Commitment

When our kids were little we lived in a small farming town west of Phoenix called Peoria. Now those of you who are familiar with the Phoenix area realize that Peoria is no longer the sleepy little farming town it once was.

But then, the fields around our subdivision were prosperous with crops of alfalfa, cotton, and vegetables. It was not uncommon to see tractors and farm equipment driving through town on the way to their next field. But what was most fun was getting our vegetables from the fields and then visiting the dairy and the chicken farm.

Fresh milk, fresh eggs and fresh vegetables. Nothing like it!

When our kids became school age I was amazed to learn that many of their classmates didn’t know where their food came from. It seemed almost shocking. It was great when one of the parents invited the class for a field trip to their dairy. Seeing those children’s faces (and some of the mom’s) in the milking barn made me chuckle.

This morning I’d like to tell you a little story about a farmer. Farmer Jones was a wonderful farmer and all his animals loved him. He took such good care of them. One day the chicken said, we should do something special for Farmer Jones. All the animals agreed so they thought and thought – what could they do that would be special.

The chicken spoke up again – “I know we can make breakfast for Farmer Jones on Friday.” Yes, yes – that’s what we’ll do all the animals agreed. All but one. “What’s the matter”, asked the chicken? “The cow will give milk, I will give some eggs and you can provide the bacon.” The pig looked long and hard at the chicken and then said, “Breakfast only requires your participation but for me it’s a total commitment.”

It seems that these days people have a problem with “total commitment”. Get a job, it doesn’t work out, get another one; same with marriage. Things don’t work out, it’s not working for me, I’m not happy – move on. Contracts almost always have a loop hole or escape clause. There’s got to be a way out.

The same was true in Jesus’ day too. When people saw the miracles that Jesus did they were drawn to Him, and rightfully so. However, the crowds started to wane when His teaching included words like love your enemies and if you follow me you will face persecution, deny yourself.

Jesus called his followers to be disciples.

We get the word discipline from the word disciple – a pupil; a learner. There are many who believe in Jesus as Savior but not all are disciples. They are willing to express a relationship with the Lord and even make a few changes to their lives but they don’t want it to impact everything they do.

“Stay joined together with me, and follow my teachings. If you do this, you can ask for anything you want, and it will be given to you. Show that you are my followers by producing much fruit. This will bring honor to my Father. I have loved you as the Father has loved me. Now continue in my love.” John 15:7-9 ERV

What does it take to be a disciple or a learner of Christ? If we desire to be truly free, it requires that we spend time learning from Christ and His word. Following His example.

“As He was saying these things, many believed in Him. 31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples. 32 You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:30-32 ERV

Let’s go back to the story of our farmer’s breakfast. For years I was a willing participant. I was glad to provide what I could, when it was convenient but I lacked full commitment. The Lord patiently loved me. He was teaching me, correcting me, never giving up on me. (I am so grateful for that.)

Let me encourage you to be more than a participant. Become a disciple, be committed, draw close to Christ.

A Godly Heritage

My mother celebrated her ninety-seventh birthday yesterday! Yes, that is correct – 97. We had the joy of being with her, my sister, brother-in-law, niece, daughter and son-in-law as we celebrated her life. A few close friends dropped by to say hello and to wish her well. For the past few weeks her mailbox was filled with cards from friends, family and acquaintances. As of yesterday the total birthday cards received came to 110. She was overwhelmed by the expressions of love.

Mom talks a lot about leaving this earth and going home to heaven. It’s something she is looking forward too with much joy. She feels she’s been here long enough and is awaiting her departure with great anticipation. But while she’s here she continues to pray for her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren on a daily basis.

She tells her friends and the few people she is still able to interact with about her love for Jesus and how good God is. She always tries to have some sort of devotional book on hand to give to someone who needs to know about Jesus.

I know how blessed I am to have such a godly heritage. She and my dad both loved the Lord and brought my brother, sister and I up to love Him too.

“Remember these commands I give you. Keep them in your hearts. Write them down and tie them on your hands and wear them on your foreheads as a way to remember my laws. 19 Teach these laws to your children. Talk about these things when you sit in your houses, when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up. 20 Write these commands on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates. 21 Then both you and your children will live a long time in the land that the Lord promised to give to your ancestors. You will live there as long as the skies are above the earth.” Deuteronomy 11:18-21 ERV

At this point, each time we say good-bye and leave we understand that it may be the last time we see Mom alive on this earth. It is a bitter-sweet experience. Mom says we are to have a party and not be sad because she will finally be home. My daughter text me yesterday after she left and said “the good-byes are so hard”. To which I replied “Then just tell her ‘see you later’ because you know she’ll be waiting to see you when you get to heaven”.

Mom never had great monetary riches, she never had a plaque or monument placed in her honor, she never traveled world-wide or excelled to great heights – not by the world’s standards. However, her life has been filled to overflowing. Her home was always open, her table fed whoever was hungry, she shared love and friendship and loved the Lord.

A life well lived! I am very blessed to have such a godly heritage. As Mom said yesterday “I never knew so many people were watching what I did and that it effected them the way it did”.

That’s true. We don’t know whose watching so let’s live each day in a way that can change lives and point people to Jesus.

A Hard Row to Hoe

Yesterday Dave and I found ourselves “on the road again”. We were making the trip from home to my mother’s in Yuma, about four and a half hours away. The interstate takes us through a big city, small towns, across open arid desert and fertilized farmland. I grew up here, I know the land well.

It was the arid desert that held my attention on our drive. The cactus, greasewood, and dry, hard ground is the natural state of things in the desert. The green fields of alfalfa are not. After many years of working the soil it is able to produce a viable crop but left unattended it quickly reverts to the dry, desert it once was.

Any farmer knows “It’s a hard row to hoe”.

Some of the land in Israel is arid and it too can be hard and dry. I think that may be what prompted Jesus as He told about a farmer who went out to sow seed. Jesus, said we need to understand this parable so we can understand many of the other parables.

The sower sowed the seed on all kinds of ground. He didn’t just see the good soil and sow there but instead seed went on the hard ground, the rocky soil, the soil with weeds and thorns and also the good soil. Every kind of soil had the ability to receive seed.

The same is true for us – the seed is the Word of God and the Word is available to all. We are the soil and it’s our responsibility to determine what kind of soil we will be. Frankly, I still have some thorns and weeds in my soil but am working daily to see that they are removed so that the seed can grow and bring in a healthy harvest.

In the Old Testament we are given this admonition:

“I said, ‘Plant the good seeds of righteousness, and you will harvest a crop of love. Plow up the hard ground of your hearts, for now is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and shower righteousness upon you.’.” Hosea 10:12 NLT

It’s our job to break up the hard ground in our lives – God shows us the rocks and the weeds but we have to be willing to throw them out and see that the seed has healthy soil to grow in. God promises to send the showers to soften the soil and make it ready to receive the seed.

Once we receive the shower of His love and the ground of our hearts is soften, we can receive His word and our lives will become productive. We will no longer be like that arid desert but our lives will produce like the well-watered farmland.

Research

A good portion of my day was spent in research yesterday. Occasionally, I do freelance projects that require a verification of facts and figures. It’s tedious but also interesting. More often than not, the information I gather is not something I would normally find interesting but when I look at it through the eyes of the one requesting the data it sparks my interest.

There’s a line from the movie, Monte Walsh, where a ranch manager is describing how the ranch has been purchased by an investment group in the East. Their representative has come to learn the in’s and out’s of ranching. The ranch manager goes on to say “Mr. Slocum is here for two weeks to learn ranching.” When asked what skills he will learn, the ranch manager repeats several times “He’s a good one with the numbers”. This man won’t learn anything about the cattle, the way of life or what is takes to have a successful cattle ranch – all he wants to know is the numbers. The bottom line. His research is strictly a financial one.

There have been times that when folks have asked “how are you doing” or “what’s going on with you” and I know that they are really only concerned about the bottom line and not the details. It seems they ask out of obligation but their interest isn’t really in the circumstances that I’m experiencing.

However, there is one who is always interested.

“We are people of flesh and blood. That is why Jesus became one of us. He died to destroy the devil, who had power over death. 15 But he also died to rescue all of us who live each day in fear of dying. 16 Jesus clearly did not come to help angels, but he did come to help Abraham’s descendants. 17 He had to be one of us, so that he could serve God as our merciful and faithful high priest and sacrifice himself for the forgiveness of our sins. 18 And now that Jesus has suffered and was tempted, he can help anyone else who is tempted.” Hebrews 2:14-18 CEV

Jesus didn’t just do a statistical evaluation of what life was like as a human. He became human so that He could experience life as we know it. He got tired and hungry; in arid climate he was hot and thirsty. He went through all the emotions we do – He experienced the murder of his cousin, the death of a close friend, He was betrayed by a business associate and misunderstood by His closest friends.

“We have a great high priest, who has gone into heaven, and he is Jesus the Son of God. That is why we must hold on to what we have said about him. 15 Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16 So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:14-16 CEV

Jesus understands EVERY weakness we face and because of that He offers us help and kindness. All we have to do is come to Him.

I’m so glad that Jesus knows my heart and not just the numbers. He’s experienced life as we know it. His research is complete and He has made us this promise.

“A thief comes only to rob, kill, and destroy. I came so that everyone would have life, and have it in its fullest.” John 10:10 CEV

Wounded

This last weekend our oldest daughter, her husband and two pups came for a visit. We didn’t realize it until Sunday morning but one of the pups got a little to up-close and personal with one of the cactus in our backyard.

When we were driving back to their home on Sunday morning I noticed what I thought was a skin tag on his bottom lip. He didn’t want me to touch it. Our daughter was able to pluck it off and when she did, it began to bleed and drain. It was then we discovered that it was caused by a cactus needle. When it stopped bleeding the irritation and the infection were gone.

Isn’t that the way it is with us sometimes?

We just go along with our every day routine and somewhere along the way we get wounded. Something is said or done or not done that we thought should be and emotionally and/or physically we get pricked. A wound is made and if left alone will fester and become sensitive.

“But deal well with me, O Sovereign Lord, for the sake of your own reputation! Rescue me
 because you are so faithful and good. 22 For I am poor and needy, and my heart is full of pain.” Psalm 109:21-22 NLT

The phrase “my heart is full of pain” is also quoted as “my heart is wounded” in another translation. All through the Scripture we are told that Jesus will heal the brokenhearted or that the Lord will comfort those with broken hearts.

A wound has to be cleansed to heal. It has to be opened, washed and any foreign bodies removed. Things like bitterness, self-pity, anger – these cause an infection in our soul. Peter asked Jesus how many times he had to forgive someone for the offenses they caused. Jesus said seventy times seven. 490! Jesus made forgiveness His final act – on the cross He had been physically and emotionally wounded; His final words were for all of us “Father, forgive them”.

“He heals those who have a broken heart. He heals their sorrows.” Psalm 147:3 NLV

God is the faithful physician. He knows how to bring cleansing; He alone can stop the hurt. We all have experienced soul wounding, some to a greater degree than others. Even the smallest prick can cause anguish. When we come to Him with our wounds the Lord covers us with His healing. Forgiveness is the ointment that cleanses.

Shortly after the wound to Bowie’s lip was open he was running around as if nothing had happened. The pain was gone. I pray that any wounds you have experienced will also be healed quickly.

“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me. He has put His hand on Me to preach the Good News to poor people. He has sent Me to heal those with a sad heart. He has sent Me to tell those who are being held that they can go free. He has sent Me to make the blind to see and to free those who are held because of trouble. 19 He sent Me to tell of the time when men can receive favor with the Lord.” Luke 4:18-19 NLV

Good News!

Sitting here this morning, there are so many things on my mind and in my heart. Praying for my children and grandchildren, friends who need direction, healing for the friends of friends and for our nation and our government and those who rule our land. So many things around us are going contrary to what Jesus said was the kingdom of heaven and what God has designed for us.

Jesus also lived in a troubled world. The governmental rule was anti-God. The Romans, who ruled over the nation of Israel, preached Caesar as god and his word as infallible. They were living in political slavery when Jesus was born. I find it interesting that God, the Father, didn’t use Jesus to rescue the Jews from the Romans in a similar way that he used Moses to rescue the Jews from the Egyptians.

Jesus went through all the towns and villages preaching the good news of the kingdom of heaven and with that message he demonstrated the power of God by doing miracles.

“Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages. He taught in their synagogues and told people the Good News about God’s kingdom. He healed all kinds of diseases and sicknesses. 36 Jesus saw the many people and felt sorry for them because they were worried and helpless—like sheep without a shepherd to lead them. 37 Jesus said to his followers, “There is such a big harvest of people to bring in. But there are only a few workers to help harvest them. 38 God owns the harvest. Ask him to send more workers to help gather his harvest.” Matthew 9:35 – 38 ERV

He also sent out his disciples, preaching the same message and they too, did the same miracles.

“As you go, announce that the kingdom of heaven will soon be here. [d] 8Heal the sick, raise the dead to life, heal people who have leprosy, [e] and force out demons. You received without paying, now give without being paid.” Matthew 10:7-8 ERV

In Peter’s preaching he gave this testimony of Jesus and his ministry.

“You surely know what happened everywhere in Judea. It all began in Galilee after John had told everyone to be baptized. 38 God gave the Holy Spirit and power to Jesus from Nazareth. He was with Jesus, as he went around doing good and healing everyone who was under the power of the devil. 39 We all saw what Jesus did both in Israel and in the city of Jerusalem. Jesus was put to death on a cross. 40 But three days later, God raised him to life and let him be seen. 41 Not everyone saw him. He was seen only by us, who ate and drank with him after he was raised from death. We were the ones God chose to tell others about him.” Acts 10: 37-41. ERV

But the corruption of the government was always on Jesus disciples’ minds and they wondered when Jesus would take control and change things. Here are Jesus last words to his disciples.
“While the apostles were still with Jesus, they asked him, “Lord, are you now going to give Israel its own king again?” 7Jesus said to them, “You don’t need to know the time of those events that only the Father controls. 8But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world.” 9After Jesus had said this and while they were watching, he was taken up into a cloud. They could not see him, 10but as he went up, they kept looking up into the sky.” Acts 1:6-9 ERV

Today, many are asking the same thing. When, Lord, are you going to do something about our government and those in power? Things are not good that is for certain! But we are hopeful and can trust that God knows the day and the hour. Until then, Jesus final command to the disciples is for us as well. We receive power from the Holy Spirit and are to be witnesses in our home town (Jerusalem), in our country (Judea), to our neighboring countries (Samaria) and then into the whole world. And what are we to preach – the same thing the disciples did. The kingdom of heaven is at hand and we can minister with the same power and authority that they had.

Let’s go and share the good news!

Show Me The Way

So, I’m going to share with you a conversation that occurred yesterday between Dave and I. We flew to Texas early yesterday morning to pick up a “new-to-us” truck we purchased. We were in a smaller town outside of Dallas. Lyft took us from the airport to the dealership.

After we signed all the papers we had lunch at a Mexican restaurant across the parking lot and then we got in the truck and headed toward San Angelo. I had put San Angelo in the Waze app and tapped on “Go Now”. It calculated and started spitting out directions. We hadn’t programmed the NAV in the new truck yet so we were going off the phone. When Dave asked me to tell him how far our turn was I told him what it said on the screen. To which he replied that’s not possible we’re not going to Ft Worth.

All I could say is “but that’s what it says”. Good thing we were on a four-lane divided road because he was able to pull off and look at the screen and the direction. “This is all wrong. We have to figure something out.” Since I had no idea where we were and where we were going it was all on him. Finally, we got it calculated to a smaller town much closer and we were off again.

Show me the way home! The best way home!

How many times do we take off in one direction thinking we know what’s right and find out we should have recalculated. God’s word is our best road map!

If we call He will answer; if we seek He will show us the way; if we knock He will see that the door opens. Problem is, too often we don’t ask or we are too consumed in making our own way to follow His. I love that the Father is always there listening and He is always willing to answer when I call.

“Listen, Lord, as I pray! You are faithful and honest and will answer my prayer. 2 I am your servant. Don’t try me in your court, because no one is innocent by your standards. 3 My enemies are chasing me, crushing me in the ground. I am in total darkness, like someone long dead. 4 I have given up all hope, and I feel numb all over. 5 I remember to think about the many things you did in years gone by. 6 Then I lift my hands in prayer, because my soul is a desert, thirsty for water from you. 7 Please hurry, Lord, and answer my prayer. I feel hopeless. Don’t turn away and leave me here to die. 8 Each morning let me learn more about your love because I trust you. I come to you in prayer, asking for your guidance. 9 Please rescue me from my enemies, Lord! I come to you for safety. 10 You are my God. Show me what you want me to do, and let your gentle Spirit lead me in the right path.
11 Be true to your name, Lord, and keep my life safe. Use your saving power to protect me from trouble. 12 I am your servant. Show how much you love me by destroying my enemies.” Psalm 143 CEV

On those days when I feel like throwing up my hands and having a good cry I have learned if I offer up a prayer first, my way becomes more clear, the path opens up before me and the Father is even there to dry my tears.

Mending Fences

A number of years ago, I had the privilege to preach the funeral of a dear friend. This old cowboy had lived a good life but not always a godly life. In fact, it wasn’t until a couple years before he died that I had the opportunity to lead him to Jesus. How special it was to know that God’s love had touched this man’s life and that he accepted Jesus as his Savior.

Dave and I made the trip from Montana to Nebraska for the celebration of his life. I remember asking him just a few days before he died if he was ready to see Jesus and he responded with a resounding “Yes, I just didn’t think it would be this soon.”

When we arrived, we stopped at the mortuary to meet his family. His favorite saddle was positioned at the end of the casket and tied to the saddle was a pair of fencin’ pliers. It made me wonder, how many times he must have used those as he rode fence and checked on the cattle.

How many times have I needed a pair of spiritual fencin’ pliers? How many times have I needed to have the lines around me pulled tight and secured once again to a strong post? How many times have I tried to grab a loose strand of wire with my hands and been stuck on the barbs?

“These two things cannot change: God cannot lie when he says something, and he cannot lie when he makes an oath. So these two things are a great help to us who have come to God for safety. They encourage us to hold on to the hope that is ours. 19 This hope is like an anchor for us. It is strong and sure and keeps us safe.” Hebrews 6:18-19

To me, hope is like a pair of fencin’ pliers. A good fence keeps out predators, the fence provides safety. We need to hold tightly to the hope that God gives us in His Word. The hope that His Word brings keeps us secure and safe.

One thing I remarked on at Derald’s funeral was that there was no need for mending fences in heaven. The work is done. All pastures are safe, nothing harmful will break through. Those of us that remain here are the ones who have the responsibility to watch for downed fences and broken wires. We can help keep others safe by sharing God’s word and our faith in His promises.

God can’t lie. Trust His Word, He will keep us safe and sure.

Don’t Be Ashamed

These are the words that were going through my mind when I woke up this morning. “I am not ashamed”.

Many times over the past sixty-seven years I have been ashamed. Ashamed of my actions, ashamed of something I have said that was unkind, cruel or untrue. Ashamed when I compared myself to others – not pretty enough, not athletic, not popular, not stylish, not “whatever”.

The worst…there were times when I wanted to be a “secret agent” for Jesus. In high school, it seems everyone knew I was a Christian. Some of my friends and I met together each morning in the library and at lunch time outside Snyder Hall to pray. We prayed about tests, problems with classmates and with family issues. But that meant we were excluded from some of the activities of the more popular kids. Sometimes, I selfishly wished I had not been so vocal.

My faith in Christ is the bedrock of who I am. I want His love to shine through me. I stand on God’s Word. I believe it is 100% true. There is no room for compromise on His principles. Standing strong on His word is the only ground that does not give way in the face of life’s storms. That is a lesson I have learned.

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. 25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.” Matthew 7:24-25 NLT

2020 has been a year of rains, floodwaters and winds…but a house built on the bedrock of God’s Word won’t collapse! I believe that with all my heart.

I found quite a few verses that talk about not being ashamed. I think the last two may surprise you.

“They cried to You, and were delivered; They trusted in You, and were not ashamed.” Psalm 22:5 NKJV

“I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed.” Psalm 34:4-5 NKJV

“I am not ashamed of the Good News. It is the power of God. It is the way He saves men from the punishment of their sins if they put their trust in Him. It is for the Jew first and for all other people also. 17 The Good News tells us we are made right with God by faith in Him. Then, by faith we live that new life through Him. The Holy Writings say, “A man right with God lives by faith.” Romans 1:16-17 NLV

“I have been chosen to be a missionary and a preacher and a teacher of this Good News. 12 For this reason, I am suffering. But I am not ashamed. I know the One in Whom I have put my trust. I am sure He is able to keep safe that which I have trusted to Him until the day He comes again.” II Timothy 1:11-12 NLV

“Jesus makes men holy. He takes away their sins. Both Jesus and the ones being made holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them His brothers.” Hebrews 2:11 NLV

“But they were waiting for a better country—a heavenly country. So God is not ashamed to be called their God. And he has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:16 ERV

If God, the Father, and Jesus are unashamed of us then why should we be ashamed of them? Christ died for us when we were our most unlovable. He followed the plan that God, the Father, had in mind – the plan of reconciliation. Neither of them are ashamed of us!

Let’s live the rest of our lives shameless – unashamed in our stand for Christ.

“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15 NLT

Where to Find Beauty

When you hear the word “beauty” what’s the first thing you think of? It may be a gorgeous scene like pictured here or perhaps it’s a person.

Not many would think of holiness as beauty but King David did.

“Give the Lord praise worthy of his glory. Come into his presence with your offerings.  Worship the Lord in all his holy beauty.” I Chronicles 16:29 ERV

Holiness is about our relationship with Christ who lives within us. It’s so much more than rules set up by people. Holiness is about character – purity of motives – it’s our lives reflecting God’s nature.

As the moon reflects the brightness of the sun and shares that illumination with the night sky, our lives can and should reflect the brightness of the “Son” and illuminate our sphere of influence.

“So don’t let anyone make rules for you about eating and drinking or about Jewish customs (festivals, New Moon celebrations, or Sabbath days)…It is so foolish for them to feel such pride, because it is all based on their own human ideas. 19 They don’t keep themselves under the control of the head. Christ is the head, and the whole body depends on him. Because of Christ all the parts of the body care for each other and help each other. So the body is made stronger and held together as God causes it to grow.

20 You died with Christ and were made free from the powers that influence this world. So why do you act as if you still belong to the world? I mean, why do you follow rules like these: 21 “Don’t eat this,” “Don’t taste that,” “Don’t touch that”? 22 These rules are talking about earthly things that are gone after they are used. They are only human commands and teachings. 23 These rules may seem to be wise as part of a made-up religion in which people pretend to be humble and punish their bodies. But they don’t help people stop doing the evil that the sinful self wants to do.

You were raised from death with Christ. So live for what is in heaven, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Think only about what is up there, not what is here on earth. 3 Your old self has died, and your new life is kept with Christ in God. 4 Yes, Christ is now your life, and when he comes again, you will share in his glory.” Colossians 2:17-3:3 ERV

The Lord will show us what things in our life don’t please Him. Be honest and willing to change those things. Ask Him for His help. All of God’s power is available to us through Christ. Since we live in Christ there will never be a power shortage when it comes to change.

“Be holy in everything you do, just as God is holy. He is the one who chose you. 16 In the Scriptures God says, ‘Be holy, because I am holy.'” I Peter 1:15-16 ERV

It would be unfair of the Lord to give us an instruction that we can’t live up too. When He gives us an instruction He gives us the ability to walk it out. When God prompts us to change it comes with encouragement and not condemnation.

Let Him clothe you in the beauty of His holiness.