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January 11, 2013

It was on this day that we buried my dad. Burial for the loved ones of a person who has died can be an incredibly difficult time. It’s so final, so sad, grim even. But this day wasn’t as hard for me as it might’ve been. It has to do with one of my dad’s last coherent sentences before he passed away,

“My righteousness…. . . .is a gift . . …from God”

Dad managed to get those words out in a tone of voice that caught our attention. He mustered extra strength to say it. And as I reflect on that moment, those words sum up so much of what dad lived for. They also made his burial much easier.

Wherever my dad was

Whether it was in the halls or classrooms of L.I.F.E. Bible College during the 60’s; or in the pulpits of churches he spoke at; or just hanging out with me getting ready to eat one of our notorious peanut butter, lettuce, and tomato sandwiches…wherever dad was he would talk about righteousness.

It wasn’t religious talk. It was about a righteousness that God gives us through Jesus Christ. This is what dad lived for, what he died speaking about, and what he was buried with. He chose these words to be placed on his gravestone…

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2)

Dad had been dying since he was 25

Although my dad’s health had been failing for the last few years of his life, he’d actually been dying since he gave his life to Christ when he was 25. He’d been dying to sin and the old nature.

This is not done through some kind asceticism or self-denial, but by faith. Faith is the only thing that vindicates our spiritual and moral failures. Paul said that we are “justified by faith apart from the law” (Rom. 3:28).

Dad’s determination to teach me these things was not to prepare me for the day of his burial, though it certainly helped, but to prepare me for every day. To realize that the most powerful truths in the world is the one he died saying, “righteous is a gift from God.”

Thanks dad.  See you soon!

My wife writes love songs

In fact, they’re songs about a love affair she’s been having for quite some time now. Affectionate, heart-felt, romantic songs that express her passion, her devotion, her obsession. I suppose I could get jealous because they’re not about me.

Years ago I had to come to the realization that although my wife loved me, there was someone she loved a lot more. She’d let me know it and still does regularly.  When she talks about him her face lights up. Sometimes she get’s emotional and cries at just the mention of his name.  When it comes to anything to do with him, she’s like a kid.

“…the children in the Temple [were] shouting, ‘Praise God for the Son of David.’  But the leaders were indignant. They asked Jesus, ‘Do you hear what these children are saying?’ ‘Yes,’ Jesus replied. ‘Haven’t you ever read the Scriptures? For they say, “You have taught children and infants to give you praise.”’” (Matthew 21:15–16, NLT)

Wish you could see a video I shot

It’s a video of all the kids who were at our church’s vacation Bible school singing one of my wife’s songs. They’re making all sorts of hand motions and their voices are ringing out, singing…

There is nothing that can separate me from your love,
Nothing I’ve ever done, nothing I’ll ever do,
There is nothing that can separate me from your love,
Your arms are opened wide,
And I am wrapped inside your love.

After I played back the video, those words sank into my heart, “Nothing I’ve ever done…or do…can separate me from you love.” I began to think about all the dumb and sinful things I’ve done, and how hard my heart can get, but how God has redeemed me time and time again, and has continued to wrap me in his love.

I began to cry out…

“Oh, Jesus, I am so thankful for how much you love me. There aren’t enough words for me to tell you what your love means to me.” I sang the same song again, and again…“There is nothing that can separate me from your love. Nothing I’ve ever done, nothing I’ll ever do. There is nothing that can separate me from your love. Your arms are opened wide. And I am wrapped inside your love.”

My wife writes love songs.

Over and over…

God has proven Himself faithful to His people.
Answering their cries.
Delivering them from the enemy.
Working in ways where there seems to be none.

The Lord of mercy.
The God of covenant.
Backing every promise with His Word.

Bringing hope to the hopeless.
Joy to the downcast.
Light into darkness.
And…He never changes.

Let us remember the God we serve
He is a God of miracles. Nothing less.
We come with brokenness, but He is faithful to heal…restore…and set free.

A miracle confounds natural law

A miracle is a baffling reversal of inevitable outcome. It’s statistically unlikely…scientifically impossible…totally Illogical!

A miracle is the result of an act of faith that puts into motion God’s Word, promises, and power. Miracles require people who are daring, audacious, crazy enough to trust God and believe that He is more than able. To believe nothing is impossible for Him.

Problems, difficulties, and impossibilities

That which quenches your soul and presses down on your heart actually sets the stage for God’s intervention. Every problem is a potential for a miracle. God can’t fix what’s not broken. He can’t heal what’s not sick. He can’t save what’s not lost. He can’t forgive what’s not wrong.

No matter what you’re facing, how intimidating it is, how impossible it seems, or how long you’ve been looking at it, YOU’RE ACTUALLY LOOKING AT A MIRACLE!

The elderly pastor noticed a group of long-time members of his church talking before a Sunday morning service. Something seemed wrong. Nudged by the others, one of them approached the pastor.

“Pastor, we were just discussing the fact that something must be wrong with your ministry style or ability.  Only one person has come to Christ in the whole last year, and he’s just a boy!”

The old minister listened. His eyes moistened as he considered what was being said. “Yes,” he replied, “I feel it too.” On that day the minister’s heart was heavy as he stood before his flock. As he finished the message, he felt a strong inclination to resign.

After everyone had left, that boy who had recently given his life to Christ came to him. The pastor’s face brightened as he saw the young man standing in front of him.  “Hello Robert,” the pastor said.  “What can I do for you?”  The boy replied,

“Do you think if I could ever become a preacher, or perhaps a missionary?”

Again the old minister’s eyes moistened, but this time for a much better reason.

Many Years Later…

An aged missionary returned to London from Africa. His name was spoken with reverence. Nobles invited him to their homes. He had helped many people come to Christ, reaching even some of Africa’s most hardened tribes. His name was Robert Moffat. It was the same Robert who years before had spoken to the old pastor that Sunday morning.

F. B. Meyer once said,

“Don’t waste your time waiting and longing for large opportunities which may never come. But faithfully handle the little things that are always claiming your attention.”

A Surprise Announcement

John the Baptist’ father was a man named Zacharias. An angel appeared to him and told him of God’s plans to give him and his wife a son and how great he would become. And this came to pass. John the Baptist was born and became the one God chose to announce the coming of Jesus as Messiah. Jesus himself said that no person ever been born was greater than John the Baptist.

Yet you would’ve never predicted John’s greatness by looking at parents. They were not impressive people. They were not successful people. They were old and unable to have children. But one thing can be said about them: they were faithful. Luke records,

“Zacharias and Elizabeth were godly folk, careful to obey all of God’s laws in spirit as well as in letter.” (Luke 1:6, TLB)

Zacharias and Elizabeth are a picture of a people who might not believe what they are doing is even noticed, let alone making any difference. But they’re also a picture of people in whom the seed of God’s next step lies waiting. People who will see the reward for serving faithfully.

Don’t Forget These Two Names!!!

So the next time you run into someone who doubts you, your style, or ability; or the next time you feel like what you are doing is futile, unnoticed, and ineffective, remember these two names: Zachariah and Elizabeth.

Elizabeth means, “God is a God of His oath, to complete it.” In other words, God will keep His Word to you!

“There has not failed one word of all His good promises.” (I Kings 8:56)

“For all the promises of God in Him are yes, and in Him amen.” (II Corinthians 1:20)

Zacharias means, “The Lord remembered.” In other words, God has not forgotten about you!

“God is not unjust to forget your labor of love.” (Hebrews 6:10)

He’s One of Us

We were halfway back to Jerusalem on our tour bus. Fifty of us had been down to Ein Ghedi visiting the Dead Sea. It was hot, the scenery was pretty desolate, and we were tired.

Out of the bushes stepped a soldier carrying a machine gun in front of our bus.  Rather than swerving to miss him, our bus driver pulled over to the side of the road, opened the door and let the soldier on the bus.

As our bus resumed its movement, every eye was on the young soldier who now stood in front of us. He flung his rifle over his back and made his way to the rear of the bus and sat down. His uniform had the Star of David on it, which meant he was a part of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF). Sensing everyone’s nervousness, our tour guide got on the intercom and said,

“It’s okay, he’s one of us.”

Interestingly enough, that phrase actually defines the basic IDF structure. When young people first serve in the military, they are put in a squad of twelve others just like them. They will be in this squad for the rest of their military service.

Their training is intense and brings out the best and worse in all of them. Prior to the squad’s first assignment they select a leader from among themselves. This man becomes the squad Sergeant, or “Samal.” They all agree that he will be the best and most trustworthy leader in the heat of battle. They have seen him under pressure. They know him. He’s one of them.

One From Among You

King, Priest, and Prophet were the three main offices of leadership in the Old Testament.  When God gave guidelines for who would fill these roles, there is a striking parallel.

“One from among your brethren you shall set as king over you; you may not set a foreigner over you, who is not your brother.” (Deuteronomy 17:15)

“The Lord your God has chosen Levi out of your tribes to minister as priest in the name of the Lord, him and his sons forever.” (Deuteronomy 18:5)

“The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren.” (Deuteronomy 18:15)

The leader must come from within the people. He must be one of them. This would create a bond of trust. They people knew their leaders understood what they needed because he was one of them. And it prevented the leader from getting prideful. Israel’s best leaders were those who remained humbly dependent on God, never forgetting they were just people. The Book of Hebrews illustrates it this way…

“For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men…he can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness.” (Hebrews 5:1–2)

A leader must be able to identify with the people. To know what they are facing. To know their fears, their needs, and their hopes. And this is what makes Jesus’ ministry to us so powerful and so effective.

“In all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest.” (Hebrews 2:17)

“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)

Jesus Became One of Us

Jesus understands what you are facing, because he’s faced it. He knows what it is like be attacked by the enemy, because he’s been attacked. He knows what it’s like to be afraid, to be uncertain, to be angry, to be tempted, because he’s also been. But what’s more amazing, is that Jesus knows how to face everything and anything without falling, and He wants to help you do the same.

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

So what’s stopping you? Go to him. Tell him anything. He’ll understand. There’s nothing to be afraid of. It’s okay…he’s one of us.

They were telling a small group of us about a problem that had occurred with another person. We all knew the person they were talking about. We could sense their hurt and frustration. We sympathized with them. Someone in our group, who knew the person being talked about really well, spoke up,

“…but I know his heart. You’re misunderstanding him.”

That simple statement changed the whole conversation. And as it turns out, there was a huge misunderstanding that was eventually worked out.

It’s one thing to know who someone is, and another thing to know a person’s heart. When someone says they know a person’s heart, it means they have an intimate understanding of how the person thinks, feels, reacts, what they value, what they like or dislike, etc., and therefore are able to predict what the person would do or say.

Who knows God’s heart?

God’s power is revealed in creation. His holiness is revealed in the law. His awe and splendor are revealed in such descriptions as Isaiah 6…I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Or also in Revelation 1…His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire.

But God’s HEART is revealed in Jesus!

No one has ever seen God. But Jesus, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us. (John 1:18, NLT)

The Jews knew who God was, but they only understood God as distant and unapproachable. The letter had rule. Law, regulation, and sacrifice, were the operative words. But Jesus comes and reveals the grace, love, and tenderness of the Father. Paul puts it this way,

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ (Romans 8:15)

When we people talk about why Jesus came to earth, answers often include statements about the “sin problem,” and how Jesus fulfilled the law. This is true, however, what Paul is describing in Romans 8:15 is something so personal, so compassionate, so incredible, that it causes the recipient to cry out, “Abba Father,” or better translated, “Papa God.”

Jesus called his disciples and did incredible things with them, but he also ate with them, slept with them, walked with them, talked with them. He then told his disciples,

I’m going to prepare a place where we can be together forever…and if you seen me, you’ve seen the Father. (John 14:3, 9)

The truth is that Jesus came to earth because it’s God’s heart to be with us, eat with us, sleep with us, walk with us, talk with us. To live with us!

We need to be reminded of God’s heart

There’s tendency to let law, regulation, and sacrifice creep back into our lives. Things start to become routine and religious, rather than relational and heartfelt. Soon God seems distant and unapproachable. It’s possible to know God and to serve God, but to loose the kind of fellowship He wants to have with you.

So if you’re being tempted to feel like God has distanced Himself from you, you’re misunderstanding Him…I know His heart.

Breakthroughs…Miracles…Victories…Answered Prayers! It’s exciting to see God at work!

Think about Israel. They had come through the wilderness. The Jordan River parted before them as they crossed over it. Then they conquered the walled city of Jericho by simply walking around it. They were God’s people coming into the land that he had given them. Nothing could stop them.

…Until Ai

3,000 confident men went up to conquer the city of Ai, but were soundly defeated. Instead of a swagger in their walk, Israel retreated like cowards. They were paralyzed with fear. Although the focus of blame was on a man named Achan, there was another even more serious reason they had lost.

Before going into Jericho, we are told that Joshua fell on his face and worshiped God, and then said,

What does my Lord say to His servant? (Joshua 5:14)

But there is no record of him doing anything like this before going on to the city of Ai.

Somewhere over the Andes Mountains

A pioneer Foursquare Missionary to South America named Jean Firth, used to tell a story about a flight that her and her husband were once on. They were flying over the Andes Mountains in old rattletrap of an airplane. What made matters worse was there was horrible turbulence. The old plane was being shaken to pieces.

Frightened to her core, Jean prayed, “Lord, I wish you would stop this turbulence the way you spoke calm to the storm on Galilee.” The Lord gently replied to her heart, “You speak to it.” So she did. “In the name of Jesus I command this turbulence to stop!” Immediately it was calm.

She and the rest of the passengers were enjoying the smooth air, but then the turbulence started again. Jean knew what to do.  “In the name of Jesus I command this turbulence to stop,” she said confidently. The turbulence continued.  She prayed again, only louder, “In the name of Jesus I command this turbulence to stop!” The turbulence got worse.

Jean said, “Lord, earlier I spoke to the turbulence and it stopped. But now it’s not working.  What’s wrong?”  The Lord, again in a gentle way, replied to her,

“It’s because you didn’t ask me this time what you should do about it.”

Past victories don’t guarantee success

Although we may see God do incredible things in us, through us, and around us, one thing that will never change is our need to constantly seek His face and rely on His spirit. Moves of God’s Spirit last year, last month, last night, are not enough to keep us strong and refreshed spiritually for this moment. No matter how much experience we have, or how much we think we know what do, we must constantly stay connected to God, asking, “What do you want me to do NOW Lord?”

This week I’ve been thinking a lot about a man named Ron Mehl, and how thankful I am for him.  Some of you may recognize Ron’s name.  I’ve talked about him quite a bit.  He had a pretty big impact on my life. He was the pastor of the Beaverton Foursquare Church, in Beaverton, Oregon. He was also a very successful author.

I’m not the kind of person who people seek out because of my impressive talent or extraordinary potential. I’m just an average Joe. No complaints. But in a world where the race often seems to be won by the swift, talented and good looking people, an average person starts to wonder if anyone notices them, let alone notices what they’re doing.

Not Ron Mehl

One day I received a hand written note from Ron,

Nov. 5, 1993

Dear Joel,

I know you are very busy, but I hope this note find you doing well!

Last week the Lord brought you to my mind and I wanted you know that I’ve been praying for you.  God loves you very much and has great things in store for you.

If you’re ever in the Portland area, it would mean so much to me if we could get together.

You’re loved by me,

Ron Mehl

I later found out that not only had Ron been praying for me, but he had my name written on a card that he kept on his desk.  He used that card to remind him to pray for me every day.  Needless to say I was, and remain, incredibly humbled by this.  But the other thing I felt, and still do, is confidence.  I mean if someone like Ron Mehl sees something in you that would cause him to pray for you and speak into your life, you must be more than just an average Joe.  You begin to think that maybe those things you’ve felt deep down inside were from God. I’ve come back to this assurance time and time again, all because God moved a man named Ron Mehl to pray for me.

God had the Prophet Isaiah tell His people…

I’ve posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem. Day and night they keep at it, praying, calling out, reminding God to remember. (Is 62:6-7, The Message)

I believe those watchmen still exist.  They are people who the Lord brings your face to their mind. There are people who the Lord wakes in the middle of the night with your name on their hearts. People who will send you a note, or give you call, or catch you in person, just to let you know they are praying for you.

We should be so thankful for people like this, but it’s time for you and me to be that person to someone else. To allow God to move us to pray for someone. To write their name down somewhere where we can see it often.

Somewhere there’s an average Joe who doubts they’ve got what it takes. One word from you can make all the difference. And who know’s, maybe one day they’ll write a blog about the impact you had on their life.

Nervous doesn’t even come close

They were scared to death, grieved and disheartened. Amram and Jochebed put their little baby in a basket, pushed it out into the current of the huge river, and then stood watching as it drifted away. It was such a desperate situation, but God was at work.

Downstream the river began to eddy, sending the little basket into the same place that Pharaoh’s daughter happened to be bathing. The basket and it’s tiny passenger where discovered and brought to her. It was love at first sight.

But Pharaoh’s daughter wasn’t too baby savvy. She wrinkled her nose when she heard it crying.  Her assistant made a suggestion that they get one of the Hebrew slaves to nurse and care for the child. The idea was quickly approved and implemented. A few moments later baby Moses was placed back in the arms of his mom, Jochebed.

Don’t forget this story!

When you’re looking at your life and things don’t seem to be turning out the way you wanted or hope for, remember story of Moses and his parents. When it seems like the only break you get is a bad one, remember this story. When it seems like all forces are turned against you, remember this story. When that nagging little voice tells you that God’s purposes for you aren’t going to happen because of all the mistakes you’ve made, remember this story!

I’ll bet Isaiah remembered the story of Moses when he wrote,

For the Lord of hosts has planned, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back? (Isaiah 14:27)

There is nothing and no one, including you, that is powerful enough to stop, void, cancel, or change the plans of God. His plans for you are made, and he will see to it that they will happen. His hand is on your life, and his destiny for your life will not be thrown off track.

You may not always see it

You make look at certain situations in your life and think there’s no possible way something good could ever happen, but God has ways you’ve never even thought of.  In fact, he’s working right this moment in unseen ways that will affect your life and bless it greatly.

It’s not about where you are, but where you are going. The enemy doesn’t wage battles over your current position, but over your potential. God knew about the times you would be rebellious, or fearful, or faithless, but you are still precious to him, and his plans for you work in and through everything.

David must have doubted

How could God make anything good out of the mess that surrounded David? But David discovered something…

In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul…the Lord will perfect and work out his plans and purposes for my life.
(Psalms 138:3, 8)

Make yourself available to God. Give over and he’ll take over. Keep God first and honor him. Let his spirit arise in you and you’ll find strength replacing weakness, and boldness replacing fear. And soon you’ll see things taking shape around you in thousands of ways you never even thought of, but God did.

Having a relationship with Jesus Christ is life changing! 

Realizing there is a God who loves you greatly, coming into freedom from the guilt and condemnation of your past, gaining the ability to love others, and having the realization that your life has purpose. Jesus is the source of these, and many other amazing things!

It is so remarkable what Jesus does to people who follow him that it’s actually noticeable to others. Jesus tells us…

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14–16)

Spotlight or candlelight

Letting our light shine before men is easy when we first come into life with Jesus, but something happens over time that causes our light to shine differently. The process looks something like this…

1) Become a follower of Christ
2) Become part of church life
3) Become part of the Christian culture
4) Become Jonah

Becoming like Jonah???

After being a part of the Christian culture for a few years, like Jonah we begin to develop a distain for those outside. Like Jonah, we view adversarially people who don’t believe in God the way we do. We want nothing to do with them, and love to blame them for the moral decline of our culture. We even have a secret delight thinking about how God will one day punish all those sinners.

When God saw that the people had repented, he changed his mind and did not destroy them. This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry…The LORD God arranged for a leafy plant to grow and spread its leaves over Jonah’s head, shading him from the sun. This eased his discomfort, and Jonah was very grateful for the plant. But God arranged for a worm that ate through the stem of the plant so that it withered away. And the sun beat down on his head until he grew faint and wished to die. “Death is certainly better than living like this!” he exclaimed. Then God said to Jonah, “Is it right for you to be angry because the plant died?” “Yes,” Jonah retorted, “even angry enough to die!” Then the LORD said, “You feel sorry about the plant, though you did nothing to put it there. It came quickly and died quickly. But Nineveh has more than 120,000 people living in spiritual darkness, not to mention all the animals. Shouldn’t I feel sorry for such a great city?” Jonah 3:10–4:1, 6-11

The people of Nineveh turned to God

They cried out to God, but Jonah complained about not having shade over his head and being uncomfortable. We are like Jonah when we complain about how God is not providing what we want, and grow numb to the fact that people all around us are in desperate need of the love and grace of Jesus.

We need to have the Holy Spirit melt away those hardened edges around our lives, and re-sensitize us to others and how great God’s love for them is.  We need to have our lives shine as lights that attract and help, rather than blind people, spotlighting their failures.  Less like Jonah, more like Jesus.