Jesus and the little children

Pregnancy is usually a wonderful time in the life of a woman. However, there are circumstances that make people feel like they either aren't ready for a child or should end the child's life for the child's own good. What can we learn from God's word about how he feels about children and His plans for them?

1. Who made us?

We are told that God created our inmost being and knit us in our mothers' wombs. (Psalm 139:13) This tells us that while there are biological, chemical, and physiologic changes involved, it is truly God that creates us.

2. Who hates little children?

Certainly not Jesus, who told the little children to come to Him. (Matthew 19:14). We do find that evil people throughout history have hated little children including Pharoah (Exodus 1:22), King Herod (Matthew 2:16), and others (Leviticus 18:21, 2 Kings 17:31, 2 Chronicles 28:3, 33:6, Ezekial 16:20-21, 23:39)

3. What does God have planned for The people He created?

He sent Jesus to save all of the people who believe in him. (John 3:16) He has a plan to prosper His children and not to harm them...to give us a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11).

We may not always understand how God will use what we view in the moment as a mistake or tragedy, but He will. This is because He is God and His ways are higher than ours. (Isiah 55:9) So, whether a child is conceived in celebration or horrible circumstances or if the child is predicted to have a short and/or difficult life, it is not a surprise to God. He has a plan for that child and that child may touch more lives than any "normal or planned" child ever will.

What will you do to stand up for these little children who cannot defend themselves?

How Many Ways Are There to be a Super Bowl Champion?

The Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints are set to face off in this year’s Super Bowl. There will be many bets including who will score first, have more passing yards, and have more first downs. However, none of these things make either of the teams a Super Bowl champion. The only way to be this year’s Super Bowl champion is to score more points than the other team during this year’s Super Bowl.

How many ways are there to know God the Father? Jesus said “...I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). We are told in John 3:17-18 “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe in him stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son”. And how are we saved? Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast”.

At the end of the Super Bowl there will be only one champion. More importantly, we as Christians know that belief in Christ’s redemptive sacrifice for our sins and acceptance of His lordship in our lives is the only way to have a personal relationship with God. Will you take a moment to be thankful that “...everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Acts 2:21)?

Who Do You "Go To"?

You probably have heard the expression “go-to guy” before. This is the person that people go to when they need something or when times get tough because they know that the “go-to guy” will come through. Wouldn’t it be nice to always have someone that you could count on regardless of the circumstances in your life?

Fortunately, there is one who is able to provide just that for those who have trusted Jesus Christ as his/her Lord and Saviour. Proverbs 1:7 tells us that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom...”. Jesus also tells us “If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:9-12). These gifts include that God will never forsake or leave us (Hebrews 13:5), will meet all of our needs according to His glorious riches (Philipians 4:19), and He asks us to cast all of our anxieties on Him (1 Peter 5:7). We are further told God will deliver us in our day of trouble if we call upon Him (Psalm 50:15).

These promises are not made by a weak god, but instead by the one true God. Jesus was able to control the sea, cast demons out of men, feed thousands by multiplying food, and conquer death. This is why Paul was able to write “No, in all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ our Lord” (Romans 8:37-39).

Who’s Number 1?

Alabama and Texas are facing off tonight to determine who is the number 1 college football team in the country. However, there is a much more important question that we face each day of our lives. Who is number 1 in our lives to drive our thoughts, actions, and habits? A lot of potential answers can be discussed, but they ultimately boil down to two options. Do we try to be the god of our own lives or do we allow the one Holy God to be sovereign in our lives?

Saying that we can serve both ourselves and God is not an acceptable answer. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:24 that “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Similarly, the account of the rich young ruler who could not bear to part with his possessions reminds us of how true Jesus’ words are (Luke 18:18-27). In addition, the accounts of Moses, David, and Peter give personal examples of how even God’s servants can succumb to their own selfish desires at times.

So, why should we allow God to be number 1 in our lives? For starters, He sent Christ to save the world (John 3:16). We are also told in Psalm 119:105 that God’s word is “...a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 23 reminds us that if we allow God to serve as our shepherd that we shall not be in want and shall fear no because God is with us. Paul reminds us in Romans 8:31 “...If God is for us, who can be against us?...”. I am encouraged when I am reminded of these great promises from God...I hope you are too.

What’s on Your Christmas List?

I remember being so excited when the JCPenny and Sears Christmas catalogs would arrive at our house as a kid. I would look through them and pick out all sorts of things that would be on my list. As I’ve grown up, my list has gotten smaller and I’ve come to realize that I don’t “need” nearly as many things on my list as I thought I did.

If anyone has come to realize this, it would have to be people who God has asked to lead the Israelites over history. If you ask most folks in the military for what they need to obtain victory, they will talk to you about numbers of troops, technology and ammunition, and strategic locations. God used the physical example of Moses raising his staff to defeat the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8-16). God told Gideon that 22,000 troops were too many and slashed the troop allotment to a mere 300 men to defeat the Midianites (Judges 7). God told Joshua to march around the walls of Jericho, which were 25 feet tall by 20 feet thick, once a day for six days. On the seventh day they were told to march around the city seven times blowing their trumpets and the mighty walls collapsed.

So, we can talk about what God needs to give us in order for us to be joyful...or we can realize that we are made to serve the almighty God of the universe. Jesus told us “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:31-33). Have you looked at your wish list lately? Are you happy with what’s on it?

Ronald Reagan and Jesus

Who is responsible for solving the healthcare issues in America today? The politicians that we as Americans have elected appear to say that government is better able to care for the healthcare of Americans than individuals and the free market. This is in stark contrast to Ronald Reagan’s famous quote “Government is not the solution to our problem, government is the problem”.

What does the Bible say about the poor? Jesus tells us that the poor will always be a part of society (Mark 14:7). We are also told that laziness is not a characteristic to be encouraged as evidenced by the rule “If a man will not work, he shall not eat” (2nd Thessalonians 3:10). That being said, there are people whose plight is not caused by a lack of effort. Jesus healed many people with debilitating diseases (i.e. blindness, paralysis, leprosy) while He was physically on Earth. The apostles also set up a food distribution program for widows to ensure their needs were met (Acts 6:1-5).

We are clearly told that we as individuals are responsible for the care of each other and not to leave such matters to an impersonal government organization. I am reminded of Matthew 25:40 where we are told “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me”. Is God able to say that about you? If you are not happy with your answer, today is yet another opportunity to help those in need.

Is There a Worm in Your Apple?

The extremist that murdered 13 and injured approximately 30 others at Fort Hood has been in the forefront of the news and the hearts of many Americans this week. I would venture to guess that if someone were to look at a line of soldiers without knowing them, they would not be able to pick out which one would betray those he pledged to fight beside.

This isn’t the first instance of betrayal inside a band of brothers. Judas was chosen as one of the 12 disciples to follow Jesus. The other disciples only learned that Judas was going to betray Jesus when he sopped bread with Christ at the same time. Judas was willing to sell out Christ for 30 pieces of silver. Fortunately, our Saviour has power over death and this betrayal was actually part of His plan to save mankind from its own sinfulness.

It has been said that character is what we do when no one is watching. We may be able to fool everyone else, but we cannot fool ourselves and we cannot fool God. Judas hung himself over his betrayal of Jesus. The extremist at Fort Hood was shot and will face trial for his actions. Let’s use these examples of bad character as additional reasons to pursue the righteousness God calls us to.

Pulling a Win out of a Losing Situation

Have you ever had a situation where you thought there were no good outcomes? You evaluate the task, your own resources, and what you see as being available to you and determine that accomplishing the task at hand just isn’t possible. Maybe after coming to this conclusion you have had something in the scenario change that made the task possible or maybe even you were able to accomplish more than expected by the original task.

The disciples were no strangers to these types of scenarios They were with Jesus when crowds of 4,000 (Matthew 15:32-39) and 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21) men needed food as it was getting late. Jesus had the disciples see what food was available for the crowd to eat. On both occasions there were only a limited amount of fish and loaves of bread that couldn’t possibly feed the crowd. Jesus gave thanks for what was available and there wound up being not only enough fish and bread for all the crowd, but several basketfuls left over as well.

Just because we can’t see how any good can come from a situation doesn’t mean that no good can come from it. God knows about our situations and knows how He intends them to glorify His name. Are you willing to walk on faith to see what plans for a hope and a future the Father has for you?

Playing Within the Game Plan

Have you ever seen a player who has hurt his team by trying to do more than he has been asked to do? It winds up frustrating the player who is trying too hard, as well as his teammates, and isn’t a productive way to achieve the team’s goals.

Peter cut off the ear of a Roman soldier who came to arrest Jesus (John 18:10-11). Jesus told him “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” Annanias and Sapphira wanted to look good by claiming to give the church all of the money from the sale of their property (Acts 5:1-11). They had actually held some money back for themselves. Their deceit led to both of their deaths. Moses striking the rock and David committing adultery with Bathsheba are yet other reminders in the Bible of people thinking their plan is better than God’s.

What area of your life do you think you know better than God? Jeremiah 29:11 tells us “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Won’t you trust your next decision to the God who gives you hope and a future?

Encouragement in the Face of Doubt

Have you ever been to a lecture or press conference where the speaker just got hammered with questions? These situations result from the audience strongly disagreeing or questioning the opinion of the speaker. Whether directly said or not, the audience is thinking “Are you serious?”, “That will never work!”, or “How can you be so sure you are right?”.

God is bigger than our fears and doubts. Moses thought he was inadequate to present God’s case to Pharaoh due to his speaking troubles and the unbelief of the Israelites. Instead of giving up on Moses, God provided Aaron to speak for him (Exodus 6:28-7:2). Gideon asked God for several signs before he believed that God was going to use him to save Israel from attack (Judges 6:37-39). Thomas doubted that Jesus had risen from the dead when the other disciples told him. Jesus showed mercy on Thomas and allowed Thomas to see, feel, and believe in His resurrection soon thereafter (John 20:19-29).

We all have doubts at times in our lives. God welcomes people bringing honest doubts and questions to him. He has shown us a track record of using people who have doubted to glorify His kingdom. So, what is it that you want to ask God today?

So Close, Yet So Far Away

You may have heard that Michael Crabtree is the only first round draft pick from the 2009 NFL draft that is still unsigned. He is threatening to hold out an entire season and re-enter the 2010 draft. Mr. Crabtree had the opportunity to show the world his talents during his college career and was rewarded as being the 10th overall pick in the 2009 draft. At this point, the only thing separates him from being on a NFL roster is signing a contract.

Have you ever been so close to a goal and turned away with only one thing remaining in your way? The rich young ruler came to Jesus and asked “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16-23). Jesus told him “If you want to enter life, obey the commandments”. The ruler replied that he had kept all these commandments and was likely shocked when Jesus said “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

It may be that only you and God know what your one thing is that is keeping you from complete surrender. God is not satisfied with being a spare tire or a nice “part” of our lives. Jesus said “If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me he can do nothing” (John 15:5). Jesus told us that “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in His love” (John 15:10).

Look Before You Leap

Have you ever made a decision and only later realized how much the decision cost you? How about the worker who was talking about cheating the company he works for only to find out that his boss is right behind him? Or what about the woman who racks up a huge credit line on her family’s credit card only to find that her family can’t pay the bills at the end of the month? Consequences may not always be immediate or severe, but they will come when we put our own desires first.

God told Moses to “Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out water” (Numbers 20:8-12). Moses instead struck the rock twice with his staff. God told Moses that he and Aaron would not enter the promised land because of their disobedience. Talk about a huge disappointment after wandering in the desert for 40 years! Esau gave up his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew (Genesis 25:29-34)...talk about buyer’s remorse! The prodigal son took his inheritance to live the good life in the city only to lose all of his inheritance and long to go home to be a servant for his father (Luke 15:11-32). All of these scenarios show us what can happen when we leap before we look.

Luke 14:28 says “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?” It is easy to criticize others for failing to plan for the end result at the beginning of a process. Let us learn from our own mistakes (and others’) and look at the potential consequences of our actions before we leap.

Letting Go of Your Clunker

Today, it was reported that approximately 700,000 clunkers were traded in for new vehicles during the government’s “Cash for Clunkers” program. People who brought their clunkers into dealerships as trade-in value for a new vehicle knew they were giving their vehicles up to be destroyed and that they would never be able to get them back. How then can we as Christians better get rid of the “clunker” aspects of our old life and grasp the new creation we are in Christ? (2nd Corinthians 5:17)

One thing we can do is to turn our focus to God. We are reminded that “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe” (Proverbs 29:25). Jesus also told us “...do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him” (Luke 12:4-5).

Focusing on God also allows us to let go of worry when we believe God’s promises for us. Jesus told us “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:33-34).

We need to let go of the “clunkers” in our life on a moment by moment basis. Focusing on fearing God more than man and remembering His promises are the keys to doing this. We have a great God who declares “For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). Are you ready to give up your “clunker” for God’s hope and future for you?

Wanna Second Chance?

I had the opportunity to watch the Texas Rangers beat the Boston Red Sox earlier this week. Our seats were in right field, so we got to watch Josh Hamilton up close. For those of you who don’t know, Josh Hamilton’s story is quite amazing (text, video). Mr. Hamilton spent over 2 years out of baseball due to drug and alcohol addictions and returned to become a great major league player. He now uses his story to share his faith in Christ with others.

The Bible lets us know that God is a fan of second chances. The parable of the prodigal son is certainly a reminder of this, but there are actual accounts in the Bible as well. Samson lost his strength after giving into the whims of an ungodly woman, but God allowed his strength to return to show God’s glory. Peter denied Christ 3 times, yet was given the privilege of preaching a sermon where 3,000 were saved. Saul lost his sight while traveling to Damascus to kill Christians, but God restored his sight allowing him to become one of the greatest apostles responsible for many of the New Testament churches.

It is has been said that the way back to God is to just turn around. He is slow to anger and delights in mercy. Will you accept His mercy and return to His love today?

Things Change, but God Doesn’t

If you’ve ever watched the movie Varsity Blues, you are familiar with the girl who dumps star quarterback Lance Harbor as soon as he suffers a severe knee injury.  On the car ride from the hospital where Lance is to the party that same night she begins trying to seduce the new starting quarterback Jonathon Moxon.  When he tries excusing himself by saying Lance is her boyfriend, she just says “Things change Mox...you’re the starting quarterback now”.

It has been said that the one of the only certainties we have in life is change.  All sorts of things change many times in our lives...friends, family, jobs, what city we live in, etc.  It can seem like everything is moving.  In these times it is so easy to get caught up in emotion and base our level of faith in God on our immediate circumstances.  This approach is like trying to run in place in quicksand....it just doesn’t work.

God has made himself known to us in different ways throughout history, but he has always been the same.  Malachi 3:6 states that “I the Lord do not change”.  Hebrews 13:8 also tells us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever”.  God has always wanted His people to belong to Him alone and to bring Him glory.

Circumstances around us will always be changing.  We can choose to yield to our emotions and reject God’s love when things aren’t going well OR remember that God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Playing a Full 48 Minutes

Professional basketball coaches will often talk about the importance of playing a full 48 minutes of a basketball game. This is especially true when their team played well most of the game and let things get out of hand for just a few critical minutes. The interesting thing about that is we don’t necessarily know which minutes will look most critical at the end of the game…or we would play our hardest during those times.

What are the most critical things for us? Proverbs 3:1-4 says “My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commandments in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” What commandments are most important to follow? Jesus was asked this question and said “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the prophets hang on these 2 commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

So, God wants us to play a “full 48 minutes” for Him. He wants ALL of your heart…ALL of your soul AND ALL of your mind. He wants you to keep His commandments in your heart because He knows they will bring you good things. Do you believe Him? Do your actions say you believe Him? If you don’t like your answer, ask the great physician to work a change in your heart and see the wondrous work He will start in you.

Who’s Name Are You Standing Up For?

Do you want to see a player get angry? Call them out and say they don’t have the ability will, or character needed to do the task at hand. This isn’t a newly found behavior…just go to a local playground and watch the response if a child is told the same thing. Have you ever thought that the reward for actively defending your “reputation” wasn’t worth the price to do it? A better alterative is to make sure people know the true nature of the God we serve.

Men like Pharaoh, the Pharisees, and Pilate were all worried about defending their reputation…you can see how that turned out. Men like Joseph and Job were more concerned with obeying God than proving their critics wrong. Shadrach, Meschach, and Abendnego were thrown in a furnace for refusing to worship a god other than the God they served (Daniel 3). The furnace was so hot that it killed the soldiers who placed then in the furnace, but Shadrach, Meschach, and Abendgo walked out unharmed. David was determined to fight Goliath so God could show His glory in taking out this disgraced Philistine who was trying to defy the armies of the living God.

In Elijah’s day, the people of Israel began worshipping Baal…to the point where Elijah was God’s only prophet in Israel (there were 450 Baal prophets). Elijah had a contest with Baal’s prophets to show the people of Israel that God is the ONLY God (1 Kings 18:16-40). Baal’s prophets could not get Baal to light their altar for their sacrifice despite dancing and cutting themselves. Elijah poured water over his altar 3 times and prayed “…let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, O Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” God sent fire than burned the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the soil…it even licked up the water in the trench.

We can have 1 of 2 responses when others have a different view or criticize us. We can be about self-preservation/promotion and make it all about ourselves OR we can stop and think how will God be glorified in my response.

Unshooting a Gun

I remember my dad talking about gun safety while I was a youngster and saying “you can’t unshoot a gun”. Trauma surgeons know this all too well…you can take out the bullet, but the damage is already there. Similarly, the nails could be removed after Jesus allowed the Roman soldiers to nail him to the cross…but the holes were still there (Mark 20:25-29). Just because God forgives the sin, doesn’t mean that all the consequences here on Earth go away.

David certainly knew about this after sleeping with Bathsheba and ordering the death of her husband (2nd Samuel 1:2-4, 14-17). God sent His prophet Nathan to tell David a story about a rich man who took the only lamb from a poor man to feed a visiting traveler (2nd Samuel 12:1-5). David became irate at the rich man in the story and said that he should die and repay the poor man 40 times over for his lack of pity! Nathan then told David he was that rich man and calamity would fall upon David’s house…David’s response was to acknowledge his sins against the Lord. God was merciful to David by forgiving his sin and letting him live…but war and family turmoil continued throughout the rest of David’s life.

God loves His people so much that he sent His Son to take away the eternal consequence of sin which is separation from God in hell (John 3:16-21). He also loves His people so much that He wants them to follow His will so they will not have to face the consequences of sin during this life…so we can live life more abundantly (John 10:10)!

One of a Kind

Have you ever seen anyone that makes you say that person is one of kind? Many professional football commentators say this about former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice, who is considered one of the greatest players in NFL history. While other wide receivers may eventually approach or even break his records, none will be Jerry Rice. It is widely reported that he developed his great hands by catching bricks that his brothers would throw to him. His off-season training regimen included running up a steep 5 mile hill in the morning and weight lifting in the afternoon. He also excelled at the less glorified parts of being a wide receiver including running great routes and being a great blocker.

So, what does all this have to do with you? You are one of a kind as well. Psalm 139:13-14 says "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…". Matthew 10:29-31 spells our worth out even more explicitly "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs or your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

God didn't make us unique just to sit idly on a shelf, just like Jerry Rice's talents may have never been known if he never played football. Our purpose is to "…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…" (Matthew 28:19-20). So, live your life for God's purpose…because God purposely made and cares for you.

Perseverance

Kurt Warner and the Arizona Cardinals will face the Pittsburgh Steelers tomorrow in Super Bowl 43. Sports reporters have talked about Kurt Warner’s story of going from a stock boy in a grocery store to 2 time MVP and Super Bowl quarterback. Then injuries, ineffective play, and other circumstances left Kurt Warner as an afterthought to professional football for 5 years. There were a lot of opportunities for Kurt to give up during this time and a lot of built in excuses including: 1) I’m too old, 2) I don’t have enough talent around me, 3) I don’t think people aren’t treating me fairly. Kurt chose to persevere during those tough years and was able to have a fantastic season (4,583 yards, 30 touchdowns) and led the Cardinals to their first Super Bowl ever.

Joseph is another example of how perseverance can lead to God being able to lead us through tough times and ultimately be exalted for conducting His work. Joseph was his father’s favorite son (Genesis 37:3). Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt and told his father that he was dead (Genesis 37:23-33). One of Pharaoh’s officials bought Joseph’s services. He was so impressed by Joseph that he trusted Joseph to be in charge of everything in his house (Genesis 39:4-6). Joseph was thrown into prison after being falsely accused of rape, but God was still with Joseph. Ultimately God placed Joseph in charge of Egypt (Genesis 41:41) and allowed Joseph to save his family from the famine occurring in Israel.

What circumstance are you persevering through right now? Whatever it is, know that God is there for all who have trusted Christ as Lord and Savior. Just because things don’t seem to be working on our schedule doesn’t correlate into the fact God is not working. David asked “How long?” four different times in Psalm 13 before finally arriving at the conclusion that “I trust in your unfailing love” and that “He has been good to me”. Let’s remember what God has done, is doing, and will do in our lives and keep working for the His glory.