A Better Idea

Over the years the Ford Motor Company, which was founded in 1903, has had a succession of slogans to entice people to look at and purchase their products.  In the late 1960s one of the slogans was “Ford has a better idea.”  Ford felt that people were looking for a better idea in transportation, so this slogan would appeal to them.

Although that slogan is not used today, many people are looking for products and services that are new or better.  If there is something new it must be better so that is exactly what they want.  If something can improve their lives they are all for it.  Whatever is new and improved is attractive, so people jump at the idea and want to have it for themselves. Since the latest I-Phone must be better, it becomes a must have.  When new cars roll off the assembly line in the fall people purchase one whether they need one or not. The "better" might turn out to be a new adventure, new excitement, or even a new marriage.

In Boston, a well-known businessman once said to Mark Twain, “Before I die, I plan to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.  I will climb Mount Sinai and read the 10 Commandments aloud at the top.”  Twain turned to him and replied, “I have a better idea – why don’t you stay in Boston and keep the commandments.”  There is a huge problem when people constantly look for a better idea or something new.  The problem is that they usually look for it in the wrong place.  People usually look at things which are physical or temporal.  Temporal things just will not last.  Instead, people ought to look for that which is eternal.  Eternal things will endure, will not rust, will not corrode, and will not fade away.  

In the Bible, the Apostle Paul identified a new and a better idea.  He said, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (II Corinthians 5:17).  Why is it that he suggests that to be “in Christ” is a better idea?  It is better because when individuals enter a relationship with Christ they become part of a vital life-sharing union.  Franklin Graham once said, “Satisfying our desires cannot fill the spiritual longing in the heart.”  That is why we need a better idea - one that is spiritual.  That is why we need God.  People might say “I do not just want something better, I want something that is the best – the best that money can buy.  They want the better idea because that will set them apart from everyone else, give them satisfaction, and put them on top.

The Apostle John tells us why God is better.  John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  Even though the Bible tells us that “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), God has taken the initiative to provide a wonderful gift for us.  Romans 6:23 tells us this gift is “Eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” So, God is not only a better idea – but He is the absolute best idea.

Here is a challenge: Turn to God today, believe in Christ, put your trust in Him and receive Him into your life.  John 1:12 says, “To all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”  Why not participate with God today and take advantage of His better idea? 

Time to Turn to God

Because of the pandemic situation in which we find ourselves, people often wonder, “What is most significant for me and my family?”  In what or in whom should I trust?  Should I trust in the national health authorities?  Governmental officials?  Human knowledge?  Should I wait until a vaccine is developed to take care of the pandemic?  What about trusting in a mask to keep me safe?  What about maintaining a social distance of 6-feet from other people? We could turn to all of these things but even so, there is still a certain amount of risk in each of these.

People would probably feel more comfortable if the amount of risk they face was reduced substantially or eradicated all together.  So, here is a good question for us to ask.  Is there anything or anyone that I can turn to in which I can have complete certainty?  What will give me the assurance for which I am searching?

I suggest that we take a look at the Old Testament in the Bible which tells about a king in the land of Israel whose name was Jehoshaphat.  The Israelites discovered that enemy forces were coming together against them.  In fact, these enemy forces turned out to be a huge army.  We are told that Jehoshaphat's first response to the imminent invasion was that of being alarmed.  He was afraid for himself and his people.  However, what he chose to do was to pray to God and then ask the people of Israel to fast and join him in prayer.  In Jehoshaphat’s prayer he said, “We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (II Chronicles 20:12).

In this prayer Jehoshaphat identified three things that were extremely important for the Israelites and and for him.  He suggested that (1) Human power was inadequate.  As a result it would be useless for anyone to turn to this kind of power.  (2) Knowledge would be insufficient.  As much as knowledge helps in other situations, by itself it would not be enough to defeat a huge army.  (3) The correct person to turn to was God.  To turn to God - the One who has divine authority and is omnipotent (all-powerful) - was the right choice.  Jehoshaphat turned to God because God had helped Israel with His great power in the past and He surely would do so again.

One of the priests of Israel encouraged Jehoshaphat not to be afraid or discouraged because of the great difficulty the nation was facing.  The reason, he reminded him, was simply because the battle was not theirs but it was God’s.  This did not mean that the Israelites were to stay in their tents, cover their heads and avoid the battle altogether.  He told Israel that they were to take up their positions and stand.  In other words, they were to get ready for battle.  Even with battle-readiness the Lord would be the one to deliver them – and He did.

Keeping our eyes on God and placing our trust in Him is the only action that will give you and me complete assurance and confidence during troubled times. Maybe it is about time for us as individuals, and as a country, to turn to God.

Heart Failure

During these days of the Covid-19 virus pandemic people are discouraged.  You have probably heard the words that are used to try to reassure people such as, “We’ll get through this”, “You’ll get through this” or “We’re all in this together.”  These words have been uttered in texts, in telephone conversations, on the internet, and on television.  The intent of these statements is that although everyone is going through things such as isolation, personal distancing, handwashing and staying in place – this will end – hopefully in the near future.

Since the pandemic is discouraging to so many people, let’s take time to look more closely at the word “discourage” and see what we can learn by dividing the word into two parts.  “Dis” is the first part of the word which has to do with failure.  The second part of the word – “courage” – points to the heart.  So, to be discouraged literally means to have heart failure.  When we get discouraged our motivation is either taken away from us or set aside because we lose our source of power.  To handle discouragement people need to get back to their source of power.  Of course, the Scripture points out that our real source of power is God, Himself.  II Peter 1:3 says, “His [God’s] divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”

Examining this verse more closely, you will notice several aspects of power.  (1) First, the power mentioned is God’s divine power.  He is the source of the power we need and of course, His power is much greater than any other power available to us.  (2) Second, God’s divine power has been given to us.  The "us" refers to people who are committed to God through a personal relationship – a life-sharing union with Him.  They are the recipients of His divine power.  (3) Third, God's divine power is complete and adequate.   His power does not simply provide a few things for us to enjoy, but gives us God's abundance - everything we need.  (4) Fourth, the divine power that God gives to us is to be utilized in daily living.  As we learn more about God – who He is, what He has done, and how He continues to work in our lives – we can rely on His strength each day.

Everyone needs God’s divine power.  You need it and I need it.  Ephesians 3:16 reminds us that God, “out of his glorious riches … strengthen(s) us with power through his Spirit.”  When we take time to accept God’s invitation to have a personal relationship with Him, we will possess His power which is at work in us.  Ephesians 3:20 explains it this way, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” God's power is an active power that can be displayed in our lives every day.  How will we get through this Covid-19 pandemic?  The answer is by relying on God’s divine power.  What a great encouragement this is to help us get us out of the doldrums of discouragement and make a difference in our world for the cause of Christ.  However, remember that we need God’s help to get our hearts on the right track so we can get through the Covid-19 difficulty.  Having God’s power reign in our lives is crucial for us to live the way He wants us to live. Why not turn from your "heart failure" – your discouragement – to God and let Him give you joyful encouragement?

Hope That Spurs Confidence

There is an interesting difference between the definition and the description of the word “hope.” For example, the modern idea of hope is to sincerely “wish” that some certain thing will happen.  The problem with this idea is that it turns out to be “would-be thinking” with no certainty attached to it.  For example, a person with this kind of hope might say, “I hope it won’t rain today” or “I hope I’ll feel better tomorrow.” This hope gives no assurance that what is hoped for will happen because it may rain, or it may not rain; and, he or she may feel better tomorrow and they may not.  Hope like this turns out to be a wishy-washy unsure optimism.

The concept of hope from the Bible is completely different.  With Biblical hope there is certainty and a confident expectation regarding what is to come.  Why?  Because God has made a promise and He will fulfill what He says He will do.  Biblical hope is a solid kind of hope.  It is unshakable and exudes confidence in God’s faithfulness. Psalm 46:11 reminds us, “What I (God) have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do.” The confident expectation rests squarely on what God says and does and does not rest on what man says or does.  Romans 15:4 says, “Everything that was written … (and) taught in the Scriptures … (are for our) encouragement (and to give us) … hope.”

The psalmist, in Psalm 62:5 said, “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.”  He did not have one doubt regarding his hope and was completely sure of the promises that God had made.  Three things are evident from the words of Scripture.  (1) First, the source of hope is God, Himself.  There is just no one better in which to place one’s confidence.  (2) Second, God will accomplish whatever He says.  We can be assured that if God says it, he means it, and we can count on it.  It will come to pass because it is God who has made the promise.  (3) Third, we need to go to the Bible to find the promises that give us hope.  God’s Word provides the encouragement we need.  His Word also suggests that we need to confidently place our trust in what is contained in His holy word.

Years ago in New York City, Eugene Land, a self-made millionaire, was asked to speak to a class of 59 sixth graders.  He prepared a speech, but as he stood before the students, he decided to forget his prepared speech and speak to the students from his heart.  As he spoke he admonished the students to "Stay in school."  He went on to say, "Stay in school and I'll help pay the college tuition for every one of you."

Wow!  At that moment, the lives of these students were changed. For the first time someone had given them hope.  One student said, "I had something to look forward to, something waiting for me. It was a golden feeling." I am sure you are wondering if Eugene Land’s words were fulfilled.  Well, nearly 90 percent of that class went on to graduate from high school and attend college.  These youngsters had a hope in which they were confident. 

Sometimes what man says does not come to pass.  But we can always be sure that what God says will transpire.  If He says it, He will do it.  Put your confidence in God.

In Times of Trouble

Years ago, I was visiting a hospitalized elderly lady from a church I served.  We had a nice conversation and before I left, she asked me to open her Bible and read an article she had placed in it.  As I looked at her Bible I saw that the cover bulged. Opening it I discovered scores of articles which she had cut from various publications and kept for future reading.  I asked her which article she wanted me to read and she said, “The first one just under the cover.”

The article, written by Andrew Murray, was entitled “In Times of Trouble.” When I finished reading she said, “That really encourages me.”  While reading the article I was also greatly encouraged and thought how I could use it to encourage many other people in future visits. After praying with the lady she said that I could borrow the article, make a copy of it, and return it to her the next time I came to visit.

Later, as I served another church, I shared this story and the article with a man who was hospitalized.  He enjoyed the article and when he heard that I planned to share it with others who were going through difficult times he said he would like to print it for me. Having copies of it would allow me to leave a copy with those I visited. The article was based on Psalms 50:15 which says, “I want you to trust me in your times of trouble, so I can rescue you, and you can give me glory.” The article says, “In times of trouble God’s trusting children can say:

First, the Lord brought me here.  It is by His will that I Am in this place.

Next, in that I will rest.  He will keep me here in His love and give me grace in this trial to behave as His child.

Then, God will make the trial a blessing, teach me the lessons He intends me to learn and work in me the grace that He means to give.

Last, in His good time, He can bring me out again; How and when, He knows.

Then I can say: I am here by God’s appointment, in His keeping, under His teaching and for His time.”

It is interesting that the verse on which the article is based describes several things. (1) First, God wants us to trust Him and stay away from things that do not satisfy.  (2)  Second, God wants us to trust Him all the time including during difficulties.  (3)  Third, God knows we will go through difficult times, but He wants to show His power by rescuing us. (4)  And finally, God wants us to give Him the glory because He is the One who is worthy of being lifted high.

Are you going through a troubling time?  My suggestion to you is to follow the instruction from this verse and be encouraged by the article.  Invite God into your life.  Completely relax in Him.  Enjoy the fellowship that He provides for you.  And, rejoice with assurance as you rest securely in His hands.

Confidence Amid Change

Change is something that affects all of us and we often resist it.  In spite of resisting some change there is other change that we personally accept – like purchasing a different home, accepting a new job, moving to another city or state, or getting married.  We readily accept these changes because we have control over them.  Other changes are those that we gradually slide into.  For example, instead of phone calls from friends and family we receive a text which initiates a texting conversation.  Very seldom do we pick up a dictionary or encyclopedia for an answer to a question.  Instead, we pick up our phones and ask “Google.”

There is another kind of change that most people do not like – and that is change that makes things worse for them.  People resist this kind of change because they personally lose control or they face an unknown situation. Peter Senge has wisely said, “People don’t resist change. They resist being changed.”  Most change brings instability.  That is why many people like to know what the boundaries are and be reasonably sure of what will happen.  They want the kind of change on which they can rely and that which gives them confidence during a time of need.

There are two things that I know in which we can be completely confident, and which will never change.  These are – God and God’s Word.  Regarding God, the Bible tells us, “I the Lord do not change” (Malachi 3:6); and, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). These statements give us confidence because we discover that we can always count on God.  He is always there for us.  He will always act in the same way.  And He is the same now as He was years ago and how He will be in the future.  Regarding the Word of God Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” I Peter 1:25 continues by saying, “The word of the Lord endures forever”. These verses give us the confidence that we can completely rely on God’s Word because it will last when other things change and fade away.  As a result we can be assured of and can fully count on what God’s Word says.

Are you anxious about something that is happening to you or in your world today?  Do you desire stability that gives you confidence, assurance and hope during troubling times? Why not put your trust in that which will never change?  Why not turn to God in simple faith and rest in His promises?  Why not open the Bible and discover what God wants to tell you?  In both God and His Word, you will find strength and steadiness to help you during times of turbulence, uncertainty and doubt.

God is at Work

Many people who claim to be Christians are aware of a familiar verse in the Bible which says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).  This verse suggests three things: (1) God is at work, He does not stand in the background and leave us on our own.  He doesn’t fold his arms, smile and say, it’s your problem, not mine.  (2) God is at work in all things. When good things happen to us we feel blessed of God and encouraged.  But we forget that when bad things happen to us, God is still at work through them.  (3) God’s work is specifically related to those who love Him.  What a joy it is to know that as God’s children, His love for us is so great that He continues to work.

Could it be possible that God is at work in the Covid-19 pandemic? Does God even know what is going on? Is He aware of what we are going through? How could God allow a pandemic happen where people are getting sick and some are dying? We should be aware that this pandemic has not taken God by surprise.  He is sovereign.  That means that He is the ruler of the Universe and as such He is free and has the right to do whatever he wants to do. Psalm 115:3 reminds us that, “Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.” If God allows a pandemic such as Covid-19, does that mean His desire is to bring harm to us? The answer to that question is found in Jeremiah 29:11 which says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God wants us to succeed, grow and flourish. He doesn't want to hurt, damage or injure us.

So, what exactly is the purpose of Covid-19? To be honest I cannot fully answer that question.  However, I do know that God allows things such as major disasters to get our attention and help us focus on eternal things.  The most important eternal thing for us should be to have a personal relationship (a life-sharing union) with God. It is no secret that as a society we have strayed far from God. A good thing that can come from this pandemic is for us to return to Him.  Maybe God wants us to stop trusting in ourselves, or quit trusting in things, more than we trust in Him. Proverbs 3:5-6 makes it clear, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This verse reminds us that we need to trust God and whole-heartedly submit to Him.  It also means that we ought to be wary of trusting in ourselves or trusting in what man can do.

What about you?  Are you resting in the fact that God is at work?  Do you trust that God is in control?  Are you aware that God knows what is going on?  Let me remind you again that God is at work.  He is in control and He knows what is going on.  Let’s put our trust in Him and rely on Him to give us strength during this trying time.