CAN WE GET A LITTLE CRAZY?

The greatest story ever told is that “God so loved the world that that He gave His only Son that anyone who believes in Jesus should not perish, but have everlasting life.” That is God’s story. But, there is another important story that needs to be told…it’s YOUR story. It’s the story that says, “Jesus loves me… and He changed my life.” It is through stories like yours that people see Jesus in our lives.

So, what do you think that it is that keeps people from seeing God in us? I believe it is a lack of passion. But, not just any kind of passion. I’m talking about a “crazy” kind of passion…the kind of passion for a “with God” life that plunges us into His love, His grace, and His mercy! It is a crazy passion that trusts God with a faith that says, “With God, I cannot fail.” 

Francis Chan said this in his book, Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God, “…when we love God, we naturally run to Him-frequently and zealously. Jesus didn't command that we have a regular time with Him each day. Rather, He tells us to 'love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' He called this the 'first and greatest commandment' (Matthew 22:37-38). The results are intimate prayer and study of His Word. Our motivation changes from guilt to love.” That is the kind of “crazy” passion for God that shows in our lives!

One of the sports I really enjoy is college basketball. I like the fast pace and excitement of the game. But, have you ever been to a basketball game when the home team was behind by 15 points. Everybody’s head is just sort of going from side to side…watching the ball move up and down the court…no excitement. But the moment the other team…makes a few sloppy plays…and your team scores on a few quick turnovers…and hits three 3 point shots in a row,…all of a sudden the entire side comes alive with a passion that you can feel! Everybody is of one mind… cheering the team on! People who were quietly sitting down, all of sudden are jumping up and down. They have passion, …a “crazy” passion…because they have a story to tell! Their story is “Look where we WERE, …. but now, look where we ARE!” They are expecting to win!

There are very few things that have hurt the greatest story ever told MORE…than people telling it, or trying to live it….with no passion. I read a recent survey on churches that said,…75% of churches are declining or dying….24% of churches are growing, but they’re basically getting members (stealing sheep) from other churches…sort of a like a saint's musical chairs. The sobering statistic is that only 1% of all churches are growing by reaching people who have never heard of having a relationship with Christ.

Jesus said He came to “seek and to save those who were lost.” The challenge before us today is,… do we want to be a part of the 1% that’s doing what Jesus commanded His church to do? Because in order to do it,…. we are going to need a passion for God. A “CRAZY” kind of a passion.

So, what is it that you feel passionate about? What really grips at your heart so much that you’re passionate about it?  Is it Jesus?  Are you crazy passionate for Jesus?   There are some things in life that we are going to have to be passionate about if God is to be popping out of our lives so Jesus Christ can be seen. The question for us is…Can you get a little crazy for Jesus?   Can you have a “crazy passion” for Him… the kind that holds nothing back?   Why not talk to him about it… and ask Him to light that fire of passion in you.

OUR FREEDOM'S NAME IS JESUS

Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women, our patriotic heroes, who sacrificed their lives while serving in our Armed Forces to help us breathe the air of freedom.  We are blessed to live in such a great country abounding with so many freedoms. We speak about, and even argue a lot about our freedoms in the United States; freedom of speech; freedom of expression; freedom of the press; freedom to assemble; freedom to petition; and freedom of religion. We even have etched into our memories of the great patriot’s quotations of the early days of our nation’s founding like Patrick Henry’s “Give me liberty, or give me death” speech. Or, the quote by John Adams in a letter to his wife, Abigail Adams, on July 3, 1776, when he said, “Yesterday the greatest question was decided which ever was debated in America; and a greater perhaps never was, nor will be, decided among men. A resolution was passed without one dissenting colony, ‘That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States.” Freedom is indeed important to us.

There was an old television show that has been one of my all time favorites. The Andy Griffith show was great family comedy with the variety of characters living in the fictional town of Mayberry. Maybe one of the greatest characters was the town drunk named Otis. We would be treated often times to episodes in which Otis was arrested for public drunkenness, and lovable Deputy, Barney Fife. would lock him up until he sobered up. After sleeping it off, Otis would then stick his hand through the bars of his personal cell, and take the key hanging on a nail on the wall, and let himself out. It was as simple as that. There were other times that Otis would just stumble into the jail and lock himself into the cell, and place the key back on the nail on the wall. What good stuff!

But, while that was all great comedy…it reminds me also of the jail we can sometimes lock ourselves in when we become a slave to our past. There is another quote about the greatest freedom of all that kind of speaks to that self imposed slavery. It was from the Apostle Paul, under the unction of the Holy Spirit, who wrote in Galatians 5:1..."It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."

God has set us free, but sometimes we lock ourselves up in the prison of shame and guilt. And, our key to freedom isn't hanging by from a nail on a jailhouse wall,…it was hung by nails on an old rugged cross. See, our greatest freedom of all is not the many freedoms we enjoy in this great land. Our greatest freedom’s name is Jesus. He came to set the prisoner free...for good. The great thing is…the key is always in reach, and we never have to be locked up in the prison of shame and guilt again.

Father in Heaven, we remember and give thanks for the patriots who have given their lives in the service of this country. When the need was the greatest, they stepped forward and did their duty to defend the freedoms we enjoy today. And, we thank you for our greatest gift of freedom given to us in Jesus who truly set us free! Please forgive us when we stumble back into out jail cells of guilt and shame. Help us to know that You paid an incredible price for our freedom. Help us to walk in it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

GOD'S GREATER PURPOSE

Isn’t it true that sometimes we just need to back up a step or two in order to see the bigger picture…you know, to get a little better perspective? It’s something I certainly need to do more often. I have this tendency to get too self-centered and maybe even too close in my approach to life. I don’t know about you but I have to confess that in all my self-confidence and self reliance, I can forget that God has a larger plan and purpose than just me. I might be 64 years old, but I still struggle with that childish thinking that mistakenly believes the entire universe revolves around me. It is true I am a part of the world, but I am not the world. It is also true that God cares about me…and, it’s not just that He cares about me, but He indeed loves me! But, He also loves the other 6.9 billion people who call this planet their home. And yes, He has plans for me, but in the end, those plans are a part of His larger plan for all of humanity as a whole. That is a truth which I need to remember a lot better.

One of my favorite examples of this is Joseph. Do you remember how Joseph was so favored by his father? And, then he was betrayed by his brothers, and sold into slavery. If that weren’t enough, he was falsely accused of rape and imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit. But, eventually God frees Joseph from his Egyptian prison and in the way only God can do, He positions Joseph as the second most powerful man in the world. It’s a great story of redemption. Often we make Joseph’s personal tragedies and experiences the emphasis of that story. But, in Genesis 50, when he is speaking to his brothers who sold him into slavery, Joseph points us to God’s true purpose with regard to all the events that had come his way. Joseph declares, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” Joseph understood that God had a much greater purpose in mind than Joseph’s own personal deliverance from his own personal problems. God knew famine was coming to the world, and in His compassion He set things in motion that guaranteed the survival of His people.

In Psalm 46:10, God reminds us all that the time is coming when He will be exalted. He says through the Psalmist, “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” All those who oppose Him will eventually bow before Him! The very same tongues that curse His name will one day declare that He is Lord! There may be all sorts of trouble flooding the landscape of this world… but, HIS glory will fill eternity! Our present pain, problems, trials, testing, and temptation will not change this promised outcome. It is going to happen! As sure as the sun rises in the morning….Our God will be exalted!

So, what does this mean for you and me? Just this…All things are subject to His plans and purposes. In Ephesians 5:11, Paul says it this way, “…according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will.” This planet?… It’s subject to His counsel. Every nation?…. Subject to His counsel. Every life threatening problem or sickness we can imagine?… All subject to His counsel. The worst that life has to offer cannot undo His promises and His purposes. No matter what may happen He will be exalted!

Now that encourages me and it should encourage you! Knowing you are a part of His greater purposes! No matter what may happen in your life… He will be exalted! Your recent cancer diagnosis?…It’s subject to His counsel! Your child’s disease or injury?… It’s subject to His counsel! The adversities and difficulties that seem to endlessly plague our personal lives? The daily wrestling with sin? All of them are subject to His counsel! No matter how much I may think the universe revolves around me…my life will not be the one exception…Everything is subject to His counsel! Troubles may come in all their ugliness, but He is causing all things to work together for the good! And more importantly, no matter the situation, no matter how desperate the need… He will be glorified! In my life God has the final word….He will be exalted!

WORSHIPPERS OR MOCKERS?

The Gospel of John, chapter 19, has been the source of my devotions over the past couple of weeks. It is without a doubt one of the most sobering chapters of the New Testament as we witness the brutality thrust upon our Lord. But, as I read the passage carefully, I noticed in Verses 2 and 5, the descriptions of the items that were put on Christ by those who were mocking him. The first item was the crown of thorns. The other was the purple robe. Both items were specifically designed to mock His "kingship." There was a mocking of His “Lordship.” And, as I read those verses, I couldn’t help but wonder: When we declare the kingship or Lordship of Jesus…Are we mocking Him or worshipping Him?

I believe mocking Jesus when we crown Him is something that both lost and saved people are capable of. Lost people do it more overtly. Saved people who aren't walking in the Spirit do it more subtly. Lost people openly blaspheme the name of Jesus. And, there are those we might call “carnal Christians” who say that Jesus is Lord, but don't truly live like it.

John 19 gives us some distinct characteristics of the person who mockingly crowns Jesus Christ. In verse one, we see that those who mockingly crown Him cause Him pain. In verse two, we find that their worship is false and cheap…it is not fitting worship for the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Verse 5 finds those who mock Jesus’ kingship think less of Him than He really is. Verses 6 and 7, shows us they are Pharisaical…they have placed themselves in the seat of judgment as to who is righteous and who is not. Verses 8 and 9 point to their lack of real faith and confidence. And, in verse 10, those who mockingly crown Jesus think they're in charge.

How do you crown Jesus? Is He Lord…or, are you mocking Him? If one or more of these characteristics describes you, you might want to prayerfully take inventory as to whether or not Jesus is truly the Lord of your life.  There is no time better than right now to bow before Him as your King and worship Him as your Lord and Savior.

HOPE FOR CHANGE IN JOHN'S WORLD

We talk about change a lot. We encourage it, especially in others. Change is a beautiful thing. I think it safe to say that some of us love change. We long for it. We labor for it. And the greatest thing of all is…Our God specializes in, and takes delight in change.

I have been reading the Old Testament story of Joseph again. It is a powerful example of how God specializes in change. For at least two long years Joseph prayed for change. I can imagine many of his prayers were for a change in his circumstances. From a very young age, both tragedy and injustice seemed to follow Joseph until Joseph finally found himself in an Egyptian prison…condemned to live out the rest of his life as a prisoner. I can picture him chained to a pillar or wall with heavy irons fastened around his neck and feet. So, with no hope of escape or release, I can fully understand why Joseph would desperately want a change in his circumstances. All I have to endure is a little rough water while trying to navigate through life, and I start crying out to God for deliverance. I’m sure many of Joseph’s prayers were for change.

Then came the answer to Joseph’s prayer. In Genesis 40, God gives Joseph the interpretation of dreams of two of the Pharaoh’s servants who had offended Pharaoh and were confined with Joseph. And, in Chapter 41, we find Pharaoh having a dream that troubled him. When his servants who had been jailed with Joseph told Pharaoh of how Joseph had interpreted their dreams, Pharaoh called for Joseph. Change was taking place in Joseph’s circumstances. And then, in Genesis 41:16 we see these words... "Joseph then answered Pharaoh, saying, 'It is not in me; God will give Pharoah a favorable answer.'"

What amazes me is that not only did God answered his prayer and sent change into Joseph’s life, but I think it is important to notice that before there was any external change,… there was first an internal change. Before God changed Joseph’s circumstances,… He first changed Joseph’s character.

Joseph wanted freedom from the earthly prison that had become his home. God wanted to free him from the prison of pride. Joseph wanted out of the Egyptian dungeon. But, God wanted for Joseph to get out of the dungeon of his own self-reliance. Joseph wanted change….and, so did God!
There is this remarkable transformation that takes place by the time Joseph stands before Pharaoh. There is no longer that little hint of pride in his own ability. Do you remember how as a teenager, Joseph was pretty quick to parade around his dreams? Even when he first entered the prison, Joseph was pretty eager to provide interpretations. But now that he is on the other side of spiritual change…and, standing before the one man who could set him free…standing before the one man who had the power to change his circumstances …Joseph humbly admits his own inability. Joseph acknowledges that only God can give the answer. Joseph has been transformed into a man now surrendered to God,… a man no longer searching, or craving, recognition and validation.

That is my hope of change. Whether I like to admit it, or even want to admit it…too much of my life I have craved validation and recognition. Yes, I do it all in Jesus’ name… but, as I look back…in this strange sort of way…it’s been more about me than it was about Him. Ministry for me was validation….acceptance. I have to confess that too often I longed for the compliments and recognition. It is remarkable how easy it is to preach Christ on the outside, while on the inside I was parading me. But, God is so GOOD! He has been speaking to me so clearly about this and I am feeling the transformation begin. I have always loved change. And one of the biggest changes I have experienced is to give up my craving for validation and recognition. Sure, there are some days when it is still a struggle. But now, for the most part, I am content to stand in the shadows. I am content to be anonymous. I will always be content to be unknown…as long as HE is known! As long as HE is celebrated!

That was the lesson that Joseph had to learn. That is the lesson that I am still learning. And, like most of us, I still pray for a change in my circumstances. But, what I really want is for God to change ME.

FIRST LOVE

Some time ago, I ran across my old baseball glove I used back in younger days. It hadn’t seen much use after the late 1960’s, and seeing it again brought back a lot of great memories! I loved baseball! And, I loved that glove! I remember when I had saved up enough of my paper-boy money to buy it. Did I mention I loved that glove! I remember how as a kid, half the fun of getting a new baseball glove was breaking it in…the other half, of course, was using it. I remember when I first bought it, the leather was really hard and stiff…there was no way it would work without me first putting some loving care into it. So, out came my tin of saddle soap which was the material of choice for us older-timers…and, I began to carefully rub the soap into the leather until it became soft and pliable. Everyone forms their glove differently. It really is an art. I liked mine to be stiff around the edges and soft in the pocket so if the ball hit the edge it wouldn't fold the glove over and keep going,…it should be stiff enough to stop the ball. Of course, forming that pocket was really important. I would tie up a ball in the pocket to help form it. But, nothing worked better than constantly bending it or throwing a ball into it. I remember how the guys would ask, “Hey Vaughn, ain’t you got that mitt broken in yet?” I loved my glove!

But, my old glove didn’t look like that glove I loved so much 40 plus years ago. It didn’t have the ball wrapped up tightly to keep the pocket shaped anymore. The glove was laid flat, and now it had more of the shape of an omelet! It still looked kind of like a baseball glove, and it did fit my hand, but it was going to need some serious work if it was ever to be used. I mean, it was okay…but, it was unfit for service.

It kind of makes me think of Revelations 2:4, where we read a pretty stern judgment on the Church of Ephesus… they had lost their first love. I believe this is a somber warning for all churches. It almost comes as a surprise to readers of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, because the whole book seems to be an encouragement to stay the course, continuing in their love for God and one another. Yet, here in chapter two of Revelations, we find they somehow missed this chief point. Verses 1-3 speaks the praises of an active vibrant church with sound doctrine,… but when it comes to love (in verse 4), they come up short.

I think in some ways our churches can become like dried up, neglected old baseball gloves. Instead of a passionate intimate relationship with Christ, how easily we can become distracted by our structures and programs… and unattached to our first love. The world and all of its comforts can infected us, and we settle for being just saved, and not being radically transformed disciples.

There are no doubt easier ways to do church than to do the hard work of cultivating an intimate relationship with Christ. We can choose to be merely “religious” and go about our programs and marketing to fill our buildings, but it will only look like a church… and it will not be effective in “catching” whoever enters. Through the Holy Spirit, God works on us, He cleans us, He softens our hearts, He forms us just the way He wants us to be to be the most effective. And, then He empowers us to reach into our world for Jesus Christ. As we abide in Christ, He continues to keep us pliable and effective for Kingdom purposes. But more than that, as we respond to His love and do the Kingdom work with Kingdom power we are freed to be who we were created to be… His beloved bride.

I loved my glove! I love my Savior…He’s my first love! May I never put him aside, and forget to give Him the attention and love He so richly deserves.

ACCUMULATING SIN

Not long ago while mindlessly channel surfing, I caught a segment on Discovery Channel's "The Deadliest Catch," about crab fishing in the Bering Sea. One of the dangers they faced in was the accumulation of ice on the ship's gear. If it is not removed quickly, disaster can happen. Tiny drops of water, combined with freezing temperatures and wind can literally destroy a crab boat and its crew. It seems impossible the just little drops of water could have such an effect on a ship of many tons of steel. But, ignoring those tiny drops of water can have a deadly effect.

How often do we ignore the accumulation of little sins in our lives,… rationalizing them at first because everyone is doing it,… or it's so small,… or no one knows anyway. Still, seeds will eventually grow. You've probably heard or read the saying:

We sow a thought and reap an act;
We sow an act and reap a habit;
We sow a habit and reap a character;
We sow a character and reap a destiny.

Christ saved us to be transformed into the "new self"…a “new creation”… which reflects Christ’s love and light to a world so desperately in need of it. Ephesians 4:22-24 puts it this way: “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”  We simply must pay attention to our own sin (instead of being preoccupied with the sin of others), if we are to grow in Christ. We can’t allow the small sins accumulate in our life, because eventually, they will do their damage!

A final Biblical reminder from Hebrews 12:1-3: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

If you find yourself growing weary and losing heart, it may be time to "get out on deck" and check your "gear" to see if something dangerous is accumulating!

COLD IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL!

It’s is hard to believe that we are nearing the half way mark of the month of January and we in central Illinois have not had any measurable snow! We have had to suffer through a month of unusually warm temperatures…in Illinois…in January! But, according to the weather forecast we are expecting snow,… and with that we will be shocked back into the normal weather for us…c...c..c.cold!

Do you remember all that stuff we have to go through when it gets really cold? Do you remember having to open the cabinet doors under the kitchen sink, and kept the water dripping on all the faucets just to make sure that the pipes don’t freeze and you would be waterless in the morning. The joys of winter in central Illinois!

Cold does something to me emotionally. It makes me cautious. I find I am more careful about where and how I drive, just in case I get stranded in the cold. I am careful how long I stay outside, how far I walk, and what I wear. People living in the country have to make sure they have enough propane in the tank or whatever they use to heat their homes. It is not the type of weather to run out of heating fuel. The cold makes me very aware of my vulnerability and mortality. It makes me more prayerful. I pray just before I turn the key in the ignition that the car will start. I prayed for others on the road when it turns bad out. When we woke up the next morning and find our pipes intact, the furnace running and the light switches working, it’s a good place for a prayer of gratitude.

The cold brings to mind my dependence on God, and I cannot help but be thankful to Him. I realize that if I lived here a couple of hundred years ago, then the cold could have killed me. I am thankful I live with all the conveniences of modern times to keep me warm and protected from the cold. Many of the sicknesses and diseases that the cold brought on by cold are treatable now. That wasn’t the case in centuries past. When transportation was horse and wagon, and not a comfortably heated automobile, one risked one’s life to travel.

You could say that the cold is good for my soul. It makes me very thankful to God. It makes me grateful for what I have. It makes me more appreciative of friends. The cold even fosters community. There is nothing like finding occasions to get together for meals and fellowship when it’s too cold out to do anything else. It can be a great time for the church. Cabin fever can be a real malady. The cure is fellowship. It is community with one another. It is “koinonia”. The cold also encourages fellowship with God. Not for everyone of course. It keeps many away from church rather than bringing them out. But the cold has the opposite effect on me. It melts my heart and softens my soul. It strengthens my spiritual bond with God and others.

Don’t get me wrong! I will be glad to see the spring come! I will be thanking God for the muddy roads! But, for the season, I will practice the spiritual discipline of cold weather spirituality. They are predicting a wind chill of about 9 this Sunday. Sounds like perfect worship weather!