Graveyard Shift

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Getting up at or before sunrise to make it to a job that starts early can be draining.  Working a 9 to 5 shift every day can get to be monotonous.  But nothing can compare to the exhausting difficulty of working the graveyard shift.  While the rest of the world sleeps, those on the graveyard shift push buttons, pull levers, answer calls, go places and do things.

Someone is working a graveyard shift, but it’s not because of a job.  While others are sleeping, they’re wide-awake.  Their mind is racing.  Their heart is pounding. Events play over and over again.  Regret.  Fear.  Anger.  Hurt.  Rather than being relaxed in the stillness and lifelessness of the night, things seem to close in around them like a noose.

David worked the graveyard shift many nights.  Worrying about his family.  Lamenting his foolish actions.  Mad at God one night, longing for His presence the next.  But finally after too many bouts with insomnia, David cried out,


“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” (Psalm 43:5)

David isn’t asking his soul to tell him what’s wrong.  Instead, David is notifying his soul, his thoughts, and emotions that there’s going to be a change.  No more sleepless nights.  No more anxiety.  No more watching the sunset and then rise again.  He needed rest and he was going to get it.

To hope in God is important, but what David reveals in addition is the most important factor to getting a person off the graveyard shift.  David said,


“I shall yet praise Him.”

He would declare the goodness of God, sing of His faithfulness, recount His works, and shout hallelujahs at the top of his lungs.  And as David lifted up praise to God, something happened, he began to sense the nearness of God.  Then things within him settled down and became peaceful.  His eyes grew heavy and sleep took hold.

If you’ve been working the graveyard shift lately, follow David’s example.  Take a moment and think about where you where and what things were like in your life when God found you.  Think about how many times He’s proven faithful and strong in situations that you’ve turned over to Him.  Now begin to praise Him and thank him.  It won’t be long until you sense His presence, along with joy that’s unspeakable and peace that surpasses understanding.  Before you know it, it will be morning and you’ll be thanking God for the best night’s sleep you ever had.

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A Little Hill Called Zion

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“For the Lord has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His dwelling place” (Psalm 132:13)

In ancient times mountains were thought of as being places where the gods lived.  Mount Olympus was the home of Zeus.  Mount Zaphon, according to Ugaritic texts, was seen as the home of Baal.  As a rule, these sacred mountains were tall, majestic peaks that were visually impressive and for the most part inaccessible to common man.

God also had an impressive mountain.  It was called Mount Sinai.  Sinai is where He personally met with Israel and talked face to face with Moses.  All of the Bible’s references to this mountain are in conjunction with the giving of the law.

But God had another mountain that wasn’t as visually impressive, but all the more special.  It was called Mount Zion.  It was neither remote nor particularly grand.  It was only about 2500 feet above sea level.  More of a knoll than a mountain, yet the Psalmist describes Zion this way:


“Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.” (Psalm 48:2)

Mount Zion does not dominate Jerusalem in the same way Olympus overshadows Greece.  It is also important to note that unlike the other mountains, Zion has had a large population of people living on it and around it.   There is none of the remoteness or mystery typically associated with the mountains of the gods. Unlike the gods of this world, the God of Israel does not wish to dominate over His people from above.  Instead, it is His desire to be with His people,


“And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.” (Exodus 25:8)

John tells us that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14).  However, God didn’t want to just “dwell with” His people. His greatest desire is to “dwell in” His people,


“In whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:22)

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you” (1 Cor 6:19)

Mt. Zion is a non-impressive hilly area in a populated area because God wishes to spend time with us, to help us, to love us, to comfort us, to support us, and to have a personal relationship with us!  He is a God of people!

The Legend of Al Lira

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Hanging on the walls of my office are some very important mementos, but one of my favorites is an old offering bag. It’s the kind that has a clothe pouch and the two wood handles on it. It was given to me as a gift from a very special group of people: the folks from the first church I pastored.

The church was called Faith Chapel. It was in Glendale, Arizona. And in the three and a half years I was there, I learned more than in all my years of Bible College and seminary multiplied by 100. I learned especially about being faithful and generous.

Regularly at Faith Chapel we would make various needs of the congregation known, and always, always, ALWAYS the needs would be met. There was an incredible spirit of generosity in that church!

On the last Sunday I was at Faith Chapel, the people gave me one of the offering bags to serve as a reminder to trust God to meet needs wherever I went. But the offering bag also serves as a reminder to me of a man named Al Lira.

Brother Al was the head usher at Faith Chapel. He was one of the most faithful people I’ve ever known. In fact, when we would take one of those special offerings mentioned above, it was Al who would stand at the exit holding an offering bag (in fact, the very one that’s on my office wall) until the last person made their way out. Then humbly Al would finish his duties (which included straightening things up, turning lights off, and locking up). Always smiling and always waiting for me, graciously he would thank me and wish me a blessed afternoon. Al kind of stuttered a little when he talked, but I understood every word from the heart of this precious man.

One Sunday as we were walking out Al asked,


“Pastor, have you ever been to La Perla Restaurant?”

“No Al,” I answered. He proceeded to invite me to what would become a regular get-together for he and I in the old downtown part of Glendale. As we met and talked during those times, I learned that Al’s wife had died some time ago and how much he loved her and missed her. Al told me how some of his children had fallen away and gotten into trouble. He told me about his doctor’s report and how his health was failing. We prayed together.

But my heart was most endeared to Al Lira by what he said to me as we walked out to our cars,


“Pastor, I want to thank you for letting me serve at the church. It really means a lot to me.”

My throat was dry and a big lump was forming. I realized I was with a true giant in the faith. Al Lira was a man who served with gladness, who wanted nothing in return, and who loved God and God’s people more sincerely then most I’ve ever known.

I know faithfulness doesn’t have to look like Al Lira, but I firmly believe it ought be done with the same spirit. Being faithful in small things, while also being grateful for them. Seeing every person and task as valuable and worthy of your time. Not only getting things done, but doing them with the right spirit.

If you’re ever are in the old part of Glendale, Arizona, go the La Perla Restaurant. You will you enjoy some of the best Mexican food ever, but you’ll also be in a place that one of the true legends in God’s kingdom used to eat with his pastor.

Tale of Two Funerals

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I once conducted a funeral for a woman named Elda. She had passed away at the age of 87. As we sat in the mortuary’s chapel, the director came and notified me that it was time to begin. But no one was there. Myself, a soloist (who had come with me from our church), a hospice nurse (who had cared for Elda the last few months of her life), and Elda’s oldest son, were the only people in attendance. It was pretty miserable.

Today I participated in a funeral for a woman named Marcie. She had passed way two days before Christmas at the age of 53. Along with all of her family, hundreds of people filled our church’s sanctuary to pay tribute to this special person. It was pretty awesome.

The striking contrast between these two services is a reflection of how these two women lived their lives. One of these women lived for self, while one lived for others. Can you guess which one?

While she was living, Elda reminded people about how much they didn’t know and how much she did. She regularly told me that our church was too cold (temperature-wise), the music was too loud, and the preaching was too uninspiring. Nothing and no one seemed to please her.

While she was living, Marcie reminded people how much she and God loved them. She regularly complimented and encouraged people in whatever they did, including me. Everything and everyone seemed to please her.

Although I’m reflecting on Elda’s life as I write this, I doubt that anyone has thought much about her, nor remembered her for something good. But since two days before this last Christmas, I and everyone else who knew her, haven’t stopped thinking about and talking about how much we loved and appreciated Marcie.

Most would say that Christianity is summed by one word, love. However, while I certainly would agree with that, our love as Christians cannot be done in a vacuum. It must be lived, breathed, felt, seen, known. Christianity is really summed up by this one word…


…OTHERS


Some people who claim to be Christians live such small lives that no one really seems to notice when they come, or when they go. But other Christians live such enlarged lives that everyone who has been touched by them will never forget, including God. Hebrews puts it this way,


“For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” (Heb. 6:10)

Although we are saddened to say goodbye to Marcie for now, we celebrate her life because we are better people as a result. Speaking of celebration, can you imagine the cheers of heaven when Marcie arrived, and God leading the parade?

Imagine now something else a little more sobering, what will your funeral be like? Not so much how many people will be there, but why will people be there? What will their reminiscences of you be, and how long will they be effected by your life? Did you live in such a way that your works, efforts, words, thoughts, etc., could be described as a “labor of love” and “ministry to the saints”?

If you are reading this, you’re still alive and there’s still time. Find someone and allow God to love them through you, or maybe just ask them if they knew Marcie. Chances are they did.

John Bunyan Interviews Lance Armstrong

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Oprah Winfrey interviewed Lance Armstrong this evening about his illegal use of performance enhancing drugs during the Tour de France. Millions of people watched as Lance admitted to Oprah that he had cheated, lied, and attacked anyone who got in his way. Unfortunately, there is nothing he can say or do that undoes the damage his actions have caused.

Lance has been stripped of his seven yellow jerseys, an Olympic medal, and barred from all endurance sport competitions. Fellow teammates and the entire cycling community have ostracized him. He’s jeopardized the future of the LIVESTRONG Organization, and made fools out of his friends and family who have stood by him through all of this.

But the worse part of this whole mess, in my opinion, is that people now associate cycling with something negative. Lance Armstrong is/was cycling. Millions of people were drawn into cycling because of him. But now as a result of his stupid actions, there are millions of people who want nothing to do with cycling. What’s sad is they will never experience the enjoyment of cycling, which is one of the best activities there is, all because of Lance Armstrong.

In the same way, there are people who associate church, Christians and even God, with something negative because of the foolish things done by others. The wrongdoing of one, or a few, causes people to want nothing to do with Christianity. The dumb things done by others even causes people who once walked close to God and were active in fellowship and worship with others to disconnect, become hard and jaded towards spiritual things.

We learned that Lance’s deception became worse over time. The fact is, our hearts don’t usually grow cold overnight. Little things creep in and the sense of what’s wrong or right becomes less clear and less of an issue. Before long we’ve grown cold, defensive, and repulsive to onlookers.

Oprah asked Lance several times if there were any moments along the way that he realized the ramifications of what he was doing. He said things had accumulated and grown complicated over time, only being clear to him in hindsight. This got me thinking. What if there could have been some kind of warning system along the way that caught Lance’s attention and stirred him to do what was right.

Then I starting thinking about people I know who have derailed spiritually, and even my own backslidings. What if there was some kind of warning system along the way that could catch our spiritual attention and stir us to do what is right.

John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim’s Progress, actually created a checklist of sorts that reveals and warns of spiritual declination and hardening of the heart:

A forgetfulness of God and the forgetfulness of the fact that one day we will meet Him.

A gradual loss of private holiness, private prayer, a curbing of our lust, and a sorrow of our sins.

An avoidance of the company of lively Christians.

A disinterest in public worship.

A picking of fault in others while ignoring our own.

An association with the godless, more than fellowship with God’s people.

An involvement in fleshly lusts in privacy.

A playing with sin more and more openly.

A revealing to all the sorry condition of our lives due to the hardening of our hearts
 

As you read this list, are any of these areas happening in your life? Instead of viewing it with fear, or worse denial, allow the Holy Spirit to stir you to do what’s right. The Book of Hebrews offers this help…


“Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: ‘Today, if you will hear His voice’…Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.” (Heb. 3:7, 12-14)
 

This might not help Lance Armstrong avoid losing his credibility, or cycling its fans, but it will help those of us who’s hearts are distant and growing cold. It will help prevent our lives from being something that pushes people away, but rather draws them and inspires them to the joy of church, fellow-Christians, and a life lived with God.

Last Words and Burial

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Today we are burying my dad. Burial for loved ones of the person who has died can be an incredibly difficult time. It’s so final, so sad, grim even. But today won’t be as hard for me as it could be. It has to do with one of my dad’s last coherent sentences before he passed away,


“Righteousness…… .is a gift . . …from God”

Dad managed to get those words out in a tone of voice that caught my attention. He mustered extra strength to say it. As I reflect on this moment, those words sum up so much of what dad lived for, and they make today much easier.

Whether it was in the halls or classrooms of L.I.F.E. Bible College during the 60’s, or from the pulpits of places like Hillsboro, Oregon’s Evergreen Christian Center in the 70’s, and Escondido Christian Center in the 80’s and 90’s, or in the classes of Escondido Bible College, or out on the golf course, or at the dinner table, or at Spires Restaurant, or in the car, or on the phone, or just hanging out with me on Wednesdays getting ready to eat our notorious bacon, tomato, lettuce, and peanut butter sandwiches, dad would talk about righteousness.

Not some stuffy, works-based righteousness, but righteousness that is imputed to us by God through Jesus Christ. Nor some loosey-goosey, anything-goes grace, but grace that imparts a new nature in us through the Holy Spirit. This is what dad lived for, died speaking about, and will today be buried with the hope it gives.


“Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)

Although my dad’s health has been failing for the last few years, he’s actually been dying for the last 65 years. He’d been dying to the flesh, the old man, to sin, and the old nature.


“We have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by…” (Romans 7:6)

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” (Romans 3:28). We are told that without faith we cannot please God (Hebrews 11:6). Yet the most profound and wonderful thing is found in a verse that my dad referenced all the time,


“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8)

Dad’s determination to teach these things to me was not to prepare me to be emotionally strong for the day of his burial, though it certainly helps, but to prepare me for everyday. To help me understand that sin cannot be controlled in my life until I consider myself dead to it and alive in Christ. To realize, and to teach, that the most powerful truth in the world is the one he died saying, “righteous is a gift from God.” Thanks dad. See you soon.

He’s the God of the Helpless

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I’m standing outside of an ICU room staring at my dad who’s fighting for his life. His doctor and nurse are trying to put a feeding tube into his stomach. Suddenly, an alarm sounds off—he’s stopped breathing. The nurse moves quickly to call for another assistant, and within a few minutes they’ve managed to stabilize dad’s breathing.

I feel so helpless.

Events over the last month have added up. Added to the hospitalization of my dad, one of my wife’s best friends died from cancer. There’s also been a dissolving of several close friendships due to divisive gossip.

Many dear people have surrounded me with prayer and encouragement, but my heart is heavy and my energy is running low. Last night I couldn’t sleep. 3:30am and my mind was racing with everything going on. A sense of hopelessness and futility overwhelmed me. I could feel the assault of darkness. “Jesus, help me” I whispered into the night. Something happened.

Peace came into my room, and into my thoughts. I began to thank the Lord for His help, and for the next two hours I laid one thing after another at His feet. The settling of my worry and uncertainty really surprised me, but it shouldn’t have because I know better.

God has always been so faithful and helpful, but it’s amazing how long I can lean on the arm of the flesh. I know I can’t do anything without him, but I sure try. I know that he only gives grace to the humble and strength to the weak, but I don’t act like it.

The people who have come to the end of themselves are the ones who see the greatest move of God. This is why God’s Spirit is able to do so many things in places where there is so little. Think about the early church. It was dangerous to be a Christian. Herod was killing the apostles. He had killed John the Beloved’s brother James by the sword, and now set his sights on Peter.

Peter was put in a jail cell with 16 soldiers guarding him. What could the other Believers do when they heard about Peter’s arrest? They had no money. They had no political leverage. They had no influence. They were helpless. But they had God.


“Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.” (Acts 12:5)

Their prayers summoned God to send an angel who rescued Peter. His chains were broken and the angel led him out of the jail through a locked iron gate right under the noses of the guards. Peter came to the house where his friends were gathered. We are told many were there and that they were still praying.

Prayer is the key. It’s turning things over to God. It’s telling Him that you don’t know what to do, that you’re scared, that you’re helpless. While the “when” and the “how” of prayer are not always clear, one thing remains absolutely a fact: GOD ANSWERS PRAYER!

It’s when you give up on all other options, or don’t even have an option to give up on, that God moves.


“Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:12-13)

I’m learning to be thankful that God is allowing me to come to end of my own resources. When there is no plan B, C, or D, and I feel totally helpless, I’m actually in the best place, because it’s from here, and only from here, that I can access all the resources of heaven. He’s the God of the helpless! And He’s my God!

Totally Impressive, Almost Worthless

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What was your New Year’s resolution last year? Did you stick to it? If not, don’t feel bad, only about 20% of people stick to their resolutions.  Most fail within the first month. 

Was there a time when your passion and love for Jesus was more fervent than it is now?  Do you remember when you were more interested in sharing your faith with others?  Do you remember when your joy and hope was greater than it is now?  The fact is time has a way of taking passion away.

David was a man full of passion for God.  He loved God with everything he had.  


“God raised up David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found the son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, who will do all My will.” (Acts 13:22) 
 

David’s son Solomon was one of the wisest men that have ever lived.   He knew God and built the first temple for Him.  But Solomon’s real passion was for things.  76 times in Ecclesiastes Solomon tells us, 


“Nothing is better for a man than he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor.”  (Ecclesiastes 2:24)
 

Solomon had a son name Rehoboam who also became king.  But Rehoboam had no passion for God, he wanted nothing to do with God.


“When Rehoboam had established the kingdom and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the Lord.”  (II Chron. 12:1)
 

Time has a way of taking away our passion.

One of the greatest churches of the New Testament was in the city of Ephesus.  For three years the Apostle Paul was the pastor, followed by his favorite apprentice Timothy, and then the Apostle John.  This church accomplished incredible things.  Jesus said to them,


“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.” (Revelation 2:2–3)
 

This was an impressive church with an impressive pedigree, doing very impressive things.  They would not tolerate compromise.  They were combatant against false teachers and teaching.  And they were active in ministry—going, helping, doing, serving—working hard for the Lord.  Over time they had grown to love doing things for Jesus more than anything, including him.


“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.” (Revelation 2:4–5)
 

Their spiritual heritage was the best.  Their doctrine was impeccable.  Their commitment was thorough.  Their determination was unmatched.  The church at Ephesus was very impressive, but they were almost worthless to God.

God wants us to spend time with him more than he wants us to do things for him.  He wants us to love being alone with him more than we love working for him.  Our love for God is only satisfied with our love for God.