Wedding Day

On the last New Year's day, I was celebrating being married to my wife for 30 years. I can still remember how she looked when she entered the doorway at the rear of the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church in Murray, KY. She was (and still is) the most beautiful woman in the world! Dressed in a gorgeous white dress she had chosen herself for that day. Everything about her was perfect; her hair, her makeup, and her shoes.  Fresh and new, except for the something borrowed, especially for that day. She had made that day not only a special day for her, but for me, her groom. Even after the wedding and reception, she continued to try to keep the dress clean and unblemished by lipstick and punch because the dress itself was very special to her. The dress was not just any dress, it was the dress she wore to make the covenant to me and to God to remain pure and faithful till one of us is put in the ground. That makes it very special. Even though I looked forward to that day, I had little idea what her dress would look like and I never dreamed how beautiful she would look when she came to the altar to meet me. My knees still get as weak today as they did that day. She was beautiful and I had nothing to do with it except to be the motivation. I can't help but think about Jesus everytime I perform a wedding ceremony or reflect back to my own wedding because it causes me to realize even though I am a man, I am still a bride. The bride of Christ. The church, those who are believers in Christ, are the bride of Christ. The difference between me, a part of the bride, and my bride is that my bride prepared herself for me, but Christ is preparing His bride, the church, for Himself.


"Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the
church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with
the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a
glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she
should be holy and without blemish." Eph. 5:25-27 NKJV

This has seemed to be a very troubling thought to me when I think about the actions of Christ's bride. I know my bride would never have put on her pure white dress and purposefully wallowed in a mud puddle or poured something on it to soil her garment. My concern is, why would the bride of Christ, intentionally soil her bridal clothes that Christ is preparing to be "without blemish"? I can understand sin that is committed by being "led away by his own desires and enticed." (James 1:14) This will usually lead to a repentant heart and undesirable consequences, even if the sin covers a long period of time. But I have a hard time understanding how believers will knowingly and proudly, even praising God for their position, claim God's desire for them to "be happy" and walk into sin like walking into a beautiful ocean surf, damaging everyone in their path because of their own selfish desires. This is the bride of Christ purposefully soiling her dress before the wedding!

"And to her (the bride of Christ) it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints." Rev. 19:8 NKJV

If those who claim to be the bride of Christ continue to live apart from the teachings of God's Word, what will her dress of fine linen look like on the wedding day? It seems to me, the bride is soiling the garment as fast as the groom cleans it. It might make one wonder, if those who are part of the "bride" chooses to soil their garment, maybe they're not part of the "bride" to start with. If this is true, many have a greater problem than dirty clothes....they have no invitation to the wedding.

Something to think about.

Shelf Space

My oldest daughter has just begun a new job with a large soda distributor.  Each day she must see to it that the shelves in the large supercenter are filled with the products she represents.  She must be very diligent to make sure that ALL of the shelf space awarded to her company is filled at all times.  The store is not as concerned with what products that are filling the shelves but more that the shelves are filled.  If she does not keep her space filled, she will lose it to another vendor.  Less shelf space equals fewer sales.  No one in sales wants sales to decline.


Today as I was coming into town, I saw a building remodel under way. Its future will be a bar targeting university students. With the expansion of alcohol sales invited last summer, we experience the opening of either a retail liquor store or a new tavern or club on a regular basis. Already we have seen many store shelves, even complete aisles, given to alcoholic beverages. For many years, this small town has been able to tout something very special but today the look is changing rapidly.  Few cities in the US could say that alcohol is not available and my town “was” one of these.  Until now! 
 

We can cite many reasons for this; progress, economic growth, signs of the times, and on and on.  But I am concerned about the negligence of “the Church.”  As I was meeting with a friend this morning, who at one time was a store manager for a large retailer, he shared how he would continue to award shelf space to those who would keep the space filled.  If the vendor did not keep the space filled, there would be another, anxiously waiting, to gladly take over the space and keep it filled. I think the churches have given up a lot of shelf space in this town.

 
We know that everyone is searching for fulfillment in life.  Everyone is in the market, shopping for whatever they think might supply this need.  We are presented every minute with a supplier trying to sell his product and fill this need.  The world’s shelves are filled with Satan’s products; sex, money, power, alcohol, drugs, cars, pleasure, ease, complacency, houses and anything other material things you might dream up.  Satan keeps his shelves stocked.

 
I feel that one of the greatest problems in the church today is that we have been given shelf space in this global market and are failing to keep it filled.  We do not have problems with supply because we are told in the Bible that our supply is not limited.

 
“Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.”  Ephesians 3:20 


“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

 
And the product that we have to fill the shelves with has a demand by consumers.

 
“For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.”  Romans 1:20

 
So the problem must be coming from the church that is responsible for keeping the product in the face of the consumer.  The church should be gaining shelf space not losing it.  We are not keeping the shelves filled.  We are concerned with keeping the back room stocked and expecting someone else to fill the shelves.  We refuse to research the market and hunt for consumers.  We show our merchandise in our own showrooms and expect the consumer to come looking for it.  When will we learn that the Great Commission tells us to go, not them to come.

 
So ends my rant for the day.  Church!  Go stock the shelves with Love, Compassion, Understanding, Grace, Righteousness, and Holiness!  Let’s take back some shelf space!  Let’s give them Jesus!

Israel

What a beautiful sunrise over Tel Aviv this morning. We arrived in Tel Aviv without any delays in flight or customs. Everyone is very friendly here. You would never know there is such turmoil in the land. We arrived at our hotel around 4:30 p.m. and quickly changed into our swimsuits to play in the Mediterranean Sea. The water was warm and the waves were just right for body surfing. I thought about where I was. We are near to the Biblical city of Joppa. When I thought about the sunset, I thought of Jesus and realized He would have enjoyed this same coastline. Later, we enjoyed dinner as Dr. Chad Foster led us through Shabbat prayers and what we know as communion. It is quite humbling to see the men come into the resturant with a "kippa" and lead their family in "kiddush" which is similar to Christian communion. It is so uncommon in America for Christian men to even lead in a prayer of thankfulness before eating let alone be so bold as to stand and pray. Dr. Foster led in the blessings in Hebrew and followed with english translation. Today, after breakfast we will travel up the Via Maris, "The Way of the Sea" to Caesarea, Megiddo and Mt. Carmel, where fire came down from heaven and consumed the sacrifice, the altar and licked the water up out of the ditch. Oh, I am so looking forward to this. Shalom for the day!

Focus, Focus, Focus

Today I was at the school where my children attend. It was the last day of school before summer break. For the elementary classes, the day was filled with fun and games. I was watching as they played and rotated around many different events. As I watched one event I really saw the life of a Christian modeled. The game consisted of a styrofoam ball about 2" in diameter and a plastic spoon. The object of this relay game was for each team to balance the ball on the spoon and travel down the course about 20 feet, go around a cone, and return to the starting point where the next person in the relay would take over and continue this process until all had participated. The team completing this task would be declared the winner. Sounds easy but trying to keep that lightweight ball balanced on that little spoon is quite hard.

As I watched the girls and boys compete, I began to distinguish those that were successful and why. The ones with the competitive spirit would try to see how fast they could go. If they tried to run or walk too fast, the wind would blow the ball off and they would have to pick it up and start over. But another thing happened to the ones trying to move fast; they would be going faster than their competitor but just when they thought they were doing good, they would look away and invariably drop the ball.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, there were some who were very nervous and walked very tensed and slow. This seemed to work for them, but just like the speeders, just when they thought they were doing good, they looked away and guess what? They dropped the ball!

The ones that were the most successful were the ones who were not as concerned about speed but were focused on the ball. You see, that was the most important part of the game; don't drop the ball.

Now, as I see this game, I see the need for Christians to "focus on the ball."

The writer of Hebrews tells us this:

"Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because He never lost sight of where He was headed--that exhilarating finish in and with God--He could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now He's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God." Hebrew 12:2 MSG

As I studied these kids, grade after grade, the results were the same. The ones who kept their focus on the ball were the ones who were the most successful in the race. By the same token, those Christians who keep their focus on Jesus will be the most successful in this race called life.

If we keep our eyes on Jesus, whatever adversity may come our way will be overcome by the One who has, with pleasure, endured the cross, despised the shame and finished our race.

Don't run too fast, you might take your eyes off and be shallow.
Don't walk too slow, you might take your eyes off and be complacent.
Focus your walk on Jesus and stay with Him and you will be what He intends for you to be.

I hope you will keep your eyes on Him!

Don't drop the ball.

Wet Feet

Last night, I went to bed with many thoughts on mind about the agenda for today. This morning I was awakened by a very loud rainstorm at 3 o'clock. Suddenly, all of the thoughts from the night before rushed back to my mind and I was unable to go back to sleep. At 4 o'clock I decided to go ahead and start my day since I had a men's Bible study at 6. I spent some time in the Bible and prayer and began my routine to leave. When I walked out, the rain was coming down hard and the porch light was quickly blocked out as I made it to my driveway. It had been raining hard and long and many puddles had accumulated in my gravel driveway. Some were very deep, shoe top deep. Yes, that's right. I tested the depth of the puddles with my feet. I looked like a cat with wet feet as I was shaking the water off.

When I made it to my Uprising group comprised of four other men, I began to complain about the rain this morning and the wet feet I had received as a result of it. During the opening prayer, one of my friends thanked the Lord for even my wet feet. It quickly dawned on me how ungrateful I am. Even though my feet were wet, they had carried me from my bed to the shower. My feet carried me through the rain and drove me to town. My feet then carried me into the church where I would meet with one man slightly older than I, one slightly younger than I and two young men that are seniors in high school; my friends, my prayer partners, and the ones that hold me accountable to love the Lord and love others. I then realized, my wet feet would provide the means to do the work the Lord has called me to do and that is to preach the goods news of a Savior whose feet carried Him to a cross where they would be nailed along with His hands for my sins and yours. When I thought about that....I could no longer complain that my feet were wet.

I am thankful today for all things. Even wet feet. May they lead me down the path of righteousness.

Where will your feet take you?

"The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord.
He delights in every detail of their lives."
Psalm 37:23 NLT

Hard to Stand

Today is the National See You At The Pole for students. This is an annual event that has been initiated to be a student-led prayer gathering at the flag pole of their school. Today as I went to the local middle school to meet at 7:30, I found that the teachers had organized a gathering at 7:15. However, many students were still arriving at 7:45. I saw something very unique as the three students that came to meet with me tried to encourage peers to join with them. Each peer would either pretend they did not see or hear them, or dodge the invitation with a "gotta do something" or "I'll be right back". But never the less, there were three of whom I was very proud. I am always proud of students that will take a stand for Christ but especially for those who are standing in the small group.

I shared Matthew 18:20 with them which reads in the NLT, "For Where two or three gather together because they are mine, I am there among them." These three lifted their voices to the Lord and asked that their peers be saved! Wow! How many times do we adults join in small gatherings in front of crowds of onlookers and pray that our friends be saved?

Verse 19 of Matthew 18 tells us "If two of you agree down here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you." These three prayed the same thing. They "agreed" with one another desiring their friends be saved.

The church is not changing. We meet at "safe" times, in "safe" places. It is safe to go to church on Sunday morning when all the churchy people go. We have always been told there is safety in numbers. But Christ has not called us as a group, He has called us an individuals and that is how we must stand for Him.

Why plan a prayer meeting that meets early before everyone arrives? Why plan a worship service when and where it will not be offensive to anyone? Why do we as Christians desire to be "bold" in secret? In Christ there is power. Stand with the few in plain sight. That is boldness.

Don't run away when no one is chasing you. Proverbs 28:1 ".....but the righteous are as bold as a lion."

Be bold....stand when there are only a few to stand with you!

Come Lord Jesus

Today I yearn for the return of Christ. As I contemplate the Second Coming of Jesus Christ I become very anxious. Like a child looking forward to Christmas morning. Wondering what it will be like, scared yet quickend by this bizzare fear and hunger for the things to come. I am quite sure that to see Jesus and the things He has prepared for me will be exceedingly abundantly more than I could possibly think or imagine. I also know that this day will not come until every opportunity has been exhausted for all to be presented with the saving Gospel. John joins with the Sprit and the bride and says, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" I look at the last words that the Apostle John shares with us from the Revelation and feel much the same way as the days pass and God reveals more about Himself to me. Each additional and glorious glimpse causes the anticipation to increase. I dismay when many who are gifted and empowered by the Spirit choose to neglect these offerings. Many who have great talents for teaching, leadership, encouragement choose to utilize these talents on themselves instead of using them for the glory of God. In James we are told "Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins."
(James 4:17 NIV)

I wish there was a switch in the life of each believer that God would flip at the commonly prescribed time that would move us from point A to point B in our Spiritual walk. In Jewish tradition there is the Bar/Bet Mitzvah taking place at thirteen years of age, moving one from childhood to adulthood in regard to one's responsibility to the Law. Would it not be wonderful if this point was easily defined for Christians regarding our walk with Christ?

Paul said, "When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a chld does. But when I grew up, I put away childish things." Oh, that we could have clarity to know when to put away the immature thoughts of childhood and grow up. No one having even entered into adolescence would drink milk from a baby bottle but why do so many "Christians" continue to drink milk from a bottle instead of feasting on the meat in God's word and His will?

True joy and fulfillment in a person's life will only come when God's will is sought and not their own. No matter how honorable the intention, or intense the work, if not done according to the will of God it is but stuble in the fire. Live to know God more and share in my anticipation of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ!!