SANDY HOOK - Jesus Calms the Storm

SANDY HOOK - WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO?

This past week with the national tragedy at Sandy Hook as well as the many personal tragedies which many of you suffer are difficult to deal with. I know that to each of you the shootings were terrible, but I also know that many of you are dealing with heart aches and heart breaks of which few others will know.

We are often torn by feelings of guilt as we see something as terrible as the killing of innocent children and adults. We do mourn for their loss, but feel guilty for mourning for our personal losses. Many in our world have had terrible losses in their lives this past week also, do we forget them or act like they are unimportant because another tragedy seems worse that our own? Of course not, we can't do that, it isn't in our human nature to refuse to grieve just because someone else is grieving.

Sadly our cultures and our media have tried to make one terrible thing seem worse than another, when in reality terrible things that happen are terrible to all who are in involved. I heard a statement a while back that went like this. Someone said about something bad that had happened because of their actions, "It was nothing personal."  The response was, "It was nothing personal to you, it didn't hurt you, but it was plenty personal to me! I was the one who was hurt."

You may be grieving right now and few, if any even know about it. Don't hide your grief just because you think someone may think you are insensitive to what has been termed "a greater tragedy". Don't feel guilty if your personal difficulty or tragedy affects you more than the stories coming of Sandy Hook.

We can have the greatest sympathy for the families of those who lost loved ones, but often our personal pain tops that and because of that we feel guilty. Don't! Don't feel guilty, mourn as you need and give comfort as you are able, that's all God expects of you.

What do you do when there is nothing you can do? You share your pain and your hurt with others to let them help bear that burden. Paul urges Christians in Romans 12:15, "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." And in Galatians 6:2, "Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ."

So, I urge you to pray for those who have suffered this great loss and turn your own cares over to God. Peter urges us in 1 Peter 5:6-7, "So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."

THOUGHTS ON THE MAYAN CALENDAR

I saw a headline today that said, "The world is going to end, guess we can all stop flossing."  The article started in this way, "The world will come to an end in just four days, and that's a huge relief because it means we can all finally stop flossing. I doubt your dental health is going to dramatically change before 12/21/12. You can also stop taking out the trash and paying all your bills."

Of course this is based upon an interpretation of the Mayan Calendar that says the world will end this Friday (if you are reading this later you know this was wrong). This interpretation is not like the Y2K days where much of the world was afraid of some catastrophe on January 1, 2000.  Those who anticipated that happening, prepared for the worst, while those who believe in the Mayan Calendar just want to stop doing anything.

Why pay bills, why send Christmas cards, why be nice to co-workers when (and if) the world ends on Friday? People stop living for the future because they don't think they have one!

This is not a new problem, we see something quite similar in the city of Thessalonica, (located in modern day Greece) somewhere around 60 AC. The Apostle Paul had been there and introduced them to Christ. He made a tremendous impression upon the people and many became Christians. They took to heart the message of the death, burial and resurrection of our Savior as well as the message that he is coming again to gather the faithful to him. In the first letter to the Thessalonians (4:13f) Paul specifically teaching about what will happen when Christ returns. He encouraged them to keep looking for Christ's return as if it could happen at anytime in Chapter 5.

Those who read this believed it and began to prepare for it… somewhat. It appears though that some believed the teaching of Christ's imminent return so strongly, that they just quit living their daily lives or even going to work. They just wanted to set around and pray or read the scriptures because Christ was coming back at anytime and nothing else mattered. That is one of the reasons I believe that Paul penned 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 where he writes: "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you: that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some among you who walk disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such, we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ that they work with quietness and eat their own bread."

Here is the problem for us today. We need to live our lives as if Christ is going to return today, but live everyday as servants of God, doing our work the best we can do it (as  unto the Lord). Yes, God is coming back some time to claim his own. When? No one knows when, except for God himself, (Matthew 24:36-37).

So, Keep on flossing, keep on going to work, keep on paying your bills, keep on being nice to folks and in general living your life like you will live forever! Because, if you are right with God, you will! Philippians 3:20 tells us, "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ

The True Meaning of Christmas

What a great time of the year! Most folks are just a little happier. They decorate their homes; they have more friends and family in to share meals and fellowship. Most give gifts of some kind with someone.  In general, it is a happy if not joyous time of the year.

I realize of course that is not true for everyone, some folks are overwhelmed by the season. The business, the gift buying, the traffic and the expectations are somewhat nerve wracking.

What is the TRUE meaning of Christmas, or does it really have any meaning other than a great big party to our world. I like what Charles Tucker has to say about it. Notice below:

"This time of year we talk about “the True Meaning of Christmas.” OK, I know that Christmas isn’t mentioned in the Bible; Jesus nowhere tells us to observe His birthday. But the fact that Jesus was born into this world to live among us as one of us is indeed at the very center of the gospel. It was “when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law” (Galatians 4:4). We must believe that Jesus was born as a real flesh and blood baby in order to accept that He gave His body and shed His blood on the cross (1 John 1:1-2). Jesus became flesh and blood like us in order to redeem us (Hebrews 2:14). Jesus was Immanuel, “God with us.” (Matthew 1:23). Because we connect this time of the year to the story of the birth of Jesus, therein is really the 'True Meaning of Christmas.'"

I agree with Charles. If this season puts Jesus more in the forefront of people's hearts and minds, then it does give a meaning to Christmas, which is truer than any of our other World Holiday's.

No, Christmas isn't in the bible, but Paul tells us in Romans 14:4-6,"Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? They are responsible to the Lord, so let him judge whether they are right or wrong. And with the Lord’s help, they will do what is right and will receive his approval. In the same way, some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable. Those who worship the Lord on a special day do it to honor him."(NLT)

So, Paul tells us that if we want to set aside special days to honor God, then do it, but do it wisely. A day to honor God is not about giving gifts or feasting with friends, it's about remembering our God and what he has given us.

Russ Lawson – Messages From The Heart

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Thanksgiving Thorns

 

Sandra felt as low as the heels of her sandals when she pulled open the florist shop door, against a November gust of wind.

Her life had been as sweet as a spring breeze and then in the fourth month of her second pregnancy, a "minor" automobile accident stole her joy. This was Thanksgiving week and the time she should have delivered their infant son. She grieved over their loss. Troubles had multiplied. Her husband's company "threatened" to transfer his job to a new location. Her sister had called to say that she could not come for her long awaited holiday visit. THEN! Sandra's friend suggested that Sandra's grief was a God-given path to maturity that would allow her to empathize with others who suffer.

"She has no idea what I'm feeling," thought Sandra with a shudder. "Thanksgiving? Thankful for what?" she wondered. "For a careless driver whose truck was hardly scratched when he rear-ended her? For an airbag that saved her life, but took her child's?"

"Good afternoon, can I help you?" Sandra was startled by the approach of the shop clerk.

"I....I need an arrangement," stammered Sandra. "For Thanksgiving? Do you want the beautiful but ordinary, or would you like to challenge the day with a customer favorite I call the 'Thanksgiving Special'? I'm convinced that flowers tell stories," she continued. "Are you looking for something that conveys 'gratitude' this Thanksgiving?" "Not exactly!" Sandra blurted out. "In the last five months, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong." Sandra regretted her outburst, and was surprised when the clerk said, "I have the perfect arrangement for you."

Then the bell on the door rang, and the clerk greeted the new customer, "Hi, Barbara...let me get your order."

She excused herself and walked back to a small workroom, then quickly reappeared, carrying an arrangement of greenery, bows, and what appeared to be long-stemmed thorny roses. Except the ends of the rose stems were neatly snipped: there were no flowers. "Do you want these in a box?" asked the clerk. Sandra watched for the customer's response. Was this a joke? Who would want rose stems with no flowers? She waited for laughter, but neither woman laughed. "Yes, please," Barbara replied with an appreciative smile. "You'd think after three years of getting the special, I wouldn't be so moved by its significance, but I can feel it right here, all over again." She said, as she gently tapped her chest. Sandra stammered, "Ahh, that lady just left with, uh....she left with no flowers!" "That's right, said the clerk. "I cut off the flowers. That's the 'Special'. I call it the Thanksgiving Thorns Bouquet." "Oh, come on! You can't tell me someone is willing to pay for that!" exclaimed Sandra. "Barbara came into the shop three years ago, feeling much as you do, today," explained the clerk. "She thought she had very little to be thankful for. She had just lost her father to cancer; the family business was failing; her son had gotten into drugs; and she was facing major surgery." "That same year I had lost my husband," continued the clerk. "For the first time in my life, I had to spend the holidays alone. I had no children, no husband, no family nearby, and too much debt to allow any travel." "So what did you do?" asked Sandra.

"I learned to be thankful for thorns," answered the clerk quietly. "I've always thanked God for the good things in my life and I NEVER questioned Him why those GOOD things happened to me, but when the bad stuff hit, I cried out, "WHY? WHY Me?!" It took time for me to learn that the dark times are important to our faith! I have always enjoyed the 'flowers' of my life but it took the thorns to show me the beauty of God's comfort! You know, the Bible says that God comforts us when we're afflicted and from His consolation we learn to comfort others."

Sandra sucked in her breath, as she thought about the thought that her friend had tried to tell her. "I guess the truth is, I don't want comfort. I've lost a baby and I'm angry with God." Just then someone else walked in the shop. "Hey, Phil!" the clerk greeted the balding, rotund man. "My wife sent me in to get our usual Thanksgiving arrangement...twelve thorny, long-stemmed stems!" laughed Phil as the clerk handed him a tissue wrapped arrangement from the refrigerator.

"Those are for your wife?" asked Sandra incredulously. "Do you mind telling me why she wants a bouquet that looks like that?" "No...I'm glad you asked," Phil replied. "Four years ago, my wife and I nearly divorced. After forty years, we were in a real mess, but with the Lord's grace and guidance, we trudged through problem after problem. The Lord rescued our marriage. Jenny, here (the clerk) told me she kept a vase of rose stems to remind her of what she had learned from "thorny" times. That was good enough for me. I took home some of those stems. My wife and I decided to label each one for a specific "problem" and give thanks for what that problem taught us.

As Phil paid the clerk, he said to Sandra, "I highly recommend the Special!" "I don't know if I can be thankful for the thorns in my life." Sandra said to the clerk. "It's all too...fresh."

"Well," the clerk replied carefully, "my experience has shown me that the thorns make the roses more precious. We treasure God's providential care more during trouble than at any other time. Remember, it was a crown of thorns that Jesus wore so we might know His love. Don't resent the thorns." Tears rolled down Sandra's cheeks. For the first time since the accident, she loosened her grip on her resentment. "I'll take those twelve long-stemmed thorns, please," she managed to choke out. "I hoped you would," said the clerk gently. "I'll have them ready in a minute."

"Thank you. What do I owe you?" "Nothing. Nothing but a promise to allow God to heal your heart. The first year's arrangement is always on me." The clerk smiled and handed a card to Sandra. "I'll attach this card to your arrangement, but maybe you would like to read it first."

The card read: My God, I have never thanked You for my thorns. I have thanked You a thousand times for my roses, but never once for my thorns. Teach me the glory of the cross I bear; teach me the value of my thorns. Show me that I have climbed closer to You along the path of pain. Show me that, through my tears, the colors of Your rainbow look much more brilliant."

Praise Him for the roses, thank Him for the thorns.

- Author unknown- via mail1.islandnet.com 

COUNT DOWN TO THANKSGIVING

Our world is always in a rush and tumble state. People are always hurrying to some place of importance. The Thanksgiving Holiday makes it even worse. Air travel and road travel are increased by numbers at which we can only estimate at being "all time highs". Why is that?

Thanksgiving is a traditional American holiday that embodies what our nation is about. It is a time to remember those who first immigrated to the "New World" and planted the first crops, established the first towns and remembering the many that died trying to make this brave new world a reality. Those first Pilgrims came here seeking freedom. Freedom from an oppressive government, freedom to worship as they felt was right without government interference.

Is that really what most of us remember at this time of the year? No, probably not. What is it that drives people to go to extremes to be "home" for Thanksgiving? What is it that caused them to drive days on end for thousands of miles? What is it that causes them to stand in lines at airports, to endure layovers and cramped quarters in a cylinder hurtling through the air? What is it that causes them to chance being stranded by bad weather in some strange place while traveling, still far from home?

It seems that for most of us it is a time of reminiscing about times gone by. It is a time of remembering family gatherings of the past and looking forward to sharing more of the same. It is about smiling, laughing and sharing. It is about renewing and sharing our love with others, and yes it is a time of food. But the food itself is a reminder, a remembrance of times shared together in the past. It is about love! Love for family and friends.

Yes, I know that sometimes family (and friends) can be trying. The relationships sometime require sacrifices that are difficult, but then it is the "love" part that motivates us to make that sacrifice.

Perhaps Paul's words from 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 tell us what it is all about: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (NIV)

So, am I saying that our Thanksgiving Holiday is ultimately about love? Yes, of course it is, if it weren’t there would be no thanksgiving!

To all of my readers let me say, I am thankful for you! Many of you are separated from physical family (as are we) this holiday, but then we are family are we not. Joined in Christ, brothers and sisters and I rejoice that God has brought us together.

I MOURN YET LIVE IN HOPE

My heart is so heavy with the thought of an ungodly man in the place of leadership of our country once again. I mourn for the disaster that is coming on our country and for the loss and suffering which our children and grandchildren will face because of this election, for the murder of unborn millions and perhaps the forced deaths of many of us as we age.

Perhaps God is using him to chastise and humble our nation and through the coming four years to cause people's hearts to be open once again to Him. I don't know what God's plan is for us, but I believe he is still in charge of our world. Still I mourn for the loss of the things and freedoms we had when growing up, which our children and grandchildren may never now experience. I mourn for those who will go hungry and be cold and continue to loose their homes and jobs. I mourn for those who are now and will be forced to live by the grace of government programs, because they cannot support themselves or care for their families.

I know that it is hard not to loose heart at times like this, but having our hope centered on something greater and more lasting is what gives us the ability to continue on in this world.

Paul's words in Romans 8:35-39 reminds us of the hope we have in Christ.

"35  Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?

36  (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”)

37  No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

38  And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.

39  No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (NLT)

Russ Lawson

GETTING MORE THAN YOU BARGAINED FOR…

Marion Gilbert wrote this little paragraph, I thought it was worth sharing. “One morning I opened the door to get the newspaper and was surprised to see a strange little dog with our paper in his mouth. Delighted with this unexpected "delivery service," I fed him some treats. The following morning I was horrified to see the same dog sitting in front of our door, wagging his tail, surrounded by eight newspapers.
I spent the rest of that morning returning the papers to their owners.”

I know it seems like a silly little story, but what would you have done? After all, you didn’t tell the dog to bring all of those newspapers, it’s not even your dog! It’s not your responsibility to get them back is it? At the most, we might call the newspaper office… but to return all of the papers ourselves, that’s going just a little to far isn’t it?

The apostle Paul wrote to the young man Titus in Titus 2:7, “You must in all things show yourself an example of good deeds; in your teaching showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility.”

Wow, that’s difficult isn’t is, “you must in all things show yourself an example of good deeds… showing integrity…” I think the point Paul is making is that you never know who is watching what you do and how they will respond to your actions. You see, that is part of “Showing ourselves an example…” It takes more than just saying the right words and proclaiming that we are good people; we have to show by our example the stuff of which we are made… In this context of course I am talking about living our life so that it’s not just our words that say, “I’m a Christian,” it is our example also. 

It is the little things in life that make a difference… You may never have a dog bring you your neighbor’s newspaper, but what about that clerk or teller who gives you too much change or some other mistake made in your favor. How will you respond then? What will your example say?
My prayer is that our God will give you a pure heart of integrity as you walk through this life.

May He continue to bless and keep us all!

FRIENDS KEEP YOU SHARP

I have been writing for a lot of years now. I write for a local town paper back in Ohio and I send out email articles to a couple of thousand people around the world. The response I received is for the most part encouraging. Several times I have considered laying aside my pen (so to speak), but then I'll receive a comment or questions or a note of encouragement from some reader.

Over the years I have become acquainted with quite a number of new friends because of my writings (as well as a couple of folks who have taken exception to something I have written). All in all it has been a blessing to me through the years. When you write, as I do, you put yourself out there in front of people and reveal things about who you really are and what you really believe that many could not bring themselves to do.

I was thinking about my many friends and acquaintances and a passage from Proverbs came to mind. The writer said at one point, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another". (Proverbs 27:17). Now when I started writing I never imagined that I would be starting a Bible question and answer ministry. I never imagined that I would do "online" counseling. I never imagined that through the miracle of the Internet, I would received emails from people literally all over the world, to whom someone has sent some of my writings. I never imagined that I would become close friends with people through correspondence (as close as you can become, never actually meeting face to face).

I've been asked before, "How much do you get paid for your writing?" The answer is always the same. I get paid nothing, but the value I receive emotionally and spiritually can not be weighed or measured.

Through this writing I have been "sharpened." I have been forced to look deeper at my beliefs, my faith and my relationship to God because of the comments and questions you send my way. But then, that's what friends do… They keep you sharp!

So a special thanks to all of you who have questioned and encouraged (or just put up with my rambling). You have been a blessing to me!

The question perhaps for you is, "Who sharpens you?" I have known people who can't take criticism at all, can't stand for anyone to question their stances or their beliefs. If that's you, then you are missing a blessing in life. Now, I did not say it was easy to deal with questions or criticism, but if you want to stay sharp you have to have it from time to time. In fact I would go as far as to say, that if you are never questioned, then you are either doing something wrong, or doing nothing at all. The old saying still rings true, "If you want never to be criticized, then, do nothing, say nothing and stand for nothing."

 I believe that God intends for each of us to make a difference in our world. To be that light shining from the candle (Matthew 5:15), to "let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." Matthew 5:16) Maybe it's time for you to take a chance, make a statement, or make a stand for God. What do you think?

ONCE UPON A MATTRESS

My wife and I got to go with some good friends to see a High School play titled: Once upon a mattress. For those who don't know the story line, it is something like this: To test a girl (who claimed to be a princess) to see if she was a real princess, a dried pea was placed under 20 mattresses by the evil queen. If the girl felt the pea it proved she was a real princess because of her extreme sensitivity. The girl in the play passed the test, (with a little help from her friends). She felt the pea, proved she was a real princess and passed the test.

As I thought about that simple play, I thought about how much it mirrored real life. We often claim to be "real" Christians to our families, our friends, our co-workers and perhaps the world in general. In fact we can claim to be real royalty also.1 Peter 2:9 tells us, "But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light."

The devil is intent on proving that we are not special, not royalty, not Christians. Much like the evil queen in the play, he constantly presents us with tests designed to cause us to fail in being worth to wear the name "Christian".

Surviving these tests is never easy and often quite unpleasant. It could be resisting the influence of someone at school or work, or even within your own family to say some un-Christian word, loose control of our emotions or participate in some un-Christian act. It might be the influence of the world that causes us to be tempted to forget our Christian values, morals or ethics.

Satan tries to hide many lumps under the mattresses that make up the layers of our lives. The only true protection we have is to remain true to our relationship to Christ. Our world (guided by Satan) will lie to you and try to cause you to doubt God, His Word and other believers. I like what Paul wrote in Romans 3:4, "Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true."

Now in the play, as I said, the princess passed the test because of the help of her friends. We as Christians need to be there to help one another also; because that is the only way we will survive in this world. One of my favorite passages is Hebrews 3:12-14, where we read: "Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ."

This is one of my favorite passages, because I know I can't make it through this world alone. I need your encouragement in my life and I believe that you need the encouragement of other Christians also.

How about you, will you be proven royalty or not?

Don't Be Afraid

It is sometimes difficult to picture the real message of some scriptures. One of the best known scriptures is what is called "The Sermon on the Mount" found in Matthew 5-6-7.  In these chapters Jesus gives many insights in to our daily Christian living and our relationship to one another as well as with God.

Jesus also spends a lot of time dealing with our relationship with God the Father and how we learn to trust him. How much do you really trust God? In Matthew 6:25-27 Jesus says:  “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?"

My wife and I have been struggling with a rather mundane decision, yet one that affects our daily lives. We both believe very deeply that God loves us and helps guide our decisions "IF" we invite him to do so and really make him part of our lives. Some folks really don't know God that well. They really don't want to ask him to make the decision for them or trust him enough to live with whatever comes your way. Many really don't see God (either around them or in their mind's eye) and therefore really can't trust him to take care of them.

Our oldest son shared what trust really is about through the comments of our 5 year old granddaughter, Allison. They have been on a trip to Washington, DC, perhaps noticing all of the pigeons she said, "Daddy, Birds are afraid of us, but they're not afraid of God. They can just fly up and see him!"

How about that for faith and understanding? Don't you wish you had thought of that? Of what or who are you afraid. What is it that you are wanting? What are you wanting to change or perhaps needing direction for? There is an interesting thought in James 3:2-3 that relates to these questions. Notice what James says there (in part): "… you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong …"

There is a powerful hymn that we often sing. Some of the words speak to our trust and faith in God. The hymn says, "Some Glad morning when this life is o'er, I'll fly away;
to a home on God's celestial shores I'll fly away."

Yes, just like the birds, some day we will be able to "just fly up and see him!" Won't that be great!

9/11, A date that changed some…

There are very few dates in our American History that are as well known as 9/11. How many dates come to your minds that have special meanings? July 4, our Independence Day; then there is December 7^th, Pearly Harbor Day. Sure there are other special days; Christmas; Easter; Birthdays; Anniversaries and such. But no one day has so touched our now living generations as September Eleventh.

That day on which we were brutally attacked and thousands killed left an indelible mark on our nation and on the hearts of those who were alive to witness this exhibition of savagery.

At that time our nation was drawn together! People, who did not make it a practice to worship God, flocked to our churches. Strangers came together for comfort; people asked “How could anyone do such a thing?” People cried, people prayed, people gave of themselves and their money; people searched their souls, maybe some for the first time and considered their relationship to God and eternal life.

What has changed over the passing of a few years? What has happened to the overwhelming need to reconnect to God? Why are our churches not still overflowing with people searching for something outside of themselves?

You know the answer as well as I, because you experience it and fight against it just as I do. Satan, the one who twists men and women’s hearts has told folks, “Don’t worry about it, it will never happen to you.” And they believe him! Now he doesn’t tell them in those words, but he has drawn off their attentions from God, from their souls, from what might happen in eternity.

If you think about it, not much has changed in 2000 years. Our Lord and Savior was subjected to savagery and brutality and murdered. The response was fairly quick, within months there were literally thousands of people who responded to the message of what has happened. They learned how much their God could love them through the death of Jesus of Nazareth. The churches grew, they dealt with more savage attacks and stood firm because they were the generation which had experience it. But Satan used the same methods then that he does now and many forgot, many quit attending, nothing has changed.

However there are always a faithful few, the hope of the world, the apple of God’s eye, the ones with hope and faith in their hearts that reject Satan’s lies. Which group are you in?

Do you remember what Jesus said in Revelation  2:5, "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works ... " Jesus warned he would spit folks (who were not keeping their promise to him), out of his mouth…"! Rev 3:16

Russ Lawson

HOW WE ARE LED BY THE SPIRIT

 QUESTION: Russ, I am confused by the idea of being "Led by the Holy Spirit" today. Some of my friends talk about how the Spirit works in their lives, yet I don't feel him or understand how he could possibly direct me. Can you clarify this for me?

ANSWER:

I made a statement to a friend recently regarding the fact that I believed that the "Spirit" led us as Christians today, IF we allowed him to do so. He believes the same way I do about the Spirit working in our lives today, but warned me, "A lot of folks would not understand what you are saying, and they would think that you are Charismatic regarding the Holy Spirit." We both know that I am about as far away from the "Charismatic movement" as you can get. I will set the foundation of what I am writing here, but saying I am about as conservative and traditional as you can get. Yet, I sincerely believe that we can be "Led by the Holy Spirit", if we will open ourselves up to him.

I know that may sound like a huge contradiction to some, but I don't believe it is. I believe that God promised us the Holy Spirit; that the Spirit is given for a purpose and is still active in the lives of believers today.

Now, I don't know if I have ever tried to explain my views in detail before, so perhaps this will be a learning and growing study for both you and I.

If I had to choose baseline or foundation scriptures regarding this topic (and I guess I do) there are several I lean towards. The first is Acts 2:38, one of the best known verses in the New Testament. We read, "Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (NIV)

No one can deny that the promise is made very clearly in this verse that we "WILL receive the gift of the Holy Spirit". The question is, "If we have him, what does he do for us and what do we do with him?" That is indeed the question isn't it? We as Christians (for the most part) believe that we have the Spirit, but don't know what for! Our Charismatic (or sometimes called "Pentecostal" friends, feel strongly that, "if we have the Holy Spirit, it must be confirmed by some outward sign. Is that the case or not, or could it just be that God has another purpose for providing us with the gift of the Holy Spirit without being manifest through outward signs?

The Apostle Paul thought that having the Holy Spirit inside of us was an indication of whether or not we are really Christians. He wrote in Romans 8:9-11, "You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you." (NIV)

I know that this verse is puzzling to some of you! Paul made it very clear that we as God's children do have the Spirit, because as he said, "if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ"! So what about you, do you have the "Spirit" or not? Notice this modern translation of this verse: "But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them are not Christians at all.)" (NLT)

Most of you probably will agree that the Spirit is necessary for us to be considered Christians, but it leaves the question, "If we have him what does he do, or what do we do with him?"

Paul carries on this instruction adding to the confusion of many in Romans 8:13 -16. Notice what he says here; "For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children." (NIV)

In this verse we see that not only do we have the Spirit, but that he does some things in our lives. The Spirit "puts to death the misdeeds of the body." The Spirit "leads" those who are "sons of God". By the Spirit, we cry out to God! The Spirit testifies to God that we are his Children.

The word translated as "Led" here in Romans 8:14 is the Greek word "ag'-o" . In Strong's Greek Dictionary of New Testament words we read, " ago ag’-o; a primary verb; properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce: be, bring (forth), carry, (let) go, keep, lead away, be open."

Notice what we read about this in Barne's Notes:

"As are led. As submit to his influence and control. The Spirit is represented as influencing, suggesting, and controlling. One evidence of piety is, a willingness to yield to that influence, and submit to him. One decided evidence of the want of piety is, where there is an unwillingness to submit to that influence, but where the Holy Spirit is grieved and resisted. All Christians submit to his influence; all sinners decidedly reject it and oppose it. The influence of the Spirit, if followed, would lead every man to heaven. But when neglected, rejected, or despised, man goes down to hell. The glory belongs to the conducting Spirit when man is saved; the fault is man’s when he is lost.  The apostle here does not agitate the question how it is that the people of God are led by the Spirit, or why they yield to it when others resist it. His design is simply to state the fact, that they who are thus led are the sons of God…"(Barne's New Testament Notes).

Another author has this to say:

"The phrase is borrowed (says another) either from those who are guided and directed as a blind man in his way; or from those who, wanting strength of their own, are borne and carried of others: so we are both ways led by the Spirit, for we can neither see our way, unless the Spirit direct us; nor have we strength to walk in it, unless the Spirit assist and draw us along. The Spirit leads and draws us irresistibly and necessarily, and yet not violently or against our wills; though we were unwilling before, yet we are made willing afterwards; so willing, that we desire and pray to be led by the Spirit.(See #Ps 25:5 143:10 So 1:4) (Poole's New Testament Commentary)

THE APPLICATION:

OK, just how do we let the Spirit lead us? I really like the picture drawn by the writers above, of a blind man who is led on his way, or drawn on when necessary, but not against our will.

When we become Christians we are born again, into a new way of living, with new values and ideals. We (should) seek that which is above and if we are doing that then the things which we value in our lives will change. We will begin (as we grow in Christ) to place more value on the spiritual and less on the material. We will begin to notice opportunities to serve God where we would never have seen them before.

THE REALITY:

You might protest, I don't believe in the supernatural work of the Spirit in leading people! Might I ask you, have you or one of your spiritual leaders ever prayed to God, "Lord, help our minister remember the things he has prepared"? Have you ever prayed, "God lead us not unto temptation?" Have you ever prayed, "Lord watch over my children while they are in school"? Or how about, "Lord, help me to make the right decisions in my life"? Or "Lord, help me to know what your will is for me in my life"? Have you ever prayed, "God open the doors for the missionaries to go into that country"? Or, "Watch over us until we can meet again." Or, "Watch over that person while they travel." Or, "Lord heal that person and return them to their family".

You see, if you have done that or something similar, then you must believe that God still works in our world! Does he still bring tongues of fire down upon people heads? No, but that does not decrease the power he has to work in the lives of men and women in our world today.

How does the Spirit of God lead us today? Let me make a couple of suggestions. In Acts 16:6-10 we can gain some insight in to this. Notice the incident:

"Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them."

God sent a clear message to Paul and his companions; that they weren’t to go to Asia at that time. How did he send that message? I believe by closing the door that would allow them to go. Yet, when God wanted them to go to Macedonia he put that burden on Paul's heart by allowing him to see the needs there and he "concluded that God had called them to preach the gospel to them."

Does God still direct us in that way? I think he does! I really believe that God puts burdens on our heart to do things or go places that will help the lost be saved or his kingdom be strengthened!

OUR STORY

In 1989 I had been working with the Averill Ave. congregation in Flint, Michigan for 8 years. We had a good working relationship and the support of a loving group of Christians and great elders. Melody and I began talking one day about the future and what we felt we would like to do. To our mutual surprise, both of us had a desire to go to Africa and work in Missions. I believe that God put that dream there, that vision of those where were lost and crying out for someone to come help them.

I knew an elder, Jack Vinton, at a sister congregation in the city which was deeply involved in missions in Kenya, East Africa. I called him and told him that my wife and I were interested in finding out more about African missions. Later that week we met at his home for supper and he shared videos, slides and much information about their mission effort.

Two weeks later Jack called me and said, "Russ, there is a congregation in the Detroit area that has been looking for two years for someone to go to Kenya and replace a missionary who is leaving. They want you to come down and meet them." So that week we traveled to Detroit and met Hayward and Sandra Burton and discussed their needs and how we felt led to become involved in missions.

In three months we set off for what is called a "survey" trip, to take a look at the work and the country and make a decision as to whether this is where we felt God wanted us.

Six months from the time we initially began to pray that the Lord would guide us we moved to Africa. What do you think? Did God prepare the way? Did he plant the seed in our hearts through the leading of the Spirit? Did he open the doors? My wife and I believe with all of our hearts that he did!

FURTHER LEADINGS

We had been living in Kenya for about a year and were part of a team with Dan and Beverly Bell and Later David High and his family. We were all struggling and over worked because of the multitudes of people that we needed to reach. There were about 400 congregations (mostly home churches) in a 200 square mile area where we predominantly worked. We were praying that God would help us find a way to help reach and minister to these people. One night I was sound asleep and dreaming about our problem and woke up, set up in bed and had a program for helping reach people in my mind. I got up and in 30 minutes outlined a program which has been in place for 21 years and taught countless people. The next day I called the other team members and said we have to get together. I shared with them the basics of a plan which would become "African Christian Literature Outreach" and later grew in to "World Christian Literature Outreach". This program has not gone into 17 different countries with no advertising, just word of mouth spreading the messages about what we are doing.

Did the Spirit lead us? I think he did?

HOW ARE YOU LED BY THE SPIRIT TODAY?

We are back to the original question again. I believe that the Spirit leads those who are open to his leading. Just like leading or guiding the blind man about which the writers above spoke. I would suggest that first we need to get rid of self, our desires, our wants, our needs and put God and His kingdom first in our lives. You see we have to make room for the Spirit of God in our lives. He will not force himself upon us; we have to look for ways to serve him. It has been my experience that when we are sincerely trying to serve God he will open the doors he wants us to go through. If we try to do something and it just doesn't work, if "the door won't open" so to speak, if there are barriers set before you, if your efforts fail, that probably a pretty good indication that's not the direction God wants us to go.

How can you know what direction God wants you to go? First pray sincerely, with all your heart about whatever it is you want to do. (Did I mention that there is something required of you, as in "effort" or "commitment"?). Make some effort to do that thing, to start in that direction, if the door does not open, then step back and rethink what you are doing! Are you really putting God and His kingdom first, or is it really just something you want?