The Wordless Book

The wordless book is a booklet with colored pages, each representing an aspect of the Christian gospel.  In London in 1866 Rev. Charles Spurgeon preached a sermon entitled, “The Wordless Book.”  He told about an elderly minister who put three colored pages together and often looked at them to remind himself of three things: (1) His sinfulness (black), (2) Christ’s blood poured out for him (red), and (3) The cleansing provided for him (white).  Nine years later, Lay Evangelist, D. L. Moody, added a page to the booklet and shared with 12,000 children “A Book with Four Leaves.”  Since then, Bible verses were added along with a gold page and a green page (added in 1875 and 1939).  The pages explained are:

1)    Gold – represents Heaven.  God loves us and wants us to be with him in his heavenly home.  Jesus said, “My Father’s house (heaven) has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:2-3).

2)    Black – represents Sin.  Sin prevents us from being with God.  The punishment for our sins is that we cannot be with God in heaven because our hearts are not clean.  The Bible reminds us, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

3)    Red – represents the Blood of Jesus.  God loves us so much that he sent his Son, Jesus to provide a way for our hearts to be made clean.  Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins and make it possible for us to be forgiven.  The Apostle John says, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (I John 1:7).

4)    White – represents Clean Hearts.  When we sincerely admit that we have sinned, ask God to forgive us, believe that Jesus died to take the punishment we deserved, and invite Jesus into our lives, God makes our hearts clean.  John says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9).

5)    Green – represents Growth.  Once we invite Jesus to come into our lives, it is important that we grow in our relationship with Jesus. We can do this by talking to God (praying), reading God’s word (the Bible), and obeying him (doing what he asks us to do).  The Bible says, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (II Peter 3:18)

Through the death and resurrection of Christ, and our hope and trust when we by faith personally receive Jesus into our lives, we can enjoy the spiritual freedom that God offers.  Let’s take time to allow the wordless book – gold, black, red, white, green – to speak to us as we respond to the message of the gospel.

Are You Growing?

Why talk about growth when the Fall and Winter seasons of the year are close at hand?  Depending on the temperature, tree root growth takes place in the winter. Many plant seeds rely on the winter temperatures because moisture freezes the seeds and expands them so they can break their hard shell and sprout in the spring. Other plants need a time of hibernation. In general, growth refers to an increase, expansion, or maturing that happens over time.  If there is no growth in plant, animal or human life, there is great concern because without growth there is stagnation, decrease and ineffectiveness.  On the other hand, growth suggests life, vitality, increase, and effectiveness.  The Bible points out that there needs to be spiritual growth in the life of a believer.  For example, a Christian is instructed to:

1)     “Grow up into him [Christ]” (Ephesians 4:15).  We need to make sure that Christ is the focus of our spiritual growth.

2)     “Grow up in your salvation” (I Peter 2:2). Once a person receives Christ by faith, they need to feed on the Word of God (the Bible) for proper growth.

3)    “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (II Peter 3:18). Inactivity will never advance spiritual growth.  There must be continuous study to know Christ better and understand how to progress in the Christian life.

An axiom says that where there is growth, there is life – at least where there is healthy growth there is healthy life.  Our spiritual growth takes place in many ways, but to see progressive growth on a regular basis we must be wise in what we do to encourage our growth.  Some good questions we need to ask ourselves about our spiritual growth:

1) Am I spending time reading, reflecting and studying the Bible?

2) Do I find myself thinking about ways to help people as I serve the Lord?

3) Do I live my life in such a way that it is a godly example for others?

4) Do my actions please God and help others grow spiritually?

Maybe it is time that each of us take time for personal examination to make sure we are growing in a manner that pleases the Lord.

School is in Session

September marks the time when children return to the classroom.  As a school-age child, I remember the great anticipation I had to get back to school after the summer recess.  That anticipation was not because I had a desire to study, but because I wanted to be back with my friends, and I wanted to enjoy the many extra-curricular activities school provided.  Even though children may enjoy school relationships and fun events, the focus of school is education and learning.

When it comes to spiritual things it might be appropriate to say that school is always in session.  None of us will ever outgrow our need for education and learning about spiritual matters.  Ezra, the Old Testament priest, set the example for learning about God and growing as explained in Scripture. “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel” (Ezra 7:10).

This verse suggests three aspects that characterized Ezra’s life which should also characterize ours as well.

1)      Specific Focus.  “Devoted” should be the task when Scripture is studied.  In addition, the study of God and His Word should be a priority.  We need to fully embrace God’s Word, have a strong love for it, and be focused on it.  Our commitment should be to learn all we can about God and His Word.

2)      Personal Application.  The outcome of biblical study should be the “observance” of the Word of God.  To observe means much more than simply acquiring knowledge about God.  To observe means to put into practice in daily living.

3)      Continued Involvement.  “Teaching” God’s Word to others needs to be an ongoing responsibility of all who study the Bible.  Whether you have the title of "teacher" or not, you teach by what you say and how you act.  In spite your age, God’s Word, when applied to life provides guidance and direction for you and for others.

Where are you when it comes to God’s Word?  Remember, your life is an example to others.  Are you devoting yourself to the study and observance of God’s Word?  My suggestion for you today is to take time to review the above verse.  Ask yourself, “What does God want me to do as I study God’s Word and apply it to my life?”  Don't forget that when it comes to Christian living, school is always in session.  Why?  Because there is always more to learn and put into practice. Your life will teach others.

Fall Colors and Growth

October is the month of color—beautiful color, brilliant color, dazzling color—color that we see in the leaves of the trees as the trees prepare themselves for the dormancy of winter.  One color which is often overlooked in the fall is green – although it can be seen year-round in evergreen trees.  God is a God of beauty and He delights in making all things beautiful.  As fall progresses we will see red, yellow, brown, and orange leaves on trees - but God is also interested in green.  I’m reminded of Scripture where the psalmist said, “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house if the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God.  They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green” (Psalm 92:12-14).

Let’s examine a few aspects of these verses. 

1)      “The righteous.”   These are all people who have had a heart transformation by receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  It is hard to realize that you and I can be righteous because the Bible tells us that we are all sinners (Romans 3:23).  However, the Bible also tells us that “God made him (Jesus) who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (II Corinthians 5:21).

2)      “Flourish like a palm tree … grow like a cedar of Lebanon … flourish in the courts of our God.”  To “flourish” is to bloom, to break out, to spring up, and to spread or grow.  The righteous are not only durable like these trees, but they provide protection for the weary, they can stand tall and strong, they are majestic in their beauty, and they can still grow.

3)      “Still bear fruit in old age.”  Bearing fruit means being vibrant, active, energetic, and effective.  Notice, the righteous can still bear fruit – even those righteous who are elderly.  So, everyone can be productive—no matter what their age. 

4)      “Stay fresh and green.”  Something that is fresh is clean.  It is also new, vibrant, and vital.  To be fresh and green suggests an active lifestyle full of resilience and fruitfulness – even to the very end of life.

The green of summer will soon fade, but growth has not concluded.  Everyone can be bright and active for the Lord at any stage of life.  So, as you view the beauty of the fall colors this year—remember God wants to help you grow and be vibrant for Him.

Growth, Celebration and Freedom

July is always a fun month.  It is the middle month of the summer – a time when we see plants, gardens and crops growing and producing.  It is a month during which we celebrate the independence of our wonderful country.  And of course, independence means that we enjoy the freedom that comes with it.  Let’s take time to personally apply growth, celebration, and freedom to us from a Biblical perspective.

Growth.  God wants us to grow in our knowledge of Him and in appreciation for what he has done for us when He says, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To him be glory both now and forever!  Amen” (II Peter 3:18).

Celebration.  God wants us to be joyful and observe with celebration who He is and the good things He has done for us.  “They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness” (Psalm 145:7).

Freedom.  Real freedom is spiritual freedom and it is available to us through the Lord Jesus Christ.  “So if the son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

This summer as you view God’s creation growing and producing, as you celebrate the wonderful independence that is yours, and as you enjoy your personal freedom, I encourage you to think about these blessings and the spiritual application of them to you.

Trees and You

Each fall those who live in Minnesota get to enjoy the beauty of the changing colors revealed in the trees.  Each time I see the vast array of orange, brown, red, and yellow I am reminded of the beauty and splendor of God.  The Bible has some interesting things to say about trees in which we can also find a parallel application to our lives.

1)    God created the trees.  The Bible says, “And the Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground” (Genesis 2:9). Trees didn’t just happen—they were created by a loving God.  You and I are creations of God.  The Bible reminds us that “God created man in his own image, in the image of God He created him, male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27).

2)    Trees reflect beauty.  In the creation story there is a phrase that speaks directly to the beauty of color in the trees—whether in summer, autumn or fall.  The Bible further notes: “And the Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food.  In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Genesis 2:9).  You and I are a reflection of the beauty of the Lord.  The Bible says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

3)    Trees are fruitful.  Trees have been gifted with fruit which they produce after their kind.  The Bible records, “Each tree is recognized by its own fruit...” (Luke 5:44).  People are blessed and strengthened by the fruit that a tree yields.  You and I are told to be fruitful.  A command from the Bible says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last..." (John 15:16).  In order to be fruitful we need the strength and power that God gives.  We are further reminded, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you.  No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.  Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me” (John 15:4).

4)    Trees are expressive.  The Bible says: “Then the trees of the forest will sing, they will sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth” (I Chronicles 16:33).  In the Bible the psalmist expresses it this way,“Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them.  Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy” (Psalm 96:12).  You and I were created to be expressive toward God.  Psalms further notes, “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.  Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:3).  Still another psalm says, “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation” (Psalm 95:1).

5)    Trees grow.  The Bible notes, “Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade” (Mark 4:32).  You and I need to grow in our relationship with God.  The Bible says, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." (II Peter 3:18).

As you observe the trees this fall, think about the spiritual application of trees to your life.

Madness? Or Unique Prize?

In Minnesota the month of March is considered one of the snowiest months of the year.  This kind of weather might be thought of as madness or maddening.  Some people like the snow but some people do not.  One redeeming quality of snow in March is that it will soon melt when the warmer temperatures of late winter/early spring emerge.

“March Madness” is an event that takes place in March when 64 collegiate basketball teams qualify or are invited to participate in the NCAA tournament.  In this single elimination tournament the teams begin play and one by one those who lose fall by the wayside.  The goal is to be the last team standing by winning every game and being declared the NCAA National Champion.  Of course, the winning team receives the coveted title and trophy that goes with it.  To be the last team standing takes skill, dedication, hard work, persistence and patience.

In a gospel account, the Apostle Paul compared his life to athletic competition when he said, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).  He was not referring to “madness” but to a prize.  No one who follows after God loses, only those who do not pursue Him.  The prize he referred to was not just a trophy or a national title, but something much greater.  Notice:

1)      The prize is the goal – press on toward the goal.  Therefore, we need to go after it.

2)      The prize is obtainable – to win the prize.  The goal can be reached.

3)      The prize is something that God offers – God has called me.  it is a divine call.

4)      The prize centers in God’s Son – in Christ Jesus.  A personal relationship with the God is crucial.

5)      The prize will require intense endeavor – I press on.  We need to pursue it.

As we launch into the spring season, what intrigues you the most – March Madness or the heavenly prize?  One might be fun to watch, but one is very beneficial for your life.  What do you need to do to keep your eye on the prize and strive for that which God has called you?  What might you need to do to turn some of the madness which you experience into the challenge to live a godly life?  Trust God and press on toward the goal.

Back to the Basics

If we want to do our best in any endeavor in life it is important to get “back to the basics.”  Basics are always crucial because they provide a foundation making it possible for us to encounter greater possibilities.  Many children and youth experienced getting back to the basics in the school classroom or on the sports field this fall.  I’d like to encourage all of us to get back to the basics, but do so in the area of spirituality.  Here are several action points you might take to help you build the spiritual foundation of your life:

First, spend time in God’s Word so you can begin to grow or continue to mature in Christ. The Bible tells us that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (II Timothy 3:16-17).  Second, talk to God daily.  Prayer is communion with God and it is something that He desires from us.  Scripture encourages us to “Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thessalonians 5:17-17).  Third, learn to praise and worship God.  God has done so much for us and He is supremely worthy of our praise.  The Psalmist challenges us to “Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs…Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name” (Psalm 100:2, 4).  Fourth, be obedient to what God’s Word teaches you.  Obedience to God’s Word is the best way to reveal to others that you believe what God says.  Obedience simply takes God’s Word and puts it into practice in life.  Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15).

Don’t forget that getting back to the basics is fundamental to help us construct a strong foundation for life.  The Bible reminds us to “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To him be glory both now and forever!  Amen” (II Peter 3:18).  Maybe this fall would be a good time for all of us to get “back to the basics” spiritually.  Are you ready to join me?

Dog Days

As we enter the month of August with its hot, muggy days you may occasionally hear someone talk about the “dog days of summer.”  These days have nothing to do with dogs, but are usually described as the period between early July and early September when hot, sultry weather occurs in the Northern Hemisphere and the water in lakes and ponds stagnates.

I’m wondering if you have ever experienced spiritual dog days in your life?  These are days when spiritual things seem stagnant in your life and there is little, if any activity for the Lord.  At those times you begin to wonder if God is near or if He is concerned about you.  Maybe you have wandered away from the Lord and allowed your attention to be placed on things or activities rather than on God Himself.  When Dr. Luke wrote the book of Acts he recorded a sermon that was delivered by the Apostle Peter.  In this sermon, Peter suggested that the people to whom he was writing may have been going through spiritual dog days.  He said, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19).

Maybe you are experiencing a “dry spell” or “dog days” in your spiritual life or have never taken time to ask for God’s forgiveness and receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord.  Notice that according to this verse: (1) You can be refreshed; (2) The refreshment comes from a divine source—the Lord; and (3) The time of refreshment begins as you repent and turn to God.  Why does refreshment come to an individual when he or she turns to God in simple faith and trust?  The answer is because your sins are forgiven.  When this happens it is possible for you to have a personal, ongoing, intimate relationship with the Lord.  Why not turn to the Lord today and allow your spiritual dog days to be replaced with God’s divine refreshment?

Retirement and Beyond

Although a person can retire from a work-position at any age, the Bible doesn’t encourage those who are Christians to stop serving God when they retire or reach a certain age.  The Bible tells us that Joshua was well advanced in years and yet the Lord said to him, “You are very old, and there are still very large areas of land to be taken over” (Joshua 13:1).  There was still work for him to do even though he was probably between the ages of 85-100.  Having a rocking-chair mentality and sitting outside his tent was not the attitude to have nor the place to spend his time.  There was work to do and he was to continue to serve. The instruction in the New Testament that Peter gives is that, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms” (I Peter 4:10).  Did you notice that there is no mention of age?  In other words there is no time at which God-given gifts should cease to be utilized.  Service should be rendered to God at every age.

Throughout life we should be learning, growing and maturing and be ready to share the truths of God’s Word with kids, grandkids, and others, whether early in life, or later.  In elderly years our prayer should be similar to that of the psalmist who said, “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come” (Psalm 71:18).

A few questions might be appropriate.  You have been learning, growing and maturing – so, are you ready to share your wisdom with others?  Are you sharing the lessons you have leaned with individuals from the younger generation?  If you are retired, what have you learned about God’s power that you can continue to share with your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren?

Doing Things Well - Even in Old Age

As some people slide into old age it seems easier for them to focus on

the things they can no longer do.  At one time they could see well and hear well; but that is not the case anymore.  They used to be able to run and jump and had lots of energy.  But that ability has declined and energy levels are not what they used to be.  They see younger men, women and children doing extraordinary things and that makes them feel useless and unappreciated.  In fact, the elderly may begin to think they can do nothing as good as they used to do in the past.

Listen to this commentary from the Bible about those who are elderly.  “The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.  Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.  They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing, to declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him” (Psalm 92:12-15).

This scripture tells us that the elderly can do some things as well or even better than they used to do when they were younger.  To flourish, grow, and bear fruit is something that can be done in greater measure in old age.  I also believe that seniors can love and pray and smile and encourage others.  They can proclaim to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren the wonderful news that a personal relationship with God is foundational.  The lesson God wants us to learn is that He can use all of us – even those in old age – to flourish, grow, and bear fruit as we love, pray, smile and encourage others.  The challenge is to allow God use us at whatever stage of life we find ourselves.

Tracking Progress

On a recent flight I enjoyed watching the “my flight” channel containing a moving map. This channel shows a number of different screens. First there is a screen giving all kinds of readings including current time, estimated time of arrival, local time at origin and destination, miles traveled, air temperature, ground speed, and distance traveled,. There is also a map of the land over which you are traveling with a small airplane icon showing the progress of the trip. Some people don’t pay much attention to these maps and information. Either they know where they are going, don’t care where they are going, or are not interested in seeing the progress that is made. However, as the plane begins to descend, everyone knows they will soon arrive and their destination and so they begin making preparation for arrival.

In life some people do not pay much attention to where they are going, let alone check their progress along the way. However, you often hear people comment about how the years seem to fly by. The older people are the more often this talk is heard.

Whether a person is 60, 70 or 80 years or more, times goes by very quickly. How do people know where they are going? How do they monitor their progress along the way? A quick look at the Bible will give information that puts all of this in perspective. Regarding the route a person takes Jesus reminds us – “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). Concerning the progress made along the way Scripture tells us we are to “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16-16). Regarding the destination Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

Are you aware of your destiny? What gate have you come through and what road are you on? Have you been tracking the progress to your destination? Turn to God’s Word. It’s a great tracking instrument.

Starting From Where You Are

A helpful modern-day instrument that gives location and directions for travel is a GPS.  The Global Positioning System is a satellite-based navigation system which is made up of a network of 24 satellites.  These satellites were placed into orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense for military use.  However, in the 1980s, the government made this system available for use by civilians. 
When I place a destination address in my GPS it doesn’t matter where I am located.  The system automatically calculates the route from where I am to my intended destination.

When Jesus invites us to follow Him, He wants us to start from our current location.  We don’t need to clean up our lives.  We don’t have to do a bunch of good deeds.  We don’t need to do anything first.  He simply wants us to start following Him right from where we are now.  After we decide to follow Jesus and begin that wonderful journey, He will teach us and guide us and gives us what we need to serve Him.  Notice the invitation Jesus gave to two men who were asked to follow Him.  They followed immediately.  Once they followed it was Jesus who would make them into what He wanted them to be.

“As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.” (Mark 1:16-19).

Are you ready to follow Jesus?  You only need to start from where you are right now.

Change and Changelessness

An annual event that my wife and I like to attend is the Minnesota State Fair.  At the Fair we enjoy viewing the exhibits, looking at the animals, watching people, and of course, tasting the delicious food.  I’m not sure why the State Fair has been such an attraction for us through the years.  Maybe it is because we like to be with people.  Or,  maybe it is because we enjoy visiting the “CrossRoads” Chapel and realize that wherever there are people, there is opportunity to share the Gospel.  Or, maybe it is because the State Fair seems to be the last “big event” of the summer.  And of course, September means the end of summer time, kids going back to school, and preparation for the Autumn, Fall and Winter months.  As I thought about the changing seasons, I was reminded about the changelessness of God.  The Scripture says, “I the Lord do not change” (Malachi 3:6) and, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

Isn’t it interesting that our God, who never changes in His personality or being, sustains our world in such a way that you and I can enjoy the changing seasons?  And in addition, the God who loves us so very much makes it possible for you and me to change from our sinful condition to a way of righteousness through Christ.  The Apostle Paul reminds us of the fact that: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” (II Corinthians 5:17).  “In Christ” is a phrase that the Apostle Paul uses again and again to note a person’s spiritual relationship to Christ.  If refers to one who not only believes the message about Christ but also is identified by faith in Christ.  To be a “new creation” is God’s creative work done in each individual who believes in Christ.  The end result is that the “old” life of slavery to sin and self is gone, and the “new” life of devotion to Christ exhibits itself in new attitudes and actions.

 As we see the change to the Autumn and Fall seasons, let’s rejoice together that our changeless Father (who is always there when we need Him and on whom we can count on to be faithful and true) makes it possible for change to be a part of our lives.

Taken by Surprise

In most cases, things that surprise us are positive and fun such as an unexpected gift, an unplanned event which materializes on the spur of a moment, a meeting of a close friend or family member whom we have not seen for some time, or an unanticipated word of thanks or encouragement that someone shares with us.  These surprises bring a smile to our face, excitement to our life and joy to our heart.  However, there are other surprises that are not fun, turn out to be negative, and bring stress to our lives.  Two of those surprises came to my wife and me within one week – both our water heater and refrigerator quit working.  These unexpected negative surprises brought concern, distress, and even discouragement.  However, according to the Scripture, anyone who names the name of Christ should approach any surprise – positive or negative – in the same manner.  The Bible says, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27).  This verse implies three things:

1)      Both positive and negative experiences will happen to us (as suggested by the words “whatever happens”)

2)      We have responsibility for how we act (as suggested by the words “conduct yourselves”).

3)      The way we live our life must measure up to a godly standard (as suggested by the words “worthy of the gospel of Christ”).

Have you been taken by surprise lately?  Was that surprise positive, negative, or did you have more than one surprise?  If you are a child of God approach that surprise from a godly perspective.

Obsessed with Fast

People in our society are obsessed with speed.  We want fast food, fast internet hookup, fast response to questions, fast communication, and fast pain relief.  We want to lose weight fast, we want to get our news fast, we want wounds to heal fast, we want immediate solutions to problems, we want to make money fast, we want to learn how to play an instrument fast, and we want to get a loan fast.  We don’t’ like to wait in line at the grocery store or at the bank.  We go to a different gas station if there is a lineup at our favorite location.  If we have to wait a few seconds for our computer to boot up we head to the electronic store to get a newer faster one.

The problem is that fast is not always the solution to our difficulties. There are many things for which we have to wait such as time to get our driver’s license, for certain stores to open, for entering college, for the birth of a child, for the sun to come up, and for the seasons to change. None of these things come instantly, but require time and waiting.   Scripture suggests that we need to slow down.  The Bible says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Isaiah 46:10).  The Bible tells us to “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” (Psalm 27:14).   The Biblical instruction is to “Let all the earth be silent before him” (Habakkuk 2:20).   There is a time for silence.  There is a time for waiting.  Fast isn’t always the best.

When the Children of Israel had come out of Egypt they were anxious to celebrate the Passover.  But Moses was not in a hurry.  He said, “Wait, and I will listen to what the LORD will command concerning you” (Numbers 9:8).  The prophet Elijah was seeking the Lord, but he didn’t find him in that which was loud (like an earthquake) or that which was fast (like a raging fire).  Instead He found God in “a still small voice” (I Kings 19:12).  The next time you are anxious and want things “fast”, ask yourself, “What might I gain by waiting?  Wisdom?  Maturity?  A clearer sense of direction?  Waiting is good for us.  Are you willing to wait?

Absolutely Clear

When I am away from my home or my work computer and something impresses me that I want to remember I quickly make a hand-written note to myself.  I keep the note in my pocket until I can get to my computer and then enter the note and other thoughts.  However, the notes I write to myself sometimes look like a scribbled mess and I can’t read the words that I hurriedly wrote, much less remember the thoughts behind them.

I am so glad that when God wrote to us He did so by making His words very clear and specific.  He never scribbles, but always speaks to the point and allows His intentions to be abundantly clear so we know exactly what He says.  In fact, God’s word is so clear that no one needs to have a higher education degree in order to understand.   The Psalmist said, “Break open your words, let the light shine out, let ordinary people see the meaning” (Psalm 119:130 MSG).  In addition it says, “The revelation of GOD is whole and pulls our lives together.  The signposts of God are clear and point out the right road” (Psalm 19:7 MSG).

Do you want to have understandable and specific direction for your life that is always clear and to the point?  Open a Bible, check the table of contents, and go to the New Testament Gospel of Mark.  Read only a few verses, a paragraph or a chapter at a time.  As you read, ask God to make His words clear so you can understand what He wants you to know and do.  His words are abundantly clear. 

Things Change

For the last several years I have been writing a collection of stories about various incidents that have happened in my life.  I guess you could say, I’ve been writing my memoirs.  In doing so, I have been looking through old photographs to place in the final document.   What I have noticed is that things have changed.  When I look old pictures of myself my response is “Wow.  I’ve really changed.  I sure looked a lot younger in those pictures.”  Well, the fact is that I have changed, other people have changed, and circumstances have changed.  A short time ago I received an email message from a friend with an attachment telling about how things “used to be.”   It all made sense as I remember many of those things which “I used to do.”  Times have changed.

Amid all the change we observe, we long for something that does not change.  I am reminded that God does not change.  Micah 3:6 says, “For I am the LORD, I change not.”  James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  The Scripture also says, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8).  When you need an anchor for your life amid all the change that is happening around you, turn to the Lord.  He stands ready to help you, provide a solid foundation, and give you a sure footing when everything else changes.  You can count on Him.  He does not change.

Directions

Years ago, when I wanted directions to a certain location I would pull out a map and use it to find my way.  Or, I would telephone the company or person and ask what roads and streets to use.  Now, I go to the internet, type in the address and get a map on my screen along with exact directions and a map.  In addition people can program their GPS (Global Positioning System) with their current location and the intended address.  The GPS satellite-based navigation system calculates the route, visually shows the direction and even gives audible directions as the route is transversed.  All one has to do is follow the directions.  Times have certainly changed!  In life, we need both physical and spiritual direction.  But, where do we turn for spiritual guidance?  Maybe we need to turn to God's Positioning System - the Bible.  For example, do you wonder how you should live your life and who will direct you?  The Bible says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6).  Do you want assurance that you will get to heaven?  Jesus says, "I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).  Scripture further tells us, "And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.  He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life" (I John 5:11-12).  The directions are specific and clear.  We just need to follow them.

On Your Mark

While driving home from work I saw words on a bank advertisement which were a little different from what I expected.  It read, “On your mark.  Get set.  Grow.”  As I began reading the first thee words, I immediately thought of being in the starting blocks to begin a race.  To do that would take preparation, determination, and action.  However, as I came to the last word (grow) my thinking quickly changed.  Of course, the bank wanted me to think of growing my financial investment.  But, when I thought of "growing" my mind quickly turned to the concept of spiritual growth.  The Bible says, “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (II Peter 3:18).  The Psalmist talks about a blessed man whose, “delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:2).  If we are to grow spiritually we need to be prepared, determined and then take action.  A copy of God’s Word would help in the preparation process.  To open God’s Word  would suggest our determination.  To read, study, meditate and then respond to what God says would indicate action.  We are all physical, emotional mental and spiritual beings and we need to grow in all areas.  Are you growing spiritually?  “On your mark.  Get set.  Grow.”