What If

What if is a powerful question. What if my parents never met? What if I was born in Egypt? What if my family wasn't Christian? What if I hadn't quit basketball? What if I became an architect like I thought about in High School? What if I didn't give in to that favorite sin? What if...I could go on forever. I'm sure you could, too. We can waste our lives in What If Land. Many of us do. We constantly wonder about choices we made and how things might be different if we'd chosen differently. 

This is not the life God intended for us. John 10:10, Jesus says, "I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance." We cannot have an abundant life and live in What If Land. Those two are in conflict. What ifs drain us of life. 

Philippians 3:13-14 says, "Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus." What if, (see how I connect this), we move from What If Land to What Nowvile or What's Next Town. 

God calls us to move forward. Pursue Him. Love others. Live in the fullness of the life God has given us. 

Other mss read not yLk 9:62; 

Seasons Change

Seasons change. Sometimes quickly, others times at a slower pace. The natural changes we have are between seasons. Summer gives way to Autumn. Autumn turns to Winter. Winter sheds its coat to Spring. And Spring circles around to Summer again. These are constant. In a some areas the change in the seasons is obvious. Other places they are subtle. But they always change. 

Our lives change like the seasons. Our change isn't annual and in cycles of four but, we change. We go from new-born to children, from children to teenagers, from teens to twenty's and so on. Once we hit our twenties, our circular change usually rotates around decades. Though for many there are multiple changes in the twenties. They go from single to married, from married to parenthood all within a few years usually. 

There are times when circumstances dictate our seasons. Death, divorce, job change, illness all factor into seasonal changes. In most of those a return to 'normalcy' occurs. A time of sameness, of calm, or of chaos, of pain. They stick around for varying time frames. Sometimes, we choose to stay in a season because it's comfortable or familiar. It's easy or safe. 

But, just as seasons change, we should change. As believers, our goal is to become more and more like Christ. This process is called 'sanctification.' These seasons aren't as clearly defined but, they should be noticeable. Unfortunately, we can get stuck in a rut, a routine, a pattern of behavior.  God is still calling us to Him. He still wants to draws us ever closer but, He doesn't force us...usually. John 10:10 says, 'The thief comes only to steal and to kill and destroy. I came that you may have life and have it abundantly.'

Christ came to give you life but not just any life. He came to give you abundant, overflowing life. So regardless of the season of life you find yourself in, seek to live it to the fullest and most God-honoring ever. And if you don't care for the season you're in, that's ok. Just wait, a new season will come soon.

It's All Part of Life

Jesus wept over the loss of His friend Lazarus even though He knew He was going to raise Lazarus from the dead. Death isn't something we talk about much but it is a part of life that we can't avoid. Do we keep silent because it's too hard to think about or is it because we like to think we're immortal even though there's only been only person who has broken the grips of death? Jesus is our answer. And I'm not talking about our cute Sunday School answer. 

Jesus was familiar with death. I don't think He was a huge fan of it though because whenever He came across a funeral, He stopped the funeral and raised the person back to life. I wonder how soon in His life did He have the knowledge that He was born to die. Did He know in the manger? Did He know when He stayed behind in Jerusalem at 12? Surely He knew before the wedding at Cana. 

We also remember that He was part of creation and helped form humankind in His own image. He was part of the life-giving breath that initially filled Adam's lungs. In Adam's first breath, he breathed in God and exhaled God. Jesus witnessed the Fall. He saw Satan tempt Eve and Adam. For the first time in history, He experienced the consequences of sin. That consequence was death. First, the death of the animal used to weave clothing for Adam and Eve. Secondly, the death of the perfect relationship between God and man. And finally, the physical death of His creation, His likeness, the possessor of His very breath. 

Isaiah 53 tells us years before He was born what Jesus' fate would be. 'He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Jim was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed.' (Is. 53:3-5).

And why would He be put through such pain and agony? Isaiah 53:6 tells us why. 'All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.'

God, the Father, placed all our sin on Him that day to restore the relationship that He lost in Eden. Death has been crushed. Life eternal is ours. So, I don't fear death. I am not in a hurry for it to happen though. 

A very close friend of mine died last night. It hurts. The pain isn't for my friend. He is physically whole. He is sin free. He's with Jesus. The pain is for us. Those left behind, his wife, family and friends.

Yes, we grieve but we don't grieve because we have no hope. Psalm 30:5b says, 'Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.' So because Jesus conquered death for us, our experiences with death are bittersweet. Bitter from our temporal view but sweet as seen through everlasting eyes. 

All these words and it still doesn't make sense but I did get these thoughts and feelings out which was the purpose for this blog site to begin with. Thanks for weeding through my ramblings. 

Are You Tired Yet?

When we go on a long trip inevitably someone will ask, usually within the first hour of an 8 hour journey, 'are we there yet?'  We've been on this long COVID19 journey and I feel like asking, 'are you tired yet?' I know I am. Quarantining is exhausting. Quarantining is stressful. Quarantining is yucky at times. Some days it's hard to get motivated then, some nights it's hard to fall asleep because there's so much swarming, not related to murder hornets, around in my brain. These are different and difficult times. 

Here are a couple of reassuring thoughts.

    1. God is the same. He never changes. He's constant as the sunrise. He still loves. He still forgives. He still saves. He still hears. He still does everything that God has always done. 

    2. God calls us to Him. 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry.' Matthew 11:28-30

Do you remember crawling into your parents' bed in the middle of the night because you couldn't fall asleep in your own bed? You'd snuggle up against mom or dad or you'd sprawl out between them almost pushing them out of bed and then quickly, quietly enter lala land. That is the same peaceful rest that your Father calls you to today, tomorrow, next week, next month, whenever. Hear Him say to you, 'Hey, (insert your name), come on into my room and find your peaceful, calming sleep. Rest for your body and rest for your soul and spirit as well. 

Good night!

Post-Easter

The day after Easter 2020. The sun rose again. No surprise. God continues to be faithful and consistent. What do we need to remember today? One, Jesus is still alive and seated at the right hand of the Father. Two, Jesus is still ever interceding to the Father on our behalf. Three, Jesus is still returning. When? God only knows. 

This morning I revisited Jesus' prayer from John 17. It's still amazing to me that He prayed for us. "I am not praying only on their behalf (the 12), but also on behalf of those who believe in Me through their testimony," John 17:20. And what did He pray for us? "that they would all be one, just as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You. I pray that they will be in Us, so that the world will believe that You sent Me. The glory You gave to Me I have given to them, that they may be one just as We are one..." John 17:21-22

An observation I've been looking at during this 'isolation' is the unity of the church. Although the Body is not together physically, I am seeing a togetherness like never before. Pastors are working harder now than before the pandemic. Church members are reaching out to each other and beyond. The church has been forced outside her four walls. As I have shared with our Crossroads Association churches, although we are 27 churches, we are ONE BODY. We are the BRIDE that Christ is returning to receive.  God has strategically placed each of our churches in the communities they are in to reach their community. And although we may have multiple churches in one town, each church will reach a different demographic of people that reflects the personality of the church, all fulfilling God's purpose and for His glory. 

These are unprecedented times, but if we are true to God, the Father, His Son, Jesus, and our Comforter, the Holy Spirit, I believe God will use us to bring a new unity to His body and as we continue to lift up Christ, He will draw all people to Him. 

"So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

Easter Weekend

After Jesus' burial the Bible is silent on what happened in between Good Friday and Easter. We know that the disciples scattered from the garden at Jesus' arrest. Peter did show back up for a while during Jesus' trial before he denied Him three times. John was at the cross with Jesus' mother. Did they all meet up again Saturday or did they just go to their homes? They had been with Jesus for three plus years. They heard all His teachings and saw all His miracles. They were even able to do miracles themselves through Jesus' power. We wonder how they could just move on with their lives, but we have the advantage of knowing the whole story. Although they had just days before seen Lazarus raised from the dead after being in the grave for 4 days. No one had ever done that. Yes, Jesus stopped funerals and even raised the dead before the funeral, but people dead for 4 days stay dead. People dead for 1 day stay dead. And although we know the story, we would have been just as scared and skeptical. Jesus had even told them He would have to go to the cross and be raised from the dead.  But they didn't get it.

Saturday, I wonder if they tried to imagine life before Jesus had called them and if they could ever return to their fishing boats, their tax collector's table and their families. Their rabbi, who had invested His life into theirs, was gone. Now what, now where, now how, now why would they, could they, continue on with their lives. Scripture tells us that the day went dark during Jesus' crucifixion and that the sun rose as normal on Easter morning but on Saturday did creation continue to mourn the Creator's death with a dreary, miserable day? Even if the day was normal it would have seemed dark and dank to any of Jesus' followers. 

Even when they heard the news from Mary that Jesus was alive, they couldn't believe it. Even when Jesus "appeared" in the upper room, they were astonished that He was alive. Thomas wasn't there apparently the first time and got a bad rep as a doubter when he responded as any of us would have. 

'A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”' John 20:26-29. 

Good Friday would mean nothing without Easter. All other religious leaders have died or will die but only one changed history, changed time, and changes lives forever by being raised from the dead. 

Spending Time with Friends

Today is Thursday, April 9, 2020. We have been in official state mandated 'stay-at-home' for 4 days. We've been social distancing for about 4 1/2 weeks. There are aisles of empty shelves at Wal-Mart. There are daily updates from the Governor concerning the progress and effect of COVID-19 in our state. I have purposefully stayed away from news reports. I have had meetings via ZOOM and conference calls. Things are different to say the least. 

On top of all this, it's Holy Week. The week we remember the events leading up to Jesus' death, burial and resurrection. So, on Thursday, Jesus had a meal with His disciples. As He was hours away from the cross, he wanted to spend time with His friends and He taught them in the process. Jesus was ever the Master Teacher. As they gathered in the upper room and got comfortable, here was the normal chit-chat, joking and horsing around like guys do when they get together. Especially men who had been together almost constantly for 3 years. And in the midst of this, Jesus got up, pulled up his robe and gathered it around his waist, poured water into a basin, took a towel and then approached each disciple and began to wash their feet. I don't know about you but I do not like people touching my feet. In those times you know that hygiene wasn't a top priority. Plus there were dirt roads and they walked around in sandals. Those feet had to have been nasty. Nonetheless, Jesus, the Messiah, went to each disciple, knelt down, because they weren't sitting in chair but were on the floor, dipped the towel in the water then slowly washed their feet.  At first the chatter continued. Whoever what the first to have his feet cleaned may have sorta jumped in surprise as something wet was massaging his feet. That disciple's conversation stopped immediately. He probably poked the guy he was talking to who may have jolted and said, "WHAT?" Then the first disciple pointed at what was going on at his feet. Slowly, the whole room grew eerily silent and all eyes were on Jesus. You could hear the towel dipping into the basin then the dripping noise echoing in the basin then on the floor and the soft sound of feet being washed. Jesus moves from disciple to disciple repeating his task. He gets around to Peter and Peter pulls his feet back. "No, Lord, I'm not going to let You wash my feet." I bet the other disciples started shaking their heads. Jesus said, "Now Peter, if you don't let me do this, you can't be a part of me." Peter's reply, "Okay, Lord but wash all of me, not just my feet." "Peter, that's not necessary." And then as far as we know Jesus washed Peter's feet and continued until all the disciples' feet were washed. 

Jesus shared with them, "What I've done is an example to you. As I've served you, you are to serve others. Here, near end of our time together, I want to once again tell you, follow Me."  

We are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of relationships now that we have been forced apart. I heard a DJ say this the other night. We are '#alonetogether.' That fits this time we're in as we are bombarded once again with oxymorons. Reminds me of terms like jumbo shrimp, bittersweet or exact estimate. Today we have social distancing and alone together. They just don't make sense. Jesus reminded use that relationships are important. He spent His last few hours with His friends. Even on the cross, He thought of others as He said, 'Father, forgive them for they don't know what they're doing.' 

As we remember the events of this week and the difference they made in our lives, let's also remember that this difference Christ has made is to be shared with others. Just as Christ's crucifixion was very public, our Christian walk should be public as well. Not only in this Easter season but, during these uncertain times, let's focus on others as much as we can. During these crazy times, people want to hear some good news. Well, we have the best news ever.

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Any of you have extra time on your hands? Rhetorical question, of course. We all seem to, but what are we doing with that time? For me, I'm trying to observe the world around me better. Yes, I am still spending too much time on my devices but I am trying to limit it some. When we observe, we look. What have you seen that maybe you missed earlier because you weren't really looking? The other afternoon I looked at a red-headed woodpecker in the neighbor's tree. For me, it was the first one of the season. Maybe it's because I grew up watching 'Woody the Woodpecker' but, I really like woodpeckers. You hear the tap, tap, tap of their beaks as they search for food or build their nest. The brightness of their red feathers that adorn their heads seems royal to me. I watched that woodpecker for a good 10 minutes. I thought about taking a picture or two but I was afraid it might fly away before I could get a good shot. Eventually, the bird did fly away to another tree and it was out of sight. By the end of the day, once I got back to my routine, I forgot some of the intricate uniqueness of 'Woody.' That happens, regardless of how intentional we plan to be.

So, what do you remember about the final days of Jesus' life? We sing songs that remind us but do those remembrances last? We participate in the Lord's Supper together where we are worshiping through remembering but for how long? We can watch movies that portray the events in varying graphics. The more graphic, sometimes the image stays longer. 

This leads me to 'When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.' 'Surveying' is looking intently at something for a prolonged period of time. Let's look at the lyrics together.

"When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died. My richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride." 

When I see the Prince of glory dying on the cross I realize that everything I've ever gained means nothing in comparison and anything that give me pride I count as contempt, it's worthless, not even deserving my consideration.

"Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, save in the death of Christ, my God! All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood." 

Father, please don't allow me to ever think about boasting in anything I've accomplished in my life. The only thing I want to boast in the Jesus' death. Everything that catches my eye, draws my attention, please let me willingly give them up for Christ's sacrifice. Anything less from me doesn't cost me enough.

"See from His head, His hands, His feet, sorrow and love flow mingled down. Did e'er such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown." 

As I take a closer look at Christ on the cross I see His pierced head, hands, feet, but instead of merely seeing the gravity of the blood from those wounds, I see sorrow, distress, a sense of loss mixed in with love, compassion, sympathy. I have never seen such an outpouring of these emotions ever in any human. And although, Christ is bearing a mockery of a crown made of thorns, there has never been a more majestic, priceless crown ever worn.

"Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far to small. Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all." 

If I possessed everything in the world and could give it as a gift to Christ, it would be like a raindrop in the ocean compared to the demonstration of love on the cross. That love so amazed, so awesome, so priceless and yet divine, inhuman, unworldly, holy, heavenly, asks not only for all I have but also all I am, my life, my emotions, my thoughts, my temperament, my attitudes, my beliefs, my character, my behaviors, basically anything and everything I am.

Lord, I Need You

There's a huge difference between the things we need and the things we want. That is becoming crystal clear in these days of social distancing and stay at home directives from our local, state and national government. Our needs are basic...shelter, food, family. We are blessed if we have these. But our #1 need is Christ.

During this Holy Week I am reminded once again of the Father's love for His creation and His sacrifice to regain that intimate relationship He longs to have with us, His children. How far will we go to help stop the spread of this pandemic? Will we stay home like we've been asked to? Will we stay away from people for a short while? These are simple compared to what God, the Father, has done to stop the spread of the pandemic of sin. This truly is a pandemic because we are all sinners. There is no one righteous, not even one. The Father gave His only Son to repair the Grand Canyon sized gap that separated us from God. He gave all He had. Why? Because He loves us...loves you...loves me.

In these crazy days of chaos and confusion, remember, more than social distancing, more than washing our hands for 20 seconds or more, more than toilet paper...we need Jesus. When we're tired and confused...we need Jesus. When our hearts are torn...we need Jesus. When our soul is bruised...we need Jesus. When we give in to that same old sin...we need Jesus. When we are incapacitated by guilt...we need Jesus. When we're desperate for someone to listen...we need Jesus.

He is our salvation. He is our rock. He is our hope. He is our shepherd. He is our remedy. He is our...everything.