they begin to look a bit silly, like a dove seeking safety over a hunter’s field, bouncing around and vacillating between decisions seeking safety and security at every turn. Our passage suggests that Ephraim had sought pacts with opposing nations in an effort to secure peace and safety.

How often, I wonder, do we look like Ephraim; silly like a dove? How often do we seek answers to life’s problems from those around us? How often do we seek safety and security at every turn while at the same time ignoring God? As a nation I’d venture to guess that we look a lot like Ephraim did in Hosea; like an unfaithful spouse; like a silly dove.

The peace that God grants surpasses all understanding. So, in our daily search for understanding, safety, and security, we don’t need to turn to seers that abound on every corner. No, we need only to turn (or return) to God. The Psalmist describes it this way: “Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till the has mercy on us.” (Psalm 123:2)

Look expectantly to the Lord and you won’t be disappointed.

Walking With God

2009-10-31T18:03:00.000-05:00

“Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him.” ESV Genesis 5:24

For the past several days I’ve been dwelling on a sermon I heard just over two years ago. I even downloaded it from the internet and listened to it again this week. It was titled “Four Essentials of Finishing Well” and was presented by an elderly gentleman named Jerry Bridges who I’ve come to respect immensely.

Now well into his seventies, Mr. Bridges is a very unassuming and humble character. He walks with a slight stoop, but his gait is quick and his mind is sharp. His ministry is not pastoral, but what is termed “lay” ministry. He has toiled and persevered in that same ministry for over 50 years with an organization called The Navigators.

As the title indicates, Mr. Bridges’ speech pointed out four essentials to living a Christian life faithfully to the very end. Now think with me for a moment. Here’s a guy, highly revered in Christian circles, well into his seventies who has been in ministry at the same place for over 50 years. He’s working every day at an age when most have entered retirement and now he’s about to speak to me about what it takes to “finish well;” he had my attention.

The first essential to finishing well is to have daily, focused communion with God. Mr. Bridges alluded to the fact that there is indeed a difference between communing with God and simply skimming a section of His word. I wonder how often I’ve let the noise of the day crowd out time alone with God? Far more than I would care to admit I am sure.

The second essential to finishing well is to have a daily appropriation of the gospel. Mr. Bridges noted specifically that the gospel of Jesus Christ was not just for lost people; believers need the gospel too! He pointed to the life of the Apostle Paul for whom the gospel was not just a past event, but a present reality. Daily recognition of God’s loving gift of his Son as a substitute sacrifice for me should produce humility in my soul.

The third essential Mr. Bridges articulated was that we must make a daily commitment to God as a living sacrifice. He appropriately noted that if we look at each day as a day as God’s servant, the noise of the day is less tiresome.

His final point was that to finish well, we need a firm belief in God’s sovereignty. Living each day with the knowledge that God is all knowing, all powerful and perfect in every way keeps us from becoming bitter at the events that unfold in our lives.

Enoch walked with God. I have no doubt that Mr. Bridges strives daily to walk with God. It should be the desire of each of us to do the same so that when we come to rest it can be said of us: ________ walked with God.

Continual Praise

2009-10-21T21:12:00.000-05:00

“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” ESV Psalm 34:1

It is so very easy to be thankful to God when things are going your way; when life is rocking along according to plans. But it can be terribly difficult to have thanksgiving in your heart when times are difficult or when the best plans go amiss or simply when our expectations are not met.

This past week I spent some time visiting with a missionary family in India. Anybody who’s been on a trip like that knows that it pays to be flexible. Ironically, anybody who knows me well knows that flexibility isn’t one of my strong points. But that’s beside the point. The point is that with international travel life is less stressful when you are flexible.

While I was gone I happened upon Psalm 34 and as I studied this first verse I began to wonder how less stressful life would be if I could live out this verse in every circumstance. How much less stress would each day hold if I offered continual praise to God? How much less stress would each day hold if I praised the Lord at all times?

It is a long, long way to India so I was truly thankful when the nice lady at Royal Dutch Airlines placed me in excellent seats for the two long portions of my flight over. But I confess that I did not have praise in my heart when I was asked to give up one of those seats so that a traveling couple would not be separated. Now I didn’t quibble over the request for even a moment, but I was not immediately thankful for the opportunity to accommodate a fellow traveler either.

On the return flight, my seats were even better and I was truly thankful to have an aisle seat the whole way home. But I was less thankful for the company of the person sitting in the window seat that was undoubtedly battling a common travel ailment; she must have gotten up once per hour. But in hindsight, I needed to stretch my tired legs about that often anyway.

At this point you might legitimately ask, “How trivial is an airplane flight in the big scheme of things?” I’d have to confess that it is very trivial in the big scheme of things. But remember, the smallest packages sometimes contain the nicest gifts and it is in the smallest details that our faith is polished and refined.

In the parable of the minas in Luke 19, the nobleman rewards faithful servants exponentially; cities in exchange for minas. In similar fashion, I think our lives speak loudest in the simplest things. Does your life and attitude betray a heart full of continual praise?

Lord, enable us to be faithful in the smallest details of life. Enable us to continually give praise to you in all situations so that your name might be glorified by our lifestyle.

When You Come

2009-10-08T23:13:00.001-05:00

“When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments.” ESV 2Timothy 4:13

In the course of just a few verses, Paul urges Timothy twice to waste no time in coming to him. He tells him first “come to me soon” and later to “come before winter.” You see, many of Paul’s friends and ministry companions had left him and he no doubt longed to see a long-time friend and ministry partner.

But Paul didn’t just need Timothy as a Christian companion and co-laborer in the ministry. Paul also had some very practical needs. Winter would be upon him soon but his cloak was in Troas. He needed some books for study and “above all the parchments;” all very practical, everyday items that could easily be taken for granted in America today. It’s noteworthy I suppose to mention that Paul was most likely in prison and no doubt in harsh conditions when his letter to was written, but Paul did some of his best ministry work in harsh conditions.

I’d venture to guess that most Christian ministry, on a global scale, takes place in what we would consider harsh conditions and without what we would consider proper tools. Think about it for a moment.When’s the last time you worshipped on a dirt floor in a barn? Do you see people gathering under lantern light to worship often? How often have you gathered in someone’s house under the cloak of darkness for fear of persecution because of your faith? These things are reality for much of the world.

Recently I corresponded with a missionary couple living in Asia. In one exchange I asked if they had any current needs that would help them in their ministry. Their reply was very simple, very practical, and very much like Paul’s appeal to Timothy. They wrote: “We are happy that you'll be coming here in October. Regarding our needs…we still [a] need laptop computer and guitar and a Bible (New KJV) medium in size.”

Here’s how I interpret their needs. We need a computer that will be portable and useful for studying, writing and basic communications and for presentations. We need a guitar; a portable stringed instrument to use in worship. Finally, and most importantly, we need a new Bible that is the proper size and printed in a version that is familiar in our region. Just basic, practical stuff when you think about it.

By the grace of God, as this article goes to print, I am either making final preparations to go or am already in the midst of a trip to try and meet these very practical ministry needs. My local church (www.tharptown.com) has helped fund the travel costs and given generously to provide for the items needed. Desiring God Ministries (www.desiringgod.org) has donated a suitcase full of educational material and I would not be going at all were it not for the ministry work of HeartCry Missionary Society (www.hcmissions.org). I want to publically thank these folks for their generous heart and ask each of you to pray for a safe and fruitful trip. God bless.

The Heart of Man

2009-09-30T13:36:00.000-05:00

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” ESV Jeremiah 17:9

Welcome to hell. Those were the words spray painted in red onto an old rusted sign just south of town. It was my first trip into the hill country of eastern Kentucky. I had spent the night in Cumberland Gap, Tennessee and at first light I made my way through the Appalachian mountain pass long associated with Daniel Boone who led 18th century settlers through the pass on what was known as the Wilderness Road.

With an early morning sales call under my belt, I forged northward along narrow, twisting two-lane roads that never seemed to stray far from a stream or the side of a mountain it seemed. The scenery was picturesque, but even in my naive bliss the road seemed a somewhat desolate and lonely. Just before my second stop the sign appeared on my right and even though it was 1993, I still recall it vividly—words scrawled with red spray paint onto a weathered metal sign with a heavy basecoat of rust. Why? I wondered.

Stopping at McDonalds for lunch, I picked up a national newspaper whose headlines announced that Clay county Kentucky was one of the poorest counties in the nation; not exactly a distinction endeared by the locals. But this headline was neither the first nor the last that the locals would endure.

My second stop was at a mobile home lot that sat on top of the hill behind McDonald’s. A one-lane gravel road rose from the highway to a flat spot on top of the hill where several dozen homes and an office sat. This particular business had made headlines recently after an arsonist set fire to every other home on the lot. The pictures of the aftermath looked like a war zone. Why? I wondered.

On September 12, 2009 Clay County made national news again after a 51-year-old census worker was found dead and hanging from a tree in a remote cemetery with the word “fed” scrawled across his chest. Why? Why such senseless, evil behavior I wonder? Perhaps the teaching of the prophet Jeremiah sheds as much light on it as anything. The heart of man is truly wicked; “deceitful above all things and desperately sick...” the prophet says.

This is not an indictment against Clay County Kentucky nor is this is an indictment against the poor. Evil knows no geographical or economic bounds. If anything, this is an indictment against mankind. Ever since that first sin in Eden, evil has tainted the world we live in. Clay County Kentucky is not immune and neither is Franklin County Alabama.

While Jeremiah pegs the problem, he also pegs the solution just a few verses later. In verse 14 he prays, “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.” May that be our prayer today whether we live in the mountains of eastern Kentucky or the foothills of Franklin County; Heal us, O Lord...

Absolute Truth

2009-09-23T22:02:00.000-05:00

But he answered, "It is written, "' Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" ESV Matthew 4:4

Some things never change. And in the case of the Bible, God’s word, I sure am glad; glad that the Bible speaks absolute truth. If God’s word is not absolute, if it is situational or “relative,” then what have we got to lean on? If the bible is relative, Christians are to be most pitied because our faith is built on shifting sands.

We can come up with many examples of truth from our daily experiences, but they all fall short of being “absolute.” Let’s take deadlines for instance. This newspaper imposes deadlines on me. Regardless of whether it suites me, this paper goes to press on a schedule; with or without my article for the week! Zig Ziglar has a unique way of dealing with this type of truth. He says that he made a deal with the airlines long ago that they could just go ahead and leave without him if he were not at the gate at departure time. But these are truths that may or may not come to pass; deadlines change, flight schedules change, etc. But the word of God never changes; it is absolute and enduring.

Too many times we make truth “relative” by acknowledging “truth” based on our circumstances and/or personal convictions. I call it the “this is truth for me” mentality. But when we do this, truth becomes relative. And when truth is relative, we can manufacture and twist it to fit our particular circumstance or need of the moment. Of course, the results of this kind of thinking can be chaotic; leading everyone to do what is right based on his or her opinion. That’s one reason why I find great comfort in the fact that the Bible speaks absolute truth that endures forever. I like what Isaiah had to say: “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” ESV Isaiah 40:8

When Jesus was being tempted by the devil in the wilderness after forty days of fasting, he used the phrase “it is written” four different times to refer to absolute truths that we find in the Bible. Interestingly, God’s word was the only defense that Jesus used against Satan himself!

Now I ask you, if God’s word is a reliable and sufficient defense against the Devil himself, how much more so can we rely on it in our daily lives? Rest in the truth of the Bible this week; regardless of what comes your way, you will find it to be a reliable and sufficient guide for daily living.

Ken Askew

Among the tombs

2009-09-21T09:33:00.001-05:00

“And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain...” ESV mark 5:2-3

“He lived among the tombs.” How fitting it is that a demon possessed man would live contentedly in a graveyard among the dead. I say contentedly because we are told that even chains would not hold him anymore. Society had not found a proper or effective way of dealing with him and, left to his own devices, he wound up in a cemetery; a spiritually dead man living with physically dead men.

Even though, perhaps because, he could not be cuffed and no man had the strength to take him, this man wandered the tombs and the mountainside outside of town making a scene and doing himself (and no doubt others) physical harm. But interestingly, the bible tells us that when he encounters Jesus he “fell down before him” and calls him the “Son of the most high God.” So once again the writer of Mark shows us that Jesus is God; this time by giving us a picture of Jesus’ ultimate authority–even over demons.

The story goes on to identify not one, but many demons living within this man. Having begged permission from Jesus to be cast into a herd of pigs rather than meet with some other demise, Jesus grants the demons’ request. Interestingly, the pigs immediately ran down an embankment and drowned themselves. The scriptures don’t tell us why, but I can’t help but imagine that it’s a picture of self destructive, spiritually dead people; a picture of a lost world running into the darkness without God.

The heartwarming side of this story is that the dastardly wicked and nasty man that we met early in the story is now in his right mind, clean, and in fresh clothes. The change in his behavior is so drastic that the townspeople are afraid of him still, but for entirely different reasons than before. Now they are marveling at the change that has apparently taken place in his life. Isn’t it wonderful how knowing Christ as Lord instead of the devil as lord changes lives?

This changed man asks Jesus if he can go with him as he leaves the area but Jesus turns him down. Instead, Jesus, uncharacteristically at this point in his ministry, tells the man to “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord as done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” In his commentary on the gospels J.C. Ryle points out that Jesus was effectively assigning, calling if you will, this man to a ministry. Not necessarily the ministry of the man’s own choosing, but to an effective ministry for the kingdom of God, right there in his hometown, telling people about the mercies of God.

I hope that you’ve encountered Jesus, the living God. May your life be a testimony and a ministry to His great mercies.

Arturo says hello.

2009-09-10T23:26:00.001-05:00

“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”” ESV Matthew 28:18-20

A few weeks ago I shared a stirring video I found online with some friends that highlighted the need and importance of Christian missions around the world. I labeled the video link with my feeling at the moment, “Thinking about foreign missions.”

The video elicited several responses, but perhaps the most moving to me was the one from a local man that said, “I think about foreign missions every hour I’m awake.” True to his word, he and his wife are volunteering Haiti as I write this column and this is not their first trip. As I think abut his comment and his trip it occurs to me that every Christian should be thinking of how they might further the Great Commission every waking hour.

Another Franklin County son has been to India distributing bibles more times than I can recall. Proving that age is no hindrance, he didn’t take his first trip till after he retired from teaching. One of the strangest requests I’ve had professionally was from a Sunday School teacher wondering how much it would cost his class in dollars to convert into enough rupees for him to buy a scooter on his next trip to India.

Two friends from the Shoals who are full-time missionaries just returned from a seven-week trip to Peru where they visited some of the same Peruvian pastors that I was able to meet just about a year ago. To my surprise and great joy one of pastors made them promise to “tell Ken Arturo says hello.” He and his family overwhelmed our team with hospitality while we were in Peru.

There are perhaps more of your friends and neighbors traveling and ministering abroad than you know because most of them do it quietly. I’m aware of one young couple currently in town for some rest and relaxation who are missionaries to Peru and many others who have been on short term trips here in the U.S. Our new pastor at Tharptown Baptist Church, Josh, just returned with his wife and daughter from a twenty month missions tour in India.

As a Christian, the command to spread the good news is clear. The question is sometimes how; how do I make disciples of all nations? Well, here locally there is no excuse for not sharing your faith. Internationally? Admittedly, international missions is not everyone’s calling, but I see two solutions; either go or send. If you make yourself available, plenty of opportunities to “go” will appear. If you choose instead to “send” you’ll find your choices so plentiful that in the interest of good stewardship you’ll have to be cautious about the organizations you give to.

Will you go or send?

Ken Askew

God in a Box

2009-09-02T19:23:00.001-05:00

“And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem were saying, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and by the prince of demons.” ESV Mark 3:22

As I read Mark’s gospel I get the feeling that he’s bullet pointing Jesus’ ministry in some kind of outline form. A Dragnet version if you will; “...just the facts maam.” The early chapters of the book move so quickly from one event to the next that I find myself having to stop and think about what just happened. Even the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness for forty days only comprised two verses. Yet in every story, in every bullet point, the writer of Mark strives to make one overriding point that must not be missed: “Jesus Christ, [is] the Son of God.”

So, as we read about Jesus preaching repentance, cleansing lepers, healing the paralytic, calling disciples and attracting crowds that would make the most influential politician green with envy, we must understand that these things are taking place so that people will know that Jesus is the Son of God.

By the time we get to chapter three the elite of the community, the Pharisees and the scribes, are plotting against him. And while Jesus is angry at their hypocrisy, he is also grieved at the hardness of their heart.

Mark 3:22 is one of those places where I had to stop and think about the text. I asked myself why the Pharisees and scribes couldn’t see that Jesus was the Son of God. How could they go so far as to say that his ministry was of the devil himself? And here’s the conclusion I came to. The religious folks of the day didn’t accept Jesus for who he was because he didn’t fit their image of God. They were blinded by their own hard hearts and they never came to know Jesus as the Son of God. In other words, Jesus would not fit in the neat, tidy box that they imagined.

Fast forward till today. Does God fit into your box?

Hindsight is 20/20 they say; or is it? We have the testimony of the Old Testament prophets concerning Christ that is documented and confirmed in many cases by the New Testament eyewitness accounts. The public ministry of Christ is well documented. All the Apostles, excepting perhaps John, met a martyrs death for their enduring faith and testimony. Evidence abounds that Jesus was and is the Son of God yet many still reject this truth.

Will you worship the Creator who crafted you in His image or will your craft a god that will fit into your box?

Ken Askew

Near The Bridegroom

2009-08-26T22:56:00.001-05:00

“And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. The days will come hen the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day.”” ESV Mark 2:19-20

Can you remember what it was like when you were courting your spouse? Do you remember the feelings of infatuation, and eventually love that swept over you? Do you remember how even a short absence felt like an eternity? What were some of the actions you took to feel closer when you were separated? What were some of the things you did in order to bring you together in person?

I asked these questions in a group setting recently and got all kinds of answers. Melisa claims that I used to ride down the road in front of her house. It’s a charge I cannot deny even though it seems funny to me now that I would have done that. But even funnier still is the thought of her sitting in her bedroom window watching for me! I mean it wasn’t like I could buzz her cell phone and let her know I was nearby. My goodness, back then a land-line or CB radio was the only way to communicate!

Several people confessed to looking at pictures and longing to be with their boyfriend or girlfriend. One person said she kept her boyfriend’s pet because it made her feel nearer to him in some way. Everyone did something to bring the to mind that special person during an absence. Everyone did something in order to feel closer to their special friend.

That is in essence the purpose of fasting. Fasting is an action on our part to bring to mind our Lord, Jesus Christ. It is an act that draws our attention and focus to Him while we are separated from him physically. The “day” spoken of in our verse is upon us. The Bridegroom is in heaven and will one day return. What are you doing to draw closer to Him while we are physically separated? What are you doing today to focus your attention on the Bridegroom? Do you long to be united with Jesus?

I’m reminded of a song by the group Mercy Me titled I Can Only Imagine. The first verse and chorus go like this: “I can only imagine what it will be like when I walk by your side. I can only imagine what my eyes will see when your face is before me. I can only imagine. Surrounded by your glory, what will my heart feel? Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still? Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall? Will I sing hallelujah? Will I be able to sing at all? I can only imagine. I can only imagine”

Do you imagine?

Ken Askew

Look!

2009-08-19T18:38:00.002-05:00

As I bounced my friend’s baby on my lap I couldn’t help smiling. Babies are just so cute when they’re just old enough that you don’t fear breaking them yet they are still young enough that absolutely everything is a fresh adventure.

This little girl was infatuated with my water bottle. (Isn’t it funny how the simplest things sometimes trump the grandest toys?) I don’t know whether it was the blue label or the sound the bottle made when I crinkled it with my hand, but she loved it and her eyes would immediately fixate on it whenever it came into view.

As I reflect on her fascination, a sermon illustration I heard sometime back comes to mind. When you take a very young child and try to focus their attention on something by pointing, what usually catches their attention? Your finger! Children have to learn that your finger is not the object you are drawing attention to. They have to learn that the finger is just a pointer and that the focal object is beyond your fingertip.

Many times stories we find in the bible are, much like your fingertip, “pointers” in that they point to a much grander and magnificent object beyond the immediate story. For instance, the early chapters of Mark’s gospel are filled with miracle stories; demons are cast out, deathly sick people are fully healed with Jesus’ touch, lepers are cleansed, and the lame are made able to walk. All the stories are fascinating and all of them are worthy of capturing our attention. I confess that many times I have become captivated with the details of the stories themselves, but what is the proper object of my attention? What do the stories point to? Do they point to a grander truth?

In the case of Mark’s gospel, let me suggest that the fascinating miracle stories in those early chapters point to three grand, overriding truths. First, that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. (Mark 1:1) Secondly, that the kingdom of God has arrived, though not in its full glory, and thirdly that we should repent and believe the gospel. (Mark 1:14-15)

Let me encourage you to read the stories in scripture with the fascination of a child. But don’t become fixated on the stories themselves. Instead, read the stories in scripture with the discernment of an adult and look beyond the story to those grander truths that the stories point to.

Yes, Jesus cast out demons. Yes, Jesus healed the sick. Yes, Jesus cleansed the lepers and caused the lame to walk. But grander still, and the worthy object of our attention, Jesus was the Son of God; Immanuel (meaning God with us)!

Ken Askew

A Man’s Man

2009-08-17T20:42:00.000-05:00

“John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.” ESV Mark 1:4-6

Had I lived then, I think I would have enjoyed meeting John the Baptist and listening to him preach. Clothed in camel’s hair, living off the land, and preaching in the wilderness, John the Baptist was a man’s man. He must have been a dynamic speaker as well because he was attracting followers from all of Judea and Jerusalem. John had his own mega-church in the wood. I wonder what the music was like; contemporary or traditional?

But John’s purpose was not to attract a crowd. John’s purpose was not to build a huge following. John’s purpose was not to entertain with popular music at the gatherings. No, John’s purpose was singular; to announce and prepare the way for Jesus to begin His earthly ministry. Nor was John’s ministry of his own creation. Mark tells us that John’s ministry had been prophesied hundreds of years earlier by Isaiah.

Perhaps most importantly, John the Baptist preached the coming of one mightier than him. John baptized with water, but he preached of the Son of God, Jesus, who would baptize with the Holy Spirit.

Sadly, the truth that John proclaimed didn’t always ‘stick.’ In the Gospel of John, Jesus says that John “was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.” You see, John was a lamp, but as my study bible notes point out, he was not the “Light.” Jesus is the light that John pointed to. And while it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of a popular pastor or church, the experience never bears lasting fruit unless the truth of Christ is proclaimed and accepted.

What is the truth about Christ? Well, Jesus Christ came to earth, lived a sinless life even though he was tempted just like you and me, was convicted and died a criminals death for transgressions he did not commit so that the rest of us could become reconciled to God through faith in him. This is the gospel. This is the simple gospel message that Jesus spoke of in Mark 1:14 when he said: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

Dynamic preachers are great and it is exciting to be in an energetic church that is growing. But if the simple gospel is not being preached, the excitement will wane and no lasting fruit will come forth. Don’t place your faith in the lamp. Place your faith in the Light; Jesus Christ.

Ken Askew

Pray then like this

2009-08-05T16:53:00.001-05:00

“Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we have also forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” ESV Matthew 6:9-13

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns folks not to pray so that they might be seen by others or to offer prayers that included meaningless repetition, but instead to pray privately with all sincerity. (The issue is not so much whether our prayers are public, but the reasons and sincerity behind our prayers.) Then Jesus began to teach them how to pray. In his commentary on the Gospels, J.C. Ryle points out ten parts to this model prayer and I am indebted to him for opening my eyes in regards to The Lords’ Prayer.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Oh how thankful I am for the privilege of being able to pray to you Father who I know as my Creator, my God, my Redeemer, and not to some other created being or a deaf and dumb idol. Thank you Father! And Lord, may your name be glorified this day. May your name be exalted. May all creation praise you!

Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Lord in one sense your kingdom has already come in that Jesus has established his church here on earth. Yet we have not yet seen your kingdom in all its glory. We have not yet witnessed every tongue confessing you as Lord nor have we seen your church removed from the presence of sin. Lord, we know your timing and will is perfect and we gladly submit to your pleasures and long for the day when your will would be brought about in fullness here on earth just as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we have also forgiven our debtors. Lord, as we go about our daily tasks, let us not lose sight of the fact that we are dependent upon you even for the very air that we breathe. The Psalmist reminds us that even the lions depend upon you for their food and we are no less dependent. Lord, even your church is not without sin and we beg your forgiveness and we ask for wisdom and strength to forgive those who have wronged us as well.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Lord, you know we are weak and prone to give into temptation. Lord, when opportunity to sin is presented, may there be no desire in our hearts and when are hearts are filled with desire to sin, may there be no opportunity. Your word teaches us that the devil is constantly roaming to see whom he may devour. Lord, keep us from his jaws; deliver us from the evil one. Amen.

Ken Askew

False Witness

2009-07-29T22:33:00.000-05:00

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” ESV Exodus 20:16

This past Sunday in bible study several couples enjoyed a very lively and candid discussion about the last three commandments. But I think it was this one (the ninth commandment) that prompted the most discussion. As we’ve gone through each of them one by one over the course of several weeks, a common trait has emerged; each of the Ten Commandments has a much deeper meaning than what is found on the surface and of course this one is no different.

On the surface the ninth commandment seems to be saying that we should not lie. This is a no brainer because the Gospel of John goes so far as to identify the Devil as the “father of lies” (John 8:44). With very little effort then, one could quickly guess that it is best to tell the truth (see Psalm 15). So, if Christians should refrain from lying and speak truthfully in all situations, it stands to reason that gossip and slander are out as well. So, where’s the rub? What’s so difficult about this commandment?

Well, how exactly are we supposed to convey truth? Also, while we would all readily agree that the truth should always be told, should all the truth always be told? Hmm... How is that for a mind bender?

Here’s an example we came up with in class. Suppose that we meet tomorrow in town and you are wearing a fine suit of cloths that accentuates the positive features of your face, your hair color, and even your eyes, but it also positively makes you look fifteen pounds heavier than your actual weight. If that were the case, would it be helpful for me to share with you all that I know to be true at that moment? No, of course not, that would be sinful just as surely as it would be sinful for me to lie and say the suit of clothes makes you look lighter.

You see, even when telling the truth, which is obviously commanded on the surface, other biblical principles come to bear on the situation. When it comes to words, one of my favorite biblical tests is this: Is what I’m saying likely to be received and understood as gracious by the person I’m speaking of? This principle comes straight from Ephesians 4:29 which says that Christians are to, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

Whey not make it a goal this week to choose your words in such a way that your speech is both truthful and gracious? In the process, you’ll be honoring the deeper, fuller meaning of the ninth command.

Ken Askew

Murder

2009-07-29T22:31:00.000-05:00

“You shall not murder.” ESV Exodus 20:13

“You shall not murder.” The command sounds simple and straight forward doesn’t it? But is this really a simple command? Is the sixth commandment really an easy commandment to obey? It may not be as easy as you think.

Jesus had a way of simplifying many Old Testament teachings. He summed up the gist of the Ten Commandments in two short sentences in Matthew 22 when he said “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” And “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” In just two short sentences Jesus taught us how to relate to God and how to relate to our fellow man.

But Jesus also had a knack for expanding the true meaning of Old Testament teachings as well. In Matthew 5:22-23 Jesus says, “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment...” So, with these words, Jesus expanded the definition of murder to include anger, or murder in a spiritual, internal sense. John expands the definition further to include hate in 1 John 3:15 which says that, “Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer...”

Now, using this expanded definition of murder, it doesn’t take a lot of thought to conclude that the sixth commandment is a little more difficult to honor than its simple language might imply. Think how easy it is to be angry with someone. Think how easy it is to harbor hatred against someone who has done you wrong. Give it just a little thought and you’ll agree; it isn’t hard to break the sixth commandment!

So what’s the solution? How do you faithfully keep the sixth commandment? Well, I think it’s a task that is impossible in our own strength, but very doable in the power of the cross. Jerry Bridges likes to say we “need a daily appropriation of the Gospel.” That thought fits perfectly here, but it’s only meaningful to Christians. But when a Christian thinks he’s been wronged and is tempted to be angry, he needs only to think of the cross and how his sin debt, incurred because of his transgressions against God, was paid by Christ to bring forgiveness into his heart. When Christians are tempted to hate, they need only to think of how God displayed His love for them by sacrificing His son to put things into perspective.

Colossians 3:12-13 sums it up well: “Put on then, as god’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”

Ken Askew

The Fourth Commandment

2009-07-08T20:49:00.000-05:00

“And he said to them [the Pharisees], “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” ESV Mark 2:27

Jesus summed up the first four of the Ten Commandments in one short sentence found in Matthew chapter 22. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Oh for the strength to live each day by this simple principle! Wouldn’t it be great if all distractions were gone and we had only to sit at the feet of Jesus? Imagine what it would be like. Imagine yourself as a disciple walking and talking with Jesus each and every morning. Christians should harbor no higher desire.

Now let me stretch your thinking a bit. Christians should, in essence, be doing that every Sunday morning in corporate worship. Walking with Christ.

Let’s not split hairs over which day of the week the Sabbath falls on; Saturday or Sunday. And let us not quibble over whether it is a commandment that the New Testament changed or rendered void. In other words, lets don’t act like a bunch of Pharisees. Instead, let’s focus on its purpose and meaning to us today. What is the meaning and purpose of a Sabbath’s Day rest?

Christ left no doubt that the Sabbath, that is the fourth commandment, was established for the benefit of man. But how so? Well, if you’ll look back to Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15 you’ll find two super answers.

First, it was initiated by God. God rested. Think about it. God had no reason to rest because God doesn’t get tired! Instead, God rested as an example that man could follow. God set a pattern if you will of how man could refresh himself, his household, his land, and even his livestock. Could you use some refreshment?

Secondly, it is a way to bring to our recollection spiritual bondage and gracious redemption. The Hebrews were told to observe the Sabbath in order to remember the Egyptian captivity and God’s gracious deliverance and redemption. Now, fast forward with me. If you call yourself a Christian today, doesn’t that mean that you have been redeemed from the captivity of sin? Yes! Christians have been redeemed from the captivity of sin just as surely as the Hebrews were redeemed from Egyptian captivity. Celebrating the Christian Sabbath on Sunday morning should bring this afresh to our minds.

One final observation. Obedience to the spirit and intent of the fourth commandment has a way of focusing you and everyone in your house on God. In other words, it promotes worship of our wonderful Creator, Redeemer and LORD.

If you’re interested in studying how the Ten Commandments apply today, permit me to recommend a book to you. The title is Written in Stone: The Ten Commandments and Today’s Moral Crisis by Philip Graham Ryken.

Ken Askew

Independence Day

2009-07-01T21:54:00.000-05:00

“We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.” ESV Romans 6:6

All eyes, young and old, looked to the sky as the jets screamed down Main Street in the midday sun, banking sharply and disappearing in the distance only to reappear a few minutes later and an instant before the deafening roar of their engines. It was an unusual and awesome sight in downtown Russellville, forever etched in my twelve-year-old mind, and the crown jewel moment of our Independence Day celebration in July, 1976.

Of course, Independence Day is celebrated every year in this country and I pray that we can continue to do so from now on. It is good to remember the foreign grip of days gone by and to celebrate liberation and freedom from outside dominion and control. In some ways it is not unlike Jews celebrating freedom from Egyptian captivity as described in the book of Exodus; an annual celebration that continues till this day.

Much of the Apostle Paul’s writing in the New Testament compares and contrasts his old life as a non-believer to his new life as a Christian. The picture he paints is one of vivid contrast between darkness and light. On the one hand, he paints a dark, dark picture of a life controlled by evil. On the other, he paints a vibrant, vivid picture of his life as a Christian; liberated by Christ! Paul’s zeal for his newfound life in Christ is evidenced in every one of his writings. You might say that Paul celebrated Independence Day every day!

We can draw other comparisons that are much more personal and close to home. At least I hope we can. In last week’s column we looked at the tendency of human nature to be inclined towards evil and how we don’t have to teach our kids to do evil. How is that tendency broken? How is it that natural tendencies are replaced by righteous, God glorifying intentions? Paul describes the transformation as being alive in Christ instead of dead in sin. It is a transformation worthy of daily celebration and shouts of thanksgiving from all Christians.

Are you alive in Christ? Has God’s word, by the power of Holy Spirit, moved you so that you’ve asked God to forgive you for doing evil in his sight? That’s called repentance; the first step in liberation. Do you believe in Jesus Christ—that he died for your sins? Repentance and belief—the one two punch that brings new life in Christ and a personal Independence Day.

Repent and believe today. Let today be your Independence Day and celebrate it each and every day forevermore.

Ken Askew

Human Nature

2009-06-24T19:46:00.000-05:00

“So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her and he ate.” ESV Genesis 3:6

Just the other day a preacher used a sports analogy unfamiliar to me, but it rang true in my mind. Think through it with me for a moment. When two football teams face off on the field and one player jumps into action prematurely and makes contact with an opposing player before the ball is snapped, what is the cry from the opposing team and the referee? ‘Off sides!’ of course. Then what happens next? Well, a penalty is assessed to the individual perpetrator right? I mean it wasn’t the whole team’s fault was it? Of course you know better, the entire team is penalized because of the infraction of one player. It hardly seems fair, but that’s the way it is.

In much the same way, mankind still bears penalty scars on its human nature resulting from the sins of Adam and Eve. Careful before you disagree—think for a minute. Is childbearing not still painful (Genesis 3:16)? Is work not still accomplished by the sweat of your brow (Genesis 3:19)? And who among us has been required to teach our children to do evil? Of course we don’t deliberately teach our kids to do evil. Instead we spend a great deal of time teaching them how to share, to be polite, to honor their elders and the like. To be ‘good’ takes effort. Evil, it seems, comes natural.

I was playing tennis the other day—should I say learning to play tennis—when a ball I hit managed to find itself outside the boundary line. Well, it was actually way outside the line; over the fence and bouncing down the road! Anyway, at that same moment a group of youngsters walked by who saw the ball, knew where it came from and heard and saw my instructor asking them to toss it back. But instead of tossing it back, a young girl picked it up, glanced our direction and continued on down the road. I guess the newfound ball was a “delight to her eyes” so she took it. But when I slipped out the side gate, walked in their direction and barked a couple of firm requests the ball was returned fairly quickly along with this comment as I turned away: “Hey! You owe me a quarter.” Human nature...

You owe me. How often have we taken this stance towards God? God, I’ve done what you asked; you owe me. God, I haven’t been as evil as my neighbor; you owe me. God, I’ve lived a good life; you owe me. God, I go to church; you owe me. Don’t believe it. God doesn’t ‘owe you’ or any other sinful person anything except perhaps his holy wrath.

However, God graciously welcomes, even adopts as family members, those who, through faith, repent of their sins and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. You are not welcomed into God’s fellowship on the basis of your human nature, of what you’ve done, or the misguided notion of God owing you something. No, only through the finished work of Christ; only through His nature are we reconciled to God.

Ken Askew

Genuine Confession

2009-06-17T17:42:00.001-05:00

“Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight…” ESV Psalm 51:4

Every now and then a man sees a woman (sometimes it’s the other way around) and it’s love at first sight. Well, infatuation at first sight might be a more accurate statement. And when infatuation and opportunity meet, well, the results are not always pretty. Such is the sordid story of David and Bathsheba.

This time of year, as was the custom, David should have been on the battlefield directing his troops, but he had elected to stay behind in Jerusalem and lounge around the house. But leisure time would prove to be most unfortunate for David.

Late one afternoon as he walked out on his roof; maybe just to stretch and take a look around—admire his home place perhaps—she caught his eye. Scriptures tell us (2 Samuel 11) that from his rooftop, David could see Bathsheba bathing. I imagine that he could see very clearly, because we are also told that she “was very beautiful.”

Curiosity got the best of him, and after asking around a bit David figured out that Bathsheba was married. But he also learned that her husband Uriah was on the battlefield with Joab and that Bathsheba was home; all alone I suppose. So David sent for her and had her brought to his house. Unfortunately, infatuation and opportunity met, Bathsheba became pregnant, and David scrambled to arrange a failed cover up; going so far as sending Bathsheba’s husband Uriah to the front lines where he was certain to die.

By now you’ve got to believe that David was wishing he’d kept his eyes to himself; wishing that opportunity and infatuation had not crossed paths, but as bad as the situation was, it was about to get worse. David thought the whole thing was a private affair until the Lord sent Nathan to rebuke him. And when David’s sins became known, the full weight and shame of his transgressions began to bear down on him. As the saying goes, ‘his secret had gone public.’

To his credit, David recognizes and confesses immediately that he has sinned against God. But think for a moment of all the lives affected by David’s actions; Uriah, an unborn child, Bathsheba, David’s own household, the office of King, the other soldiers who fought alongside Uriah, the nation, the list goes on and on. Yet David confesses that he has sinned against God and God only. Why do you suppose he does this? David realized that ultimately it was God’s law that he had broken, that it was God who could justly condemn him and consume him with his wrath and that it was God alone who could graciously forgive him. If you’ll read Psalm 51 in its entirety, you’ll see a picture of genuine confession and remorse before God.

Perhaps not in the same way, but has infatuation with someone or something crossed paths with opportunity in your life? If so, don’t wait on a prophet to come calling. Confess your sins before God today and ask for his gracious forgiveness.

Ken Askew

The War Has Been Won

2009-06-10T22:58:00.000-05:00

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming.” ESV Colossians 3:5-6

How many times have you heard the phrase, ‘lost the battle but won the war?’ Like me, you’ve heard it many times I am sure. Oddly enough, this phrase came to mind as I studied this text last week and thought about the ongoing struggle between good and evil.

Paul begins his letter to the Colossians by greeting the “saints and faithful brothers in Christ...” in chapter one, verse two. Admittedly, Paul is sometimes difficult to understand, but this is plain enough. He’s writing to Christians in Colossae; Christians mind you.

But if these folks are Christians, why does he have to tell them to “put to death” this list of sins and remind them that God’s wrath is stoked by their very presence? It sounds more like something you’d be writing to a bunch of non-believers doesn’t it? I mean, Christians don’t struggle with sin do they?

Well, a couple of things come to mind. Regretfully, Christians are not without sin and Christians have not yet been removed from the presence of sin. So the answer is yes, Christians do struggle with sin. Why, some people are so keenly aware of sin in the lives of Christians that they refuse to go to church on account of the hypocrites in attendance! But that’s another story...

In one sense, I suppose it’s like those skirmishes that continue to flare up after a peace treaty is signed but before everyone gets the news. Those battles are no less real just because the war has been won. No, people are still injured and people still die. So, in the same manner, Christians must do battle against sin, a very real battle, even though the war has already been decided.

Now, hear me on this; victory is certain. The war against sin and evil has been won. Christ won the war when he defeated even death and rose from the grave after having been crucified. But a casual look around will prove that sin and evil are most certainly still in our presence. And, in some sense, the battle between good and evil still rages each and every day even in the lives of Christians.

The good news for Christians is that the war has been won. And since they have been freed from the controlling dominion of sin, the daily battles can be won too. Sin is still present all around us and the temptation to sin will be with us until Christ removes us from its very presence, but sin can be defeated day by day. The war has been won.

-Ken Askew

Wisdom and Discretion

2009-06-05T06:36:00.000-05:00

“My son, do not lose sight of these—keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” ESV Proverbs 3:21-24

Our Sunday school class just finished up a couple of related studies. In the first one, we studied the book of James and explored the idea of thinking biblically in everyday situations. In the second, we took a refresher course in the exercise of basic spiritual disciplines like prayer, personal bible study and spending time worshipping God. While each study was enjoyable and thoroughly biblical, I wonder whether either study will make a difference in anyone’s life?

Two, maybe three years ago now, our former pastor put some thought into the foundational pillars that he envisioned would help guide us as a church and keep us on track in our Christian faith for years to come. Those five pillars are God’s word, worship, prayer, ministry and missions. Each of these pillars can be put into action individually and as group. Each pillar is biblically based and I heartily agree that they make a fine, even essential, foundation to build on. I wonder though, will they make a difference in anyone’s life?

The answer lies in how and if these truths are applied. If they are ignored or twisted to apply in some kind of self-centered, what’s in it for me fashion, then they won’t make any difference; that’s same as attitude of society in general. But if they are taken to heart and applied in a God-centered, how can I serve Him fashion, then they produce the two things in us that our verse warns us not to lose sight of—wisdom and discretion.

But I wonder still, if wisdom and discretion are fruits of applying these biblical principles in a God-centered way, how does the fruit look and taste? I see at least three things in our verse that give us clues.

First, wisdom and discretion create an inner peace that surpasses all understanding. And that inner peace creates an outward glow that shines brighter to the world than fine jewels and gold. Secondly, wisdom and discretion allow us to walk along this stony path of life with a sure foot. Like a mountain goat scaling the face of a ragged cliff, we can face each day confidently and negotiate the loose stones of temptation along the way that would cause us to stumble before God. Finally, if wisdom and discretion are yours, the rigors of the day will not rob you of your faith in the almighty LORD and your sleep will be sweet.

Wisdom and discretion—beautiful, sweet fruits worthy of cultivating in every life.

Ken Askew

Ministry in the Marketplace

2009-05-27T17:48:00.000-05:00

“Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there.” ESV Acts 17:16-17

What does it mean to share your faith? Christians often use the term “witnessing,” but what does that term really mean? Unfortunately, the term often carries a negative or stressful connotation. I’ve got a friend who prefers to describe witnessing, or faith-sharing, as “the ministry of reconciliation in the marketplace of life.” I like that phrase. It’s more descriptive than “witnessing” and the underlying assumptions are more precise. Let’s think about the underlying assumptions briefly.

The first part, “ministry of reconciliation,” suggests in its context that there is a need for two people to be reconciled; namely man to God. Likewise, some prior event must have occurred in order to separate them; in this case, sin. And finally, these efforts at reconciling men to God can be thought of as a ministry. And when you think about it, isn’t that the end goal of Christian witnessing; sharing your faith in a way that reconciles others with God?

The second part, “in the marketplace of life” hints at when and where we should share our faith. Should we Christians dare only to talk about our faith at church or among church folks? No. Is our witness confined to inviting and bringing people to the building where we meet for worship? No. In reality, the scope of our sharing should and does extend into the very corners of our everyday lives; our jobs, our hobbies, our families—you name it.

Now, is this phrase (ministry of reconciliation in the marketplace of life) biblical? Yes. The thought originates in 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 and I encourage you to go there for further study. And I know of no better biblical example of this than the life of the Apostle Paul. Yes, you say, but Paul was an Apostle and I am not Paul. While that is true, you and I are not Paul, we do have some important things in common.

As Christians, formerly separated from God by sin, we now stand with Paul reconciled to God through faith in Christ. And like Paul, we run into folks everyday in every corner of our lives who have not yet found the joy of our faith. Truthfully, if you call yourself a Christian, are you not troubled, like Paul, by the things you see in the world? Are you not troubled by the idols (entertainment, sports, houses, cars, jobs, etc.) we so often worship today instead of Christ? If you can look around you and not be troubled, then let me suggest that you should examine the genuineness of your faith!

Finally then, let me encourage you to either begin or to continue to share your faith in the marketplace, just like Paul, “to those who happen to be there.”

Ken Askew

Stick to the Word

2009-05-23T13:49:00.001-05:00

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” ESV 2 Timothy 3:16-17

It all began innocent enough. Two friends needling one another by exchanging verbal, in this case virtual, jabs at one another. The exchange was short, all in fun, and it ended with neither friend being offended. It was the kind of joking exchange that might occur any day in any number of settings. But what might the jabs look like from a few feet away?

Well, from a few feet away this particular conversation took on a whole different meaning. One person made assumptions and came to conclusions that reached beyond the initial exchange and was not shy about voicing those opinions. Another person, with seemingly little thought, joined the foray with basically a “me too” position. While others, correctly sensing a misunderstanding, rose in defense of the original jabbers.

When it was all over I couldn’t help but smile and muse about how easy it is to get embroiled in meaningless and needless controversy. But it is easy. And too often we find ourselves doing it at home, at work, and even at church—many times simply because we make conclusions based on distorted or incomplete facts.

Recall with me the temptation and fall of Adam and Eve. The serpent began his temptation by distorting what God had said when he asked Eve, “Did God actually say...?” (Genesis 3:1) And Eve really messed up when she began to reason and make decisions based on those distorted facts that reached beyond what God had actually said. The rest, as they say, is history.

Contrast that with Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. Satan begins almost immediately to distort what God had said in scripture by going beyond scripture’s original meaning. And while on the surface many of Satan’s claims sounded plausible, Jesus doesn’t take the bait. Instead, Jesus resists the wiles of the devil and repeatedly replies, “...it is written.” (Matthew 4:4) Notice how Jesus is able to resist. Jesus rebuffed the devil by being careful to follow scripture as far as it went without going beyond. Don’t miss this. Jesus didn’t discard any teaching in scripture and he didn’t go beyond the teachings of scripture; not even when the arguments seemed plausible.

So, let me encourage you to do the same. Like Paul’s admonition to Timothy, recognize that “all scripture is breathed out by God;” even those parts that you and I may not fully understand. Let’s commit to study scripture diligently and to follow it as far as it goes on any subject; even those subjects we may not fully understand. And finally, let’s avoid error and meaningless controversy by being cautious to not leap beyond scripture in our reasoning.

Ken Askew

If Only I Had Wings

2009-05-13T10:00:00.000-05:00

“And I say, “Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest; yes, I would wander far away; I would lodge in the wilderness; I would hurry to find a shelter from the raging wind and tempest.”” ESV Psalm 55:6-8

Have you ever wanted to hop in the car and just keep on driving? Have you ever had more than a passing thought about starting over in a different place without the years of baggage that seem to pile up at home? Have you imagined that the grass may indeed be greener or that you would find rest for your weary bones if you could just get to the other side of the fence? I suspect most of us have had thoughts like these on occasion. But hey, if you have then you’re in good company; the Psalmist had these thoughts too!

How do you deal with stress? I really believe that one of the reasons I enjoy the outdoors as much as I do is because of the peaceful solitude it offers. A long hike in the woods is refreshing after a stressful day. Maybe you prefer fishing, hunting, a shopping trip, or just a long drive; regardless, sometimes we just need something to release the stress in our lives.

Many things cause stress and sometimes we bring it on ourselves through our actions. But Psalm 55 was written in response to a particularly stressful situation; betrayal at the hand of a close friend. How did the Psalmist deal with the stress?

Well, he didn’t follow through on his initial thoughts about flying away into the wilderness—and neither should you. Instead, he calls out to God in prayer. Verses 16 through 18 show a proper response in times of despair. The Psalmist says, “But I call to God and the LORD will save me. Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice. He redeems my soul in safety from the battle that I wage, for many are arrayed against me.”

A couple of things stand out to me in this psalm. The most obvious is that the Psalmist calls out to God in prayer and makes his desires known. But how often does he pray? Did he pray once and gain instant relief? No, he prayed in the morning, at lunch and in the evening. The burden of his betrayal was not removed in an instant but he prayed with confidence that God could and would redeem him from the situation—from the battle he was waging.

What battles are you waging right now? What is it that irks you so much that you want to fly away and rest in a quiet spot? Do you struggle with addictions? Has someone betrayed you? Don’t run and don’t wait. Instead, “Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you...” Psalm 55:22.

Ken Askew

Taste and See

2009-05-07T05:21:00.000-05:00

“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” ESV Psalm 34:8

A couple of my buddies enjoyed a good laugh recalling this story the other day, so I thought I’d share it again here for you.

My bicycling friend told me I looked like a dead carp. You know what I mean. When a carp dies, the currents inevitably send it nose first into the shoreline where its lifeless, bloated body floats in the sunny shallows; only moving with the gentle motion of the water. That was me. Nose first into the shoreline, clothes and all, only moving with the gentle flow of Cypress Creek.

We had coaxed our wives into driving us to Nashville and dropping us off at the northern end of the Natchez Trace Parkway. In hindsight, the trip was fraught with danger. The girls were all alone as they navigated their way home past the dangerous halls of the Temple of Temptation (also known as the Cool Springs Galleria). Meanwhile, it was up to my friend and me to muster the strength and stamina to pedal home on our bikes. But given the choice, I’ll pedal the Trace any day to avoid the dangers lurking in the mall.

The first day was as hilly as anything I’ve ever ridden. There is literally not a flat spot of pavement to be found on the first 50 miles of the Trace traveling south from Nashville. Have I mentioned that our trip took place in late August? Do the words hot and humid come to mind? The first day was a 3-H day; hot, humid, and hilly. Though I have no recollection of it, I’m told that I slept for 12 hours straight that evening.

The next morning the hills subsided, but the hot August sun continued to bear down on us with all its might. To make the heat worse still, the pavement changed from a light grey chip seal to a fresh, dark black top. While infinitely smoother, it was also 15 degrees hotter. Having lost my peak riding form many years ago, this fat boy was suffering.

And suddenly there it was. Within sight of the Alabama state line was an Oasis. Cool, shallow water carved its way out of the wooded shade and flowed underneath the road. If the water could speak, I’m certain it would have called my name. So, I only shucked my shoes before plunging headlong into the creek. And it was everything I could have asked for; cool; refreshing; rejuvenating. It didn’t matter that I looked like a dead carp because I was enjoying every minute of it. The water was my refuge from the heat.

I see people every day, perhaps even you, who appear to be just as spiritually exhausted; weighed down by the worries, troubles and temptations of the day. They are exhausted, just as if they’d been riding a bike in the hot August sun all day. All the while God has provided an Oasis in Christ Jesus; cool; refreshing; rejuvenating; a refuge from the heat of the day. Won’t you taste and see that the Lord is good!

Ken Askew

Perspective

2009-05-04T07:56:00.000-05:00

Then I said in my heart, “What happens to the fool will happen to me also. Why then have I been so very wise?” And I said in my heart that this also is vanity. ESV Ecclesiastes 2:15

Though we don’t know for sure, it is widely accepted that Solomon wrote this strange book that follows Proverbs. At first glance—well, for twelve chapters—it reads like the random, contradictory musings of an old, eccentric author. But taken in it’s entirety, a great and simple truth emerges.

No earthly king has known more material wealth, wisdom or knowledge than Solomon. He literally knew it all, owned it all, ruled it all and did it all during his lifetime. When Solomon came to the end of his storied life his bucket list was complete. (That is to say that everything he wanted to do before he “kicked the bucket” was done—crossed off this list.) Yet the most repeated phrase in Ecclesiastes is “all is vanity.” Why so? The answer lies in his perspective.

Have you ever been on the outside of a heated argument looking in and wondered why on earth they were making such a fuss over something? Or perhaps you’ve been in the middle of a heated argument and wondered why someone on the outside failed to grasp the significance of your point of view. It’s the same argument viewed from different perspectives. And that’s what Ecclesiastes is all about; perspective.

The writer seems to be looking back over a lifetime filled with activities that seemed important at the time but in hindsight, the insignificance of it all begins to come into focus. Many, many items on his bucket list really didn’t matter after all; working late for an extra dollar, studying for more and more wisdom, over indulging in fun and leisure.

Now, to be fair, those things do matter. The bible commands us to provide for our families. The bible encourages wisdom. It even says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Even rest and relaxation have their place in our lives. So I’m not suggesting that we take a “do nothing” attitude towards life.

But at the end of the day, the rich and the poor along with the wise and the foolish will meet their maker. Death does not discriminate. What will seem important then? Which activities will seem important from an eternal perspective?

The book of Ecclesiastes ends with this great and simple truth: “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.”

Let these words serve as a challenge to live life from an eternal perspective.

Ken Askew

Instruments of the Master

2009-04-27T18:45:00.000-05:00

“My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” ESV James 5:19-20

There are some questions that you should always be ready to answer. For instance, our interim pastor asked me the other day how long Melisa and I have been married. Without a moments hesitation, I replied, “It seems like forever!” (It’s actually just short of 24 years and Melisa isn’t offended by my answer—I actually think she agrees.)

Back in college I had a Hindu professor single me out in a group and ask me if I believed that Jesus was the only way to heaven. Again, without a moments hesitation I replied, “Yes!” Turns out that he thought that answer was hilarious, but that’s a story for another day.

Over the years though I’ve been hit with some questions that I didn’t have a ready answer for. I remember when we were newly married, living “across the river” and full time students at UNA, we were vulnerable to falling away from church. We had been faithful to Sunday School here at Russellville, but were in danger of becoming slipping into visitor status if you know what I mean.

But fortunately, we had a Sunday School teacher who refused to let us slip through the cracks. He would call me every Saturday evening (before caller id) and hit me with a simple question: “Kenny, is there anything in the world keeping you from joining us in bible study tomorrow?” Then he’d tell me what a wonderful lesson he had planned and how blessed he would feel by our presence. The first few times, an excuse came to mind quickly enough. But after about the third or fourth week, what are you going to say? I finally had to answer, “Nothing, we’ll be there.”

In hindsight, that teacher was an instrument in the Master’s hand. God used him to keep me in church, fellowshipping with other believers during a vulnerable time. That same teacher helped me pick out my first study bible, has mentored me over the years and is still a close friend today.

While I don’t mean to suggest that every church member needs to become a member of the spiritual police squad, I think it’s healthy for mature believers to gently correct and guide less mature believers in the faith. It’s even more than that. Mature Christians have a duty to disciple younger believers in the faith.

Who do you know that may be wandering from the faith or simply need a little encouragement? I’ll bet someone came to mind. Now, how can you gently and lovingly steer them back to Christian fellowship? Will you be an instrument in the Master’s hand?

Ken Askew

Timeout!

2009-04-15T23:01:00.000-05:00

Timeout! In sports, it’s a term that expresses a team’s desire to momentarily stop the normal progression of the game so that some important or urgent adjustment can be communicated and implemented. From a child’s perspective, the term usually indicates impending punishment, or at the very least, the halting of events by some authority figure. But what might “timeout” mean to adults?

Tell the truth, does life ever come at you so fast that you want to shout timeout! ? Do you ever want to halt events—stop the normal progression of events so you can catch your breath and make adjustments? I’ve been there more than once and I think we all reach that point from time to time; some sooner than others and some more frequently than others.

A guy named Bob Buford wrote a book several years back titled Half Time. I found it during one of those times when I wanted to call timeout. It’s a quick read and one I gladly recommend (but do note that it is written to men from a man’s perspective). Anyway, Buford, speaking from personal experience, describes a change that occurs in many men (and women) when they come to realize the clock is running on this lifetime. Speaking from a mid-life perspective he says, “If the first half was a quest for success, the second half is a journey to significance.”

And just what is significance? Is it gaining more money and stuff? Does the person with the most toys win? Is significance finally getting that coveted degree or job? Is significance symbolized by a new car or boat? Is significance reached by garnering the admiration of your family and friends? Hmm... While none of these things are necessarily evil or bad in their own right, let me suggest that significance is both simpler and grander.

Significance is enduring and is achieved one step at a time. You might say that it is the imprint you leave with your passing. What does your imprint look like? As Sinclair Ferguson commented recently, “It’s what people think of you when you’ve left the room that’s important.” What do people think of you when you’ve left the room?

Now let me suggest this. Whatever your circumstance or calling live your life—one day at a time—for the glory of God and significance will be yours. Be a homemaker for the glory of God. Be a dad for the glory of God. Sell cars for the glory of God. Be a friend for the glory of God. Be a public servant for the glory of God.

Live your life so that when you’ve left the room people will think of you as one who lived each day for the glory of God and significance will be yours.

Ken Askew

Faith and Religion

2009-04-07T22:25:00.000-05:00

At lunch not too many weeks ago a business acquaintance looked up and said, “Ken, I’m skeptical of organized religion.” Elaborating, he shared some details of a bad experience from yesteryear that had left him skeptical of religion. But what started as a conversation killing statement turned into a robust conversation when I confided in him that I too was skeptical of organized religion. But do let me elaborate.

Back in college I had an interesting ethics professor who was a liberal, retired minister. I would beg to disagree with him on many issues, but he said one thing that has stuck in my mind all these years. Speaking of faith and religion, he summed it up by saying, “Faith is what you have. Religion is what you do about it.” Albeit a shallow summary, it helps explain the dilemma that organized religion finds itself bogged down in today.

Speaking of my personal faith, I believe in the one, true God of the bible; Creator and Judge of heaven and earth. But according to the word of God found in the bible, I’ve violated his precepts and have alienated myself from Him. Furthermore, I believe that there is only one way for me, as a created being, to be reconciled to the Creator and that is through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross. But even that sacrificial death is meaningless if it ends there. The bible also tells me that Christ is today my living advocate before the Judge, just as he was my sacrifice many years ago. So, basing my faith in the bible, I believe that Christ has risen from the dead; just like the bible says.

And that’s what I’ll be celebrating this Sunday with many other faithful believers in the Tharptown community. Together we’ll gather and let our faith flow freely and exercise it in a “religious” ceremony celebrating the fact that “He has risen.” We’ll be celebrating Easter!

Having said all that, why would I say that I’m skeptical of organized religion? Because there are a lot of organized religions don’t base their faith in the God of the bible. Instead they conjure up a God of their own creation; one that suits their fancy. Corrupt faith leads to corrupt religion. And believe me, those with a false faith have nothing to celebrate on Easter.

Is your faith in the God of the bible? If it is, you have every reason to celebrate Easter with other believers this weekend. Take your faith out for a walk Sunday by joining together in a joyful, worshipful celebration of the risen Christ. First timers are especially welcomed to the celebration!

Ken Askew

Deployed for Kingdom Service

2009-04-02T22:44:00.000-05:00

“And Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whose mind the Lord had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to do the work. And they received from Moses all the contribution that the people of Israel had brought for doing the work on the sanctuary. They still kept brining him freewill offerings every morning,” ESV Exodus 36:2-3

What a wonderful problem! That was my thought during an aha moment on the way to Birmingham Monday morning. I was listening to Max McLean read through the book of Exodus on my ipod when it hit me. Moses was forced to turn away volunteers and money that was presented for his building project. Well, it was God’s construction project, but Moses was his appointed leader.

Anyway, the scriptures tell us that the hearts of the people were stirred up to do work with their hands and to give money in a mighty way to support the building of a sanctuary. Their giving was such that they had to be restrained. The broader text says, “the people were restrained from bringing.” Try and imagine that today; pastors being forced to restrain people from giving to God’s work. I hang out with pastors a lot, but none of them has ever, and I mean never, so much as even whispered that this is an issue in the church today!

No, instead of being overzealous givers it seems as though we are much more comfortable and much more zealous in the task, as Neil Postman so succinctly said, of “amusing ourselves to death.” We are a people I fear who love to receive but have yet to experience the full joys of giving.

Al Mohler, in his weekly radio program on March, 27, talked about our concept retirement in America and how the current economic crisis has disrupted so many plans. But his main point was this: Regardless of our life stage, we should all be “deployed for maximum service to the Kingdom.” Now that’s an interesting thought—living each day for the glory of God—deployed for His service if you will.

Do you think that if we woke up each morning and asked God how we might use our time, talents and money to glorify Him that He just might show us? Does the thought scare you a little bit? Does it make you wonder what comfort or amusement you might have to forego? Might you have to alter your best laid plans?

Let me lay down this challenge. Tomorrow morning, before you roll out of bed and the urgent matters of the day come bearing down on you, ask God to show how to tackle your day as one “deployed for maximum service to the Kingdom.” God may stir your heart in a way that leaves you forever changed.

Ken Askew

The Power of Words

2009-03-25T20:56:00.000-05:00

“…but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.” ESV James 3:8-9

We don’t say that word! How many times have we said that to our children? Why? Because as adults, we recognize the power of words and we want our children to use them wisely. We recognize their power to ruin reputations and relationships when misused. But at the same time, words can have a positive impact too.

As a young parent, I remember one of my children barking a request from the back seat of the car one day. Trying to be a gentle guide and good parent I asked, “What’s the magic word?” (fishing for ‘please’) to which I received the forceful reply, “Right now; I mean it!” For the life of me, I still can’t imagine where that came from; and from such a good kid!

‘I can’t believe he/she said that.’ How many times have you made that statement? What likely preceded that statement? A sharp word perhaps? Something easily taken out of context? Something downright rude or crude?

How about this one: ‘I can’t believe I said that.’ Ouch! There’s nothing quite like sticking your foot in your mouth. By the way, you can wedge your foot in there pretty tight with a pen or a keyboard too. I’ve become so conscious of it that I’ve got a one-minute delay on outgoing emails at work. And more than once, because I don’t like the taste of shoe leather, I’ve gone back and edited a message before it left.

I heard Paul Tripp point out a chilling reality at a conference last fall. He said that if we are honest, more often than not when we say “please forgive me, I didn’t meant to say that,” we should more truthfully beg “please forgive me for saying what I meant.” You see, nothing comes out of your mouth that wasn’t in your heart, even in the tiniest portion, to begin with.

On a personal note, let me confess a couple of things. I’ve said things in my own house that, in hind site, were uncalled for; even mean spirited at times. Thankfully, I’ve got a forgiving family. And just the other day in a committee meeting another member commented: “Ken, you’re so diplomatic.” But I felt obliged to tell them that diplomatic responses were not always the first thoughts to cross my mind. My point in sharing this is simply to let you know that I struggle with taming my tongue just like you do.

Our words have tremendous power. Used loosely and without careful consideration our words are capable of producing great harm. Used properly and carefully, our words our capable of producing great joy; even a joyful noise unto our Lord. Deliberately harness the power of your words this week so that your words are received with great joy.

Ken Askew

The Blame Game

2009-03-25T20:55:00.001-05:00

“But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.” ESV 2 Corinthians 11:3-4

A friend sent me an email this week that read in part: “If there has ever been a time in our society and church that the family needs reinforcing and encouraging, it is now.” At first glance I recognized the statement as a keen and true observation. Then I started to wonder where we might be missing the boat in our families and churches. Why do we find ourselves in a predicament? Why do we so desperately need reinforcing?

As I pondered the question it occurred to me that our challenges are not really new. As a matter of fact, they go all the way back to the Garden of Eden. And the very root of our issues is our inherent resistance to acknowledging our sins. We simply don’t like to take personal responsibility for our actions and that mindset permeates our families too.

You’ll recall that Adam and Eve played the blame game. When God confronted them with their sin Adam blamed Eve and Eve in turn blamed the serpent but neither one of them desired to take responsibility for their sins. Isn’t it still that way today? Sure it is. As a matter of fact, our society promotes the blame game; finger pointing is in and personal culpability is out.

Paul wrote to churches with an endearing pen much like one would write to an extended family. And when he penned this letter to the Corinthian church family, it was a very pointed letter meant to keep them focused, or to refocus them, on truth and not deception.

Much could be said about our verses, but let me focus on just this thought: The Corinthian church family found itself in need of reinforcement because they were easily and readily deceived by the cunning thoughts and rhetoric of the day. Preachers were telling them what they wanted to hear and the Corinthians “put up with it readily enough.”

Think for a moment of the false teachings we readily put up with it today. As a society, we are driven by a ‘me centered’ mindset that discounts personal responsibility. And we don’t want to be held accountable by God or anyone else for our actions. No, it’s much more comfortable to play the blame game and put off personal accountability.

Let me challenge you to begin reinforcing your family today by keeping everyone focused on God’s word and not the world’s guidance. Let Christ reign in your home. Don’t accept the foolish notions of society and don’t play the blame game.

Ken Askew

It’s Just Stuff

2009-03-13T06:53:00.000-05:00

Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. ESV James 1:9-11

How do you think biblically about your stuff? Well, you begin by recognizing that it’s just stuff. Can you say that—it’s just stuff—with sincerity? I’ve got a friend who’s in full time ministry that experienced the devastation of a house fire a few years ago. Worse still, my friend and his family experienced the devastation of an uninsured house fire. They lost all of their material possessions; everything. Thankfully, they escaped physically unharmed and have been able to rejoice in that. And, thinking biblically, they describe their destroyed and missing items as ‘just stuff.’

I’ve heard other folks speak of material possessions in the same manner over the years, but all too often it seems that we worship our stuff. Gathering more of it seems to be an end in itself and protecting it becomes a time consuming chore. We build bigger barns to hold our toys instead of enjoying and appreciating the more enduring treasures around us. I dare say that many folks would be insulted by the thought of their material greatness being referred to as ‘just stuff.’

James wouldn’t have any qualms with our terminology though. Well, neither would Isaiah, the Psalmists or Jesus himself to name just a few. But anyway, James is pointing out that our security and real worth is not wrapped up in stuff. All of our things will be stripped away one day and only the enduring, eternal things will matter. And the true object of our worship will be revealed.

Warren Wiersbe sums up this passage as well as anyone I’ve read. He says, “God’s testings have a way of leveling us. When testing comes to the poor man, he lets God have His way and rejoices that he possesses spiritual riches that cannot be taken from him. When testing comes to the rich man, he also lets God have His way, and he rejoices that his riches in Christ cannot wither or fade away. In other words, it is not our material resources that take you through the testings of life; it is your spiritual resources.”

So, continuing with our recent theme of how to think biblically in everyday situations, one way is to recognize that our confidence cannot be in our possessions. From a biblical and eternal perspective, our material possessions are, well, ‘just stuff.’ All the while true joy, confidence, security and our blessed hope rests in Christ alone.

Ken Askew

The Faith of Friends

2009-03-04T22:35:00.000-06:00

And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” ESV Mark 2:3-5

A friend stopped by my office the other afternoon and shared this verse with me. As we visited, we began to marvel at the ‘faith in action’ that these guys exemplified. Don’t you think it paints a beautiful picture of Christianity at work?

Everywhere Jesus visited, people we living in sin; yet he didn’t say to everyone “your sins are forgiven.” Everywhere Jesus visited, people were sick; yet he didn’t heal everyone. Everywhere Jesus visited, people were enduring hardships; yet he didn’t remove all suffering. But if you’ll read this entire passage, you’ll see that this encounter resulted in both forgiveness and healing by the grace of Jesus Christ. Why?

Well, while being careful not to drift from the text and not pretending to know the mind or purposes of God, let me suggest two things. First, the text tells us plainly that Jesus was moved by “their faith;” which certainly could mean that Jesus was moved by the faith of the paralytic and the faith of his friends. Secondly, and less obvious, I note the persistency in which they sought Jesus. Great crowd’s had gathered around Jesus making it difficult to approach him hauling a paralytic around on a cot. But did they turn around and go home? Nope. Instead, they removed a section of the roof and lowered their friend down. Picture that in your mind for a moment—hauling their paralytic friend onto the roof, physically removing roof tiles, wedging their friend through the hole and lowering him down to Jesus—and you’ll see a picture of what persistency looks like.

But practically, what does that mean to us today? How might we live out that same kind of faith with persistency? As my friend and I talked, three answers gelled in my mind. First, as Christians, we should most certainly care about the physical and spiritual well being of those around us. Secondly, we have been given the privilege and liberty of approaching Christ directly in prayer and making our needs known. So, prayer on behalf of friends is one of the physical acts of faith we can perform. And finally, in addition to caring and praying, we can become involved in the lives of those around us. We can build relationships.

Yes, I know that relationships are sometimes difficult and messy, but personal relationships are also a way or means of bringing folks to the saving and healing found only in the grace of Christ Jesus. So, my prayer for you is that your faith may prove to be a means of grace to your friends this week. God bless.

Ken Askew

Servant of the Lord Jesus Christ

2009-02-28T14:12:00.000-06:00

“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion.” James 1:1

Wow, just how much can you pack into one verse? This isn’t the first time that the subject of servitude has come up in this column, but since it’s a recurring biblical theme it only seems appropriate that we visit it once more.

What does it mean to be a servant? Well, to be a servant to someone indicates that someone else has a certain claims to your time and talents either voluntarily or by compulsion.

Then what must it mean to be a servant of God? To be a servant of God is acknowledge and honor God for who he is and humbly submit our time and talents to him forevermore. There are many Old Testament characters that could be labeled servants of God; Abraham, the nomadic farmer; Moses the herdsman; Nehemiah who worked in King’s court; David, King of Israel; Joshua the great military leader; the list could go on. But that’s enough to establish a pattern. All these men were servants of God—even in their everyday occupations and in everyday situations.

So, can we be servants of God in our everyday occupations and in everyday situations? Absolutely. Not only servants of God the Father, but also servants of the Lord Jesus Christ! Thomas Manton says of this claim: “Well, then, James is not only God’s servant by the right of creation and providence, but Christ’s servant by the right of redemption.” He goes so far as to imply that we were redeemed for the very purpose of servitude: “In Christ God hath a new claim in you, and ye are bought with his blood, that ye may be his servants.” Redeemed for the King’s service—what a thought!

In the New Testament, there is no greater example of a servant than that of the Apostle Paul. In Philippians 3:8-9 the Paul shares his thoughts on being a servant of Christ. Suffice it to say that Paul counted anything other than servitude to Christ as his loss. Paul’s Christian life was not easy. As a matter of fact, it was filled with difficulty and fraught with danger. Yet, Paul gladly happily persevered as a servant of Christ.

Here’s an important thought that you can put to good use this week. This week I challenge you to begin to think biblically in everyday situations by beginning to think of yourself as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ—regardless of your circumstances. Face each day by inserting your name in the place of James. _________, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ken Askew

Politics in Perspective

2009-02-21T22:00:00.000-06:00

“And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,” ESV Acts 17:26-27

A reader sent me this thought provoking question last week: “How should I think Biblically about this new president and all the 'changes' he is making, particularly those that go against Scripture?” Hmmm. Well, that’s sort of two questions; one about the man and the second about his decisions. But the answer is the same for each.

The question betrays two things about the reader. First, that he genuinely desires to think biblically in regards to our country and secondly, the he is trying to bring Scripture to bear on an everyday situation—both are admirable. His question made me think about an article written back in November before anyone knew who had won the election. And you know what? The same biblical principles apply today after the election.

Biblical thinking begins with prayer. So, as we consider how to think biblically regarding the office of president and President Obama himself, Christians should consider prayer for the President of utmost importance. Sincere, heartfelt prayer has a way of putting things into perspective that removes our biases and preconceived notions from the equation. Prayer is like a salve to the petitioner that promotes humility. Have you ever noticed how it’s hard to be angry with someone you’re praying for?

Biblical thinking also acknowledges and affirms God’s Word in all situations. So, Christians should take heart in the fact that God himself has ordained the “allotted periods and the boundaries” of our nation. God has most assuredly ordained the term and tenure of President Obama and our other elected leaders. And no decree or decision (biblical or unbiblical) escapes his all-knowing, searching eyes. Now, to know why God allows decrees and decisions that seemingly violate his word would be to know the mind of God and we don’t know the mind of God and his ways are not our ways. His viewpoint is infinitely greater than our viewpoint; he sees things perfectly from eternity past to eternity future while see but a glimpse through sin tainted eyes.

Biblical thinking takes action based on scripture. I was reminded in a sermon just this past Sunday that Christ didn’t engage in political activism. Instead, Christ focused on the task the Father had sent Him to accomplish. Likewise, we are to do the same. The actions of others are beyond our control but for our own actions we must one day give an account. Makes you think seriously about being about the Father’s business doesn’t it?

So, my answer is threefold: Seek God in prayer. Trust in the truthfulness of God’s Word. Live your life according to Scripture. Do these three things and you can confidently face today and look towards tomorrow.

Ken Askew

Words to Live By

2009-02-11T07:51:00.000-06:00

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. ESV Hebrews 4:12-13

More than once I’ve heard people say that they just don’t understand the Bible. You’ve probably heard that same comment. The best observation I’ve heard regarding folks that make that comment came from Zig Ziglar. Zig says he’s convinced that “it’s not the parts they don’t understand that really bothers them.” And Zig is right.

I’ve been troubled lately by what I can only describe as a lack of biblical thinking—even among professing Christians; church goers if you will. It seems that all too often we relegate the bible to a position of importance in our lives as a fire extinguisher. That is, we know where it is in case of an emergency. And that’s unfortunate, because the bible is much more than an emergency tool; I’d go so far as to call it a life giving necessity. Our verse today describes it as being “sharper than any two-edged sword” and able to pierce to the inner most depths of our soul. Why then do we set it aside for emergency use only? Sadly, many people simply don’t want to know what the bible says for fear that it would crimp their plans. And quiet frankly, that attitude is more problematic than people who outright don’t a give a rip what the bible says; the latter being much less hypocritical than the former.

A friend of mine wrote a paper a few years ago on the sufficiency of scripture. As he worked on that paper, I think he practiced on me. We’d be talking about some everyday topic or issue and he’d say, with the slightest stutter, “Now Ken, lets think what the bible has to say about that.” And you know what, we could usually bring scripture to bear relatively quickly on whatever was weighing on our minds. In hindsight, I don’t mind the fact that he practiced on me because he made great strides in teaching me how to think biblically and approach every day issues with a Christian worldview. (By the way, John MacArthur edited a fine book titled Think Biblically! Recovering a Christian Worldview a few years back.) Now, I’m still learning how to think biblically—I’ve not arrived or mastered it by any stretch. But I do genuinely strive to think biblically.

The bible contains words to live by; words to guide us in our everyday lives. So, over the next several weeks we’ll look at what the bible has to say about some everyday issues. Perhaps it will cultivate a sincere desire in your heart to think biblically. No promises, but if you have a particular issue you’d like to see addressed in this column over the coming weeks, drop me an email and I’ll see what I can do. God bless.

-Ken Askew

Memory Lane

2009-02-04T19:15:00.000-06:00

And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. ESV Luke 22:19-20

I took a trip down memory lane last week. It began the moment I pulled that old quilt out of the closet. I’m not certain exactly how old the quilt is, but I am positive that it’s over thirty years old; I’m guessing thirty-three or so. It’s stained near the top where my name is embroidered and it has an aged smell about it. My grandmother Askew hand stitched the little fishermen that are on each square. And the irregular stitches throughout testify to the hand quilting.

My trip took a turn south and continued as I pulled down an afghan that my grandmother Kimbrough made for me. It’s heavy, with tight loops in the yarn. It’s the kind of comforter you’d pull down on the coldest of days with an eye towards the couch and a good book. In my mind’s eye I can still see her toiling away at it today twenty-five years or so later.

As I admire, touch and smell these heirlooms left by my grandmothers, a flood of memories comes over me. I recall romping at the “old home place” of each of them. One was about five miles north of Cherokee; the other about five miles to the south. As a child, I hunted on one home place and played in the creek and barn at the other. Memories of both are fond and vivid. And the memories of both and the hope of seeing them again are brought to my recollection by something as simple as a quilt and an afghan.

Christ left us with a simple ritual (some would say ordinance or sacrament) to bring to our recollection his death, burial, resurrection and his imminent return. The modern Protestant church refers to it as The Lord’s Supper. It was instituted at the last Passover meal that Christ shared with his disciples before he was betrayed. A meal meant to bring remembrance of the exodus from Egypt.

But that day Christ changed the order of the traditional meal. He broke with tradition and instituted a ritual for His disciples that was decidedly different. No longer would they celebrate their ancestor’s exodus and deliverance from Egyptian bondage by the blood of a lamb. No, henceforth they would celebrate their deliverance from the bondage of sin through the blood of The Lamb of God.

So, I urge you. The next time that bread is broken and the cup is passed at your church, take time to remember. Take time to recall that Christ purchased your redemption from sin with His body and with His blood. Recall that He rose from the grave. And remember His promise to return again for His church. As you take The Lord’s Supper, do so “in remembrance of [Him].”

-Ken Askew

When Tempted to Despair

2009-01-30T09:28:00.000-06:00

A SONG OF ASCENTS. Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD! O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy! If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning. O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.

-ESV Psalm 130

It seems that you need to look no further than the morning headlines to be tempted to despair these days. So, in these unsettling times it’s good to have godly friends to remind of us of simple, yet profound truths and to guide us in God’s Word; especially when hope can seem far away. I was encouraged just last week by a friend when he commented that it is the devil who would have us believe that we are without hope in our circumstances, but that in Christ, hope abounds regardless of circumstance.

The headlines remind us that many things happen every day over which we have little or no control. The economy suffers a slow down. People lose their jobs. Household finances dry up. Children get sick. You get dreaded news from the doctor. The car breaks down. Friends seem too preoccupied to care. Taken together, the list can seem overwhelming at times. And when we find ourselves in those circumstances, we can be tempted to despair.

But for Christians, current circumstances (good or bad) are mere momentary events; blips on the radar in the big scheme of things. Why? Because Christians don’t find their hope and happiness in their health, wealth and possessions. No, Christians find their ultimate hope and happiness in their relationship with the Lord. And it is to Him that they cry for mercy, grace and guidance—especially when circumstances seem overwhelming.

If the headlines or circumstances have tempted you to despair, dwell on the truths of these words from an old Puritan prayer titled The Valley of Vision: “Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells, and the deeper the wells the brighter Thy stars shine; let me find Thy light in my darkness, Thy life in my death, Thy joy in my sorrow, Thy grace in my sin, Thy riches in my poverty, Thy glory in my valley.”

Christians! Lift your eyes to heaven, behold the stars and call on your heavenly Father. And do not be tempted to despair at the headlines or your circumstances. Jesus is still on the throne.

-Ken Askew

Servant of the living God

2009-01-21T17:21:00.000-06:00

“And the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth.” ESV Genesis 18:1-2

Would you recognize God if he knocked on your door? Seriously, do you know God well enough that you would have a clue it was Him at the door? Would you instantly recognize him and welcome Him into your home in the same way you would recognize your boss standing on your front porch and welcome him or her in? Or would you pull the blinds, hit the lights, mute the television and ignore the strangers on the porch? Hmmm…

Well it wasn’t a dilemma for Abraham. When God came calling in bodily form (LORD) Abraham recognized Him and his companions immediately. Notice that there were three visitors, and while the bible is not altogether clear on this, a strong case can be made for the three visitors all being of a divine nature; clearly though, Abraham perceived one as God in a human form. But I digress.

At first glimpse of the trio Abraham sprang to his feet, then ran and greeted them with utmost respect and humility; hardly the kind of greeting we might envision a stranger receiving from the patriarch. No, this was a greeting reserved for a dear friend, a king, or boss (lord). Greetings aside, their arrival set the whole farm, from his wife to his servants, abuzz—at Abraham’s command, water was brought for the guests to freshen up, Sarah was set to baking bread and farm hands slaughtered and prepared the hand picked, tender calf for the main course. At the same time others were sent to gather curds and milk to complement the main course. It must have been a feast to behold! I can almost smell it.

Dinner prepared, the wealthy, the mighty Abraham whose descendents would be “as many as the stars of heaven” set the meal before his guests and then “he stood by them under the tree while they ate.” (Gen. 18:8) Did you catch it? He stood by them. He didn’t partake of the meal. He didn’t sit at the head of the table. He didn’t fish for compliments as a gracious host. No, he took on the manner of a servant and stood by them as they ate.

You see, Abraham had the pleasure of knowing and serving the living God. He served Him with his time. He served him with and through his family. He served him with his possessions. He served him through his vocation. Abraham happily served God with all his heart, soul and mind. Abraham knew God personally.

God revealed Himself to Abraham in various ways, but today, He most commonly reveals Himself in scripture. Won’t you spend some time getting to know Him today? God bless.

-Ken Askew

Where’s the Love of God

2009-01-16T07:11:00.000-06:00

“In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.” ESV 1 John 4:9

The testimony was eerily familiar to me as I listened to our Turkish visitor last Sunday. Ever so slowly I came to realize that the slides this man was showing me were pictures of three Christian martyrs that I had written about almost two years ago. I had read and recounted the events with a heavy heart. This man had wept at their funeral.

It was mid-April in Malatya, Turkey when three men, ages 32, 36 and 46 passed into eternity at the edge of a blade while at work in a Christian publishing house. Why were these Christians killed? The short answer is summed up by one of the five assailants who claimed: “We did this for our country. They are attacking our religion.” This…in a country where less than 1% of the population professes Christianity.

Many people would be bitter at such a senseless loss of friends, yet our visitor’s faith seems to have been strengthened by the murders. His only request to us was that we pray that God would grant perseverance for the saints in the face of such persecution.

But where is the love of God in all this? Is God’s love absent when we experience tragedy? No, God’s love is still with us even in persecution; even death. John Flavel has described Jesus Christ as “the highest and fullest manifestation of the love of God to sinners, that ever was made from eternity to them.” You see, God has already given the world the greatest expression of His love possible. It doesn’t get any better than Christ and no amount of persecution can snatch that love from those who believe in him.

And God’s love is near to us today. Even in the midst of horror, disbelief, grief and tragedy, God’s love is still alive. God’s love is still magnificent. God’s love is still held out to a wicked generation. Paul reminds us in Romans 5:8 that “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

So, what is a proper response to the love of God manifested in Christ? Flavel writes that “if the greatest love hath been manifested in giving Christ to the world, then it follows, that the greatest evil and wickedness is manifested in despising, slighting, and rejecting Christ.”

Don’t reject Christ. Reach out and embrace God’s love for yourself. Take hold of Christ so that even in death you might live through him.

Finally, those of you who have taken hold of Christ, those of you who have experienced God’s love, pray for perseverance for the saints facing persecution around the globe.

Who will you call on?

2009-01-07T21:20:00.000-06:00

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” ESV James 1:5-6

A popular movie several years back popularized the phrase “Who you gonna call?” And as trivial as this example may seem, it exemplifies the point I wish to impart today. When you lack skill and expertise in a certain area, it pays to call on someone who possesses skill in that area.

How many times have you started a project at home and gotten in over your head? I can’t count the times that I’ve given up on plumbing projects and finally called in a professional plumber; ditto for electrical projects. Come to think of it, I’d be better off calling the pros on most of my home projects. The point is that I end up calling on people who I know are skilled in areas where I am not.

Here’s another example. I’ve got a friend who’s in the tree trimming business. He knows his craft well and if I could bear to watch, I know I’d be fascinated at the way those trees come down just where he wants them to fall. His method is of course opposed to my much more dramatic method, which is to get my saw permanently wedged into an almost finished cut and wait for the wind to fell the tree wherever it wishes. When it comes to tree trimming, it pays to go with the pro.

Our passage today doesn’t deal with plumbing, electricity or tree trimming, but wisdom. The passage begins with a somewhat rhetorical question “If any of you lacks wisdom…” I say this is somewhat rhetorical because everyone lacks wisdom when they compare themselves to the all-knowing God of the bible. We all absolutely lack wisdom!

But here’s what’s most striking about the passage. The all-knowing God of the bible stands ready to impart wisdom in generous portions to all who will ask in faith. What exactly does that mean? Well, positively, it means that when I recognize and acknowledge God for who he is, the unfathomable Creator of heaven and earth, and call upon him in that spirit of humility, that he will give me wisdom to bring to bear on whatever I’m facing. Negatively, it means that if I waver between handling things by my own strength and wisdom or the world’s wisdom versus turning it over to God, then I need not expect any generous portions of wisdom from God. Instead, I should expect to be tossed wherever the winds of this world would have me.

Life is too short to be about tossed like waves on a windy ocean. Call on God, if faith, for wisdom in whatever you face today. God bless.

A Resolution Worth Keeping

2008-12-31T21:19:00.000-06:00

“And Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, "I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the LORD." And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. …When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes.”
ESV 2 Kings 22:8;11

Before this day is over hundreds of thousands of people scattered all over the country will be making New Year’s resolutions. They’ll all be well intentioned. Most will be sincere. But many people will underestimate difficulties involved in keeping resolutions while overestimating their ability and/or desire to keep them. So, a good many resolutions will simply be abandoned early next year without a second thought.

But some resolutions are worth keeping. Let me suggest just one resolution for you that is most certainly worth keeping: ‘Resolved in 2009, to regularly and diligently search for God in his word and to keep his commandments.’ It is a resolution worth keeping; I promise.

You see, I’m convinced that the Bible is God’s primary way of revealing himself in our day and age. That being the case, the Bible is the one book above all others that can truly transform lives; in the present and for eternity. It is a book through which God speaks.

God’s word has been transforming lives for thousands of years. The book that Shaphan read to the king (Josiah) was most likely the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy. God spoke to king Josiah through that book. When the word was read to him he recognized it as true. He also recognized the wickedness of his kingdom and subjects in light of the words and he “tore his clothes” in anguish. Josiah’s repentance before God resulted in Josiah’s deliverance from God’s coming wrath against Judah. Point: God’s word transforms kings.

Here’s another example. A zealous persecutor of Christians and Christianity named Saul was transformed by God’s word. So dramatic was his transformation that we speak fondly of him today as Paul; the gifted evangelist and writer of much of the New Testament. From then on, Paul never got his fill of God’s word. As he sat in a cold Roman prison near the end of his life, he wrote to Timothy asking him to visit and bring some personal items “and above all the things the parchments;” referring to God’s word. Point: God’s word transforms his enemies.

What effect has the Bible had on you? Paul wrote to the Romans that the gospel was “the power of God for salvation.” He wrote to Timothy that all Scripture was “profitable for teaching…[and] training in righteousness.” Have you experienced the Bible’s trans-forming power yet? If you have, are you using it for “training in righteousness?”

‘Resolved in 2009, to regularly and diligently search for God in his word and to keep his commandments.’

Scripture Says it Best

2008-12-24T21:17:00.000-06:00

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,
but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you"? Or again, "I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son"? And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him."

Of the angels he says, "He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire."
But of the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions."

And, "You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end."

And to which of the angels has he ever said, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet"? Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
ESV Hebrews 1:1-2:4

In the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, let’s dare not forget Christ the Savior.

Merry Christmas!

Redeem the Time

2008-12-17T09:11:00.000-06:00

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” ESV Ephesians 5:15-16

Each of the past few years I’ve taken time in the fall to read a couple of sermons by one of my favorite theologians, Jonathan Edwards. One of the sermons is titled Procrastination; the other is titled The Preciousness of Time. Both of them remind me that every day is a gift from God.

Tabletalk, a devotional magazine, published an article about Edwards recently that brought him to mind this week. In it, they quote Sean Lucas as saying: “There was a time when Jonathan Edwards wasn’t Jonathan Edwards. That is to say, there was a time before Edwards was the great theologian and pastor his is now known to be.” His point is that Edwards made some decisions as a young man that very much impacted the direction that his life would take.

Somewhere beginning along about the age of nineteen, Edwards, over the course of a few years, penned seventy resolutions to himself. (They’re easy to find online if you’ll search keywords Edwards and resolutions.) Here is a sampling of his resolutions:

#5 Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.

#6 Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

#16 Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.

#17 Resolved, that I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.

#28 Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

#43 Resolved, never, henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God’s.

Very soon Christmas celebrations and feasts will be in full swing. Many folks (myself included) would do well to adopt Edwards’ 20th resolution: Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance, in eating and drinking. Ouch!

Every time I read his resolutions I’m awestruck at his disciplined way of thinking. If you’ll read them all, you’ll quickly note that all seventy of his resolutions reflect his intense desire to honor God in all his ways.

Jonathan Edwards not only made God-centered resolutions; he lived them. Jonathan Edwards, while not without fault, sincerely strived for a godly lifestyle. Do you live each day for the glory of God? Paul admonishes us to do so in 1Corinthians 10:31 where he writes: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

What God-centered resolutions might you pen to yourself today? It’s never to late to start.

Ken Askew

Fire Came Down

2008-12-11T23:19:00.000-06:00

“As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. And the priests could not enter the house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord filled the Lord’s house.” ESV 2 Chronicles 7:1-2

How would we react today if we were to truly behold the glory of God? The Bible tells us that no man can see the actual face of God and live to tell about it. But there are several biblical accounts of the glory of God being seen.

Moses desired and asked to see God, but God cautioned him otherwise and instead instructed Moses to hide his face in the cleft of a rock as He passed by. Moses did and looked only to behold the glory of God from behind. Other biblical accounts described Moses’ face shining after coming out of the presence of God; so much so that he often wore a veil until it subsided.

Isaiah recounts his calling to ministry in Isaiah chapter six. On beholding the glory of God, Isaiah could only utter a cry of utter despair on his own behalf. He cried “Woe is me! For I am lost…for my eyes have seen the King, the lord of hosts.” In Isaiah’s vision, the hem of God’s robe alone filled the entire temple. And in the presence of the glory of God, Isaiah, perhaps one of the greatest prophets ever, could only view himself as doomed. I’m convinced that we should view God with the same sense of awe and wonder.

In our text today, King Solomon has just finished praying a prayer of dedication for the temple he has constructed for God. As soon as he’s finished, fire rains down from heaven and consumes the offerings and sacrifices that have been presented. Picture that in your mind—fire raining down from heaven. In my mind, it was a magnificent display of the greatness, majesty, and glory of God to the people.

How would we react to such a display? How would we react if fire rained down from heaven and consumed the parking lot at church Sunday? I can picture news crews convening on the scene (assuming nothing more spectacular occurred that day) to document the event. In a society that demands logical and immediate explanations for everything, speculation would begin almost immediately as to the cause. And if my intuition is correct, very little speculation would lean towards a miraculous faith-based answer. No, I suspect we’d try to explain it as an unusual, yet natural event.

How did the people present at the time react? “…they bowed down with their faces to the ground on the pavement and worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, ‘For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.’”

How would you react after witnessing the glory of God? Food for thought.

Ken Askew

Teaching and Testimony

2008-12-06T17:03:00.000-06:00

“…should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living? To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.” ESV Isaiah 8:19b-20.

God’s hand of discipline was weighing heavy on the nation when Isaiah penned these words. Things were bad and they were about to get worse. People would no doubt be moaning and groaning about their predicament. The nation as a whole was about to have what I like to call a pity party. Talk around town would center on their problems. Some would speak against God. Some would even consult fortunetellers and try to get advice from the dead!

I don’t know that we are experiencing God’s discipline, but as a nation, we are facing some difficult times. There’s little doubt now that we are in the midst of an economic recession and some folks will lose their jobs or be affected in other ways. Many of our neighbors are facing challenges that have nothing to do with the economy. Struggles with addictions, health issues, depression; the list goes on. I wonder where everyone is looking for answers? Coffee shops? Television? Fortunetellers? Pity parties?

Isaiah’s words bite just as hard today, here and now (and especially to Christians), as they did when he wrote them some 2,700 years ago. “…should not a people inquire of their God?” Why would a people of God turn first to every other means available for advice? Why would we depend on advice from the created instead of the Creator? Why would some go so far as to consult fortunetellers for their answers? Sounds silly doesn’t it?

The one thing that I’d like to communicate today is that Christians should always--no, Christians must--turn to God for advice. How? Through prayer and bible study. I read a book once whose title sums the concept well: “Think Biblically.”

Why is it so difficult to think biblically? Sadly, I think it’s because we sometimes don’t really want to know what God has to say about an issue. It’s much easier and soothing to cry out to a sympathetic friend than it is to lean on the sometimes difficult principles, precepts and truths that come from the Bible. Isaiah had a slightly different take on it. His opinion seemed to be that those who refused to turn to God’s word had never truly experienced God’s light; “it is because they have no dawn.”

So, be careful where you seek advice. Be mindful that God the Creator of heaven and earth is just a prayer away. Always keep in mind that His word is true and His precepts are not a burden. Be courageous and faithful enough to ‘think biblically” in all you do “To teaching and to the testimony!”

Ken Askew

Thanks for God

2008-11-26T12:09:00.000-06:00

Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and he is to be held in awe above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. 1 Chronicles 16:23-26

The ark of God had finally made it to Jerusalem. Great care had been taken this time to move it according to God’s proscribed methods and by those appointed to the task. (It had been mishandled previously with grievous results.) After situating the ark properly in a tent and offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, the trumpets blew and King David gave a long song of thanksgiving. The thanksgiving song of David actually runs from verses 8-36, but you can get the gist from our verses today. It was Thanksgiving Day for Israel.

Tomorrow, it will be Thanksgiving Day in the United States. And many, though not all, will give thanks to the God of the Bible. Certainly, we have many things to be thankful for. We can be thankful that we were born in a country of abundance. We can be thankful for the gift of the day. Many will offer thanks for health. No doubt many will ask God’s blessing on a family gathering and a traditional feast. We will remember our soldiers who have fought and those who are still fighting to protect our freedoms; and rightfully so. We will be thankful for our families. We will be thankful for what God’s done for us.

But before the final amen, knives and forks will be set on ready and thoughts of thankfulness will give way to gorging, visiting, TV surfing and napping. Yet perhaps for one brief moment we will have paused and given thanks to God for blessing us. Doesn’t that ring just a little bit hollow to you? Don’t misunderstand, we should pause and thank God for his blessings; for what he’s done for us. But, somehow I think we miss a bigger reason for thanksgiving. Would it not be more glorifying to God if we were thankful for God instead of only thankful for his blessings?

Notice how David offered thanks and gave directions on being thankful. He instructs a nation to sing to the boss of all the earth; the Lord. He instructs a nation to tell of God’s wonderful works of salvation each and every day; to declare God’s glory. David lets the people know that God is great and God is greatly to be praised! He points out that God is greater than any idol; greater than our blessings; greater than anything to be found in all the earth. You see, David is thankful that God is God; he’s thankful for God. And David offers thanks in a way that glorifies God for being God.

Tomorrow, pause and give thanks to God for the many, many blessings you enjoy. But please don’t forget to also give thanks for God; for His majesty; for His power; for His greatness. God is great and greatly to be praised!

-Ken Askew

Wisdom, Faith, Courage, Peace and God’s Will

2008-11-22T22:18:00.000-06:00

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.
ESV Hebrews 11:8

This past week during our Sunday morning Bible study hour we spent some time discussing difficult decisions. Particularly, we discussed what it must be like to be a minister (and/or a minister’s wife) when it seems God is calling you to a new location. All kinds of thoughts flowed in our discussion. Where will we live? What will the people be like? We like it fine where we are; does God really want us to go? What is God’s will? We ended up with a pretty impressive list.

Next, we discussed how we might pray for someone as they faced difficult decisions. As we thought through how we might pray, we tried to think of Biblical examples. While we used several examples, there’s probably nobody in the Bible that better personifies our conclusion than Abraham. Abraham displayed wisdom in his decisions, faith in his obedience, courage in times of difficulty, peace at all times and I can’t recall him ever desiring anything to the intentional opposition of God’s revealed will. We finally decided that we should pray as follows:

Wisdom: That God may grant wisdom in much the same way he granted Solomon wisdom as a young leader. Of course godly wisdom is the product of knowledge multiplied by prayerful meditation. And in this sense, true knowledge is found only in God’s word.

Faith: That God would provide faith like Abraham had. You’ll recall that Abraham displayed faith by obediently answering God’s call and leaving his homeland for lands yet unknown to him based solely on the promise God made to him. He also displayed immeasurable faith when he was faced with the prospect of sacrificing his only son.

Courage: That God would grant the strength and courage to “do all things through Christ.”

Peace: That God would grant the peace that “surpasses all understanding;” a peace that is found only in Christ.

God’s will: And finally, thinking of how Jesus taught his disciples to pray and how he himself prayed; that God’s “will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” Indeed, this should be the mark of all Christians; that they should desire that God’s will be done in all things, in all situations, and in all places.

Now, many people wrestle with this last one (God’s will) intensely at times while others are much too nonchalant about the matter. What is God’s will and can I know it? Is God’s will for our lives very narrow and focused like an ink dot on the center of a page or is it broader? Is it possible that it’s more like a wide circle with definite boundaries but encompassing all within? Just some food for thought for future discussion...

But for now let’s follow Paul’s charge to the Corinthians: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” And let’s not neglect a most powerful tool for decision making—prayer. God bless.

Ken Askew

Work with Integrity

2008-11-12T17:42:00.000-06:00

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his way crooked will be found out. ESV Proverbs 10:9

This past week I’ve heard at least two sermons where physical labor was referred to as God honoring. Each time the speaker went on to say that God honoring work should be a joy rather than a burden. One speaker even said that if a young man came calling on his daughter that the question of work would be the second question he’d ask; coming in right behind questions of faith. And the wrong answer to either would eliminate the suitor!

When you think of it, God has ordained that man work. Adam tended to the Garden even before he fell into sin. So it should follow that man is capable of obedience to what God has commanded with a cheerful heart even though since the fall it has been tiresome.

Many verses come to mind when I think about work. One proverb in the King James Version says that a sluggard doesn’t plow because of the cold and as a result of his slack he “shall beg in harvest and have nothing.” In the book of Colossians we are admonished to honor our employers and to “work as unto the Lord.” As you read the letters of Paul you’ll note that he worked with his hands throughout his ministry so as not to be a burden to his hosts. And how can you ignore the industrious Proverbs 31 woman who is referred to as being “…far more precious than jewels?” So again, work is most certainly a biblically ordained part of our lives both inside and outside the home.

I sat in on a Bible study Tuesday morning where the question was raised, how do we teach these biblical principles of God honoring work to our children? As tough as that question is in our generation, I submit to you that there is one even more difficult. How do we teach our children to work with integrity?

Work is one thing. But God honoring work has to be done with integrity. God honoring work is done with honesty; honesty to clients, honesty to employers and honesty to fellow employees—God honoring work has to be done with integrity. Everyone involved gets a fair shake.

When you work with integrity, you never have to look over your shoulder. You never have to be ashamed or embarrassed by your actions, and you never have to wonder if or when your misdeed might be uncovered to your chagrin.

But watch TV for just a few minutes and you’ll be inundated with examples of crooked deeds in the workplace. Read the headlines on almost any day and you’ll have real life examples of corruption in the workplace.

Let me challenge you consciously work with integrity this week; work as unto the Lord. And don’t be shy about passing on the benefits of working with integrity to the next generation.

-Ken Askew

Election Day in Perspective

2008-11-09T14:57:00.001-06:00

“And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,” ESV Acts 17:26-27

As I write this article on Monday evening, the world is anxiously awaiting Election Day 2008 in the United States. Who will be our next President? How will the House or Representatives and the Senate be changed? What will the election mean for our economy?

Yet as you read this on Wednesday, the anticipation is gone. The votes have been cast and counted. What lies ahead now is most likely either a sense of dread or a sense of gleeful expectation; depending on how you voted. But let me offer an alternative perspective for you.

Ken Askew

Rather than face tomorrow with a sense of dread because your candidate did not win or gleeful expectation because he did, let me encourage you to face tomorrow humbly, prayerfully and confident in God.

In perhaps his greatest recorded sermon, Paul points out to the Athenians that God created all mankind. Every man, woman, and child ever to grace the earth is a descendent of Adam. And from Adam, God has caused every nation upon the earth to exist. So like it or not, Obama, McCain, Biden and Palin are all a little more closely related than you might have cared to imagine!

And far from being inactive and passive in the livelihood of nations, Paul points out that it is God who determines their allotted times, their boundaries, and their dwelling place on the earth. Theologians have a name for this activity of God in our lives; they call it providence.

It’s God’s providence that causes me to have hope for our future. While God exercises His providence in a manner that does not offend my sense of choice, relieve me of moral responsibility, or remove the consequences of my actions, He also really does ‘have the whole world in his hands,’ and that my friend is why I can face tomorrow with confidence. But why would God desire to be active in our lives? He certainly doesn’t need anything the world has to offer.

I a convinced that God’s activity in our lives is ultimately for His own glory. Paul told the Athenians that God’s activity is designed to cause us to seek after Him. Yet while we seek Him, as if we were groping in the dark, God is very near to each of us. As a matter of fact, He’s so close we can touch Him through something amazingly simple; prayer.

So, let me encourage you to confidently look towards the future by humbly seeking God today through payer. Thank Him for loving us enough to be active in our lives. Beg his forgiveness for the times and seasons we’ve ignored him individually and as a nation. And finally, ask Him to guide our newly elected President and other leaders so that He might be glorified.

Every Day is a Gift

2008-11-02T22:12:00.000-06:00

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. ESV Psalm 118:24

I still remember turning thirty. Something about it bothered me, but I don’t know exactly what it was. Maybe that’s when I came to the realization that I wasn’t a kid anymore and the realities of adulthood began to sink in. I had responsibilities at home; responsibilities at work; responsibilities that others were counting on me to carry out. At any rate, I wasn’t quite sure that I was happy with the leap to unrestrained adulthood.

Now, fast-forward ten years...turning forty didn’t bother me at all. At forty, I hardly slowed down to notice the date. Still mentally alert, I did the math in my head—forty is the midpoint between twenty and sixty. Then it hit me: Hey, I remember when my mom, dad and in-law’s were forty. No time for musing...gotta keep moving!

I turned forty five earlier this week and things, well, they’re changing. I’m a lot sharper in the morning than I used to be, but I’m not nearly as alert in the evening. Somewhere along about 9:00 PM my eyes start to fade. It doesn’t seem to have anything to do with being physically tired but along about 9:00 PM, reading time is over. My knees hurt when I ride my bike more than fifty miles in a day. The doctor, being just a little sarcastic, says I might want to consider riding thirty instead. I could go on.

But there are many positives to getting older. I’ve been married for over half my life, which, while not always easy, is infinitely better than dating. I got my first unsolicited senior discount on coffee this past year. Folks don’t seem to mind as much that my hearing is less than perfect. I can sleep anywhere—couch, chair, bed, plane—it matters not. My wife swears I can sleep while holding a book in reading position. My son says I can fade off in mid-sentence. He thinks it’s a gift.

It’s difficult to admit, but sometimes I wonder what I might have done differently to have accomplished more by this age. I mean Meriwether Lewis had explored the West from St. Louis to the Pacific by the time he was thirty three. But then I remember that Moses was eighty or so when God called him to lead His people out of Egypt. So, I don’t fret over it. And I’m truly a man without regrets.

If anything, I think I’m learning to enjoy the simpler things of life more with each passing year. I’m not nearly as uptight as I once was. I don’t get riled nearly so easily either. I’m choosy about my battles. And I really do believe that ‘every day is a good day.’ Admittedly, some days are filled with difficulties, strife and even grief, but each and every day is a gift from God and that alone makes them “good.”

Who knows, if God grants me the time, strength, and knees, I might just ride my bike coast-to-coast one day. If for no other reason, just to smell the roses and enjoy the day the Lord has made. God bless.

Ken Askew

Discipline to make Disciples

2008-10-23T22:11:00.000-05:00

“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness;” ESV 1 Timothy 4:7

Rarely does such a rare find pass my way; a find worthy of careful attention and a second look rather than a passing glance. More often they are so plentiful that they scarcely catch my attention, though like candy, many are adorned with attractive wrappers. But this one—it’s the real deal and it’s back in its rightful place; on my night stand.

Forgive me for going on so, but I just can’t overemphasize just how good this book is. The title of the book is Disciplines of a Godly Man. It was written by R. Kent Hughes and I highly recommend it for the men on your gift list. Given the title, you might even think of some men to add to your gift list!

As the title indicates, this is a book about discipline. Hughes maintains that “personal discipline is the indispensable key for accomplishing anything in this life.” Then he immediately engages readers by giving practical examples. He mentions Mike Singletary (a pro football standout), Hemingway (one of the greatest writers ever), and even Winston Churchill. Did you know that Churchill practiced his impromptu speeches? Think about that one a minute.

As I thought about these examples and Paul’s call for Timothy to be disciplined for the sake of godliness, I wondered how the same challenge might apply to our churches. And whether, if the church today took up the challenge, our world might be different. I’m convinced that revival would break out as never before.

The church’s chief duty as I see it is to proclaim God’s word. That’s how the church carries out The Great Commission. It is the proclamation of God’s word that awakens sinners to their dire condition. It is the proclamation of God’s word that brings people to faith in Christ. In essence, disciples are made through the preaching, teaching and sharing of God’s word.

Consider this. What if every Christian followed Churchill’s lead and practiced their impromptu speeches? What if every Christian practiced and polished his or her testimony so that it could be shared at a moments notice when the opportunity presented itself? What if we put a little sweat into preparing to share our faith? I’m convinced that if we did these things that God would pour out his blessings on us as never before.

Train yourself for godliness this week. Practice your impromptu speech. Be prepared to share the good news with someone. It’ll take discipline of course. But with God’s blessing, your discipline may add a disciple to the Kingdom.

- Ken Askew

Jesus is on His Throne

2008-10-19T14:10:00.000-05:00

And Jesus came and said to them [the disciples], “All authority in heaven and on earth as been given to me.” ESV Matthew 28:18

Have you ever noticed how encouraging words seem to come at just the right moment but often times from the most unlikely places? That happened to me last week.

It had been a particularly stressful day at the office and the afternoon shadows had begun to lengthen outside my window. I was tired and mentally exhausted (pencil pushers like myself don’t usually get physically exhausted at work) when the phone rang. My assistant let me know that the caller was a friend of mine from Huntsville who’s in the same business as me.

I had barely mustered a half-hearted hello when the cheerful voice on the other end proclaimed, “Ken, isn’t it great to know that Jesus is still on His throne!” Even in my mentally exhausted state, I recognized the truth of what my friend had just said. Considering it further, I began to take solace in his words. Yes. Yes, it is great to know that Jesus is still on His throne I thought to myself.

The bible tells us that when Jesus’ work on earth was finished that he ascended into heaven and God the Father seated him at his right hand; a seat of honor and authority. But just what had Jesus accomplished? What work on earth had Jesus finished? Jesus had completed, as only he could, the work of salvation for mankind. Taking on the form of a man, Jesus kept God’s Law perfectly and then took God’s perfect and just wrath towards sinners (law breakers) by dying on the cross. He did this so that all, through faith and repentance, who believe on him might be spared God’s wrath; even united with him in perfect fellowship. That’s what it means to be saved!

So, having completed the required work of salvation, Christ rose from the grave (defeating even death) and was chatting with his disciples before he ascended to heaven when he uttered the reassuring words of our verse today.

What are you facing today? Is work stressful? Is your home life a wreck? Is your ministry not bearing fruit? Are your kids dealing you grief? Whatever the dilemma, Christians can take solace in the fact that the same Jesus who paid for their salvation; the same Jesus who defeated even death; that same Jesus is at the right hand of the Father and everything has been placed under his rule.  

Christians, be encouraged. There is not a problem too big for our Savior and He is still on His throne.

-Ken Askew

I didn’t mean to say...

2008-10-08T17:50:00.000-05:00

“The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” ESV Luke 6:45

A couple of weeks ago I attended a conference called “The power of words and the wonder of God.” You can tell from the title the theme for the three days was, well, words. But more particularly; how we use words. We can use words to build up or to tear down. And ironically, often it is the same mouth that speaks evil, which also proclaims to know and worship God. How can that be?

Paul Tripp preached a sermon on this subject that has stuck in my mind. So I want to share a few things with you that have lingered in my thoughts. By the way, I highly recommend Paul’s writings as well as those of his brother Ted Tripp. They are both top-notch Christian writers and have several titles available through Christian bookstores.

How often have you said something and immediately retracted it by saying, “I didn’t mean to say that” or “what I meant to say was...?” Not being the most sensitive guy in the world, I’ve wished all to often that I could take my words back because of their enormous power to cause problems and inflict pain.

But here’s a dreadful reality. I cannot truthfully say, “I didn’t mean to say that” and neither can you. Speech requires thought and thought springs forth from the treasure we store in our hearts. Paul Tripp said it this way: “Nothing comes out of the mouth...that wasn’t there to start with.” So, if our words have inflicted pain, if we feel remorse and regret for what we’ve said, a more truthful response would be to say:

“Please forgive me for saying what I meant.” Ouch!

Paul went on to point out that word problems are really heart problems. What kind of treasure are we storing in our hearts? The kind of treasure we store up will dictate the kind of words we speak. Do you store the wisdom, attitude, and expectations of the world or do you store up God’s word in your heart?

Sinclair Ferguson, another conference speaker, gave this advice with regards to taming our speech: “The most important aid we have in taming our tongue for God’s glory is to saturate ourselves with God’s word.” I couldn’t agree more.

So, guard your words carefully this week. Make sure your speech reflects the precious treasure of God’s word in your heart and not the evil treasure of the world that is constantly bombarding and influencing you. Make God’s word the abundant and overriding treasure of our heart.

-Ken Askew

This God…

2008-10-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him. ESV 2Samuel 22:31

Sometimes things can seem overwhelming. I was reminded this week that money, family, health and religion (maybe not in that order) are four of the most important things to most people. A sudden change in any of these four things can have dramatic impact on the way we think, act and feel. Ironically, the change does not have to be negative to have an adverse effect on us emotionally.

I’ve known people who’ve had a monetary windfall become depressed. And yes, I’ve known people who have experienced a monetary crisis who became distraught.

Surely, anyone with children knows the anxiety of thinking that their child’s health or safety may be in jeopardy.

I’ve seen a crisis of faith bring people to their knees. Yet it is faith in the God of the bible that brings the ultimate comfort in our times of need. Many times our plea simply needs to be, God, grant me faith that I may have confidence and believe in you!

As I read the Bible I find that there is nothing new about the problems we face. Oh, our money might look different, our children may have different toys and clothes, we may face different health issues, but our everyday concerns are not materially different than during the biblical times when you get down to the root causes. The challenges we face are the same even if they are disguised in different forms. At the end of the day, the basic issues we face endure from generation to generation.

When you read in the bible about King David you come to realize that he was a man confronted with many issues capable of giving rise to emotional despair. For many years he was a hunted man. His family could be described as at least somewhat dysfunctional. He had an infant son die and an adult son rebel against him. His reign as king was marked with the blood of many battles. His personal failures were many. Yet through it all, during it all –perhaps because of it all—David maintained his faith in God.

The words of our verse today are part of what my bible titles “David’s Song of Deliverance.” Are you like David? Have you discovered that God’s way is perfect and that His words always prove true? There is no greater comfort and no safer refuge –regardless of your circumstance—than can be found in the arms of God. This God is not hidden. This God has made himself known most fully through his son Christ Jesus.

Like David, this God can be your refuge, your safe haven, if only you’ll call on him through faith in his son.

-Ken Askew

Love One Another

2008-09-24T19:12:00.000-05:00

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”
ESV Romans 12:10;13.

Love one another; show honor; show hospitality. How often these words are ignored even in our Christian community, yet to love one another in this manner is one of the marks of true Christianity. Our mission team experienced the kind of hospitality Paul is talking about here while we were in Peru. Let me give you some examples.

One evening we had some fantastic coffee. It was so good that I wondered how far we were from the home of Juan Valdez! Having experienced such good coffee in the evening, I was sure it would be available at breakfast so I didn’t think twice about uttering one of the few Spanish words I had learned; café’?

The cook smiled and eagerly nodded yes, but this is what it entailed. First, someone had to walk about 150 yards to the stream coming out of the mountain and haul back drinking water. All the while, another person built a fire and readied the kettle. Some twenty or thirty minutes later, and after way too much effort, we had a full gallon of the brew. The all out effort to honor my request embarrasses me now. It was the last time I asked for coffee.

After the first day, the church leaders felt that the smoke from the kitchen fire might be bothering our sleep in the church (barn) loft. The next morning at the first light, the kitchen got moved; stone by stone, stick by stick, to a shed across the road.

Every day we were honored with the very best food available. While 93 other people ate a rice-based soup, the 7 of us had grilled chicken and fresh fruit. I laughed and told one of my companions that we were really suffering for the Lord; eating fresh fruit for breakfast and organic, free-range chicken for dinner every day. In truth, every meal was special, but one meal was extra special.

The mid day sun was extra hot and people were seeking shade and a place to have lunch wherever they could. They mostly sat on the ground or on a log in the best shade they could find. But much to my amazement, the shed attached to the side of the church was empty except for one small table and two benches brought out from the church. The table was adorned with a white lace table cloth and 4 people stood ready to honor our every whim. That’s when I realized that these Christians were trying to “out do one another in showing honor” to their guests from the states.

Do we ever honor one another here in the same manner? Give it some thought this week. See if you can imagine a way to honor a Christian brother or sister in Christ.

Ken Askew

Dying for the Word

2008-09-17T17:52:00.000-05:00

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,¹⁷ that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” ^ESV2 Timothy 3:16-17

This week a friend of mine asked about my recent trip to Peru. He was most fascinated with my account of their hunger for bible study and worship. As we continued to talk, we compared their hunger for God’s word with the general complacency I see here at home. Maybe complacent isn’t the correct term. But we at least suffer from information overload. Because of this overload I fear that we become numb to the word or at least sometimes take the bible for granted.

Compare the information overload of our culture to what I witnessed in the high jungle of Peru. No internet. No television. No plumbing. No electricity. Now, before you start pitying the folks, let me say that they were some of the happiest people I’ve ever met. Now, let me recount some of the things I observed about their hunger for God’s word.

Our services began at 7:00 AM and ended (with intermittent breaks) sometimes as late as 10:30 PM. There were many nights that we stayed up past midnight fielding questions. One morning I arose before dawn to see the compound sprinkled with flashlights as people sat on the ground in front of the church reading their bibles. I witnessed the same phenomenon at night way past the last sermon. When the church filled up, people gathered at the front door or climbed the outer walls to look in the windows. Sometimes we had as many people listening in the courtyard as we did in the building. One man I met had traveled many miles in a taxi to the nearest town and then walked the final two and one half hours to the church. Had I not been there myself, this sort of story would be hard to believe; as it was for my friend.

As I recounted these things to my friend, I was reminded too of the steep price that men have paid in order to deliver the Bible to us in the format we have today. Most of the Apostles (all except John as I recall) met untimely deaths because of their faith yet their martyrdom only served to further the good news of Christianity.

In more recent times, John Wycliff did pioneering work in translating our bible into English and he was persecuted dearly for it. William Tyndale is another pioneer. He was convinced that the common man should have a printed copy of scripture in his own language for study. So, Tyndale labored under constant persecution and in hiding to bring us a printed copy of an English New Testament. Tyndale was strangled and burned at the stake for his actions yet his famous last words were: “Lord! Open the king of England’s eyes.”

Now I ask, how do you regard the Bible? Do you study it like I witnessed the people doing in Peru? Do you appreciate the fact that men throughout the ages have been killed because of their zeal for the truth it contains? And from our verse today, do you take advantage of its availability by studying it in such a way that you are equipped for every good work?

Ken Askew