Mar. 29- FYG

Facing Your Giants   1 Samuel 16

Chapter 2 tells of the chapter in David's life long before his encounter with Goliath.  Samuel was sent to Bethlehem to anoint Saul's replacement as King of Israel.  God directs Samuel to Jesse's house where seven of Jesse's eight sons come before Samuel.  Not a bad looking bunch.  Samuel thinks of Eliab, "Surely the LORD’s anointed stands here before the LORD,” but God said, "No".  The reason?   "The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 
1 Samuel 16:7  As almost an afterthought, Samuel mentions to Jesse, "Are  you sure this is all of  your sons?"    Jesse then "remembers" David who is tending sheep in the field.


As soon as David was brought before Samuel, God said, "He's the one.  Anoint him."  The forgotten one was the chosen one.  The last was first.  The least was greatest.


There have been times in my Christian walk I have felt lesser to those who can sing, preach or run a lay ministry.  But this chapter in David's life reminds us that God can and many times does choose what the world would see as the "lesser" to do the greater works for Him.  A trumpet solo on Sunday morning- cool, dramatic, uplifting.  Purchasing an Angel Food basket for a family- not cool, not dramatic, but fills little tummies, maybe gets mom and dad by until that next check arrives.

God looks deeper than the outward appearance of a person.  I don't imagine God is too impressed with a BMW or a Ralph Lauren logo on a shirt.  Who's logo is on my heart?  That's the most important question.

Mar. 28- FYG

Facing Your Giants

Near the end of chapter 1 in Facing Your Giants, Max Lucado makes an interesting point about the D and G story told in 1 Samuel 17  The chart below lists the times that David mentions God in relation to the times he mentions Goliath.  David focused on God three times as often as he focused on the giant.

Were that my ratio when my giant of worry comes pounding at the door of a good night's rest or forcing its way into a relaxing Sunday afternoon.   It would do me good to take a page from David's playbook.

God	Goliath
v. 26 armies of the Living God	v. 26 uncircumcised Philistine
v. 36 armies of the Living God	v. 32 on account of this Philistine
v. 37 LORD who rescued me	v. 37 of this Philistine
v. 45 the name of the LORD Almighty
v. 45 God of the armies of Israel
v. 46 LORD will deliver
v. 46 there is a God in Israel
v. 47 the battle is the LORD’s
v. 47 He (God) will give

Mar. 27-Facing Your Giants (FYG)

Not sure where I will be headed this next round of blogs.  I have two books for consideration.  Both are Max Lucado books:  Facing Your Giants and Next Door Savior.  I may decide on one, or alternate between the two.  For today's entry, I will summarize the first chapter in Facing Your Giants because I have already read that chapter.


I purchased FYG a while back because of one "giant" in particular- WORRY.  While I have made some strides in this area, it is still a giant that is a constant foe of mine.  Up until about two years ago, I used to have a bottle of Pepto Bismol in my car's glove box, in my desk at work and a bottle in the fridge at home.  (I wonder who thought of refrigerating the stuff!?)  These were there to soothe the often upset stomach and accompanying plumbing problems because I was a world-class worrier.  


Oddly enough, it was one of the most trying events of my professional life that cured me of this level of worry.  I remember on a November night in 2008, I got a call from Dr. Ridder, Springfield Schools' superintendent.  He told me that I was named as a defendant in a lawsuit involving two girls who had gotten hit be a car while walking to school.  One would think that such news would send a top-shelf worrier like myself over the edge.  Pepto Bismol shots on the house!  It did just the opposite.  The news drove me to my knees.  


After I received the call I went upstairs to our study and got out the Bible.  Psalm 23 came to mind so I read and reread it.  I will never forget the calm, reassurance and strength I received from the line "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies."  This reminded me that even when faced with adversity God is actively working in an intentional, thoughtful manner to bless His children.  
He is PREPARING a FEAST for us even when our enemies are present.  Only an omniscient, omnipotent God could do that.  Only a God whose very essence is love would do that.


Since that time, I am sure that the stock prices of Pepto Bismol have dropped due to my decreased consumption of Pink Cement.  


I am not cured completely.  I still have bouts of situational worry that require prayer and meditation, but thanks to God's allowance of personal adversity and His faithful companionship during that adversity, I have come a long way in defeating the giant of worry in my life.

Mar. 25- UA 42

^{2 Corinthians 5:17-18    17} Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:^[a] The old has gone, the new is here! ¹⁸All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:


The Unexpected Adventure- Addicted to Life Change- 2 Corinthians 5:17-18


In the final chapter of The Unexpected Adventure, Lee recounts the stories of people he has known that have undergone amazing transformations after accepting Christ as Lord and Savior.  He uses these illustrations to lead into the main focus of this chapter.  This focus is to encourage us to examine our motivation for witnessing.  Is it a sense of guilt?  Perhaps it is created out of a "good works" theology.  Lee reminds us that the most powerful reason to evangelize is because "people matter to God".  


Lee also spends a portion of the chapter discussing how we can reignite our evangelistic fires if weariness or boredom has set in.  These are:
1.  Pray and admit to God our hearts have grown cold.  James 4:2b
2.  Spend time with other passionate witnessers.  Proverbs 27:17
3.  Read, and reread, Biblical passages that illustrate Jesus' love for sinners.  The story of the prodigal son (Luke 15) and the story about the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4).
4. Reflect on the transformed lives we have witnessed through the years.  (If we cannot recall any, perhaps we are not living on the Gospel edge.)


Wow, here I am at the end of The Unexpected Adventure.  Forty-two days of how to live life as a more effective witness for Christ.  


Time for some reflection and introspection.  Have I taken chances for God?  What Kingdom effect have I had these past several weeks?  Will I walk away from this book study a changed person or will the lessons learned here be forgotten in the weeks ahead?   I guess that will be completely up to me.

Mar. 24- UA 41

2 Corinthians 9:6  ⁶ Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.


The Unexpected Adventure- Ripple Effects- 2 Corinthians 9:6

Action Principle-  We don't know the "ripple effect" our witnessing may have.  The chapter tells about the conversion of one person, Wendy, who goes on to share the Gospel with first this person then that one.  One person she helps lead to Christ becomes a worship leader in a small church.  That person then is in a position to share Christ's message to many others, who in turn may share with others, so on and so forth.  The point being that even if we only witness to a few people, they may extend our witnessing efforts by telling their friends and family members about Christ.

Mark uses Jesus Christ as an example.  By today's standards, Jesus didn't speak to large numbers of people.  No television specials, no radio "Hour of Power", no web presence, yet His message has changed the course of human history.  Our duty as Christians is to obediently share the Gospel message with those around us.  There is no way to tell how far-reaching the effects may be.

Tomorrow will be the last day for the Unexpected Adventure.  I am bit nervous.  I don't do well with quiet time without a text for study.  Any ideas for another blog book?  Maybe God wants me to be "bookless" right now.  Perhaps prayer and meditation are the next order of business for me.

Mar. 23- UA 40

2 Corinthians 5:20a  ²⁰ We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. 


The Unexpected Adventure- Hang Time- 2 Corinthians 5:20


Lee tells the story of a trip he made to visit his former college roommate, Tarik.  Tarik was in the throes of some tough life situations.  Lee and Tarik took a week off work and just drove aimlessly across the country.  This gave them the opportunity to reconnect and opened the door for several spiritual conversations.  The night before Lee had to return home, Tarik prayed to make Christ his savior.


Action Principle-  The chapter title "Hang Time" refers to "hanging out with your friends long enough to really get to know them, to understand their questions and concerns, to deepen the trust between you, and to allow yourselves to delve deeply into spiritual conversations."  Lee points out that time is our most precious commodity, and it is time that is the most important thing we can invest in relationships.


Here is where the "but monkeys" come in for me.  Yeah, but. . .I have tennis.   Yeah, but. . .I have PTA this week.   Yeah, but. . .I have to write my blog.   Yeah, but. . .(fill in the blank with your own "but monkey").  Perhaps God would have me reevaluate how I spend my time.  Is it on Kingdom activities.  Or perhaps I have too many activities.

As I read this chapter, I realized that the Action Principle also applies to my personal relationship with God.  In order to "really get to know" Jesus and deepen my trust in God, I have to spend time with Him.  That will not happen unless I make time with God as much a priority as tennis, PTA and t.v.

Kinda' wish I had not read this chapter.  :-)

Mar. 22- UA 39

Jude 1:22-23  ²² Be merciful to those who doubt; ²³ save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.


The Unexpected Adventure- A Time for Urgency- Jude 1:22-23

Mark recounts the story of his great uncle, Maurice, who, while being a good person, had always been "vaguely" religious and viewed church as an opportunity for social interaction and influence.  Many in the family were worried about Maurice's eternal destination.  Maurice's health began to fail, and he was nearing the end of his life.  During one visit to his parents'  home, Mark spent some time with Maurice.  He confronted Maurice directly about his spiritual state.  Maruice listened politely, but told Mark "I'll be okay."  Later Mark followed up with a letter encouraging Maurice to make a personal decision to accept Christ as Lord and Savior.

This is not one of the happy ending stories.  As far as Mark knows, Maurice died never having made that personal decision to accept Jesus Christ.  Mark writes, "I realized that I would never know this side of eternity how he (Maurice) had responded to what I had said."

Action Principle- "We're not merely trying to help people improve their lives.  We're pointing them to Jesus, who unambiguously declared, "I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me."  (John 14:6)  At times we need to screw up the courage to speak the truth in a loving, yet urgent manner.

Fine line time-  Where is the line between the "social" gospel of food kitchens, earthquake relief and homeless assistance and the Jesus-only salvation message.  Standing on a corner of the square with a sign saying, "Trust Jesus or burn in hell" might be theologically accurate, but won't draw many to Christ.  However, if all today's church becomes just another assistance organization, we have deviated from the Great Commission.

Should all food baskets be accompanied with a Roman Road pamphlet?  Do we write out John 3:16 on the  back of all dollar bills we give to panhandlers?  (It is not illegal to write on money unless it makes it unfit for use or you are attempting to defraud.)


The main point of today's reading is that we must have the courage and wisdom to clearly speak the eternal Gospel truth when led to do so by the Holy Spirit.

Mar. 21- UA 38

Psalm 66:5  ⁵ Come and see what God has done, 

   his awesome deeds for mankind!

The Unexpected Adventure- Those Odd Coincidences- Psalm 66:5


At lunch during a conference, Lee was questioned by a skeptic about the relationship between Christianity and a religion, Mithraism.  Lee had little knowledge with which to refute the claim that Christianity had plagiarized its beliefs from this other religion.  Lee spent a lot of time researching the question before the next day's q and a session.  However, the question never arose during the remainder of the conference. 


Two weeks later, just as another conference was ending, Mark Mittleberg took one last question from the audience.  And guess what?  That's right, the question was about Christianity's supposed plagiarism of Mitharaism's beliefs.  Mark turned the question over the Lee who, as a result of a lunch-time question from two weeks earlier, was ready with a well-reasoned, insightful answer.


Action Principle-  I love the line from page 249- "If you want to increase your own faith, they share your faith with others."  As we do so, there will be times we will get a glimpse of "how the Holy Spirit is orchestrating events, encounters and conversations in amazing and inspiring ways."  "Coincidences" will not be that, but God orchestrating things the scene in a way to bring fulfillment to His plan.


Some people espouse the idea that there are no coincidences in a believers life.  Even the smallest detail of one's life is part of God's intentional, individual play for his/her life.  I am not sure how I feel about that, but I do believe that this side of heaven, I will never know what coincidences were just that, or the direct hand of God intervening in my life.  

Mar. 19- UA 37

^{1 Corinthians 2:3-5 3} I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. ⁴ My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, ⁵ so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.


The Unexpected Adventure- The Power of the Gospel- 1 Corinthians 2:3-5


Steve was attending a workshop for church leaders hosted by Mark.  At one of the breaks, Steve approached Mark with questions about phrases like "becoming a believer" and "the point when a person trusts in Christ."  Steve's faith tradition did not "emphasize conversion experiences or a spiritual crisis point".  Growing up in faith, participating in church and believing in God were the main salvation markers in Steve's spiritual life.  Mark did not denigrate Steve's faith tradition, but pointed out that an unease with a discussion of salvation experiences might be due to a lack of true salvation.  Steve burst into tears and realized that he had never truly accepted Christ as his LORD and savior.  Steve's "salvation" was religious, not relational.  His walk with God was based on activity, not acceptance.  After a discussion with Mark, Steve asked Jesus to be Savior AND Lord.


Action Principle- While we should prepare ourselves to witness through many of the things discussed so far in the Unexpected Adventure book, we must not lose sight of two things.  1.  The Holy Spirit is with us at all times, guiding and using what we say.  2.  God's Word has divine power to challenge people and "cut to the heart".


Mark discusses the two sides of the Gospel message.  Sin separates us from God and a refusal to accept Jesus as Savior and Lord will result in an eternal punishment, which is "spiritual separation and death for all eternity".  The flip side of the salvation coin is that Jesus paid the penalty on the cross for our sins.  If we will but accept Him as Savior and Lord, we can have complete forgiveness and eternal life.


Mark acknowledges that the Gospel message might offend some.  He likens it to a doctor who has to deliver bad news to a patient in order to discuss possible cures or treatments.  Patients may get angry, reject the information or even find another doctor.  However, the doctor still has a professional duty to tell the patient the bad news.


I think it is important that we deliver the bad news only after we have established a personal relationship with a person.  I believe, sharing the good news of God's forgiveness, love and acceptance should be our first and foremost witnessing message.  However, if led by the Holy Spirit, we must not shrink from delivering the bad news in a loving, compassionate way.  Keeping in mind it is what God has proclaimed, not an arbitrary man-made standard.

Mar. 18- UA 36

Ephesians 2:8-10  ⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.


The Unexpected Adventure- Outrageous Grace- Ephesians 2:8-10


I would guess it is a small percentage of Christians who really believe that God's love is completely, 100%, totally unconditional and unearned.  We might say we believe that.  We sing about it in our Sunday morning hymns. But to believe, as Philip Yancey writes, "grace means that there's nothing we can do to make God love us less. . .Grace means that God already loves us as much as an infinite God can possibly love" is just too much for most of us to grasp. 


I know for me I still struggle with performance-based Christianity.  If I do, then He will.  My actions will cause God to love me more, therefore He will bless me more either by:
A.  allowing positive things to happen, 
OR
B.  keeping negative things from happening.  


When I sat down to write this morning, I had to fend of "punishment angst" because I had not blogged in a week.


Then I realized, God had not "smite" me this past week even though the blog was silent.  I still had good days at work.  Did I miss out one some blessings this week?  Who knows?  Would I have had a greater peace this week?  Most likely.  But hell fire and brimstone did not fall from the heavens because I was undisciplined in regards to my quiet time this week.


My witness will grow stronger the more my heart comes to believe that Christianity is about a relationship with the God of unconditional love.  That grace- free, unmerited and boundless- is God's gift to each one of us.  There are no hazing requirement.  No mandatory prayers.  No salvation walks to take down an aisle.  No membership dues (we like to call 'em tithes) required.  


My "performance" should grow out of a love for Him.  Not a fear of Him.  


Grace and love will win the world.  Not condemnation and criticism.

Miracle?

Miracle:  an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs.  


The parting of the Red Sea for the Israelites.  Causing the "sun to stand" still so the Israelites "avenged itself on its enemies".  Raising Lazarus from the dead.  These are examples of Biblical miracles.  All big, all very public.  However, I experienced a personal miracle last night.


I went to bed with a very heavy heart.  Several things in my life are in a state of flux or unrest.  I woke this morning with such a positive outlook, attitude and disposition, that I have no doubt that overnight there was a "divine intervention in human affairs".  


I know there were prayers being offered up and that, coupled with the unconditional love, unstoppable power and perfect wisdom of my heavenly Father created a 180 degree turn in my innards last night.  It had nothing to do with positive self-talk, chakra alignment, or self-induced positive mental attitude.  There had not been the time, and quite frankly I was sort of wallowing in the mire of self-pity.  The overnight change was completely achieved through God's overnight intervention in my life.


Thank you, Fathers (heavenly and earthly).  

Mar. 9- UA 35

The Unexpected Adventure- "The Unseen Side of the Journey"- John 16:7-8 

Not long after Mark accepted Christ, a coworker, Barb, told him about a dream she had in which Mark was present.  Also in the dream was one of Mark’s friends who visited Mark at work from time to time.  The friend that was in the dream was the man who had helped lead Mark to Christ and was his spiritual mentor.  This opened up a witnessing opportunity for Mark.  A few weeks later, Barb committed her life to Christ.

The action principle of today's reading is that the Holy Spirit is not only our guide in this Unexpected Adventure, but He is also working in the lives of the unsaved.  He “piques their interest, warms their hearts, informs their minds, opens their eyes. . .”  God is working behind the scenes to prepare the hearts and minds of those He will lead us to witness to as we go through life.

It is comforting to know that my puny words and deeds are not the lynchpin to a person’s salvation.  The work of the Holy Spirit before and after a person’s interactions with me is what will truly lead a person to Christ.  In our intellectual, fact-based society, it is easy to forget that God can, and does work in ways that cannot be photographed, quantified or verified by CNN.

Today "official" scripture reading if from the 16th chapter of John.  (See top of blog entry).  However, I would like to add this scripture from Isaiah.

Isaiah 55:8-9

 ⁸ “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
   neither are your ways my ways,”
            declares the LORD.
⁹ “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
   so are my ways higher than your ways
   and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Mar. 8- UA 34

The Unexpected Adventure- "Ready to Make a Difference"- 1 Corinthians 1:17   (In this verse, "wisdom" refers to eloquent and flowery speech.  Not the guidance of the Holy Spirit-type wisdom.)

Strobel and Mittleberg were once again taking part in an outreach event.  After the event a Jewish comedian approached Lee and began a strenuous debate with him about the resurrection.  Things got a bit loud; however, after about 30 minutes, the Jewish gentleman offered Lee a handshake, a smile and a heartfelt “thank you”.  The gentleman explained to Lee that he had not met anyone previously that would take on the serious questions and doubts he raised.  The man appreciated the passion and knowledge that Lee had about Christianity.

Strobel writes,  “Christians who lack conviction have little to communicate with others.” p. 224  If we are not excited about our Lord and Savior, why should anyone else bother to become interested?

For me the take away from this day is the excerpt from Bill Hybels book, Becoming a Contagious Christian. “Deep down they’re (seekers) looking for somebody—anybody—to step up and proclaim the truth and then to live it boldly.  And I just have to ask: why can’t that be you or me?”

I find it curious that Morman youth go door to door armed with a vast knowledge of their faith.  Streets in NYC and Paris are blocked by Muslims during noon prayers.  Yet, so many Christians are afraid to even lift their hands in worship to the risen Savior.  What has happened to our zeal?  Our passion for Jesus? 

It is almost as if because of all the media and social criticism we have received about being hypocritical, close-minded, homophobes, etc, we have become apologetic for our faith.  If you look at Jesus and the disciples, they were anything but mealy-mouthed milktoasts.  If, as Christians, we are living our lives with Christ as our example and operating out of love and compassion for others, we needn't be ashamed to clearly and emphatically state the Gospel truths.  

Where is that line between shrinking violets and off-putting zealots?

Mar. 5- UA 33

I was shocked to learn that almost a week has passed since my last post.  It is interesting how the days can seem so long at times, but the weeks pass so quickly.  


The Unexpected Adventure- "Ready to Make a Difference"- 2 Peter 1:3

After a tiring evangelism conference in Florida, Lee, Mark and their friend, Andy, were on a flight  back to Chicago.  Lee and Mark fell asleep soon after the plane took off.  Andy, who was seated by an atheist with questions, spent the flight fielding questions about the Christian faith.  At one point Andy glanced over his shoulder and discovered two of America’s evangelistic giants were fast asleep.  Andy reported at first he was disappointed they were not awake, ready to jump in to help him witness.  Then Andy realized that the Holy Spirit had given him the wisdom and peace of mind to respond to the atheist’s questions.

Action Principle- When we witness, we are never alone.  The “all-powerful, ever-present, ultra-loving Creator of the universe” is always with us.  I liked the line “whatever God expects, God enables” 

Does this mean we have no duty to prepare ourselves and just hope we will stumble on the right words?  While I agree that the Holy Spirit will be our guide and strength, we still have a duty to study the Bible, be prayed up and make whatever other preparations we are called to make in order to maximize our witness.