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shepherd

Sheep in the Dutch meadow landscape after sunset look curiously at the photographer.
Sermons

Psalm 23: A Sheep’s Comfort and Peace

by Roger Barrier
written by Roger Barrier

The Lord Is My Shepherd

PSALM 23

November 5, 2006

S-746

Psalm 23 is often referred to as the “Shepherd’s Psalm”.

This Psalm is used more often in hospitals, prison cells, or among the bereaved or the depressed than any other passage.

SLIDE: READ PSALM 23.

Most of us don’t know much about sheep—or about shepherds either.

If David were writing this today he might very well begin this psalm with the words,

SLIDE: “The Lord is my Babysitter.”

Roxanne Kapferer: puppets, surprise gifts, candy; tents made of sheets over the table: had more fun with Roxanne than with us.

Bronwyn loved Todd Follett, Glen’s brother-in-law. He was the only one Bronwyn would let pull her baby teeth.

My children were in good hands—good shepherds—they felt safe and secure—and they were.

Bad babysitter: Emergency trip to Dallas; sweet college student offered to watch our kids for three days while we were out of town. She stole Julie’s wedding rings to buy drugs and left town after dumping the kids at a neighbor’s.

Imagine the fear and distress of our children with that woman! Bad sitter—bad shepherd—what the bible calls a “hireling.”

Ever baby sat your own children. Sure you have. Do it most all day, some days.

Even One morning about 3:00 a.m. I heard Julie cry for help from the nursery—it was one of those cries that you knew needed immediate attention:  Roger, Heeeeelllllllp. She was standing with Brie under one arm and poop sliding down Julie’s leg and she was stuck with a hand full—unable to move without spilling it all over the rug below.

I did the only appropriate thing: I started laughing at the sight.

She was not pleased.

SLIDE: We all have our poopy baby stories.

So does Jesus. Jesus is the Good Shepherd—the divine baby sitter—who picks us up even when our diapers are filled with poop!

Psalm 23 is one of the best-loved passages of the Bible—but perhaps not the best understood.

Two thoughts to make it come alive:

SLIDE: 1. This psalm is written from the viewpoint of a sheep—not a shepherd.

It’s as if David gets down on all fours and views life from the perspective of the sheep looking at the shepherd—not the other way around. Keep this in mind and the psalm will open up with new vistas of understanding.

SLIDE: 2. The first verse states the theme of all six verses:

Because the Lord is my shepherd, I have all I need. This theme is woven throughout the entire psalm.

SLIDE: THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD, I SHALL NOT WANT.

John Lynn ministered to children. Once he asked from the pulpit, “Do any of you children want to quote for us the 23rd Psalm?” One eight-year-old girl’s arm almost went out of the socket:

She began: “The Lord is my Shepherd, He’s all I want…” And then she sat down. That was all she knew.  That was enough.

SLIDE: I have always been intrigued that in the Bible God calls us sheep.

He never says we are wise as owls—or cunning as a fox. Or as regal as a lion. He calls us sheep.

And I guess that hurts a bit because sheep are such unintelligent creatures.  

How often have you seen a group of sheep in a circus doing tricks. No one trains sheep because they’re such dumb, unpredictable creatures. Train a whale or a dolphin… dog…monkey, birds, lions and tigers… but you don’t train sheep.

God sees us as sheep.

We need a shepherd who transcends time, place, and limitation.  We need the Lord for our shepherd.

SLIDE: HE MAKES ME LIE DOWN IN GREEN PASTURES,

Always thought the emphasis here was on the green pasture, but it’s not.

Hebrew suggests that the emphasis is on the verb “He makes me lie down.”

Picture a sheep in your mind. Sheep are rather defenseless animals. Top-heavy wool coat about to topple over on those spindly legs! No strong, sharp claws but those awkward hooves. No fast speed to race away from some treacherous animal.

This makes them rather fearful – Unusual voice will cause them to run in awkward directions without knowing where they’re going.

It is the responsibility of the shepherd to take that sheep by the tender back of the ear and to force it to head down to the green pastures, and the sheep will stop, and it will bring order out of chaos.

In our rapid, hurried, pace it’s easy for people of any age to race out of control and occasionally the Lord grabs us by the ears and shows us that the most fertile grass is at our feet.

Some of the best things happen when God makes us lie down.

Paul writes: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 2 Timothy

Man shipwrecked on deserted island: fire burns out of control. “Worst day of my life.”

“Ahoy, we saw your smoke signal and we have come to rescue you.”

HE LEADS ME BESIDE QUIET WATERS,

Sheep don’t like fast current or splashing water. They fear drowning among many things. Heavy coat like a sponge, and they’re poor swimmers and drowning is not unusual.

A kind shepherd will pull rocks from the bank into a little area and dam up part of the stream to allow the sheep to come and to drink in a calm setting.

Has the Lord done that recently for you? Has He slowed you down and quieted the waters? God is a master at that! He has a way of damming up just the right area and of slowing our pace so that we will drink from his fountain.

How fast is your pace? 

Court reporters relate that people talk 40 to 60 words faster per minute than they die 50 years ago.

The average American sleeps 2.5 hours less today than 100 years ago.

Before electricity people slept 9.5 hours per night: By 1950, 8 hours; By 1990, 7 hours.

28% of people admit to falling asleep while driving last year.

The average desk worker has 36 hours of work on their desks all the time.

54% of Americans say they are more exhausted after a vacation than when they left.

Ablation: Looking forward to the rest: No body can bother me for 3 to 4 hours.

“We have the technological capacity to make ourselves available at a level that we may not have the physical capacity to service.”

Jesus never had a cell phone to interrupt His reverie.

Never in a hurry. “My time has not yet come.” Walked everywhere He went.

SLIDE: HE RESTORES MY SOUL.

What does that mean? Does that mean that He encourages me when I am down?  Lifts me up when I’m discouraged? I am certain that that’s part of it!!

But original word “restored” means “to turn back” or “to turn around, so as to rearrange” the life.

He repents my soul.

Alas, there are stubborn lambs. There are sheep who delight to go their own way … quote Isaiah 53:6 – “All we like sheep have gone our own way.”

This says, “He restores my soul…” So, it’s an inward bent He changes.

Little lambs often are so stubborn.  Instead of staying with the flock, independent ones often eat their way into a thicket or by a very dangerous precipice. After they’re trapped they’ll begin to bleat loudly. Shepherd hears bleating and with crook of staff pulls that lamb to safety.

If the same lamb continues to wander, the shepherd will pick up that lamb and with his rod, strike the leg of the lamb and break it! Then he’ll splint the leg and carry the little lamb in his arms.

Remember the lovely solo in Handel’s Messiah about the shepherd carrying the little lamb in His arms.  “What a lovely picture!”

Well, I want you to know that the lamb isn’t thinking that at that moment. That lamb often has a splinted leg. He’s had a broken leg because he needs his soul restored. He needs to be turned back toward his shepherd – and after a while when the lamb is able to hobble along the shepherd puts him down and that little lamb stays glued to the side of that shepherd.

If I could speak quite freely, there are some splints now in this congregation.

SLIDE: Some of you have been wayward: “The way of the transgressor is hard.”

You took the hard way and finally He’s broken your leg.

You look at your life and the results of some of your choices and you are wounded and hurting and you don’t know what is going on?  Maybe your answer is right here.

It would be interesting to earmark the lambs who have once worn that splint and to check on their obedience in later years. I have a feeling that lambs who have had their souls restored tend to stick closer to the shepherd than do others.

SLIDE: HE GUIDES ME IN THE PATHS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS FOR HIS NAME’S SAKE.

Hebrew says, “He guides me in the right tracks.”

Julie, Brie and Wanda on Amtrack: In Dallas; Brie with ear Infection; can’t fly.

Take train: Dallas, Austin, Houston, San Antonio (off from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.); San Angelo; El Paso; Las Cruces; Lordsburg Tucson.

Wrong tracks: 56 Hours

Wanda Pneumonia, Brie about to die. 

Just described some of your lives. You are on your own wrong tracks. God has the right tracks in mind.

Why? For the sheep? No! It’s “for His name’s sake.”

“It is not about me.”

SLIDE: The purpose of sheep is to make a profit for the Shepherd: food and wool.

When the shepherd goes from A to B with all of his sheep, he makes a profit… and our shepherd does not lose his sheep. His name is at stake!

Does this take the pressure off of life or what! How many of us live constantly worrying about the outcome. If we relax in the Holy Spirit our livrs will be an obedient and profitable life.

Will it be easy?  The tone of the psalm changes in verse 4.

SLIDE: YEA, THOUGH I WILL WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH, I WILL FEAR NO EVIL, 

In the winter months the shepherd moves his sheep to the warmer, lowland areas. As summer comes he leads his sheep upward to new green grass. The journey upward is often treacherous. New ravines and unsure footing bring fear and danger on the way to new pastures.

I know of no passage where the Bible teaches that the Christian life is easy. God never promises that as a Christian all problems will cease. He doesn’t promise a heaven on earth experience.

It is often a life of deep shadows—of heartaches and loneliness and treachery—surrounded by enemies—but a life in which the sheep can walk in confidence knowing that the Shepherd has yet not make His first mistake—and he never will.

Let’s set the record straight. It doesn’t say “might”, it says “even though”.

SLIDE: The Christian can still lose his job–terminal cancer…lose closest friend…have automobile accident…face incredible number of problems…

and never once need to doubt: “Is the Shepherd in this?” You see, the shepherd leads along right tracks.

The next several phrases are all tied to walking through the shadows of death.

SLIDE: FOR YOU ARE WITH ME; YOUR ROD AND YOUR STAFF, THEY COMFORT ME.

We understand the staff (Long, crooked stick), pulls me out of dangerous ravine.

The Rod is an oak club about two feet long into which shepherd has pounded pieces of bone or metal. It’s a club for use against savage animals. He could use it as a club but he could also hurl it like a missile over the heads of his sheep to a wolf lurking in the distance.

Think of that! Here we are enjoying the green pasture and whirl, whirl, whirl… here goes this club in front of our faces. That’s the shepherd at work!

He guards us. There’s no savage wolf strong enough to take the shepherd.

SLIDE: YOU PREPARE A TABLE BEFORE ME IN THE PRESENCE OF MY ENEMIES.

One of the sheep’s enemies is the little brown adder, which delights, when disturbed by a munching sheep, to jump quickly from his hole and to bite the sheep on the nose or on the face!

A wise shepherd prepares the table. Holds the sheep back, and with his staff he moves through the grass looking for these holes. He pours the pungent oil all around the hole. The snake is repulsed by the odor and refrains from coming out to bite the sheep.

SLIDE: YOU ANOINT MY HEAD WITH OIL;

Refers to protection from a Nasal Fly, which deposits eggs in damp, moist, mucous membranes of the sheep’s nose. Hatch in a few days to form small, slender worm-like larvae. Burrow into flesh and cause severe irritation and inflammation.

Often cause sheep to deliberately beat and rub head against ground, rocks, post, etc. Extreme cases can kill itself in frenzied endeavor for relief.

Homemade remedy of mixture of linseed oil, sulfur and tar which are smeared all over the sheep’s forehead as protection. Flies leave and sheep settle down immediately.

MY CUP OVERFLOWS.

This is a little stone cup, common in Palestine – Sheep can’t drink out of a well.  The faithful shepherd draws the water and fills these little stone cups to overflowing. Why, it may take two to three hours just to water the sheep! That’s the Lord!

This is the overwhelming attitude we have in the midst of the difficulties of life.

John 7:37: Closing the gap.

Triumphant living of Philippians 4.

Now, with pardonable imagination, every flock needs some sheepdogs. They are named “goodness” and “mercy”.

SLIDE: SURELY GOODNESS AND MERCY WILL FOLLOW ME ALL THE DAYS OF MY LIFE,

If ever live in a large spread, love a couple of border collies – name them “Goodness” and Mercy”.

“Here, Mercy!” What great names! What marvelous reminders – not “Wrath” and “Judgment,” but “Goodness and mercy follow me all the days of my life!”

Surely and Goody herd our family on walks.

SLIDE: AND I WILL DWELL IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD FOREVER.

Funerals:  always close Christian funerals with this.

Of course, some don’t make it home! Too many of us want to be our own shepherd. We want to make our own paths… draw our own water… fight our own battles… call our own shots… build our own business… choose our own life’s partner… and then let Him somehow come and bless it… Tragedy.

But the rest of us can take much comfort in this Psalm, for He is indeed our shepherd.

Never too late to invite Him to be your shepherd.

APPLICATIONS

SLIDE: 1. Live close to the Shepherd. Why would you want to live any where else?

SLIDE: 2. If the Lord is your only shepherd, you don’t have enough shepherds.

Genesis 2: “It is not good for man to be alone.”

SLIDE: 3. Those who have plumbed the depths of their own inadequacies are the ones that God invariable calls to shepherd others.

SLIDE: Jesus sufferings from rejection in Nazareth, to illegitimate child, etc…..

SLIDE: Peter and boasts…failed…Feed My Sheep.

SLIDE: Pour in acceptance, etc.

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Bible Studies

The Good Shepherd Searches for Lost Sheep

by Jan Shrader
written by Jan Shrader

The Good Shepherd
Luke 15:1-7

Psalms 23 was my father’s favorite Psalm. If you were raised in church like me, you can probably quote 75% of it from memory. As a pastor my father loved to comfort hurting people. Before his death I think he had written over fifty funeral sermons based on Psalm 23. Sometimes when I read Psalm 23 I can hear his commentary in my head and I find it still strengthens me. How well do you remember Psalm 23? Try to compare Psalm 23 with the parable of the good shepherd found in Luke 15:1-7.

1 All the tax collectors and sinners were approaching to listen to him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes were complaining, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

3 So he told them this parable: 4 “What man among you, who has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open field and go after the lost one until he finds it? 5 When he has found it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders, 6 and coming home, he calls his friends and neighbors together, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my lost sheep!’ 7 I tell you, in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who don’t need repentance. CSB

How does the parable of the good shepherd in Luke 15:1-7 remind you of Psalm 23?

Do you think it reminded Jesus’ audience of Psalm 23? It probably did, and as students of the Old Testament it also helped them to recall other passages of scripture that portray God as our good shepherd, verses with whom modern readers might not be as familiar. I want us to look at one of those Old Testament passages in Ezekiel 34:17-24. The entire chapter of Ezekiel 34 portrays God as our shepherd.

17 “‘As for you, my flock, the Lord GOD says this: Look, I am going to judge between one sheep and another, between the rams and goats. 18 Isn’t it enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of the pasture with your feet? Or isn’t it enough that you drink the clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet? 19 Yet my flock has to feed on what your feet have trampled, and drink what your feet have muddied.

20 “‘Therefore, this is what the Lord GOD says to them: See, I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep. 21 Since you have pushed with flank and shoulder and butted all the weak ones with your horns until you scattered them all over, 22 I will save my flock. They will no longer be prey, and I will judge between one sheep and another. 23 I will establish over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will shepherd them. He will tend them himself and will be their shepherd. 24 I, the LORD, will be their God, and my servant David will be a prince among them. I, the LORD, have spoken. CSB

When we compare and contrast the good shepherd parable in Luke 15 with Ezekiel 34 we see even more applications that we need to consider.

First the parable of the Good Shepherd reminds us that God took on flesh.

God is not just a deity that lives far off in heaven, instead he has come to earth to gently shepherd his lambs. This truth that God himself would come in a bodily form was a difficult concept for the first century Jews to understand because of their willful blindness. Remember in Jesus’ day Israel was dreaming of a military messiah that would over throw Rome’s occupation, and restore her might and glory. They were not yearning for a fair shepherd who wanted to save the entire world, even though this was clearly foretold (Ezekiel 34:1-31). Like Jesus’ audience, we are often tempted to let our desires shape our theology instead of the scriptures. In Ezekiel 34 the prophet is proclaiming God’s ambition is to come and save his lean sheep who are still caught in misery.

The Jewish listeners of this parable knew these verses in Ezekiel. So then, by choosing to tell this particular story Jesus is declaring that he is the prophesied incarnation of God. Notice here it
wasn’t one of Jesus’ disciples who was asserting Jesus was God, it was Jesus himself who was claiming to be God in the flesh. God has arrived, and his shepherding ministry is put on display.

Second the Good Shepherd parable reminds us of our need to imitate God’s mercy.

Remember in Luke 15 that the pharisees and scribes are jealous of Jesus because they believe he is threatening their influence over the people. So, they accuse him of associating with sinners, and they judge the lambs who need God’s deliverance and mercy the most. To silence their accusations, Jesus’ parable of the good shepherd will return to the words of the prophet Ezekiel. We see in the Good Shepherd picture that the surprising hinderance the shepherd must overcome are not the wolves or the wilderness, but the safe, unmerciful flock already found by God. Ezekiel warns the fat sheep to stop stomping down God’s green pastures and to stop polluting the spiritual waters. Jesus is actively seeking and saving those who are spiritually disconnected and while this is God’s job, his found sheep have a responsibility to remain generous with the mercy of God they have received. Ezekiel makes it very clear God will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.

Who do you think were the fat sheep in Jesus’ audience?

Who do you think are the fat sheep in our generation?

For me personally, whenever I see this phrase “the lean sheep”, I am reminded of a Christian man many of my friends and family financially support in Uganda. His name is Bruno Biryomumaisho, and he founded the Kafunjo Community Project, when he began to witness deep devastation among his neighbors. He organized an orphanage, with a school, a garden and medical clinic for the children of Kafunjo. Currently, he is working to build a mill to try and give the Kafunjo Community Project more sustainability. Bruno’s daily ambition is to feed and care for all the children God has brought into his care. When I hear about their food shortages and how sometimes they can only feed the children two meals a day I wonder how this ongoing struggle looks to God?

I also, think of my friend Jennifer Tompkins who heads up the Tucson Refugee Ministry. I watch her faithfully organize and serve the displaced refugees, who because of violence, persecution, famine, and civil war from across the globe have been relocated to Tucson. What must it feel like
for these people who have had to abandon their homes and their way of life just to stay alive? I want to be like Bruno and Jennifer, and I want to help them to fulfill their calling. But, it is hard for me show mercy if I don’t realize I am one of the fat sheep.

Third the Good Shepherd parable reminds us that the salvation of the world is God’s eternal mission.

With our savings we might attempt to make our own long-range plans, like setting aside money for our retirement or buying a home to try to protect our financial future. As the creator of the universe God does not need protecting, so his long-term mission is vastly different than any we could dream up. God’s agenda is driven by his love for those who still do not know him. The triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit have been working out salvation’s blueprint since the beginning of time. Jesus is the one who volunteered to leave heaven, so he could seek and save those who are lost. We can value the trinity’s eternal endeavor or we can go our own way, but the path of blessing is always to join God’s passion.

While a sheep remains lost it is vulnerable to trauma, injury, or death. They may literally be stuck out on a ledge and unable to climb out of their own slippery and rocky predicament. Or, the little lamb might be frightened in the night listening to owls, and wolves speaking into the darkness. Just like the lost sheep we are helpless to rescue ourselves. As we grow to embrace God’s joy in finding the lost and delighting in the salvation celebrations which reverberate in heaven, we become more Christlike.

When I think of embracing God’s eternal mission to seek and save those who are lost I am so grateful for my home church Casas in Tucson and her evangelistic heart. I love the special baptism celebrations we enjoy where people cheer and 90 new believers are baptized on one day. I promise you that when we get to heaven we will not regret making room for God’s lean sheep.

The Good Shepherd parable reminds us that God took on flesh, reminds us of our need to imitate God’s mercy, and reminds us that the salvation of the world is God’s eternal mission.

How do you think God might judge between the sheep?

What might change if we embraced God’s eternal plans?

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Devotionals

How Jesus’ Birth Foretells His Death

by John Beeson
written by John Beeson

Jesus’ story begins with shepherds coming to him, the lamb of God. It ends with the Shepherd being struck down and the sheep scattering. And then there is a final twist.

The story begins with sheep being drawn to the lamb:

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. [Luke 2:8-20]

God loves shepherds. Abel, Moses, David, and Amos are all shepherds. In Psalm 23, God refers to himself as a shepherd. It’s no surprise that God would allow these nameless shepherds to be the first witnesses of the birth of Emmanuel.

To top it off, God promised that the Messiah would be a Shepherd-King.[i] Jesus refers to himself as the Good Shepherd who knows his flock by name and protects them against thieves.[ii] The night before he is crucified, Jesus warns them that, as Zechariah prophesied, he is about to be killed, and his disciples will scatter.

31 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 33 Peter answered him, “Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away.” 34 Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” 35 Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same. [Matthew 26:31-35]

That very night Jesus was taken by force and the disciples fled. The perfect lamb was led to the slaughter to atone for the sins of the world.

Peter, ashamed of his cowardice, went back to fishing. The risen Shepherd comes for him. They meet on the shore.

15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. [John 21:15-17]

His first night on earth, the shepherds welcome the Lamb-Shepherd. This foretells the life ahead for the one who will shepherd his people with justice, lay his life down as a sheep to the slaughter, and commission his disciples as shepherds.

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Bible Studies

God, the Good Shepherd

by Tony Evans
written by Tony Evans

PSALM 23

David, the author of Psalm 23, illustrates the relational and covenantal nature of God from the vantage point of a shepherd taking care of his sheep. Just as sheep are totally and completely cared for by their shepherd, God’s people are looked after by their Lord; the Good Shepherd makes sure that He provides for His children.

God meets our needs. He meets the needs we are aware of, and He also meets the needs we don’t even know about. Regarding our spiritual needs, often what we need spiritually, we won’t desire in the flesh. God will make us lie down (vv. 2-3a) to give us the restoration and rest our soul needs. He gives us places of comfort so we can refocus on Him, recharge and be restored to full capacity.

God meets our directional needs as well (v. 3b). Because we are sheep that are in constant need of guidance, God is our ultimate personal shepherd. The Lord God guides us like a modern-day GPS. When we get off a righteous course due to our own disobedience, God recalibrates our lives, course-corrects us and fully reconnects us with Him. So many people do not recognize or guard against getting direction from the wrong GPS — secular culture, the media, friends, or even personal opinion. God wants to lead in His way, and if we get off track, He guides us to get back on track.

In addition to spiritual and directional needs, God offers to meet our emotional needs (v. 4). Sheep are easily emotionally stressed by events that are not as bad as they appear. For example, when sheep find themselves in the shadows, they interpret the lower light they experience as darkness to be feared. Because of the inability of sheep to see the big picture, they assume that the darkness signals that they are in the dead of night. As a result, they operate in fear. Many believers similarly allow temporary difficulties or challenges to cast a shadow on how they operate and move through life. Gripped by fear or paralyzed by other negative emotions, they do not turn to God and allow Him to lead them. God wants to calm our fears and help us confidently trust in Him and His ability to lead us well.

Beyond our spiritual, directional and emotional needs, our physical needs can be met by God, too. Just like a shepherd feeds his sheep when they are hungry and cares for his sheep when they are wounded, God cares for the tangible, physical needs of His people. In Psalm 37:25b, David says, “I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread.” God cares for His people when they are hurting. Scripture says, “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds” (Ps 147:3). God is an overflowing source of provision, and His provision never runs dry.

Because we are spiritual creatures who do not live on Earth forever, God can meet our eternal needs. He is preparing a place for us (John 14:3). He wants us to love Him and intentionally pursue His goodness with eternity in mind. We serve a God who is comprehensive. He can meet all our needs as we follow Him and trust Him. When we understand how God leads, cares for, guides, and protects His own, we can confidently lean on Him and look to Him as our Good Shepherd.

  • While all the needs mentioned can surface at any time, the current COVID-19 situation has pushed specific needs to the surface for many. What area of need has come to the forefront for you because of the global pandemic?

Let’s Get Personal

• Do you trust God as your Good Shepherd? How do you know? Do you exemplify your trust by following His lead?

• How has God proved Himself to be a Good Shepherd in your life? In what ways has He tangibly provided for you spiritually, directionally, emotionally or physically?

• Go deeper! What specific spiritual, directional, emotional or physical needs in your life do you believe you most need God to meet? Share your particular request with your group and talk about what you are hoping God will do to meet your need as your shepherd.

Take The Next Step

  • Are you sure that your eternal need has been met? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? Are you living a life surrendered to Him in preparation for an eternity in God’s presence?
  • God often works to meet the needs of believers as they work to meet the needs of others. How are you allowing yourself to be a vessel that God can use to be the hands and feet of Jesus to a world that needs to know He can practically and tangibly meet their needs?
  • Want to go deeper? Take a look at the following passages: Psalm 37:25; 147:3; John 14:3; Ephesians 3:20.

RENEW YOUR MIND

“The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1

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Devotionals

God is More Than Enough

by Tony Evans
written by Tony Evans

David, the author of Psalm 23, illustrates the relational and covenantal nature of God from the vantage point of a shepherd taking care of his sheep. Just as sheep are totally and completely cared for by their shepherd, God’s people are looked after by their Lord; the Good Shepherd makes sure that He provides for His children.

God meets our needs. He meets the needs we are aware of, and He also meets the needs we don’t even know about. Regarding our spiritual needs, often what we need spiritually, we won’t desire in the flesh. God will make us lie down (vv. 2-3a) to give us the restoration and rest our soul needs. He gives us places of comfort so we can refocus on Him, recharge and be restored to full capacity.

God meets our directional needs as well (v. 3b). Because we are sheep that are in constant need of guidance, God is our ultimate personal shepherd. The Lord God guides us like a modern-day GPS. When we get off a righteous course due to our own disobedience, God recalibrates our lives, course-corrects us and fully reconnects us with Him. So many people do not recognize or guard against getting direction from the wrong GPS — secular culture, the media, friends, or even personal opinion. God wants to lead in His way, and if we get off track, He guides us to get back on track.

In addition to spiritual and directional needs, God offers to meet our emotional needs (v. 4). Sheep are easily emotionally stressed by events that are not as bad as they appear. For example, when sheep find themselves in the shadows, they interpret the lower light they experience as darkness to be feared. Because of the inability of sheep to see the big picture, they assume that the darkness signals that they are in the dead of night. As a result, they operate in fear. Many believers similarly allow temporary difficulties or challenges to cast a shadow on how they operate and move through life. Gripped by fear or paralyzed by other negative emotions, they do not turn to God and allow Him to lead them. God wants to calm our fears and help us confidently trust in Him and His ability to lead us well.

Beyond our spiritual, directional and emotional needs, our physical needs can be met by God, too. Just like a shepherd feeds his sheep when they are hungry and cares for his sheep when they are wounded, God cares for the tangible, physical needs of His people. In Psalm 37:25b, David says, “I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread.” God cares for His people when they are hurting. Scripture says, “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds” (Ps 147:3). God is an overflowing source of provision, and His provision never runs dry.

Because we are spiritual creatures who do not live on Earth forever, God can meet our eternal needs. He is preparing a place for us (John 14:3). He wants us to love Him and intentionally pursue His goodness with eternity in mind. We serve a God who is comprehensive. He can meet all our needs as we follow Him and trust Him. When we understand how God leads, cares for, guides, and protects His own, we can confidently lean on Him and look to Him as our Good Shepherd.

LET’S GET PERSONAL

  • Do you trust God as your Good Shepherd? How do you know? Do you exemplify your trust by following His lead?
  • How has God proved Himself to be a Good Shepherd in your life? In what ways has He tangibly provided for you spiritually, directionally, emotionally or physically?
  • Go deeper! What specific spiritual, directional, emotional or physical needs in your life do you believe you most need God to meet? What you are hoping God will do to meet your need as your shepherd?
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Devotionals

Dispositions of a Shepherd

by Drew Anderson
written by Drew Anderson

“He also chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; from the care of the ewes with suckling lambs He brought him to shepherd Jacob His people, and Israel His inheritance. So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them with his skillful hands.”
Psalm 78:70-72

It’s hard for the modern man or woman to see themselves as a shepherd. In fact, it almost seems irrelevant to even consider one as such. However, while many might not be shepherds in the true sense of the word, each of us are responsible to steward some-thing or some-one or two or three, etc.

And so, if the principle is true (which it is) that each of us has a responsibility of shepherding (or stewardship), then wisdom beckons us to consider those who have shepherded before us…

To do that, we turn to Israel’s shepherd from long ago. What can we learn from David, the shepherd of Israel?

Three general observations:

  1. Before a larger responsibility is given, faithfulness in smaller responsibilities must be proven…
    • David, a man after God’s own heart, was faithful as a shepherd over sheep before he was a steward over God’s chosen people. David didn’t choose to be a shepherd; no, no, it was simply something he inherited, and he took his responsibility serious.
    • Therefore, every sphere of influence or responsibility we have is something we all–in some form or fashion–inherit, and we should take it serious.
  2. Shepherding entails integrity of heart…
    • While having personal agendas and aspirations can be helpful in shepherding, there must always be a fight against the temptation to make it about yourself. We get this, and should therefore steward with pure motives focusing on the interests of those we’re shepherding.
    • Therefore, having integrity of heart, which means completeness or good faith, should be our aim or disposition as we steward those within our care.
  3. Shepherding also entails skillful hands…
    • Having skillful hands means having understanding. In other words, a shepherd is a student of those within their care or spheres of influence. Our default is to assume we know by intuition; however, learning is always required to shepherd with understanding.
    • Therefore, make it your aim to study those within your care.

How Does This Apply To Us Today?

  1. The first step to being faithful in the great and grand things is to learn contentment with the spheres of influence you have already received.
  2. Aim for a pure heart, seeking the interests of others as you shepherd or steward.
  3. Remain a student of those within your care. Be one who learns the art of asking questions.

May we all, with pure hearts and skillful hands, shepherd and steward each sphere of influence unto the glory of God.

www.staffandstones.com.

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Articles

Does God Want Us to Have Pets?

by Julie Barrier
written by Julie Barrier

Countless American families hastily evacuated their homes due to fires, floods or hurricanes. The stories of their frantic retreats are remarkably similar. They rescue two things as they rush out the door: treasured photos and the family pet. Forget the paintings and the jewelry! Fido and photos come first. 

We love our pets!

This past weekend, I took my daughter and her Doberman Roo to the “Darling Dachshund” races. You heard me. Little weiner dogs burst out of their teeny-tiny starting gates and frantically sprint toward doting owners holding squeaky toys at the finish line. Hysterical!

Americans spend $70 billion per year on their pets.  There are 2 million cat videos on YouTube. (Why? I’m not a cat person…) My daughter frequently chats with her pet-loving friends around the globe on Instagram.
Viagen Pets cite 10 reasons why folks love dogs: loyalty, friendship, therapy, health, unconditional love, protection, selflessness, exercise, forgiveness and happiness.

My Mom had mid-stage Alzheimer’s. We always brought Penny, our cocker spaniel, to visit her. My Dad passed away three years ago. Last week she confided, “I love when Penny sleeps with me. My bed doesn’t feel so empty without Ralph (my Dad). “

I pondered this passion we have for all things furry (and scaly, as the case may be). God must have placed in us a desire to bond with animals. Does the Bible broach the subject?

Yes. God has a lot to say about our intertwined relationships with animals in His Word.

 

God had Adam name the animals. He commanded Noah to protect and care for the animals in the ark. He had the Jews keep Passover lambs in the house with the family. Nathan decried David’s adultery with Bathsheba by telling a story of a poor man who had one little ewe lamb he loved. Uriah was the poor man. Bathsheba was the beloved little lamb:

“The poor man owned nothing but one little lamb he had bought. He raised that little lamb, and it grew up with his children. It ate from the man’s own plate and drank from his cup. He cuddled it in his arms like a baby daughter 2 Samuel 12:

God knows when a little sparrow (or Budgie the parakeet) falls, and is concerned:

“What is the price of five sparrows-two copper coins? But God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7

God gives us a window to observe the unspoken relationship between a man and his animal in the book of Numbers. The Jewish prophet Balaam was on his way to help Balak, a pagan king, curse Israel. God sent an angel with a flaming sword to stop him. His donkey saw the angel. The rebellious prophet did not.   Balaam’s donkey spoke to her master. In Numbers 22:26-28, we hear a unique conversation:

Then God gave speech to the donkey. She said to Balaam: “What have I ever done to you that you have beat me these three times?”

Balaam said, “Because you’ve been playing games with me! If I had a sword I would have killed you by now.”

 The donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your trusty donkey on whom you’ve ridden for years right up until now? Have I ever done anything like this to you before? Have I?”

He said, “No.”

Even Balaam’s donkey spoke of the relationship they shared!

Isaiah reveals another passage about the connection between man and his animals:

“Even an ox knows its owner, and a donkey recognizes its master’s care— but Israel doesn’t know its master. My people don’t recognize my care for them.” Isaiah 1:3.

God carefully teaches us to understand our relationship with Him from Bible passages about animals.

The Lord used animals to show us our need for forgiveness of sin. When Adam and Eve fell, the first act of God was to sacrifice an animal and cover their nakedness in Genesis 3:21.

Blood sacrifices and atonement fill the pages of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Christ was the Lamb of God who would provide the ultimate way for man to connect with God:

“And they sang in a mighty chorus: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered— to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.” Revelation 5:12

Our Heavenly Father controls animals to teach us lessons.

He directed a whale and a worm to teach rebellious Jonah. He showed Elijah His care by dispatching ravens to feed him during a drought. The Lord judged wicked Jezebel by dispatching dogs to eat her corpse. He shut the mouths of lions to protect Daniel and to reveal His power to a pagan king.  The highest moment of Christ’s ministry involved multiplying fish to feed the masses.

God created animals to need us to provide and care for them. We need them, too!

How many lessons do your children learn from your pets? 

1. They learn responsibility.

 

Someone has to feed, walk and wash the pooch. Hopefully your child learns these invaluable life skills. Solomon observed in Proverbs 12:10: “The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel.” What a great nugget of wisdom for your son or daughter!

 

2. They learn unconditional love.

 

No matter how many times your little one pulls their fur, chases them or tries to “ride them around the house,” your canine runs to the bedside of your kid every morning with a tail wag and a lick.

 

3. They learn faithfulness.

 

My daughter Brie is chronically ill. Her toy havanese Wicket never leaves her side. She depends on Wicket. He makes her laugh and cuddles her when she cries.

 

Jesus demonstrated the love between man and his animals in the Gospel of John. Christ’s words are so powerful and precious, I will share all of them:

 

“The one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep… the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice.

 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.

 I know my own sheep, and they know me,  just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.”

What a beautiful picture!

Jesus knows us, His little sheep, and we know and trust Him.

Penny, my pup, lies quietly at my feet while I write to you. I feel warm and calm and comforted. I think I’ll get up, scratch her warm belly and give her a treat. Or maybe I’ll get a treat too!

 

P.S. My husband Roger wrote a wonderful article entitled “Are Dogs Religious? Do Dogs Go to Heaven?”

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Ask Roger

Am I Guilty Of The Unpardonable Sin?

by Roger Barrier
written by Roger Barrier

Dear Roger,

I am seeking reassurance that I have not committed the unpardonable sin. I don’t think I really believe that I’ve committed it, but I want to make sure, and at the very least, gain some insight on this topic. (Note: You should know that I have pretty bad OCD in a way that causes me to worry about things constantly, usually things that would be the worst case scenario. I’m hoping that writing to you will help me clear my head and make me feel a bit better.)

My concern came to me last night after a long conversation with someone who at one point in his life claimed to be a Christian, but now claims not to be by choice. He knows that I am a Christian, and throughout the conversation I was telling him what I believed and why, as well as trying to help him sort through his doubts.

At one point, he said that the feeling he felt when he was in church worshipping God as a Christian, and that convinced him that his faith was so real, was the same feeling he felt when he was convinced that he should move away from Christianity. He believes that when he was a Christian, that “feeling” he felt was the Holy Spirit, and therefore since he felt that same “feeling” luring him away from Christianity, he also attributed that to the Holy Spirit. He seemed convinced that these “feelings” were of the same origin. I told him that it would be against the character of the Holy Spirit to guide him away from Christianity, and therefore impossible, concluding that both of those “feelings” could not have been the Holy Spirit. I then laid out several possibilities:

1. He was never truly a Christian to begin with. Those “feelings” were of the same source, but neither of them was the Holy Spirit.

I said to him:

“If you weren’t actually a Christian at that time, then that wasn’t the Holy Spirit guiding you. As real as it felt, if you weren’t a Christian that “feeling” would’ve had to have come by some other means, psychological or otherwise. So in that case, the two “feelings” could’ve been the same, since neither was the Holy Spirit.”

2. He was actually a Christian at that time, and that “feeling” he felt then actually was the Holy Spirit, but the “feeling” that guided him away from Christianity was not the Holy Spirit, and he has mislabeled them as the same. The two “feelings” were not of the same source.

3. He was actually a Christian at that time, and the Holy Spirit was present in him, but the “feeling” had to have been a human feeling and not from the Holy Spirit if it truly was the same as the “feeling” that led him away from Christianity.

My understanding of the unpardonable sin is that it was committed by the Pharisees when they attributed Jesus’ miracles to the devil, therefore blaspheming the Holy Spirit. My worry is that I may have inadvertently done this when I told my friend that the feeling he felt guiding him as a Christian may not have been the Holy Spirit. Of course, as you’ve read, I mentioned this as one of several possibilities, with the ultimate goal of defending the Holy Spirit’s character against his claims that It could have led him away from Jesus, but I still said it. What if that “feeling” he felt when he was a Christian was the Holy Spirit at work and I’ve attributed it to something else?

Am I guilty of the unpardonable sin?

I really hope to hear from you soon

Thanks,

Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

First, I am sorry for your OCD. I also struggle with it. It is no fun. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder can be debilitating. Fortunately, I have only a touch of it; however, I can get focused on the most insignificant things. I can stand for twenty minutes deciding which toothbrush to buy. If there were only model I could be paying the cashier and out of the store in a minute. But, I can’t. I know you understand. On the other hand, I have discovered many good things about OCD. For example, it takes me several days of packing to prepare for an out-of-town trip. Julie can get packed in less than an hour. I never forget anything. Julie forgets any number of things!

Now, let me say that I agree totally with your reasoning about your friend and whether or not his “feeling” was from God in each of the cases you postulated. The Holy Spirit would never do the things your friend wants to attribute to Him.

I recognize that your fear of having committed the unpardonable sin is a frightening you and you are over-obsessing about having committed it. So, let me set your mind immediately at ease. You have not committed the unpardonable sin. By definition, a Christian cannot ever commit the unpardonable sin.

The unpardonable sin occurs when the Holy Spirit tells someone that they need Jesus as their Savior—and instead of receiving Christ (John 1:12), they reject Him and His message. In essence, they are calling the Holy Spirit a liar: “You are wrong. I don’t need to trust Jesus as my Savior.” This is the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit! By the way, the unpardonable sin can only be finally committed at the moment of death. While still alive, everyone has an opportunity to come to Christ and find pardon. Once we die without Christ we are no longer pardonable. Simply stated, the unpardonable sin is dying without a Savior.

In John 16:8-11 Jesus taught the Disciples that the Holy Spirit has three-main jobs related to leading people to a saving experience with Christ: “When he [the Holy Spirit] comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.” 

Rejecting Jesus after experiencing the convicting testimony of the Holy Spirit is the only sin God can never forgive. All other sins can be forgiven; but, not this one (unpardonable), because God has provided no other way of salvation except by receiving Christ (John 16:16-18).

Now, let’s talk about faith and feelings. Arguing whether or not your friend’s feelings are right or wrong is easily settled.

The fact is that being a Christian is never based on feelings. Sometimes, we might “feel” like we are Christians, and sometimes we may not—especially when we feel guilty for some sin we’ve recently committed)! Faith in Christ is a “cold-blooded” decision of the will to believe in the substitutionary death of Christ on the cross and in His bodily resurrection. Faith is never based on Feelings. Faith is based on the Facts of the Word of God. The proper order is Faith based on the Word of God will result in the proper Feelings. If your friend is not committed to receiving the gift of forgiveness of sins and following Christ at any price, then, he is not a Christian—no matter how he feels.

Jesus taught us that the test of real Christianity is not how we start, but how we finish (Matthew 13:3-9 and 13:18-23). True Christians never turn their backs on Christ. The one exception is what Jeremiah described as “backsliding.” This term describes a Christian who slides away in sin but soon repents and returns to fellowship with Christ. The fact that your friend turned away and no longer follows Christ says to me that there is a very good chance that he was never a Christian in the first place.

Well, Anonymous. I hope my words are both reassuring and helpful to you as you enjoy your security in Christ—and as you may or may not interact with your friend in the future.

Now that we have settled your concerns, let’s both go wash our hands—just kidding!

Seriously, I suggest that you refuse to OCD your concerns about committing the unpardonable sin. You have more important things to focus on than that!

Love, Roger

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Image of young businessman puppeteer. Leadership concept
Articles

Control Freaks in Leadership: 5 Ways to Let Go!

by Carey Nieuwhof
written by Carey Nieuwhof

Are you a control freak? It’s easy to do, whether you are a leader of a large organization or the mother of small children.

It’s amazing to me how many leaders I know tell me they struggle with control.

I come by the subject honestly because I, too, am a recovering control freak.

Most people have a love-hate relationship with control. Control freaks love it when they’re in control. But others hate working for them.

People who like control seem to have a natural ability to get into leadership positions. Or sometimes they just create one.

So can you recover from being a control freak? Is there a way out?

The answer to both questions, fortunately, is yes. And it helps to see what’s really at stake.

The first step, predictably, admitting you have a problem.

For years, I resisted the control freak label. Maybe that’s what you’re doing.

You’re not a control freak. You’re just:

Passionate

Detail oriented (of course, only very selectively about the things for which you have the most passion)

Good at what you do (okay, you don’t say that one out loud…but control freaks, you know what happens when you delegate to other people who just can’t get the job done, right?)

Control freaks get things done. In fact, maybe you use your success to justify your addiction to control.

In the early years of my leadership before I realized I had an issue, our church grew explosively. So you would think: Well, God blesses control freaks, so just leave me alone.

And yes, of course he loves them.

But apparently Jesus didn’t model control freakishness very well for those of us who want to follow in his footsteps.

He only ministered for three years, building into some questionable characters he called disciples. He poured his life into them and then left the planet and put them in charge.

A number of years ago I finally admitted I have a problem (only after about 1,282 friends had gently hinted that I might). And I began to let go.

Don’t get me wrong, the impulses are still there.

But learned behaviour has a wonderful way of compensating for impulses that no leader should act on.

When I struggle with wanting to seize control, I keep these 5 insights in front of me.

These five things help me remember that controlling everything means you will eventually end up leading nothing significant.

1. Control is often a substitute for a lack of clear strategy or alignment

Leaders use control as a substitute for clarity.

If you don’t know with absolute clarity what your organization is doing, where it’s going and how it’s going to get there (mission, vision and strategy), you can never truly align a team.

As a result, you end up defaulting to control because people ‘just don’t get it’ and as a result you can’t trust them (or so you think).

The reason you can’t ‘trust’ people of even stellar character is not because they aren’t trustworthy, it’s because you haven’t stated the mission, vision and strategy clearly enough in a way that it’s repeatable and reproducible.

People run off in the wrong direction because you never made it clear what the right direction is.

Create clarity, and you will feel the urge to control dissipate.

2. Control is often a substitute for an inability or unwillingness to delegate well 

You tell yourself the reason you control is because you gave the job to someone else and, well, they just didn’t do a good job.

Ever think you maybe just didn’t train them well?

Just get good at delegation. Again, clarity is your friend here.

The clearer you are, the better you train others, the more razor sharp your strategy is, the more your team will knock it out of the park.

When you grow your team, you grow your mission.

3. Your need for control and the size of your organization are inversely proportional

If everything needs to flow through you, you will not only bottleneck your organization, you’ll kill the potential of the mission.

If you insist on staying in control, you will shrink the size of your organization to your personal capacity. The capacity of a team of leaders is always greater than the capacity of a single leader. What you can do through many is always greater than one you can do through one.

The more you need to control, the smaller your organization will stay.

The more you can release (around a crystal clear mission, vision and strategy), the more it will grow.

It’s really this simple: A leader’s need for control and the size of an organization are inversely proportional.

4. Control repels great leaders

If you want great leaders to flee your organization, control them.

They’ll leave. If you want to attract great leaders, release them with a clear mission, vision and strategy (and give them input to shape it).

As long as you micromanage everything, you will only have do-ers in your organization, not lead-ers.

If you want great leaders to flee your organization, control them.

 

5. The more you let go, the healthier the organization gets

I absolutely love it that over the last decade, I get to go to events our church staff and volunteers have pulled together and have little to no idea about how the event came together or even what’s going on—that’s how involved I was in the planning.

And you know what? They’re the best events we’ve ever run.

The more I get out of the way, the stronger our team and organization get.

Sure, I play a role, but I clearly don’t play every role. Nor should I.

I love being a “guest” to the exceptional things our team does. And they love leading and helping people lead. It’s just healthier. And because they have a clear sense of mission, vision, strategy and even culture, amazing things happen. (Here’s a 5 step guide on how to create an amazing team culture.)

The more I let go, the healthier our organization gets. The more you get out of the way as a leader, the stronger your team gets.

 

What Do You Think?

When I feel the impulse to control, I remind myself of these five things.

What are you learning about control? How are you learning to release?

Reprinted from www.careynieuwhof.com.

 

 

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Ask Roger

When Is It Time to Leave My Church?

by Roger Barrier
written by Roger Barrier

 

Roger,

I am in a quandary that has me in a bit of a desert…. My family and I attend church, and lately, we feel that we may not belong. Really has been a struggle, and a spiritual connectedness is absent. I go through the motions, and feel that things are going on around me without my being involved…

There has recently arose a situation in which there have been some actions by two members that are less than Christ-like, and there is no way to address it, because it is the pastor’s family that has committed the acts….

I love so many of the church members, but I almost feel that God is moving me and my family somewhere else. Does it work like this? I am not a church hopper, and have often been confused by people that go from one church to another, I guess maybe I’ve passed judgment. And now here I am.

What do I do? … I feel that I am attached to this church, but knowing the ugly underbelly, makes me feel that some things may not be as they seem.

I guess overall my question to you would be this; If God is moving my family and I to another church, how would we know?

 

Thanks in advance!

Melinda C.

 

Dear Melinda,

I am not at all surprised that you and your family are considering moving on to another church. If I were a member of your church I would think strongly, as you are, about getting out of there as soon as possible.

 

“Pulling up the tent stakes” is what I call your current situation. This a time in your spiritual life when God is making you dissatisfied with where you are in order to prepare you to go somewhere else. Tent stakes usually loosen slowly. Changing churches seldom occurs quickly; but when it is time to leave, it is time to leave.

 

Leaving a church is difficult for a number of reasons, not the least of which is leaving behind all the friends and relationships you have developed. Plus, you probably have many good remembrances and spiritual experience that make it difficult.

 

You say that you have an aversion to “church hoppers”. Let’s make one thing clear. God intends for us to settle down with a group of Christian friends who become our source of strength, help, support, compassion, comfort, service and who journey through the Bible with you as you develop strong spiritual muscles. We call this our Fellowship or “Koinonia” group. Church hoppers, by definition, seldom settle down and invest their lives with a Christian group of brothers and sisters.

 

You are not church hopping when you are seeking to find a new church home. It is obvious to me that when you find the “right” church, you will settle down and involve yourself in fellowship there. It make a while to find the right church. Until you find one you are not hopping. You are searching. The difference between the two is significant.

 

HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN IT IS TIME TO LEAVE? LET ME GIVE YOU SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER.

 

1. You No Longer Respect The Pastor And His Leadership.

 

Paul described what a good pastor looks like and how he behaves: “Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,” (1 Timothy 3:2).

 

If your pastor is failing in these areas it is definitely time to consider leaving.

 

2. The Pastor’s Family Is Out Of Control.

 

Paul taught that if a man can’t lead and oversee his own family then he has no business trying to pastor a church: “He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full  respect” (1 Timothy 3:4).

 

3. There Are Fights And Dissension In The Church.

 

1 Corinthians 3:1-3 sounds like your church: “Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ…. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?”

 

4. The Pastor Must Teach Well And Communicate Sound Biblical Doctrines And Truths.

 

Be careful about pastors who confuse Biblical truth with his personal convictions.

 

Paul was deeply concerned that the pastor be able to teach and teach the Bible well: “Now the overseer is to be able to teach …” (1 Timothy 3:2).

 

“Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly” (1 Corinthians 3:1-3).

 

“You must teach what is accordance with sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1).

 

5. The Singing And Worship Time Leads Into “The Throne Room” Of Heaven.

 

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts” (Colossians 3:16).

 

6. You Have Decided That Finding The Right Church Is Worth More Than Losing The Church Relationships That You Presently Enjoy (as long as you are committed to investing your life with Christian brothers and sisters in your new church home).

 

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).

 

7. You’ve Decided Not To Search For The Perfect Church. That Church Does Not Exist. A Church Can Have Problems And Still Be A “Great Church.”

 

“I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life”( Philippians 4:2-3).

 

I am sorry for what you are enduring in church right now. I will pray for your dysfunctional church to get well. I will also pray for you and your family to have great success in your search the God has in store for you and your family.

 

Please let me know how it all turns out.

 

Love, Roger

 

 

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Middle-Schoolers Dating? Really?

by Marilyn Morris
written by Marilyn Morris

So it’s Saturday morning and your 7th grade daughter comes running in your room and says, “Mom/Dad, Brian just called and asked me to go to the show this afternoon. P-L-E-A-S-E! Can I go?”

You’re caught off guard and you pause momentarily to consider the question – to which your daughter interjects, “All my friends get to go to the show with their boyfriends. . . Oh P-L-E-A-S-E. I really want to go!” 

Lead Researcher, Pamela Orpinas, shared three interesting observations:

1. A likely explanation for the “worse educational performance” of early daters is that these adolescents start dating early as part of an overall pattern of high-risk behaviors.?

2. Dating a classmate may have the same emotional complications of dating a co-worker. When the couple splits, they have to continue to see each other in class and perhaps witness the ex-partner dating someone else. It is reasonable to think this scenario could be linked to depression and divert attention from studying.

Dating should not be considered a rite of passage in middle school.

Perhaps the findings from a recent study from the Journal of Research on Adolescence might help you find your answer. Researchers followed 624 students in 6th to 12th grade for seven years. Each year researchers noted the students’ dating habits, as well as changes in behavior and study skills. Following categories: had the worst study skills.

3. So in trying to figure out the answer to your middle schooler dating, here’s a helpful suggestion I provide in my book, ABCs of the Birds and Bees – For Parents of Toddlers to Teens regarding dating.

First, I encourage parents to determine their family values regarding dating. In other words, at what age will you be comfortable with your children dating? Then I encourage parents to plant those seeds early so their children grow-up knowing their family values. Here’s an illustration I give in the book:

Regarding dating, researchers found students tended to fall into one of the  following categories:

Never or hardly ever dated in middle school to high school. 

Rarely dated in middle school, but increased dating in high school.

Dated throughout 6th to 12th grade. 

According to the research, students who dated in middle school had significantly worse educational performance, were four times more likely to drop out of school and reported twice as much alcohol, tobacco and marijuana use.

Students with the lowest incidence of dating had the best study skills.

When guidelines for dating are established early, they help eliminate future problems. A mother shared with me that when her daughter was about six-years-old she brought up the subject of dating. She asked her little girl, “Do you know what your Daddy and I are going to let you do when you are about 16?”

With great excitement and curiosity and little girl replied, “No, Mommy! What?”

“Well,” her mother responded, “when you are about sixteen, and if you prove to us you can make very wise choices, your father and I are going to let you start dating.” The little girl’s eyes glistened with excitement as she thought of her Prince Charming coming to take her on this wonderful date.

Throughout the next few years, the mother and daughter talked about what a fun date might be. When they saw teenagers together, they would discuss which couples looked like they were having fun and had a healthy relationship and which ones didn’t look so healthy.

When the daughter was in the 8th grade, she came bouncing down the stairs all excited and announced that a young man had just invited her to go to a movie. The mother lovingly turned to her daughter and said, “I’ve been telling you for a long time that you would be able to date someday, but not before you were 16.”

She said her daughter was disappointed. She was even a little mad, but she was not surprised. Obviously, the path this wise mother began to pave when her daughter was six alleviated some of the frustration and pain for both mother and daughter.

Note: Middle School is not too late to plant those seeds. And as you set guidelines for dating, keep in mind it’s far easier to loosen the rules as you go along than tighten the reins once your child starts dating.

Resources:

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jora.12029/abstract

Morris, Marilyn, ABC’s of the Birds and Bees for Parents of Toddlers to Teens; 2010, pg. 44.

 

 

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Consider Why You Shouldn’t Complain

by Don McMinn
written by Don McMinn

I was on a flight from San Diego to Dallas. I’m a million-miler with American Airlines so I usually request, and get, an aisle seat, but on this flight, I was sitting in the middle seat between two “architecturally enhanced” individuals.

Inwardly, I started to complain.

Then I remembered a thought I had read in Karl Albrecht’s book, Social Intelligence —“Think about the level you’re complaining from.”

This insightful and penetrating statement prompted me to reconsider my grumbling and adjust my attitude. My thought process included:

I’m traveling from San Diego to Dallas in less than three hours. A century ago, it would have taken a month or more by horseback. But I’m complaining.
I paid $320 for the round-trip ticket. But I’m complaining.
I’m inside one of mankind’s greatest inventions — the airplane. I’m traveling 562 miles an hour at 32,000 ft. altitude. But I’m complaining.
I just returned from a 7-day cruise. But I’m complaining.
I have a nice house to return to and I’m gainfully employed. But I’m complaining.
It didn’t take me long to jettison my bad attitude and embrace thoughts of gratitude and wonder.

Is it ever okay to complain or should we try to eradicate it from the earth?

My perspective is: We all have challenges and problems, and sometimes it helps to verbalize them. In fact, it can be cathartic. And that’s okay. But continuing to coddle complaints ad nauseam is unnecessary and is detrimental to you and your relationships. Undeterred, constant complaining will make you a grouch, and people will avoid you.

My advice to habitual complainers: “If you can’t be positive, at least be quiet.”

Summary
What? – We often complain too quickly and too much.
So what? – Excess complaining will sour our dispositions and repel people.
Now what? – Learn how to properly share your frustrations and then let them go.

Leaders – Do not tolerate a complaining culture. Give people the opportunity to vent legitimate frustrations, and properly respond to them, but make it clear that a systemic complaining environment will not be condoned.

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David’s Courage: David and Goliath

by Tim Keller
written by Tim Keller

The classic story of David and Goliath answers the question, “What does real courage look like?” David’s heart surfaces in this story of fear and faith. “David showed us that when the odds truly are against us and re feel overwhelmed, the single most important thing we can ever do is to remember what is most real-the character, power and rule of God.” (Becky Pippert, “A Heart for God.”)

Preached at Redeemer Presbyterian Church. www.gospelforlife.com/freesermons

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Did You Know Goliath Had a Brother?

by Francis Frangipane
written by Francis Frangipane

Maybe this is your journey. Here’s the scene: You’re in a battle with sickness, oppression or some similar need. However, you seek God and, in some way, the grace of God touches your life. Your victory may have come through God’s Word or prayer or some other encouragement, but you absolutely know the Lord delivered you. Using the five smooth stones of divine grace, you defeated your Goliath.

But then, a few weeks or months later (or perhaps, years), suddenly all the old symptoms return with a vengeance. If you were struggling with an illness, it manifests now worse than ever; if your battle was regarding a relationship, it seems like all progress has been lost and you are back to square one.

Have you ever been there? These negative experiences can drain the faith from your heart to such a degree that you feel you’ll never recover the anticipation of faith again. A spiritual paralysis immobilizes your soul. You may still attend church, but your faith is unresponsive; when others testify of a healing or deliverance, you secretly wait, measuring the time until they, too, lose their healing.

For many, the result is one of severe disillusionment. The scripture says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick” (Prov 13:12). How can you trust God when it seems like He let you down? You wonder: Did I lose my breakthrough or was I only deceiving myself and never really had it?

But it is very possible that what you are experiencing is an entirely new spiritual battle, not a loss of God’s blessing. This new war is a very clever and effective deception that Satan uses to try and worm his way back into the lives of those delivered by God.

I had been praying about this very thing, this returning battle, when the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart, “Goliath had a brother.” I was immediately reminded of David’s war against the Philistine giant. We all know that David became a great hero by trusting God and defeating Goliath. However, later in his life other giants showed up to war against the Lord’s servant. Amazingly, all of them were related to Goliath! Three of these giants were Goliath’s actual children; one, was Goliath’s brother (See 1 Chr 20.). So, after defeating a giant once, David suddenly had to face another giant.

Get this point: Goliath had a brother that looked like him. We can imagine that the giant talked like Goliath, fought like him, and probably even smelled like him. Other than saying David was weary, the Bible is silent as to what might have been going through the king’s mind. Perhaps he wondered, “I thought I killed you. What are you doing back?” But, Goliath hadn’t come back. It was the giant’s brother and children that returned; it just looked like the same battle! The truth was, Goliath was dead.

Likewise, you also have had many successful victories.

JUST BECAUSE THE CURRENT GIANT YOU ARE FACING LOOKS LIKE ONE YOU DEFEATED IN THE PAST, DON’T BUY THE LIE THAT YOU NEVER REALLY WON THE FIRST BATTLE!

By the strength of God’s grace, you trusted the Almighty and conquered your Goliath. The first giant is dead. Satan is masquerading as your former enemy so he can slip past your faith and regain entrance into your life. Resist him. Stand in faith (Eph 6). Don’t accept the lie that you were never delivered. The victory that overcomes the world is our faith (1 John 5:4). The Living God who helped you conquer Goliath will empower you to overcome his brother as well.

Father,
I bring to You Your servants. Lord, some have fought battles that seem to have reoccurred. Like David, they have become weary with fighting this enemy. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, I expose the lie that they had not previously conquered this enemy. In Jesus’ name, I rebuke the enemy. I ask You Lord to send angels to strengthen supernaturally Your people, just as angels often strengthened Jesus. In the name of the Lord.
Amen!

 

www.frangipane.org

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Raped at Gunpoint: How God Healed Me

by Lany D
written by Lany D

Sitting on a friend’s porch watching a cloud-lit sunset is hardly the image you may have of how a savage rape occurs. But that’s my story. 

 

As I waited for my friend Sally to return home, a strange man approached me. I said, “I’m sorry, Sally and her Mom are not home right now.”  Immediately the rapist put a gun to my head, brutally dragged me by the arm into the alley and violated me. The shock, fear and pain was so incredible that it seemed surreal. I’m grateful I didn’t remember the details of the attack. Most of it was a blur. I only recall pleading with him not to shoot me because of my children. Left shaking and alone in the alley, police found my limp body lying in a heap and rushed me to the hospital. Endless questioning and medical examinations were terrifying and unnerving. I was humiliated and traumatized all at the same time.  

 

I suppressed the terrible nightmare for twenty years, burying it away in my subconscious. I never told anyone. Finally, my past caught up with me. I received a subpoena asking me to appear for my rapist’s parole.  The ugly truth finally surfaced. I refused at first, but then had to face the crime. My husband and I had never discussed the incident before.  I told my shocked adult children and family members. Thank God I no longer had to carry the weight of this shadowy secret alone.

 

Relieved of my burden, I went to a Christian counselor. 

That was over 10 years ago.  Let me share what I’ve learned.

 

When I asked, “Jesus, where were you when this happened?  He answered, “I was on the cross.”  When I said, “Lord, why did this happen?”  He said, “I gave freewill to all.”  When I needed to know, how could there be such sin?  He reminded me of the first sin.  When I struggled to forgive, Jesus let me know my forgiveness was for my own healing. When I thought it was my fault (which most rape victims do), I could sense His pain for me as a victim.

  

The Bible is the greatest love story ever told.  It is about the love of a Bridegroom for His Bride.  The imagery of the holiness and sacredness of the physical union in the one flesh relationship of a husband and wife is portrayed in the spiritual intimacy of the love Jesus has for us. Individually and corporately we learn of the purity, the unity, the exclusivity as believers in the Most High God.

 

The sexual perversion that has existed since creation is a deliberate and calculated assault on destroying any understanding of the holiest of love by the Enemy of our souls.  Perhaps that is how we understand why the Creator did not want us to have the knowledge of good and evil.  However, we have the promise of a new heaven and earth when the Lord will make all things new when the Bride and Bridegroom will be one.

 

I hope by sharing my story other victims of sexual abuse would find healing as I did. Healing takes time, prayer, effort and the support of the people you love. Don’t try to do this on your own. Find a Christian counselor to help you work through these serious issues.

 

Don’t wait long as I did. Yet, just as grieving the death of a loved one, rape victims have to grieve their loss as well in their own way and time. Recovery is a process, but as the Bible instructs we should share in each others’ suffering.

 

I also learned to comfort others who experienced the same hellish trauma I did. Rather than let bitterness destroy me, I chose to help others by volunteering to fight sex trafficking. If my pain could be so devastating, I can’t imagine the awfulness of repeated assaults.

 

I want to ask so many questions now, here on earth.

 

But when I see Jesus face to face none of it will matter.  I have learned to let Him carry my grief and sorrows and replace it with the fullness of joy as I remain in His sweet presence.

The name of the writer is anonymous for her own protection. Used by permission.

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Why Did Jesus Think His Time Had Come?

by Eli Lyzorkin-Eyzenberg
written by Eli Lyzorkin-Eyzenberg

READ JOHN 12: 20-32

There are two words in the Greek language that could be translated as Greeks – Hellenistoi and Hellenes. Both refer to Greek affiliation. John uses here the latter word. The difference between the words is usually understood as the following: Hellenistoi is used for Greek-behaving people, like Greek-speaking Jews (Hellenized Jews); while the second word refers to ethnic Greeks (in this case probably the Greek God-fearers that we meet in the book of Acts). However, in John’s Gospel, we are faced with an interesting dilemma. John does not seem to use hoi Ioudaioi (usually translated as the Jews) as others use it. He has his own use that is particular to his Gospel, given his unique audience and situation. (The use of hoi Ioudaioi meant something to his audience that it does not mean to others).

NOTE: To read posts on all previous chapters of John, please, click “The Jewish-Samaritan Journey” banner that appears on the right bar. To express your provisional interest in taking the “Jewish Context of the New Testament course”, click HERE.

Thinking along the same lines it is entirely possible that John has his own use of Hellenes as well. Whereas others use the term Hellenes for ethnic Greeks, John may be using it in a different way. But this of course is only a possibility. The burden of proof is upon those who would like to argue that these were Hellenized Jews and not God-fearing Greeks. We must however think of both possibilities with the first still being the most probable one.

Whether Hellenized Jews are in view or Greeks God-fearers (probable version), who were seeking out Jewish religious leader for a meeting, Jesus’ following had reached the farthest corner of Jewish influence! (If one looks at the Israelite umbrella of various Jewish movements, the Gentile God-fearers who had not fully joined Jewish community, but in many ways affiliated themselves, can be viewed as occupying the furthest corner of Jewish communal influence.) Now that Jesus has followers not only in Judea, Galilee, Samaria, but also in the Diaspora he declares that the time for the Son of Man to be glorified has finally come (something that he denied number of times before).

24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

What is very intriguing here is that the Gospel does not tell us if Jesus actually met with the Greeks. Instead the author switches his emphasis to the words of Jesus where he spoke of his coming death and sacrifice. It is likely that Greeks were invited in; and what comes in the following verses may constitute a summary of that conversation. Jesus’ point is simple. Unless he dies, his ministry will not bear much fruit. Those who sanctify God’s name might also be required to die with him, but his Father will honor them.

NOTE: You can sign up for research updates (if you don’t get them already) on any page of this site or invite your friends to do so by typing into the box their email address (http://JewishStudies.eteacherbiblical.com) 

“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.”

The words of Jesus speak deeply of his full humanity. It is not natural for a human being to want to suffer and die. Jesus, understanding the core of his mission, is willing to do so.

Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine.

The connection between God’s voice and thunder is important here. We read in Ex.19:16-19: “16 On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled. 17 Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain. 18 Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly. 19 And as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him in thunder.” The voice of God in speaking of the glorification of Jesus is, therefore, set in the same glorious context.

31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.

As I discussed in the previous section, while it is traditional to assume that the ruler of this world is Satan, the enemy of God’s purposes on this earth, it is also possible (though this is only a possibility) that a particular evil leader of the hoi Ioudaioi in fact was in view instead.

The Qumran community speaks of a wicked priest as a towering evil figure in the Qumranic imagination. While one cannot simply draw quick conclusions, we are justified however in entertaining the possibility of such a figure. It is noteworthy that every known case of persecution against Jesus and the Jerusalem believers in Jesus, especially their leaders, “was taken when the reigning high priest was one of those who belonged to the powerful Sadducean family of Annas.” Caiaphas, Annas’ son-in-law condemned both Jesus and Stephen. James the Son of Zebedee was executed and Peter was arrested by Agrippa I; while Matthias, son of Annas, was probably a priest.

In Acts 12:3 we are told that the king was motivated to gain the favor with “the Jews,” that is to “placate the high priest Mathias and his family” since some time before Agrippa had humiliated Annas’ family by deposing Theophilus, brother of Mathias. Another son of Annas, Ananus II, put James to death taking advantage of being Roman Emperor’s before the appointment of the next leader of the Empire. The above shows that we are justified to speak of a case of family vendetta against “the followers of a man whose movement Caiphas (as a member of Annas priestly family) had expected to but failed to stamp out”.[1]

32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.

It was clear to Jesus that he would be crucified and would be lifted up on the Roman cross for criminals. When this dying/sowing of the seed happens, it would produce much fruit and all men (in this nearer sense, Israel, though certainly not only) would be drawn to him.

[1] See Bauckham, R. 2007. James and the Jerusalem Community. In Jewish Believers in Jesus: The Early Centuries. Edited by O. Skarsaune and R. Hvalvik. Peabody: Hendrickson Publishers, 75.

www.eteacherbiblical.com. Used by permission.

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God’s Presence: Psalm 23 Part One

by Francis Chan
written by Francis Chan

The presence of Christ in our darkest times should give us boldness and confidence. The whole passage is about peace in the midst of the storms, the threats in our lives. Francis Chan relates the miraculous experiences he has had with God when God would lead him to do the impossible and then provide supernaturally to meet those needs.

Preached at Reality Church, Santa Barbara. Britt Merrick, pastor.

WATCH SERMON VIDEO HERE.

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Pride’s Prison: God’s Freedom

by Max Lucado
written by Max Lucado

As Brazilian jail cells go this one wasn’t too bad. There was a fan on the table. The twin beds each had a thin mattress and a pillow. There was a toilet and a sink.

No, it wasn’t too bad. But, then again, I didn’t have to stay.

Anibal did. He was there to stay.

Even more striking than his name (pronounced “uh-nee-ball”) was the man himself. The tattooed anchor on his forearm symbolized his personality—cast-iron. His broad chest stretched his shirt. The slightest movement of his arm bulged his biceps. His face was as leathery in texture as it was in color. His glare could blister a foe. His smile was an explosion of white teeth.

But today the glare was gone and the smile was forced. Anibal wasn’t on the street where he was the boss; he was in a jail where he was the prisoner.

He’d killed a man—a “neighborhood punk,” as Anibal called him, a restless teenager who sold marijuana to the kids on the street and made a nuisance of himself with his mouth. One night the drug dealer had used his mouth one time too many and Anibal had decided to silence it. He’d left the crowded bar where the two of them had been arguing, gone home, taken a pistol out of a drawer, and walked back to the bar.

Anibal had entered and called the boy’s name. The drug dealer had turned around in time to take a bullet in the heart.

Anibal was guilty. Period. His only hope was that the judge would agree that he had done society a favor by getting rid of a neighborhood problem. He would be sentenced within the month.

I came to know Anibal through a Christian friend, Daniel. Anibal had lifted weights at Daniel’s gym. Daniel had given Anibal a Bible and had visited him several times. This time Daniel took me with him to tell Anibal about Jesus.

Our study centered on the cross. We talked about guilt. We talked about forgiveness. The eyes of the murderer softened at the thought that the one who knows him best loves him most. His heart was touched as we discussed heaven, a hope that no executioner could take from him.

But as we began to discuss conversion, Anibal’s face began to harden. The head that had leaned toward me in interest now straightened in caution. Anibal didn’t like my statement that the first step in coming to God is an admission of guilt. He was uneasy with words like “I’ve been wrong” and “forgive me.” Saying “I’m sorry” was out of character for him. He had never backed down before any man, and he wasn’t about to do it now—even if the man were God.

In one final effort to pierce his pride, I asked him, “Don’t you want to go to heaven?”
“Sure,” he grunted.

“Are you ready?”

Earlier he might have boasted yes, but now he’d heard too many verses from the Bible. He knew better.

He stared at the concrete floor for a long time, meditating on the question. For a moment I thought his stony heart was cracking. For a second, it appeared that burly Anibal would for the first time admit his failures.

But I was wrong. The eyes that lifted to meet mine weren’t tear-filled; they were angry. They weren’t the eyes of a repentant prodigal; they were the eyes of an angry prisoner.

“All right,” he shrugged. “I’ll become one of your Christians. But don’t expect me to change the way I live.”

The conditional answer left my mouth bitter. “You don’t draw up the rules,” I told him. “It’s not a contract that you negotiate before you sign. It’s a gift—an undeserved gift! But to receive it, you have to admit that you need it.”

“OK.” He ran his thick fingers through his hair and stood up. “But don’t expect to see me at church on Sundays.”

I sighed. How many knocks in the head does a guy need before he’ll ask for help?

As I watched Anibal pace back and forth in the tiny cell, I realized that his true prison was not made of bricks and mortar, but of pride. He was twice imprisoned. Once because of murder, and once because of stubbornness. Once by his country, and once by himself.

The prison of pride. For most of us it isn’t as blatant as it was with Anibal, but the characteristics are the same. The upper lip is just as stiff. The chin ever protrudes upward, and the heart is just as hard.

A prison of pride is filled with self-made men and women determined to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps even if they land on their rear ends. It doesn’t matter what they did or to whom they did it or where they will end up; it only matters that “I did it my way.”

You’ve seen the prisoners. You’ve seen the alcoholic who won’t admit his drinking problem. You’ve seen the woman who refuses to talk to anyone about her fears. You’ve seen the businessman who adamantly rejects help, even when his dreams are falling apart.

Perhaps to see such a prisoner all you have to do is look in the mirror.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just .. .“ 1. The biggest word in Scripture just might be that two-letter one, if. For confessing sins— admitting failure—is exactly what prisoners of pride refuse to do.

You know the lingo:

“Well, I may not be perfect, but I’m better than Hitler and certainly kinder than Idi Amin!”

“Me a sinner? Oh, sure, I get rowdy every so often, but I’m a pretty good ol’ boy.”

“Listen, I’m just as good as the next guy. I pay my taxes. I coach the Little League team. I even make donations to Red Cross. Why, God’s probably proud to have somebody like me on his team.”

Justification. Rationalization. Comparison. These are the tools of the jailbird. They sound good. They sound familiar. They even sound American. But in the kingdom, they sound hollow.

“Blessed are those who mourn…”

To mourn for your sins is a natural outflow of poverty of spirit. The second beatitude should follow the first. But that’s not always the case. Many deny their weakness. Many know they are wrong, yet pretend they are right. As a result, they never taste the exquisite sorrow of repentance.

Of all the paths to joy, this one has to be the strangest. True blessedness, Jesus says, begins with deep sadness.

“Blessed are those who know they are in trouble and have enough sense to admit it.”2

Joy through mourning? Freedom through surrender? Liberty through confession?

The message is clear.

As long as Jesus is one of many options, he is no option. As long as you can carry your burdens alone, you don’t need a burden bearer. As long as your situation brings you no grief, you will receive no comfort. And as long as you can take him or leave him, you might as well leave him, because he won’t be taken halfheartedly.

But when you mourn, when you get to the point of sorrow for your sins, when you admit that you have no other option but to cast all your cares on him, and when there is truly no other name that you can call, then cast all your cares on him, for he is waiting for you today.

upwords.com. Used by permission.

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A Minimalist’s Salvation

by Tom Terry
written by Tom Terry

Many years ago I used to teach a Sunday morning Bible study to a group of men who had been in the church I attended for many years. Almost no one in the group was under the age of 60. Needless to say, when I was asked to take over the teaching post I was pretty well intimidated. What in the world did I have to teach a group of men who had claimed Christ for longer than I had been alive?

 

For the first set of lessons I decided to teach on principles of spiritual growth. Each week went by and the guys listened, and I taught, and we discussed, but I could tell underneath that something was a bit off. I discovered it one day when one of the men spoke up and said, “What do I need to know all this stuff for? I mean, hey, I prayed the prayer and I’m in!”

 

What kind of attitude do you hold about your salvation? Do you care about growing spiritually? Do you care about pursuing Jesus?

 

You may have heard the saying, “What did the thief on the cross know?” Someone usually says something like that to justify their lack of pursuit of spiritual things. If the thief on the cross could receive salvation without knowing much about Jesus, then why make any effort to know Jesus at all? Just pray the prayer and you’re in!

 

Sadly, such an attitude may mark a person who does not know Jesus at all.

 

What did the thief on the cross know? It turns out he knew quite a lot—a lot more than most people think. Look carefully at this account from Luke 23:39-43.

 

“One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, ‘Are you not  the Christ? Save yourself and us!’ But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.’ And he said,  ‘Jesus, remember me  when you come into your kingdom.’ And he said to him,  ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.'” 

 

So what did the thief on the cross know? Take a look.

•               He knew he was a sinner—”We are receiving the due reward of our deeds.”

•               He knew that Jesus was righteous—”This man has done nothing wrong.”

•               He recognized Jesus’ kingship, that He was the Messiah—”Remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

•               He knew he needed to repent—The first part of repentance is confession of sin—”We are receiving the due reward of our deeds.”

•               He knew that Jesus could grant salvation—”Remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

•               He knew he had to speak up and oppose evil. He rebuked the other thief—”Do you not fear God, since we are under the same sentence of condemnation?”

•               He knew that God is merciful, otherwise he never would have spoken to Jesus or he would have continued to ridicule him instead of repenting (Matthew 27:44)

•               He was a Jew, as such he knew his religious heritage about the coming of a savior, that God would become a man in Christ.

What did the thief on the cross know? He knew just what he needed for salvation. He knew that he needed to act upon what he knew. Perhaps his time on earth was being shortened through his impending death, but he had enough time to recognize the truth about Jesus and submit himself to it by acting, in that short time, upon what he knew. He confessed Christ openly. He tried to win over the other thief (evangelism). In his brief remaining time of life he pursued spiritual things.

 

How much do you know about Jesus? When you look at your life can you say, along with the thief, that you recognize Jesus for who he is and are in submission to Christ? Are you a dying thief or a living one?

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Articles

Fireworks or Faith: Finding the Still, Small Voice of God

by Dallas Willard
written by Dallas Willard

How do we define the “still, small voice of God?” This particular phrase is reminiscent of the scene where the prophet Elijah said that God appeared to him not in the wind, earthquake or fire, but in a still small voice. (1 Kings 19:11-12) The adjectives can also mean a gentle whisper. The quiet whisper we receive will definitely reflect His personality and will be identifiable to us. This holy communion from Spirit to human spirit becomes the “candle of the Lord.” (Proverbs 20:27)

 

Many believe the Spirit-led life is full of heavenly fireworks-dramatic visions and revelations. God can absolutely work in this way. But many believe that such misconceptions have caused widespread confusion and mistrust. In dispelling these mistaken beliefs, there must be balance. God Himself is “light” (1 John 1:5) and we are His “children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8) Paul teaches us that we are “saints in light.” (Col. 1:12) We should not discard the supernatural manifestations of the Holy Spirit because of satanic counterfeits.

 

The presence of God speaking in our lives, or the “still, small voice,” is God’s most frequently utilized method of revealing His plans and purposes to us. When we walk in spiritual maturity in intimacy with our Creator, He will reveal the reality of His kingdom to us and through us. Let’s examine some of the Divine encounters recorded in Scripture. God spoke to and through His people in countless ways. Because we are His children, we are no different from these biblical heroes. We should live every day believing that God could act in our daily existence no differently than He would in their experiences. Even great men of faith like Moses and Gideon struggled with insecurity and wondered how God could use someone like them. Occasionally our Father may knock us down to the ground like Saul or show us a burning bush like Moses. (Exodus 3:3) However, one thing is sure. God promises to be found by those who seek Him. (Jeremiah 29:13)

 

Let’s explore the biblical accounts of men and women who heard God speak: a supernatural manifestation accompanied by God’s voice, a Divine messenger or angel, visions and dreams, an audible voice, a human voice or the “still small voice” of God’s Holy Spirit to the human spirit.

 

The first is the miraculous manifestation of the Divine accompanied by His Word. When God’s fiery blaze burned up Abraham’s sacrifice and Jehovah pledged to the patriarch to bless him and multiply his seed, we see the miraculous demonstration of God’s fire in conjunction with His Word of promise. (Genesis 15:7-8) Moses’ flaming bush that would not be consumed (Exodus 3:3-6), Ezekiel’s mesmerizing wheels in the sky (Ezekiel 1-2) and the opening of the sky at Christ’s baptism (Matthew 3:17) are all such instances of the numinous combined with God’s spoken Word.

 

God often spoke through angels in Scripture. An angel is simply a heavenly messenger on a mission from the Lord to deliver His Word. These divine messengers do not always reveal who they are-some are called the “angel of the Lord.” The divine messengers at the trees of Mamre (Genesis 18) and the emissaries who warned Lot (Genesis 19) are Old Testament examples of angels who spoke blessings and warned of impending judgment. God’s messages through angels are so numerous, that I can simply list a few: Balaam, Gideon, Samson’s parents, Daniel, Joseph, the father of Jesus, Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, Mary, the women who came to Jesus’ tomb on resurrection morning, Peter and Paul.

 

Dreams and visions were also the means that God used to speak to His children. They were given to people while awake or asleep and occasionally occurred with a trance-like state. The dreams God gave to Bible characters often needed to be explained by another. Gustave Oehler writes that “…the principle that a clear consciousness when receiving revelation is placed higher than ecstasy or other abnormal states of mind.” This is an essential precept to consider when we evaluate our own experiences with God and His speaking to us.

 

God, in the historical accounts in Scripture, has also spoken through an audible voice. When Father Abraham raised the knife to kill Isaac, God intervened by speaking to him directly. (Genesis 22:11-12; 15-18) The clearest, simplest picture of God speaking in a voice that could be heard is the story of little Samuel. The little boy was sleeping quietly in the Temple when God spoke to him. In 1 Samuel 3:9-10, the priest Eli instructed his young assistant to respond to Jehovah with the words, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” Young Samuel began a remarkable career as a prophet because of his ability to hear and respond to God’s voice.

 

The human voice is obviously one of God’s primary means of speaking to us. God speaks through human beings. The Lord and the person He chooses to use speak “conjointly.” We can say that God speaks through us as long as this is not understood as automatically ruling out our speaking with God and even through God.

 

Samuel Shoemaker describes this phenomenon in this way:

 

“Something comes into our own energies and capacities and expands them. We are laid hold of by Something greater than ourselves. We can face things, create things, accomplish things, that in our own strength would have been impossible….The Holy Spirit seems to mix and mingle His power with our own, so that what happens is both a heightening of our own powers, and a gift to us from outside.”

 

In our weakness and inadequacy God uses us, just as Moses and Paul admitted their inadequacy as being spokesman for God. As Paul confessed, “I did not come proclaiming Christ with lofty words of wisdom, but in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)

 

The last method through which God speaks to us is Holy Spirit to human spirit. I believe this is the principle way that God speaks to us. This is such a fitting way for God to reveal Himself because this is in line with Divine redemptive intentions. It most engages the faculties of free, intelligent beings involved in the work of God as his co-laborers and friends.

 

Russ Johnston, in his book Knowing the Will of God, emphasizes how significant recurring thoughts are in the Heavenly Father’s communication with His children:

 

“We would see wonderful results if we would just deal with the thoughts that continue in our minds in a godly manner. But most people don’t….As thoughts come into your mind and continue, ask God, ‘Do you really want me (or us) to do this?’ Most of use just let those thought collapse—and God looks for someone else to stand in the gap.”

 

Paul teaches us in Romans 12:2 that we do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will.” When we are surrendered to the Lord should be treated as if God were walking through one’s personality with a candle, showing us different parts of our “home.” As we become used to the idea that God is eager to lead and help us, that He wants to guide, teach and correct our course for our welfare, and to comfort, bless and love us, then we can pray with the psalmist, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.” (Psalm 139:23)

 

Dallas Willard, Hearing God: Developing a Conversational Relationship with God (Downer’s Grove, Ill. InterVarsity Press, 1999), pp. 87-102.

Gustave Oehler, Theology of the Old Testament (Grand Rapids, Mich. Zondervan, n.d.), p. 143.

Russ Johnston, How to Know the Will of God (Colorado Springs: NavPress, 1971), p. 13.

Samuel Shoemaker, With the Holy Spirit and with Fire (New York: Harper & Row, 1960), p. 27.

  

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Articles

Lulled into Apathy: Cherish God’s Blessings

by Max Lucado
written by Max Lucado

Abraham Lincoln once listened to the pleas of the mother of a soldier who’d been sentenced to hang for treason. She begged the President to grant a pardon. Lincoln agreed. Yet, he’s reported to have left the lady with the following words: “Still, I wish we could teach him a lesson. I wish we could give him just a little bit of hangin’.”

I think I know what the old rail-splitter had in mind. Yesterday, I got a little bit of hangin’.

“Lord…let me know how fleeting my life is.” Psalm 39:4

We were having Sunday lunch at the home of a fellow missionary family. It was after the meal, and I was in the kitchen while Denalyn and our friends, Paul and Debbie, were talking in the living room. Their three-year-old daughter Beth Ann was playing with our two-year-old Jenna in the front yard. All of a sudden Beth Ann rushed in with a look of panic on her face. “Jenna is in the pool!”

Paul was the first to arrive at the poolside. He went straight into the water. Denalyn was next to arrive. By the time I arrived, Paul had lifted her up out of the water to the extended hands of her mother. Jenna was simultaneously choking, crying, and coughing. She vomited a bellyful of water. I held her as she cried. Denalyn began to weep. I began to sweat.

For the rest of the day I couldn’t hold her enough, nor could we thank little Beth Ann enough (we took her out for ice cream). I still can’t thank God enough.

It was only a matter of minutes, maybe seconds. We almost lost her. The thought was numbing and convicting.

It was a little bit of hangin’.

The stool was kicked out from under my feet and the rope jerked around my neck just long enough to remind me of what really matters. It was a divine slap, a gracious knock on the head, a severe mercy. Because of it I came face to face with one of the underground’s slyest agents—the agent of familiarity.

His commission from the black throne room is clear, and total: “Take nothing from your victim; cause him only to take everything for granted.”

He’d been on my trail for years and I never knew it. But it I know it now. I’ve come to recognize his tactics and detect his presence. And I’m doing my best to keep him out. His aim is deadly. His goal is nothing less than to take what is most precious to us and make it appear most common.

He won’t steal your salvation; he’ll just make you forget what it was like to be lost. You’ll grow accustomed to prayer and thereby not pray. Worship will become commonplace and study optional. With the passing of time he’ll infiltrate your heart with boredom and cover the cross with dust so you’ll be safely out of reach of change. Score one for the agent of familiarity.

Nor will he steal your home from you; he’ll do something far worse. He’ll paint it with a familiar coat of drabness.

He’ll replace evening gowns with bathrobes, nights on the town with evenings in the recliner, and romance with routine. He’ll scatter the dust of yesterday over the wedding pictures in the hallway until they become a memory of another couple in another time.

He won’t take your children, he’ll just make you too busy to notice them. His whispers to procrastinate are seductive. There is always next summer to coach the team, next month to go to the lake, and next week to teach Johnny how to pray. He’ll make you forget that the faces around your table will soon be at tables of their own. Hence, books will go unread, games will go unplayed, hearts will go unnutured, and opportunities will go ignored. All because the poison of the ordinary has deadened your senses to the magic of the moment.

Before you know it, the little face that brought tears to your eyes in the delivery room has become—perish the thought—common. A common kid sitting in the back seat of your van as you whiz down the fast lane of life. Unless something changes, unless someone wakes you up, that common kid will become a common stranger.

A little bit of hangin’ might do us all a bit of good.

On a shelf above my desk is a picture of two little girls. They’re holding hands and standing in front of a swimming pool; the same pool from which the younger of the two had been pulled only minutes before. I put the picture where I would see it daily so I would remember what God doesn’t want me to forget.

And you can bet this time I’m going to remember. I don’t want any more hangin’. Not even a little bit.

http://www.upwords.com. Used by permission.

 

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Articles

Pray Effectively for Others

by Don McMinn
written by Don McMinn

In the Old Testament, Samuel declares that he would be sinning against the Lord if he fails to pray for the Israelites. (1 Sam. 12:23) The value of praying for others is a familiar Christian call to action, but how can we do so effectively, giving the practice more than cursory lip service?

First of all, we need to develop relationships founded on a deep level of care, vulnerability and trust.  Praying for one another will become natural and effective when our relationships are in a safe place.  One of the best ways to encourage others to be vulnerable about their needs is to be open about our own.  Vulnerability must be reciprocal. Also, our friendships should be based on a secure confidentiality.  We should be confident that whatever we share will not be repeated to others, and it will not affect our love for each other.

When these prerequisites have been met, we can offer powerful prayers for each other.  Consider these practical guidelines.

  1. Keep a prayer journal to make sure prayers are being offered and so that answers to prayer give God His glory. (2 Peter 3:1)
  2. Don’t be afraid to pray for people on the spot. (Acts 20:36) Praying with one another is as important as praying for each other. Even though we continue to pray for our friend’s need, praying with them immediately or on the telephone is an emotional and psychological blessing.
  3. Encourage people to share their needs and prayer requests, and share your own. (1 Thes. 5:25) This requires humility on our part and underscores the interdependence of the body of Christ.
  4. Let people know you are praying for them. (2 Thes. 1:11) Besides blessing the people you pray for, it may encourage them to seek God themselves.
  5. Whenever possible, pray about specific areas of concern, avoiding generalities. (Philem. 1:6)
  6. Designate a specific time and place to pray for others. (Luke 6:12)  With some discipline, we can hold ourselves accountable to our promises to others. While it is helpful to maintain a daily ritual of prayer, we can also acknowledge God’s cues throughout the day to pray for a person.
  7. Realize that praying for others requires time, effort and emotional commitment. (Col. 4:12)  Wrestling in prayer for others is a strenuous spiritual exercise.
  8. Pray as long as it takes. (1 Col. 1:9)  We may be called on to pray for someone a long time until God reveals His answer. God doesn’t give up on the unsaved spouse, child or friend, prolonged illness or misfortune. Neither should we.
  9. Minister in other areas as they become apparent. As we pray for others, act on cues to offer hospitality, comfort, encouragement, etc. For instance, we may be prompted to spend more time with the person or provide practical assistance, like child care or resume writing.

 

Even if we are paying attention to the previous guidelines, I have some personal issues that bother me when I hear people praying for others.  You may disagree with me, but it is worth clearing the air.

When we pray for others, does it sound like we are talking to God or to the person(s) we are praying for?  If at some point in the prayer we start preaching to the person we are praying for, we should remember we are speaking to God.

Are we using trite, overused phrases like “Bless the hands of the physicians as they operate?”  What the Bible calls vain repetitions become prayer clichés that lose their meaning from overuse. 

Do we use an “ecclesiastical voice” and King James English?  Some people adopt a prayer voice that seems showy and ostentatious, lacking sincerity.

Are our prayers simple and focused?  These intercessory prayers can be accomplished is just a few minutes focusing solely on the expressed need. Longer is not necessarily better.

When we pray for others, Christ is not asking us to do something that He has not and is not doing for us. Who is on your prayer list today?

 

Don McMinn, Ph.D. (with Kimberly Spring)
Executive Director of theiPlace.org
The 11th Commandment: More Insights into the One Anothers of Scripture

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Sermons

Precious Treasure

by demo
written by demo

We are stewards of all the earthly possessions God has given us — our mates, children, homes, cars, education, skills and more. Because of His great gifts, we must be pure, vigilant and careful. In the same way, church leaders must care for their flocks understanding that the followers belong ultimately to God.

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