Binding the Hands of God

The account of the life and work of Jesus is full of “impossible” events—events that are impossible for mere mortals. There are also many great ironies that, if contemplated, boggle the mind and thrill the soul. And one of the great ironies of the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John is that these “impossible” events and highly ironic events and statements are often provided couched in casual presentation. There are no markers or hints from the authors when these things are presented. They simply state them and move on as if what was stated was just a normal event or statement. (I find this one of the amazing proofs of the genuineness and authenticity of these books, but that is a point for another time.)

One incredible irony is found in Matthew 27:2. The holy writ simply states, “And when they had bound [Jesus], they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor.”

Did you see it there? Perhaps we are too familiar with the events of the crucifixion to notice it. Consider the One this verse is about and you will see the irony.

Jesus is the creator of all that exists. John 1:3 says that “All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” Paul wrote in Ephesians 3:9 that God, the Father, created all things “through Jesus Christ”. 

Jesus is eternal. John 1:1 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word with with God, and the Word was God.” Verse 14 reveals that this “Word” came to earth and put on flesh. That, of course, is Jesus. When the beginning happened, Jesus was already there.

The writer of Hebrews stated in Hebrews 1:12 that Jesus is eternal. “Like a cloak You will fold them [the heavens, verse 10] up, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and your years will not fail.”

From these passages we can also see that Jesus is extremely powerful. In fact, He proved this many times in His earthly life. He was able to heal the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead, and control the waves of the sea. In every way He showed Himself to be superior to His creation.

A man of such magnificence, such power, and such authority was bound and delivered to a governor. The King of Kings was ushered into the presence of a governor for trial. The Perfect Creator and Judge faced the judgment of an imperfect man of His own creation.

Can a man bind God’s hands? These men certainly did. What powerful irony! It should make us take note. As God said to the Jews in Malachi’s days, “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am the Father, where is My honor? And if I am a Master, where is My reverence?” (Malachi 1:6). But how is it possible? The only possible way they bound the hands of Jesus was because He ALLOWED it to happen. It was part of His will.

Let us not think for a moment that we cannot do the same thing today and bind the hands of Jesus! 

• We bind the hands of Jesus when we refuse to repent of sins (Isaiah 59:1-2).

• We bind the hands of Jesus when we choose to keep silent and not teach others.

• We bind the hands of Jesus when we refuse to support the church financially and actively.

• We bind the hands of Jesus when we know good things to do but do not do them.

How can those things be part of God’s plan? How can God allow us to bind His hands in that way? Because His plan was for His treasures to be placed in earthen vessels. If the Gospel is to spread into the world, it will be spread through the mouth and work of His children. There is no “Plan B”. Think about it: Do you hinder the progress of the Gospel or help it?

God Can't Do Everything

God can't do everything. There are even some things humans can do that God cannot do.

That is not an insult to Him.

• God cannot lie (Titus 1:2) because He is truth.

• God cannot be tempted by sin (James 1:13) because He is goodness and love.

• God cannot die because He is eternal (Psalm 90:2).

• God cannot force us to obey Him and maintain free will (Joshua 24:15).

• God cannot change (Malachi 3:6) because he is the Ultimate of all goodness.

• God cannot learn because He knows all (Hebrews 4:13).

• God cannot grow because He is perfect (Psalm 18:30).

• God cannot ignore sin forever because He is Just (Acts 17:30).

• God cannot act in an unloving way because His nature is love (1 John 4:8).

• God cannot be overcome because He is all-powerful (Job 36:22).

Yes, there are some things humans can do that God cannot.

That in no way should be considered a point of pride.

There is a God. We are not He.

Confessions of a Reforming Recluse

I’m standing in the hallway on the sixth floor of the Frank-Crowley Courts Building in Dallas. I am patiently waiting with about 90 other potential jurors. Some people are standing. Some are sitting on the few benches provided by the interior designers. Some people are sitting on the floor.

Many people have electronic devices to occupy themselves. Some people brought a book to read--they have obviously been in this position before. Others spoke quietly to friends they happened to see there by the coincidences of the randomized juror selection process. I am spending most of my time standing and sometimes typing notes into my phone about an idea for something to write.

I'm used to being a recluse

The mood is somber. There are no signs telling us to keep quiet, there is simply the situation. Some fidget. One or two men are pacing the floor. I find myself looking around at everyone. I am not great with people, but when I am in a crowd I do not feel comfortable unless I make at least glancing eye-contact with most of or all the people in the room. I don’t know why I am like this. 

I also do a lot of thinking during those times I find myself in a crowd. I think about all kinds of things. I think about the people sitting. I think about the men who are perfectly capable of standing to allow a lady to sit in their places. Then my mind goes back to a time when Karla was pregnant and I went to the doctor with her almost two decades ago. I became engrossed in a sports magazine and tuned out the world around me. Reality escaped and, though my body sat in the room, I was transported to another place. Before I left on this journey there was no one in the waiting room. Karla had gone into the doctor’s room for her check up. So I went away--at least mentally.

I was brought back to reality with a tap on my shoulder. One of the friendly nurses was talking to me. She asked if I would mind giving up my seat for a pregnant lady. My confusion morphed into dread because, to my horror, I was surrounded by pregnant women. They were all unconcerned at my presence, but I remember how surprised I was that I could become so engrossed in my thoughts that I would not even notice others around me. As realization of my situation dawned on me, I saw several women in the doorway. I could feel their eyes burrowing into mine. They were probably not angry, but I was sure they were at the time. Maybe the source of the heat I felt was not the heat of their anger but the heat of my own blood as it rushed to my face in embarrassed reaction. I was mortified. And I was clearly in the wrong.

I always think about that when I see men sitting when women should be allowed to sit. I marvel at the insensitivity and at the same time realize that those men are not even there. They are some place else, as I was while waiting in the doctor’s waiting area.

When I’m in a crowd I begin to think--and that is not always a good thing. I wonder what everyone around me must be thinking about me. I know in my mind that no one cares to watch my every move. There is just no reason to imagine they would look twice at me. Perhaps I have delusions of self-importance. Some people have suggested as much in the past. All I know is that if I were so “self-important” why would I get so flustered with the idea that people are looking at me and judging what they see? There is an important reason that I stand in corners and against walls while in public, and the reason certainly is not because I have delusions of grandeur!

Now I find myself in middle of a room, surrounded by people I have never met, and because of the nature of the situation, I’m at the center of the hallway. There is no room in the corner or against the walls. I had a great spot leaning against a pillar, but just a few minutes ago I started to feel bad because the ladies around me standing up must surely also be tired. Perhaps it was my turn to stand somewhere else and let one of them lean against the pillar. That sounds chauvinistic to many, I’m sure, but it actually comes from a place of deep respect. I don’t think women are weak and inferior or cannot stand for an hour or two. I just believe in showing honor to them. This was part of my process of thinking. I do this thinking a lot while in crowds. Now I find myself in middle of the hallways, surrounded by people along the walls and leaning against the pillars. (There are probably ten of us who don’t have a place along a wall or pillar.)

As I stand here, I can’t decide what to do with my hands. For some strange reason I am very concerned with what people think of me folding my arms at my chest. I remember hearing someone say that this is a sign that I have something to hide. I don’t want people to think I am closed off. I also heard someone once say that folding the arms can be a sign of anger. So I put my hands in the pockets of my slacks. 

The pose I now hold is also saying something to the people around me. Do I want them to see me as afraid to be in front of a group? Wouldn’t I rather want them to see me as strong and confident? After all, hands in the pockets are a sure sign of insecurity. Or does it say I am unsure of what to do with my hands? Maybe it says I am too casual.

I took my hands from my pockets and am now fidgeting with my fingers. But this is a sign of nervousness. What do I have to be nervous about? As I look around to my right I see a man staring at me. He is likely staring past me, or maybe does not realize what he is doing, but his eye-contact does not break when we look at each other. I look back and wonder if my body language somehow made him think I was a threat. I looked to the other side and a woman’s eyes made contact with mine and she quickly looked away. Was she also thinking I was a threat? Surely not. But it certainly made me rethink my pose. At this point that is the only word for it: “pose”. There is nothing natural about my body language anymore--and this point does not escape my thoughts.

I put my hands to my sides outside the pockets in a position that I can only define as neutral. This makes me aware that I am the only person in the room standing that way. “Why am I standing at attention as if I were military?” I’m obviously not military. I’m fat and old. But as I stand with equal weight on my feet and hands to my side, I remember that I was taught that this is the right way to stand. It shows that I am ready and confident. But ready for what?

Now people must be seeing me as a person ready to strike. This pose is too assertive. Maybe if I keep my hands to my side but lean my weight onto one leg...

Why do I care what others think about my “pose”? Why am I concerned with what my body language says to fellow jurors? I don’t know, but this is the way things are. 

And now I realize something important. I had been thinking about ways I can keep people from looking at me as nervous or looking at me in other negative ways. I realize now that I have a choice to make. I can hold myself in a way that makes me look closed to others, or I can hold myself in a way that makes me look open to others. I imagined what that would be like. Maybe instead of putting my hands to my side I could hold them out to others in a handshake, or put one on someone’s shoulder while greeting him. This seems to be a much better use of my hands!

I can show myself to be self-centered or people-centered. 

I want to be a people person, but my habits make me less than that--including this habit of wondering what my body language says to others. So I asked myself, “In this situation, with all these people around, what would Jesus do?”

That is a dangerous question to ask. It is dangerous for me because I know at least part of the answer was that Jesus would at least try to get to know some people so He might have the opportunity to teach them later. For a man who has difficulty meeting others, this is a scary thought.

I put aside my paranoid feelings and my normal self-criticism and critiquing and leaned toward a man standing next to me and made a comment to break the ice. When I did that, the criticism fell away and for the rest of the day I did not think about my body language except for a few very brief moments when it was appropriate. I stopped worrying about what people were thinking about me and started to consider their own lives and feelings.

Jesus can make you what you ought to be. His life shows us the way. If we live like Him, we will be much better people. He can make you whole. He can make you normal. In fact, when you begin to follow His example and put others before yourself, you will notice a lot of your problems do not seem like problems anymore. 

I made a few friends while spending a day at the court building. I helped people get out of their own shells. I even got to talk to people about church. The self-criticism, the paranoia, the endless chatter about myself melted away because I took the time to think about someone besides me.

Maybe I’m becoming a “people-person” after all. Maybe you can become one too.

What Does A Preacher DO?

A Beginning Discussion

What does a preacher do?

What is the role of the preacher? This may seem like a simple question, but the answer determines values, goals, and priorities that must be set. Without a Clear understanding of the answer, all goals and priorities are guesses at best.

First we must determine who sets the role? There are three possible origins for the role: the preacher, the congregations who “hire” the preacher, and God. While most (if not all) would say that God is the one who determines the role of the preacher, let's not be too hasty. There is a difference between the ideal and the practical. We all know that God should be the one to determine that role since He is the one who created the system and need for preachers. He is the final authority. But He did not spell every detail out for us. We must make some decisions about the work. We have that freedom as long as those activities fall within the parameters established by God. So after God, who decides what a preacher does in his day-to-day activities?

Maybe it's just me, but I have a difficult problem grasping what I am supposed to be doing sometimes. When there is a sea of possibilities, how does a preacher determine what he should accomplish? This question has been persistent in my work. I have tried many things. I have accomplished some things and failed at others, but often I arrive at the same question: "Is this really what I need to spend my time doing?" Some preachers seem to have it all figured out. I am not one of them.

Basic Expectations

Obviously there are some basic expectations of preachers. They should prepare and deliver sermons and Bible classes. They should visit the sick and those who are unable to attend worship. Generally, we preachers exist to help the church grow. One question I have is, “Is that all?” (That is not a flippant question. I just want to make sure that I do ALL of my work, not just part of it.) 

When I think of what it means to “help the church grow” I begin to wonder if a more vague understanding of a role could exist. This perplexing statement at once states everything and nothing. After all, is it not God who causes the growth of the church? Do I really think I am going to cause growth?

Considering the broad definition of “helping the church grow” can be mind-boggling. In essence, it is nothing less than stating that the role of the preacher is to make sure every person in the community, county, state, or world—as many people as he can possibly impact—makes it to heaven. The amount of work indicated in such an innocent phrase cannot even begin to be explained.

I have enough trouble making sure I am spiritually right and going in the right direction. I cannot possibly hope to fulfill such a large role! So this broad perspective serves only to cause me to come back to the same question—what's my practical function here?

Getting Practical

There is no question that preachers have the role of helping the church grow, but (as I tried to point out above) that is simply too much to contemplate. It is not that the task is so large that it terrifies me to contemplate. I know that God does not expect me to save everyone, only to do what I can do to bring about the most good for the most people—and even that is too generic. I have no problem looking at the vast ocean of possibilities and responsibilities that come with preaching because I know that all Christians are in the same position and role. I also know that GOD is the One who is in control. I am just helping where I can. It's not the SIZE of the task but knowing where it will be better to join in the work that gets to me.

Location and Impact

So, after thinking about this, one way of bringing some order to the chaos is to look at the location of the preacher. Obviously, a preacher can help people in any place, and no preacher worth his salt would refuse to help someone simply because of that person's location. But that person's location might prevent a preacher from helping him simply because he must prioritize in order to bring some order to the chaos.

Now, looking at all the possible actions in a given area does not help much in defining the role of the preacher, but it does help a little. And the question of role takes on new meaning at this point. How does a man decide the geographical impact of his work? I am not considering the decision a man makes when determining what congregation to work with at this point. That is a completely different problem that must also be considered in light of financial, familial, and other needs.

The question at hand centers upon his impact in the place he lives and works. Does the preacher focus on the members of the congregation? If so, how will people outside the church be brought to God? What about Christians in the same area who happen to attend other congregations? Does he have responsibilities toward them? Within the preacher's home congregation, unless it is a very small group, he would still make some tough decisions. Who should I spend my time with? Should I spend my time with the weak? How about the strong so that they do not become weak? What about the sick? How much help and support is enough for each person? Do we ever get to the point that we do not need continued encouragement? What about time for study and preparation for sermons?

The list of questions like those above are seemingly endless. And the question returns: What is the role of the preacher?

God's Wisdom

Generically we know that God is the author of preaching. It becomes obvious, however, that He left many decisions to be made. This is not a fault of God. Instead, it shows His wisdom in many ways.

If a preacher struggles with and decides upon his role, he will appreciate the tasks. They will be HIS tasks and therefore much more likely to be accomplished.

Additionally, everyone is different and in different situations; therefore, each preacher's work will be different. God's guidelines allow the greatest freedom to operate without losing sight of the overall work God expects.

Based on these ideas, the importance of understanding a preacher's role is even greater. We can see that personality, desires, ability, opportunity, and even congregational needs all play a part in defining the preacher's role.

Considering Both Sides

Considering the question about the origins of the role shows us that the preacher and the congregation he works with must work together to define and understand the role of the preacher based on the above criteria (and more).

Does the church have a right to expect certain activities from the preacher? They do not have  any more right to expect certain activities from him than he has in determining what actions he thinks God would have him take. The needs of the congregation are important. Those reasons are what led them to invite the man to live and work with them. Ideally, a congregation could expect a man to perform every function they intended and do it in the exact ways they desired, that is, if preachers had no rights.

The role of preachers, from God's general instructions, is to preach the word. That entails many things beyond the mere delivery of sermons. It entails study, practice of delivery, and skill development. It includes making a connection with the audience—something that can only be done by building relationships and reputation. And how does a preacher build relationships and his reputation with others in the congregation?

He is also to be evangelistic. How can a preacher hope to teach the church to be evangelistic (2 Timothy 2:2) if he is not evangelistic? How can he be a preacher if he is not preaching to the lost and building those relationships? As John Maxwell once stated, “The greater the impact you want to make, the greater your influence needs to be.” How can a preacher hope to impact the community if he is not allowed time to build those relationships?

On the other hand, how can a preacher accept support from a congregation and say that they have no right to ask him to do anything? Is that reasonable? If they called for a preacher to come, chances are they have needs. Those people have much greater ability to know their own needs than the preacher does. Yes, they need the Gospel, but what parts? How should it be delivered? Preaching is more than saying words in a pulpit. It is about impacting lives.

Concluding Thoughts

The obvious conclusion is that the preacher AND the church leaders should discuss and agree upon the roles the preacher will play. That may be something that must be flexible. It may need review from time to time to reassess priorities. Those decisions may be left to the preacher a great deal—and he should be given the flexibility to meet the many demands of the preacher's work. But the church must be involved.

It is not fair to either side to set the role without the input of the other. It is also not fair for either side to set the role in a generic fashion. Just because the last preacher did something is not necessarily a good reason for the next one to do it.

All in all, determining a preacher's role is not an easy task, but an important one. Preachers and congregations might get along well without ever finding time to discuss these things formally. I can imagine that many preachers will have little trouble with this, especially if the church is not demanding. There is, however, a fine line between “not being demanding” and being apathetic. The preacher and the congregation will benefit greatly by having a clear understanding of roles so that goals and objectives can be administered effectively.

Unity is a Decision

If there is one thing I have learned over the years about church growth it is that unity is vital to the health of the congregation. It is so important that Paul spent much time writing letters to congregations about it. The majority of the New Testament has unity as a foundational concept.

Unity is vital to any team

One of the major factors for unity lies in the principle of power. In any group there is power. The more united the group the more power that the group possesses. That is one reason small armies can defeat much larger ones. The less unified a group is the less power it has. The idea, “Divide and conquer” is popular because it works. Therefore, how powerful do you think this congregation is? Can we improve in that area? 

It is natural that power-centers fluctuate inside an organization. Power struggles are unfavorable, but common in any organization. Power (or perceptions of power) may shift from one group to another inside a congregation. It’s a natural process based on many things. Sometimes it is because of physical changes to the group. (Some people leave and others enter.) Sometimes it is because people become limited in their abilities while others find more time to devote to activities in the church. If power is “the ability to get things done” as someone put it, then power will naturally shift across the church. If we keep this in mind it will be easier for us to accept our limitations and roles and we will be less likely to feel the need to fight to maintain our perception of power.

If we look at power as something to obtain and hold, then we will have nothing but wars and fights among us. If we look at power as influence, then our perspectives change on how to have it. How do you try to gain influence? The answer to this determines your relationship with God.

True power belongs to Jesus. He is the One who has authority over heaven and earth. There is a transferal of power to the elders of the church to a degree, but even that is dependent upon the willingness of the congregation to allow that power. Think about that for a little while. 

I’ve seen churches where the elders assumed more power than the church allowed. They had “power” but they forgot that people could leave and go somewhere else. The people took advantage of that freedom and left. So the men could control everything to whatever degree they wanted, but they had no one in the flock to “control”. That’s not power at all. At the same time, elders who do not abuse their position should be allowed the power to lead us. That is exactly what the Bible teaches in Hebrews 13:17.

As followers of Christ, we are not to seek power but unity. We need to all be on the same team. We need to line up behind our elders and allow them to lead us in the way. We need not fight against the direction we are going or fight against the activities they provide, but we need to accept their instruction and guidance, get on board, and follow their lead--and that includes the activities they allow in the church (as long as they are Scriptural practices of course). They are our shepherds. Can we say that we support their leadership? Can we honestly say that the activities of this congregation have our full support and participation? Can we say we are following them if we don’t support them and their decisions? Unity is a decision.

The God of Your Dreams

Written English can often communicate ideas never intended. By simply putting the emphasis on one

Dreams can become reality

word over another, you can make a simple phrase say many different things. Consider the title of this article: The God of Your Dreams. By changing the emphasis around we can see three stages of Christian development. Which stage are you in?

The God of your DREAMS is one stage. By that I mean that God is often unreal to people. They believe in Him, they just do not realize that He is alive and well. He seems distant at best. They are similar to the evil servant in Matthew 24:45-51. The master went away and made a servant ruler over his household. The servant said, “My master is delaying his coming” and began to mistreat the other servants and to eat and drink with the drunkards (verse 49). This man’s problem was that he did not consider that his master could return at any moment.

When God is a “dream” or seems “unreal” we will live however we want and pay lip-service to Him as God.

Next consider the God of YOUR dreams. This is the stage many go through when they realize that God will bless them. They turn to God and please Him so that He will provide for them in return. “All your dreams will come true if you are faithful to God!” The problem with this is that nowhere are we promised that our dreams would come true. Certainly God blesses people. He will provide many things your heart desires, but that is not the reason to serve Him. Jesus said in John 6:27, “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food that endures to everlasting life...” 

Service to God comes from a heart of fear, respect, love, and the realization that He is Lord of all. He is not a genie in a bottle. He is not so hungry for praise and devotion that He will give you all your heart’s desire if you will only praise Him a little. He does not need us at all. We need and rely upon HIM for everything. It is our entire duty of life to love Him and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). 

Then consider the emphasis where it belongs: THE GOD of your dreams. It is good and fine to have dreams and goals in life, but whose goals and dreams are they? Where do they originate? If they are not what GOD intends for your life then they are not fitting for a Christian to pursue. If God is not the ruler over the dreams you have, you misunderstand what God expects from His people. All that we say or do should be to the glory of God (Colossians 3:17). Are your dreams worthy of your calling in Christ? Are they products of faith and courage? Do they pursue paths God wants you to pursue? When you recognize that He is the ruler of your life, your goals and dreams will match His will for your life found in the Scriptures.

What do your dreams and goals in life say about you? What do they say about your view of God and your relationship to Him? If you search your life, which word would get the emphasis in the phrase “The God of Your Dreams”?

A Disciple of Jesus

“You can put a shoe into an oven, but that doesn’t make it a biscuit.” 

A shoe in an oven is not a biscuit.
Are you a disciple?

Below you'll find four characteristics of a disciple.

The Great Commission states that we must go and make disciples of all the nations. I’ve said many times that we must seek to make disciples. It is not enough to baptize people if we do not teach them to follow Jesus. Many people do a disservice to others because they are too quick to immerse them without helping them build a relationship first. This leads to many problems after their conversion. It also leads to people leaving the faith. They would have been better off if we just left them alone rather than avoid teaching them to be disciples! (See 2 Peter 2:20.) Of course, it is best to take the time to help people become a disciple. Too many avoid this. 

That brings me to a question to consider: Are you a disciple of Christ? If you are a Christian reading this, you are one because someone took the time to follow that commission. If most people do not do well making disciples, doesn't it stand to reason that you might not have been taught to be a disciple? When you were converted, did people take the time to help you learn how to be a disciple? Did they guide you in the process of thought required to be a disciple of Jesus? Does it even matter how you answer? Yes. It does matter. 

You can attend class without being a student. 

You can follow Jesus without being His disciple. 

Consider 2 Timothy 3:5. Do you have a “form of godliness”? In other words, have you been taught to present yourself as righteous on the outside without concern over the matters on the inside? Sometimes people will become Christians to escape their pasts without concern for following Him in the future. 

Think about these 4 characteristics of a disciple and weigh yourself fairly: 

1. A disciple lives close to Jesus. His thoughts and heart are never far from God.

2. A disciple earnestly seeks the teachings of Jesus. 

3. A disciple willingly and readily suffers for Jesus. 

That does not apply to the “big stuff” only. It applies to the emotional cost of denying a friend or denying self in favor of our Lord’s wishes. 

4. A disciple seeks to reflect the attitudes and love of Jesus to others. 

No one is the best disciple he can be, but you need to look closely at yourself and answer the question: Are you a disciple?

Homophobia, Islamophobia, and Hamartophobia

Fear is sometimes appropriate

If a homophobe is a person who is opposed to the practices of homosexuality, then I am a homophobe. The same is true for being an Islamophobe. In fact, all faithful Christians fit those categories, if we define the term in the common vernacular. In our current culture, the words above are used in order to intimidate people. Many do not want to be seen as intolerant, so they back off and refuse to lovingly tell the truth.

Let’s look at the definition of phobia. Phobia actually means a dread or fear. Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words says it is something that causes one to flee in fear. It is a strong word. In that sense, I am not a homophobe or an Islamaphobe. They concern me, but I am not ready to run in terror over them.

What I am trying to train myself to be is an hamartophobe though. That simply means one who is terrified of SIN. How easily we feel comfortable being near it even though its very presence should cause us to flee in fear. The dread should exist because of its ability to influence us. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. Even more than that, we should fear because of the justice and wrath of God!

If we stop to think of the end result of participation in sin, we will want to run in terror from it. Do not be fooled by it. Satan can entice you with it: make you see it as something that will benefit you, make you wise, and even make you closer to God. In the end you will be removed from the blessings of God’s favor. Let us not fear (phobia) what men do (Matthew 10:26), but rather let us fear their influence and God’s reaction to sin—even if it means we will be called names as a result.

Benefits of Boredom

There is great value in time spent alone.

As a boy just about to enter the turbulent teen years, we lived on a small section of wooded land in Northeast Texas. Our 3.5 acres abutted land that stretched uninterrupted for several miles. In my innocence I would wander those woods for what seemed like miles (but was probably more like 300 yards of a spiraled course). It was a time of fascination with the wonders of God's creation.

I treasure those days. They were the days of innocence and discovery. I spent time learning, thinking, playing, and all the while developing. Sometimes it included my two brothers. But it was always time to myself, to do what I wanted, and to enjoy my childhood.

Do you have memories that you treasure like this?

If you have children, are you allowing them to have similar experiences?

Today's world is busy and demanding. Children get caught up in activities and responsibilities in school, sports, and even electronic media like Facebook and blogs. They are so busy working on so many things! This work is important. They need to learn how to play with others. They need to learn the value of teams, hard work, and sacrifice. But they also need something more.

They need to be alone.

You might think your child spends too much time alone already. Maybe he is always playing video games or she is always texting. They seem like they are alone, but even playing computer games is not the alone time I am talking about. Those games set the agenda. They have goals to accomplish, tasks to perform. Their minds are led by the people who manufactured the games. No, that is not alone time.

Alone time is time to yourself with no distractions. Your boy or girl might have toys, but during this time children should have nothing that leads their minds. This alone time forces them to think. It forces them to find something to fill the time. It forces their personalities to develop and grow. It shows them what they like and dislike. It helps them make decisions about priorities. And it gives them that very important time to daydream.

Even little children need this time. One of the best things you can do is to enforce a "quiet time" in your home. Sometime during each day require your children to unplug from the Internet and TV, go to a place where they are alone, and grow. Set a regular time and stick to it.

Boredom is not a villain. If you provide opportunity in a safe environment, boredom can be a fantastic motivator and teacher.

Regularly allow your child to be bored in a safe and structured environment. And let them figure out how to pass the time. When they are old and reflect on life, they will be happy for those wonderful times of innocence and discovery.

Dig It Deep

A Cistern holds as much as its size allows

God wants your marriage to be joyful. He wants it to succeed. When Jesus came He faced a society much like our own in how they treated marriage. Jesus took the time to correct the common thinking of the day and reinstate God’s original design. Read Matthew 19:1-9 and pay attention to the simplicity of what God intended.

Since God wants you to have a successful marriage (if you have chosen or will choose to marry), we can expect the Bible to say something about how to have a happy marriage. That’s exactly what we see. In fact, there is so much that we will just look at one idea.

Proverbs 5:15-19 is a great passage to look at for marital advice. The passage begins with “Drink water from your own cistern” and ends with, “always be enraptured with her love.” Love in a marriage is like an underground reservoir made to hold rainwater. It holds as much as its size allows, so build a large one by building a solid marriage.

The symbolism of the passage represents the happiness that a spouse can bring. The advice is to cherish what you have. If we will appreciate our spouses and the love of our spouses, then we will help bring happiness to the home. For a reference, look at a little more detail in a post about husbands appreciating our wives.

Like all other parts of love, the decision to treasure your spouse is first a decision. You must make the decision to find the good in your spouse and treasure it. It’s not going to cure every problem you have, but it will serve as a great foundation upon which to build.

Chances are great that you were not forced into marriage. If you have difficulties, remember the things that attracted you to begin with. Choose to become enraptured again. Find the things about your spouse that are good and lovely. Your marriage is the cistern that can hold vast quantities of love for you. Drink from it. 

Don't Miss Your Biggest Step in Spiritual Growth

Thte Bible is Powerful for Growth

There is nothing like reading the Bible.

I met with a couple of preachers today and we swapped stories of Bible reading "adventures" we have had. Most people would not consider Bible reading to be adventuresome but in a time when so many people have never read the Bible, we tend to overlook the power that is found there.

One of the men told of an elderly gentleman who did not like anyone talking to him about God or church. He was bitter and difficult to get along with. But the preacher asked if he would mind just reading a few passages. The gentleman said that he could not see well enough to read, so the preacher offered to read to him. The idea was that he would simply read without preaching or giving opinions about it. The man agreed. The preacher read to him 5-6 days a week for several weeks. They read through John together. Then they began to read Acts.

When Acts 2 was read the preacher asked, "What do you think of that chapter and all that went on there?" After a small discussion the elderly gentleman was baptized. All of this came not from a sermon or a series of lectures but from simply reading the Word of God.

I heard other stories with similar endings.

God said it, so it should not surprise us. "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it" (Isaiah 55:11).

It turns out that God knows something about human nature. And why shouldn't He? It seems that the way the Bible was written, the words used, the repetition, the illustrations, all of it works together as a powerful influence on a person.

I've seen this in my own life. The more I read and memorize the more I hunger for the Word. I've seen it in the lives of others as well.

We have an event once a month called "Biblepalooza" in which we get together with no other goal than to read the Bible. There are no opinions offered. There are no lectures or comments. The only things that come from our mouths is the chapter number we are reading and God's Word. We don't just read a few chapters and call it a day. We read for HOURS at a time.

Some people think we are crazy. Who reads the Bible for 7 hours straight? We do it regularly. And those who participate LOVE it. Those times together are sobering. The readings produce a reverence for God's Word and leaves us wanting more.

I want to encourage you to read the Bible. This is your biggest step in spiritual growth.

Don't just read a chapter or two. READ. Read as if life is found in those pages - because it is. Read long and read regularly. You will be glad you did.

Don't Be An Idiot Who Got Lucky

Know Why you believe or do things

I had a problem: I needed to walk across a busy road and was not sure how to do it safely.

I remembered seeing a chicken cross a road once and noticed it had no problem. I noticed that when it walked across it simply darted quickly without looking both ways. It seemed confident and I decided that "confidence" was the key to its safety. So I decided to act on my new realization.

I did not look both ways. I darted across quickly and confidently without looking at any of the traffic headed my way. I heard a few car horns and squealing tires, but I made it safely across!

What would you say to me if I told you that I plan to do that every time I need to cross a busy road? What would you say if I taught your children a class on pedestrian safety?

My theory was obviously not correct. I was an idiot who got lucky. (Or I would have been if that were a true story instead of an illustration.) I was wrong because my reasoning was not sound. The fact that I happened to be safe did not prove my theory sound.

In a way, I came to the "right" conclusion: That I would be safe to cross. However, the reason I came to that conclusion was completely and dangerously WRONG. I was not right. I was an idiot who got lucky.

You may have grown up in a family and church that gave you all the right answers to all the questions you had. It is good to have the answers. However, unless you have learned how to find those answers properly, your knowledge is useless for anything more than those immediate answers. In fact, your "right answers" may hide a logic that is flawed and dangerous to yourself and others.

Pay attention to the ideas people have. Pay more attention to the reasons they hold those ideas. Pay even more attention to why you hold your own ideas. Don't be correct because you are an idiot who got lucky. Be correct because your reasoning is sound.

Providing for Your Own Destruction

Are you engaging in self-destructive behavior?

Alcoholics and drug addicts have stashes. That is a rule. They have “one last bottle” in many hiding places throughout their living quarters. Most of them have one or two caches that are expendable. They are not stupid. They know that sooner or later they are going to meet an end with their loved-ones. They know that family will eventually demand that they clean up their lives. These addicts will then cry, weep, and make all kinds of confessions. They are very convincing. They will even admit hiding stashes. They will swear to “turn over a new leaf”. They will even show their loved-ones the caches and pour out the offending substances. Those caches are the expendable ones. The “good stuff” is hidden much better. But their new-found decision to change and the pouring out of the expendable caches keep you from looking too closely for any more.

Why do they have caches? It’s usually because they are afraid of giving them up. They are afraid of living life without their drug of choice. So they keep it “just in case”. They make provision for their addiction.

Some people will go to great expense to hide their sins. They will often go to great expense to nurture their sins too. For example, a child molester will spend days, weeks, sometimes years “grooming” potential victims.

But what about people who are not addicted to drugs? What about people who are not pedophiles? What about “ordinary” people living ordinary lives? Do you ever do similar things?

Do you “conveniently” show up at parties where drinking takes place? Maybe you go with the determination not to drink. But do you find that somewhere deep inside a part of you hopes that the temptation would overpower you? Do you secretly hope that you would get caught up in the moment so that you “just can’t help” yourself? This situation will end badly. You are providing opportunity for your own fall.

How about going on a date and sitting in a parked car or in some other place where temptations are bound to occur? You may want to be good, but you put yourself in a position where it is very difficult to be good. Are you secretly hoping to get caught up in the moment? If not, then why put yourself in that situation? You are merely providing for the opportunity to sin.

How about making vague promises? Do you tell someone you will do something but couch it in language that allows you an “out” later if you change your mind? Do you place hidden loopholes in your words? This is providing yourself a way to escape your responsibilities and still to salve your conscience. You are providing for the fleshly mind.

What about living under the false idea that your explosive temper is “just the way you are”? Or what about making excuses for your children by blaming the “teen year dramas” when they do something wrong? Or what about finding things to do at work so you don’t have to attend worship? You know the “work” excuse will keep people off your back, but was it legitimate? Or did you invent reasons to stay there? You are providing opportunity for your own desctruction.

These are a small fraction of the list of ways we provide for the fleshly mind. The Bible clearly condemns it, too. “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts” (Romans 13:14).

Busy, But Missing What is Most Important

Martha was busy missing what was most important

Mary and Martha were followers of Jesus. They hosted the Lord one day and as Mary sat at the feet of Jesus, Martha busied herself with serving her guests. (Find this in Luke 10:38-42.)

Martha soon became irritated with Mary because she was ignoring her responsibilities to her guests. She complained to Jesus and hinted that Jesus should rebuke her sister, Mary, and send her off to serve her guests. But Jesus saw it another way.

Jesus said that Mary actually chose wisely. Martha was the one with the problem. It is not wrong to serve guests, but some better activity could have been chosen. She had Jesus in her house but instead of sitting to learn from Him, she busied herself with many worries and troubles.

Martha was still in the vicinity of Jesus. She was walking all around and serving diligently. But she missed the most important thing. She failed to realize why she was there in the first place.

Men, when you serve in worship, remember not to get caught up in the serving to the exclusion of the purpose. I fight this as a preacher. Most of the activities we do in worship are completed before I speak. It is a great temptation to be like Martha and fret or worry over what I'm about to say. I find myself reviewing notes instead of thinking about the song I just sang. 

It is much worse when people are nervous and afraid of being up in public. For you men who lead prayer or serve at the Lord's Table and are nervous, try to put such fears from your mind and remember why you are there serving in the first place.

The same certainly applies to you ladies too, in different contexts.

There are often things that go on in church buildings surrounding the worship of God - things that tend to take away from our worship. These things could be something simple like an upcoming meal that needs to be heated. Instead of fretting and worrying and leaving early, remember why you are there in the first place. If people have to wait five more minutes for a meal so that you can worship God and get all you can out of the short time in the assembly, then they can just wait five more minutes!

Whatever it is that takes our minds off God needs to be set aside when we come to worship Him. Don't be Martha. It may make you feel more spiritual to be active and fretting over things, but it does nothing for your relationship with God.

Mary chose the good part. What will you choose?

Preaching is About "You"

Preaching is About the Audience

Preaching that is not personal is also not powerful. If I don't speak out against things that affect the people in my audience then I may as well sit down and say nothing at all. Most preachers never get this. (That was the advice [in a nutshell] I got from a wise man Sunday after evening worship.) 

He told me, "Stop speaking to next week's audience, or to yourself, or to some audience in your own mind. Speak to the people who are there. Deal with THEIR sins, THEIR problems, and THEIR issues. And tell them their problems by making it personal and using the word "You".

It stung a bit because I like to think that I already do that. But his simple question made me realize he was right: "How many times do you use the word 'You' in a sermon?" I honestly tried to avoid using it so that I would be less offensive (not that anyone is promoting deliberate offense). He called me on it and said that was my motive just like everyone else's who preaches. That motive is wrong and a disservice to the church and to my work.

Well, preachers, you need to use that word and give what is needed. Do not be contentious, but contend with the sins directly instead of indirectly.

Standing Naked in the Sun

Fig leaves are large

I learned something about swimsuits the other day that I never saw before. I think this thought came from Sarah Fallis' new book.

To set up the "revelation" in its proper context, notice a short list of points:

In Genesis 3:7, after eating the forbidden fruit, Adam and Eve "knew they were naked" and sewed fig leaves together to make a covering. They were attempting to hide their nakedness. It makes sense to use those leaves! Notice a few things about fig leaves:

1. Fig leaves are large enough to provide adequate cover for the body's private parts. That is why they were used. They are very large leaves.

2. Fig leaves are not "see through". What they covered themselves with would have been adequate to prevent others from seeing the private parts through the leaves.

3. This fig-leaf covering was about decency and shame. (It was not worn to prevent lust. Adam and Eve were married (Genesis 2:24-25). Lust would have been a foreign concept in the situation.) They covered themselves (their private parts) to cover their shame of being naked.

Now consider a comparison of fig leaves and swim wear
1. Modern swimwear (bikinis, even one-piece swimsuits) cover about as much as fig leaves would cover. (Google fig leaves. They are large and they sewed several together).

2. Swimwear covers private parts and is not see-through (usually).

3. Swimsuits are used to cover the private parts while swimming, exactly like fig leaves did--and there is no possibility of swimsuits getting dry and crumbling!

4. I can see no difference between swimsuits and fig leaf coverings. Can you?

Now for the part I did not realize:

After sewing fig leaves together and making a covering for themselves, God visited them in the Garden of Eden and they hid from Him. What was the REASON Adam gave for hiding? It is found in Genesis 3:10. "I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid BECAUSE I WAS NAKED." Adam, in his "swimsuit" was still naked and indecent.

Christians, don't spend your summer naked in front of people of the opposite sex. Keep your clothes on and find adequate swimwear that actually covers your body. (Yes, there are plenty that do.) It's a matter of decency.

Is Your Mind Glowing?

A Mind Map. Start Thinking Differently.

What do you suppose Jesus looked like when He was transfigured? As descriptive as Matthew chapter 17 is, I still have unanswered questions. 

We know that Moses had a similar glow after coming from the presence of God (Exodus 34:30). This “glory” was seen at various other times during biblical history and seems to indicate the presence or authority of divinity. 

There was a fundamental difference between what Moses experienced and what Jesus experienced. Moses’ face glowed because he was in the presence of God. The reason Jesus glowed was not because the Father was in the area. Jesus was transfigured. He went through a kind of metamorphosis. He revealed the glory of God to His disciples.

This was such an important event that Peter wrote about it later in his life in 2 Peter 1:16-21. Peter reported that they were “eyewitnesses of His majesty” on that day (verse 16). I’m sure it was an incredible experience.

The word “transfigured” used by Matthew is metamorphoo. It is where we get the word, metamorphosis. Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...” The word “transformed” is also metamorphoo. The same word is used in both places. Is that significant? Is it a coincidence?

I don’t think it can be explained by coincidence. Jesus transfigured into divine glory. Aren’t we also able to transform into similar glory? Obviously bodies will not literally glow as we mature in Christ. If the glory Jesus exhibited was the divine nature of God being revealed, wouldn't we exhibit some kind of "glow" if we partake in that divine nature? At least symbolically that must be true as we metamorphoze our minds. What is it the end of that metamorphosis?  

It seems that Jesus’ transfiguration and our transformation were what Peter had in mind when he wrote 2 Peter 1:3-4. “His divine power has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature....”

Don’t miss the importance of those two verses. We are able to share in the divine nature of God. As we consider Romans 12:2, we can see that we can transform our minds similarly to the way Jesus transfigured His body. In a sense, our thinking can “glow” because it is transformed into the divine nature. 

Shouldn’t this knowledge affect us? 

Maybe it’s just an intellectual point of discussion for some, but not for me. It's also not a metaphysical exploration on my part. I am aware of the symbolism that is being expressed in our metamorphosis. However, the glory of the Lord shining in the face of Peter made an impact. Peter, John, and James saw the Savior in a new light.

Does anyone see your mind as something different? Or do you tend to think like everyone else in this world?

Is your mind “glowing” from God’s presence? 

Meditate on that idea for a while and see what you come up with. Share your thoughts below! 

Here are some points that jump out at me.

1. Read the Bible, not just books that explain the Bible.
2. Stop dimming your "mental glow" by putting bad things in it.
3. When you speak, people ought to know that there is something different about the way you think if you are a Christian.
4. Stop asking PEOPLE what to think about different topics and start asking GOD what to think about them.
5. If you have not read the Bible all the way through, you cannot know how to think according to the divine nature. It is not natural. It must be learned. (That does not mean salvation is impossible, especially if you are new to the Word. The more you learn the more you grow. God's grace fits in somewhere.)