Joel Phillips – Page 22

Unexploded Bombs

In England during the Blitz of WWII, there were special British military units that would diffuse unexploded bombs (“UXBs”). Their efforts and bravery were greatly appreciated.

The men of these units were not highly trained experts in the field of explosives, nor did they have the latest Bond-style gadgetry. These men learned over time various techniques and procedures for disarming and destroying the UXBs. But the Nazis repeatedly confronted them with more cunning and deadlier technological advances for aerial bomb fusing.

There are still unexploded bombs

They still find UXBs from WWII. They are old and rusty, and often buried in the ground. Because of the decay they look harmless, but on the contrary they are very dangerous.

These old bombs are very difficult to diffuse. Gaining access to the bomb is challenging. The wiring is usually corroded making disconnecting the triggering mechanism next to impossible.

You might have an unexploded bomb

The writer of Hebrews wrote,

Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled. (Hebrews 12:15. NKJV)

There are things that have hurt you or offended you, which left on their own, have the insidious capacity to not only make you bitter, but to cause trouble. And this is one of the most deceptive weapons of the enemy.

Like an old unexploded bomb sitting in the ground, all rusty and almost unnoticeable, so is the root of bitterness. And the longer it sits, the more dangerous it becomes and the more difficult to disarm. What makes it even trickier is the devil will keep re-wiring the device of your bitterness with new and deadlier components.

The technique

You don’t have to be an expert. In the same way the UXB units learned techniques for disarming bombs, you can learn how to disarm the explosive bomb of bitterness. And Jesus Christ has already given you an incredible lesson.

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
(Colossians 3:13, NLT)

Forgive as you have been forgiven. This will keep any root from taking hold, and it will keep everyone one around you safe…which they will greatly appreciate and benefit from.

A VIP Pass

Our lives are constantly confronted by things that limit and restrain us: “Do Not Touch”, “Do Not Enter”, “Authorized Personal Only”. You go to a museum only to have ropes keep you a “safe” distance from all the exhibits. You go to a concert and only those with VIP Backstage Passes hanging around their necks are allowed to get anywhere near the band.

Whether the purpose is to keep us out of danger, to protect something that’s valuable, or to give access only to important people, our lives are filled with yellow tape that we are not allowed to cross.

In the Temple at the time of Jesus, there was a room inside called the Holy of Holies. This was the place where God’s presence dwelt, and where no average person was allowed in. There was a veil, or curtain, made out of a thick tapestry that kept people out.

Only the High Priest, who was handpicked by God, was allowed to pass through the curtain into the presence of God, and that was only once a year on the Day of Atonement, and only after many thorough cleansing rituals. If anyone else but the High Priest tried to enter the Holy of Holies, they would die.

This curtain was like a huge “Do Not Enter” sign hanging in the temple. It was a great divider that hid God from man. But the very moment Jesus breathed his last breath on the cross, Matthew records that this curtain was torn in two from top to bottom. The tearing of the curtain displays how perfect the sacrifice of Jesus Christ was, and what it did for us.

No longer do we have a “Do Not Enter” sign keeping us back from God. Jesus ripped it down in His death, opening the door wide open for us to have free and complete access to God Himself. It is as if Jesus gave us His VIP pass, granting us His status so that we might experience the blessed relationship that He has with the Father.

Because of this we can approach God with confidence, giving thanks to Jesus for opening up the way that we might know and enjoy the Father, and experience His fellowship like we were never able to before. Remember this as you come to the Lord in prayer today. The curtain is torn, so you have complete access to bring your heart before the Lord.

Prayers Don’t Expire

Several years ago I was playing golf with a couple of young men I didn’t know. We were paired together by the course starter. After introducing ourselves to one another, we eventually asked what each other did for work. They told me they were in the Navy.

I’ll never forget the way they looked at me when I told him I was a pastor. “No swearing or drinking today!” one of them said. Then the other asked, “Did my mom send you?” We laughed.

But that’s not the most memorable moment from that day.

As the round went on, they begin telling me where they were from. I could sense they were homesick. But one of them, whose name was Gary, told me that his mom would be happy to hear he was hanging out with a pastor. He said it kind of kidding around in front of his friend.

But a few moments later, out of range from his friend he said, “Seriously man. Every time I talk to her she wants to know if I’m going to church.”

With that I could feel the Holy Spirit pressing on my heart. “Gary, are you a Christian?” With that simple question, this strong young sailor’s eyes filled with tears. His head hung down and his voice cracked as he shrugged his shoulders and said, “I dunno.”

I put my hand on his shoulder and led him in prayer. Gary made Jesus the Lord of His life right there on the 4th tee box with his friends wide-eyed watching the whole thing.

But that’s still not the most memorable moment of that day.

Throughout the rest of our round Gary told me about his life. How his mom had recently gotten her life together, and how he was actually raised by his grandma. He told me how his grandmother would take him to church, and how when he was about 16 he quit going and rebelled. He told me about joining the Navy to get away. And then fighting back the tears, he told me that his grandma had died last year, and how he wished he could tell her what had just happened to him.

Then the most memorable moment of that day happened.

While listening to Gary, the Holy Spirit made it clear to me that my encounter with him, his brokenness and willingness to pray were all the result of his grandmother’s prayers. I told him what I was sensing. He seemed appreciative. But I have never ever forgotten this.

The Bible tells us, “the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous person, avails much.” (James 5:16). The Bible also tells us that our prayers are so valuable to God that he keeps them in a bowl in heaven (Rev. 5:8). In other words, prayer is not only powerful, it never expires. There are many things happening in our lives that are a result of other’s prayers, both living and dead. Some day I’ll get a chance to thank a grandma for her prayers over her grandson Gary, but more importantly, so will Gary!

A Splinter of Hope

Boating is a great recreational pursuit for many people. Some like fast boats. Some like sailboats. Some like fishing boats. Some like huge seagoing ships. And they will all argue why their boat is better than the others.

But one thing they all agree on is a dislike for foul weather.

There are many new technical advances that afford ships more safety in stormy conditions. Yet even seasoned old salts grimace at the prospect of storms, knowing they can generate huge seas that threaten to capsize their vessels.

The Apostle Paul was on a ship crossing the Mediterranean Sea en route to Rome. It was the wrong time of the year to be out in those waters and Paul knew it. He urged the captain to hold port until it was safe. But the captain and his crew decided to push on.

It was a bad decision.

A vicious seasonal storm called Euroclydon blew so fiercely that ship literally started to come apart. Even after throwing everything overboard to lighten the load, the ship was still in peril. They gave up all hope of being saved.

But in the middle of the night an angel appeared to Paul and told him not to be afraid. He assured Paul that although the ship was doomed, not one life would be lost. Paul told this to the 276 people onboard the ship, and they were all encouraged.

As soundings determined they were getting close to land, they dropped four anchors to slow the ship down. When land was sighted they let the anchors go.

Another bad decision.

Now the ship sped uncontrollably for shore, only to run aground on the rocks of a reef. Waves begin to break the stern apart. The captain commanded everyone to abandon ship. Those who knew how to swim started paddling, while others held onto boards and other parts of the ship. But where told…

They all escaped safely to land. (Acts 27:44)

When you’re jumping from a ship that’s sinking, and you don’t know how to swim, the only hope you have is that there is something, or someone to hold onto. Hope will cause you to keep grabbing. Hope will cause you to hold on whatever there is, even if it’s just a splinter.

But we have so much more.

…we are those who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, is both sure and steadfast, and which enters the behind the veil into the presence of God. (Hebrews 6:18,19)

No matter how bad things have gotten, or how dark, or how long it’s been going on, there’s still hope. We can lay hold of God Himself. And what’s even more encouraging is that God lays hold of us in a way that secures our very lives at the deepest level…and He’ll never let go!

What Do You Know About Death

This is a picture of my dad and me. I love it. I keep it on my desk. It makes me smile. In fact, when I think about the circumstances surrounding the moment of this shot, it encourages me and gives me hope.

This picture was taken at the hospital three days before my dad died.

How could a picture of my dad on his deathbed be something that encourages me or gives me hope? It has to do with what I know about death; with what my dad spent his life making sure I knew.

Before I go any further let me ask you, what do you know about death? That’s an important question because death is real and it’s inevitable. Do you know what will happen when you die, or when someone you love dies?

For Christians, Easter is the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. We believe it happened. We know it’s important. And we trust that we too will be raised from the dead. Yet for many Christians, death is still an uncertain subject. And as a result, a lackluster sets into our faith that makes our message, and even more our lives, pretty unappealing.

But the Bible tells us…

For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection. (Romans 6:5)

What if it’s true that Christ rose from the dead; that he will never die again and death has no power over him; that by faith we are joined together with him in his death and will rise from the dead to live with him forever? What if it is true—not just ideas out there somewhere—but confident facts from God himself?

For a person who does know Jesus, the thoughts I’m sharing would at best seem to be part of an interesting religion, or maybe some stimulating concepts. But the power to look death in the face and feel hope as deep as deep goes only comes through Jesus Christ.

What I know about death is not based on feelings, or wishful thinking. I stand on the bedrock of God’s word. I have hope that goes beyond the grave. I have confidence that death is not final. I can smile when I look into my dad’s eyes in this picture, because I know that I will look into them again for real.

The Oilman’s Soul

There was a man named George W. Truett who pastored the same congregation in Dallas, Texas for 47 years. His humble, spiritually-simple style had earned him the reputation of being a man after God’s own heart.

Pastor Truett was invited over for dinner to the home of a very wealthy man. After the meal, the host led him to a place where they could get a good view of the surrounding area. Pointing to the dozens of oil wells punctuating the landscape, the rich host boasted, “Twenty-five years ago I had nothing. But now, as far as you can see, it’s all mine.” Looking in the opposite direction at his sprawling fields of grain, he said, “That’s all mine.” Turning east toward huge herds of cattle, he bragged, “They’re all mine.” Then pointing to the west at some beautiful commercial structures, he exclaimed, “That too is all mine.”

The rich man paused, expecting Pastor Truett to compliment him on his great success. The pastor put his hand on the man’s shoulder, smiled and said, “That’s truly impressive.” But then with his other hand he pointed upwards and asked, “How much do you have in that direction?” The man hung his head and confessed, “Preacher, I’ve been so busy, I haven’t given that much thought.”

Jesus said,

For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? (Mark 8:36)

We all need to make adjustments in our priorities at times. Sometimes we feel like that rich man, and have to confess we haven’t thought much in heaven’s direction. But there are also adjustments needed where we’re thinking about heaven so much, that we forget to think about earth, and the souls living here.

Oliver Wendell Holmes once said that some Christians are “so heavenly minded that they’re no earthly good.” Notwithstanding this truth, I believe it is not possible to be truly heavenly minded and not be of any earthly good. Actually it’s when we adjust our thoughts on the things above, that rather than becoming more disconnected and aloof from the world around us, we become even more aware and engaged.

C.S. Lewis states this so well…

If you read history you will find that the Christians who did most for the present world were precisely those who thought most of the next. It is since Christians have largely ceased to think of the other world that they have become so ineffective in this. (C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity)

There are people all around you who are gaining the world at the expense of their souls. They are completely dominated with earthly goals and pressures. And they love it when someone is impressed with their successes and accomplishments. But here lies a great opportunity, and nobody could help you better with it than the old preacher from Texas. Pastor Truett would say,

Go ahead, put you hand on their shoulder. Give these folks a compliment or two. But then point up in the sky with your other hand, and ask them how much they have in that direction.

Halfway House

Halfway houses are places that allow people who are coming out of incarceration, or addicts seeking sobriety, a safe place that provides monitoring and support. They are dramatically better than a jail cell or a drug house, but no one would want to live permanently in a halfway house. They serve as a stepping-stone to what everyone desires: a place they can call home.

Abraham is called the father of faith. And in the book of Hebrews we are told that while he was on earth he and his family were…

…dwelling in tents

It’s not that Abraham as unable to purchase an estate, or build an elaborate mansion, or settle down in some attractive spot. Genesis 13:2 says that he “was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.” But Abraham was content to dwell in tents because he realized that there was something greater and eternal beyond his earthly existence.

For he looked for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. (Hebrews 11:10)

Being renewed by the hope of heaven will cause us to have a loose grip on earthly stuff. Abraham knew that his most valuable possessions were not on earth, but in Heaven. This is what made him content to dwell in a tent. The first verse of the same chapter gives us insight…

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

The place where God brought Abraham was called “the land of promise,” not the “the promised land,” as sometimes referred. It was also called, “a strange country.” He did not act like he was the possessor of the land, but as a foreigner and pilgrim in it. He took no part in its politics, had nothing to do with its religion, had very little social interactions with its people, but lived by faith and found his joy trusting in the promises of God.

Because Abraham’s heart was focused, he was not occupied with the Canaanites who were then in the land, but with the invisible God who had pledged it unto him.

If you’re coming out of rough season in your life, or maybe you’re still in one, there’s a safe shelter under God’s care. He’ll restore your strength and hope. He’ll monitor your progress and provide support. But no matter how bad things were or how good things get, you’re not going to be here permanently. This earth is just a halfway house to heaven, a place you’ll forever call home.

Blah Blah Blah

When I was in Bible college, one of my fellow students, who had a real heart for elderly people, regularly visited a local nursing home. He had made friends with several of the people living there, and as a result he was invited to come lead a chapel service.

He took this very seriously. He was honored by the chance to minister the word to these people for whom the Lord had given him so much love.
He studied. He prayed. He wrote notes and thoughts down. He filled a wastebasket with rejected ideas. Finally he emerged from his preparation time with a powerful message on salvation through faith.

He watched as the people assembled in room where he would be speaking. Some were using walkers. Some were wheeled in. A few had I.V. needles in their arms. There were also nurses gathered in the back to attend the service.
He cleared his throat and thanked them for the invitation, and then prayed. He had written the prayer down with every word carefully and prayerfully considered. Upon saying amen, he announced,

Today I have felt led to speak on the topic of salvation by faith. Let us look to God’s word, Ephesians 2, verses 8 and 9…

He read from his bible and began to describe the very important doctrines of salvation, faith, and grace. His exegesis and doctrinal treatise was perfect. His confidence was gaining until a woman began muttering,

Blah, blah, blah. Blah, blah, blah.

She continued saying this as she rolled her squeaky wheelchair out of the room. My friend tried to regain his focus after this, but never did. Finally he closed in prayer and went out to his car.

He was confused, discouraged, frustrated and even angry.

Every preacher at times has had these feelings in common. We study. Pray. Write. Pray more. But then it seems our words fall on deaf ears.

But every preacher who has been effective also has something in common: keeping Jesus the main focus. Aimee Semple McPherson, the founder of the Foursquare Church had John 12:21 engraved on the pulpit of Angelus Temple…

We would see Jesus

This is not at the expense of sound doctrine, nor is it dumbed down emotionalism. It is not simplistic, but it is simple, and it’s powerful. When we turn our attentions on Jesus we are opening the reservoirs of God’s power, healing, and love so strong that it demands attention. It’s then that the Holy Spirit can etch the words spoken so that they adjust to every listening ear.

Preaching Jesus may not keep every one from walking out, or wheeling out, but it will cause many to come to Him.

Stolen Goods

Having something stolen is so infuriating! Especially if there was a break-in. You feel violated. You also feel paranoid that it could happen again.

But some rip offs go unnoticed.

Touring Venice, Italy, with a group of people was a memorable experience. The canals, the Piazza San Marco, and the food was amazing. But the most outstanding memory I have happened as we were getting ready to pay for our food in little restaurant.

“My wallet! My wallet! It’s gone!”

My friend shouted as he frantically searched through all his pockets, looked around the table, and under his chair. The waiter came to assist. “Signore, preggo. I’m afraid-a you been a-pickpocketed.”

As we retraced our steps, my friend remembered being surrounded earlier that day by a group of people. Several of them bumped into him. No doubt they were the ones who got his wallet. But it wasn’t until he needed his wallet many hours later that he noticed it was gone.

This is how Satan perpetrates his thievery. Secretive. Stealthy. And unnoticed often until it’s too late.

David and his men were pursuing what seemed to be a noble thing. They were offering military assistance to another king. But they had left their families in a place called Ziklag. They king turned down their offer and they began to head back home.

As they returned, they saw smoke off in the distance in the direction of their camp. They began to run. Soon it was clear that Ziklag had been attacked. Everything was burned, all the livestock was gone, and worse—all their families had been taken.

These men of war began to cry like babies. As their minds raced with what could be happening to their wives and children, they turned their anger on David. This is where we are told the famous line, “And David encouraged himself in the Lord.”

But that’s not the most important thing David did.

David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?” And the LORD answered him,

Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all. (1 Samuel 30:8)

With that, David and his men found the enemy’s location, attacked them, and recovered everyone and everything that had been stolen.

Even though Satan is good at attacking us when we are not expecting it, or when we have our guards down, rather than giving up in defeat, we can seek the Lord’s assistance.

Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.
(Hebrews 7:25)

As it becomes clear to you that enemy has ripped you off, and you began to realize that you might have been asleep at the switch, rather than mourn the loss, or sink into depression and self-loathing, turn to Lord for help. Ask him to restore what’s been taken.

If it’s your wallet, you may still have to pay for lunch.

Sheep Dung and Holy Ground

Have you heard someone say, “They’ve been happily married for 60 years.”
Or, “Over all these years, I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed every moment.”
Or maybe, “I’ve never had a second of doubt.”

Bologna!

I love Ruth Graham’s answer when she was asked if she ever thought about divorcing Billy, “No, I’ve never thought of divorce in all these years of marriage, but,” she said, “I did think of murder a few times.“

The truth is that smooth sailing in life isn’t what makes us better, or stronger, or happier. We gain the most valuable things for living in the less glamorous times and experiences of our lives.

Moses was watching his father-in-law’s sheep in desolate place. It was rough. Hot. Dry. But Jethro had taught him where to find water; which plants had berries that could be eaten; and which of the plants were safe for the sheep to eat.

It was a pretty boring, mundane existence compared to the courts of Pharaoh, but Moses carried on. However, there had to be moments of shear frustration.

He was a Hebrew…but not accepted by them.
He had been treated like royalty…now he was in total obscurity.
He is living in a foreign place…that he can’t relate to and doesn’t quite fit in.

One day as Moses and the sheep were wandering up into the hills, a bush caught on fire and began to speak to him,

“Moses, take your sandals off because the place you are standing is holy ground.”

Moses hesitated for a moment. “Holy ground?” he thought. “This place? I’ve been up here a million times. It’s covered in sheep dung.” Then God spoke to him and gave him the instructions for getting His people out of Egypt.

It wasn’t long after this that Moses stood confidently before Pharaoh. He knew the drill. He knew who to talk to, who to salute, who to bow before, and how to talk to a Pharaoh because he used to live in that palace.

It wasn’t long after this that he smiled when Pharaoh’s sorcerers turned their rods into snakes. He thought how these snakes were nothing compared to the ones he had killed in Median. Then he watched the snake his rod had become eat the others.

It wasn’t long after this that he could sense the reluctance of the people about following him into the wilderness. “What are we going to eat? What are we going to drink?” they cried. He thought about how much they reminded him of Jethro’s sheep while watching water come from a rock and manna appear in the morning.

And it wasn’t too long after this that he pushed back some tears from his eyes as God told him there would be forty more years of wandering in the desert. But he thought about how faithful God had been in the other wildernesses of his life. This one would be no different.

We also boast of our troubles, because we know that trouble produces endurance, endurance brings God’s approval, and his approval creates hope. (Romans 5:3–4, GNB)

It’s the things that are difficult, things that press on us and trouble us, that actually bring about God’s blessing and give rise to hope. Not problem-free living. Not living happily ever after.

To those who think otherwise, I would say, "Bologna!” Moses would probably say, “SHEEP DUNG!”

All posts by : Joel Phillips