Daily Devotions

Monday, October 13, 2008

Current Study: People Who Made a Difference         

Today’s Topic: Looking Past Appearances – Part 2

Today’s Scripture:   Joshua 2:1  Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. “Go, look over the land,” he said, “especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there.  

I want to follow up on last week’s last devotional with a story I received from a friend. This story illustrates perfectly the point we were making about looking past appearances to see the potential a person has for love once their life is overwhelmed by the love of God. Here’s her story:

About twelve years ago we learned that our first grandson, Preston had died at 4 months of age.  When we drove to Bismarck and entered my son’s home, we couldn’t believe the ‘motley’ array of young people there.  Long hair, tattoos, piercings–it was unbelievable to these small town country people!!  It didn’t take long, though, until we saw that those young people–far from ‘motley’–were the most loving and caring young people that we had met.  They offered comfort to the grieving family that no one else was able to do.  They took care of countless errands for the young couple.  Our hearts were touched as we realized that God used people that WE considered unworthy to do the many things we could not do ourselves.  God bless those young people for what they did for my son and for what they did for US!!

That story reminds me of the words of the Apostle Paul who said to the church at Corinth,

“Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.’”

The one thing we must all realize is that our offense at the appearance of others cannot be compared to the offense God experienced at the sight of our hearts. Prior to being washed in the blood of Jesus, we were repulsive to God. Yet He looked beyond our sin and saw our need. Then He met our need. None of us can boast before the Lord, because none of us had anything of value to present Him. He took His total value and sacrificed Jesus in our place. It is because God initiated contact with undeserving and repulsive people that we are in Christ Jesus today. All that we are and all the we can do is by His grace.

So next time you see someone who looks different or acts differently than your standards dictate, don’t act in fear of what they might do to you. Think instead of what God can do for them, and then act in His love. After all, He did it for you.

Pastor John

Daily Devotions

Thursday, October 09, 2008

Current Study: People Who Made a Difference         

Today’s Topic: Looking Past Appearances

Today’s Scripture:   Joshua 2:1  Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. “Go, look over the land,” he said, “especially Jericho.” So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there.  

Several days ago I was enjoying breakfast with some friends and family at my favorite restaurant. While we were waiting for our food, a young man and woman walked in and sat down at the booth next to our table. I must confess to an immediate internal reaction of pride that manifested itself in judgmentalism. He was covered in tattoos, had multiple piercings, and had earlobes that had been pierced and the holes stretched so they held two inch discs. His girlfriend was equally pierced and tattooed, except for the ears. As I sat at the table I found that I had formed a pretty solid opinion of who these people were just by their appearance. I was amazed and ashamed at how quickly I jumped to conclusions.

As we continued to talk at our table, I overheard the young man say, “I just can’t decide whether I want the Palm 800 or the new Blackberry.” Instantly I knew I could offer him some advice, since I have had both. I thought about how I would approach him to give him my information that would help him make a decision. Then the Holy Spirit brought down the hammer. I suddenly realized that this was a man of normal mentality, normal desires, and normal goals for life. But I had judged him by his appearance and deemed him to be different. So different, in fact, that I wanted to alienate myself from him rather than draw close to him.

Suddenly the Holy Spirit was showing me that he could use anyone from any background and of any appearance if they only had someone tell them the most vital of all information, the love of Jesus Christ for sinners. I sat there almost in a trance for the next few minutes, imaging what my church people would think if this man walked into church some Sunday. Many would probably judge him by his appearance the same way I did. I was ashamed. Why is it, I wondered, that we respond to people based on their past rather than their potential? Now I knew that I must talk to him. I would not necessarily talk to him about faith, but I would force myself to look beyond his exterior to the need that he had expressed, and I would meet that need. While doing that I would pray that he would see in me the love of Jesus.

When our meal was over, I stood up and moved two steps over to his table. I excused myself, and apologized for interrupting their breakfast. I told him I had overheard his concern about cell phones, and that I had owned both. I shared my experience with each one and gave him my advice. He thanked me, and I walked away. As I did, I overheard him say to his girlfriend, “That was sure nice of him to do that.” Mission accomplished. How God will use that in his life is up to Him. How God used it in my life is making a difference.

When the men of Israel went to Jericho to spy out the city, little did they know that God had been preparing the way for them. He had been bringing fear upon the people because of His previous displays of power on behalf of the Israelites. These two men chose an inconspicuous way to enter the city – they went to the home of a prostitute. They had no intention or forethought that this person was a potential convert. They thought that her need for money would result in their safety. They were only looking out for themselves. But God had other plans. God had prepared her heart to be His follower. The spies responded with the love of God. She would be accepted and rescued when the city was attacked. Her past meant nothing any more. Only what God was going to do with her mattered. It mattered so much that when we read the lineage of the life of Jesus, we will find Rahab mentioned. She was the great, great grandmother of King David.

What a lesson for all of us to learn. The people we think are the most deserving of judgment are the ones most needful of God’s grace. We can make a huge difference if we will just learn to extend God’s grace to them. The spies did that for Rahab. Ananias did that for Saul after he met Jesus on the road to Damascus. Barnabas did it for Saul when he arrived in Jerusalem. Peter learned he must do it for the Gentiles and went to the home of Cornelius. Ultimately Jesus did it for each one of us. We must be more convinced of the power of God to save than we are of the power of a person’s past to condemn. We must start making a difference for Jesus by joining Him in His mission to make a difference in people’s souls, no matter what they have done or what they look like. After all, is anyone more undeserving than we were?

Pastor John

Daily Devotions

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Current Study: People Who Made a Difference         

Today’s Topic: Listen To Good Advice

Today’s Scripture:   Exodus 18:17-19  Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you.  

Seven years ago I was approached by a young man in our church who had an idea. He had obviously been thinking about this idea for some time. As it turned out, the idea was not his, but God’s. He was just the messenger.  He told me that he had been thinking about leadership, and how we should be training people for future leadership positions. He commented on how strong the current leadership was, but wondered what would happen if they were suddenly gone. Who would take their places? How would the church continue to move forward?

As he spoke, I thought about my own training for leadership. I wondered how I was ever deemed fit to be promoted to store manager in a major corporation at age 22. I reflected on the training that I had had gone through to earn that respected position. As I thought, he kept speaking. He shared the analogy of war. He had brought a picture he had printed of soldiers sitting in trenches in full armor, preparing to jump up and charge. He said these soldiers would be the next wave. They were ready to make their mark when the call came. Then he said, “The church needs to be preparing the next wave of men for leadership.”

As a result of that conversation, Next Wave was established. It has become a vital part of our ministry, and a passion of my heart. Its purpose is to train men to be ready for leadership. These men make a two year commitment that in some cases, like our present class, turns into three years. They meet every week for prayer, character development, theological teaching, and leadership training. Three years ago we had our first graduates. One of them is a Deacon in our church. One of them is our Youth Pastor. One of them had to drop out of that first class, but is back again and is already taking a leadership role in our men’s ministry. One of them has been a discipleship leader for new believers and currently serves on our building team. Not all of them chose to immediately involve themselves in leadership. Some of them are still growing and maturing, but when the time comes for them to answer the call, they will be ready.

Soon we will have another graduating class. Some of them are already serving in areas of leadership in our church. One is our worship minister. One serves in the worship ministry and leads one of our Connection Groups. One shows a passion for building relationships that will result in people coming to Christ. One is serving the Lord by making sure a person with disabilities is able to get to church on Sunday. One has a true servant’s heart for helping people. All of them are growing, and being prepared to be the next wave of leadership for our church.

Four weeks ago a new group of eight men started their two year commitment. I am excited to see what God is going to do with their lives, and how they will be used to minister to the local church. I am reminded of a quote from Amadeo P. Giannini, the founder of the Bank of America, who said, I leave everything to the young men. You’ve got to give youthful men authority and responsibility if you’re going to build up an organization. Otherwise you’ll always be the boss yourself and you won’t leave anything behind you.

Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, made a difference because he was willing to give advice. He told Moses that he couldn’t do it all alone, and that he needed to select, train and appoint leaders over the people of Israel. Moses needed to delegate responsibility to people who could be trusted to lead. I have come to the conclusion that the single most important role any of us have is to train those who will follow us. Parents are to train their children to carry on the values of God in society. Employers are to train their employees to carry out the goals of the company. Pastors are to train the people of the church to do the work of God. But we who have a tendency, for whatever reason, to be the boss, will have problems. We must learn to train and delegate. That’s the model that God has left for us. C.S. Lewis said, He seems to do nothing of Himself which He can possibly delegate to His creatures. He commands us to do slowly and blunderingly what He could do perfectly and in the twinkling of an eye. Creation seems to be delegation through and through.

So to the young man who reminded me of how I was trained for ministry goes my deepest gratitude. Thank you to the young man whose vision became the reality of Next Wave. He was a graduate of the first class, and is serving the Lord today as a musician in our worship ministry, in addition to being my personal encourager and initiator of great ideas. He was and continues to have the right to be my Jethro. Now I can be confident that I will leave something behind me. I am excited to see how God is going to continue to use John Rieland in leadership at our church. I can only hope that each of you has a Jethro like him, and that you will listen when God sends one to you to give you advice. In fact, maybe you are to be a Jethro to someone else. It will make a difference.

Pastor John

Daily Devotions

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Current Study: People Who Made a Difference         

Today’s Topic: Serving Makes A Difference

Today’s Scripture:   Matthew 25:35-40  “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”  Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” The King will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”  

Three years ago, right after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Spirit of God clearly directed me to lead our church to adopt a sister church in the storm-ravaged area of southern Louisiana. In the years since, people from our church have made multiple trips to the bayou to help rebuild homes in an attempt to introduce the owners of those homes to the Savior who can rebuild their lives. I want you to meet the pastor of the church we adopted, and see what a difference his life is making in the lives of people who have once again been devastated by two hurricanes this summer. His name is Jerry Moser, and his story was told in an October 2^nd article in The Baptist Message magazine. The article was entitled Sawmill helps pastor minister to needy, lost.

BAYOU DULARGE, Louisiana – This verse (Matt. 25:35-40) fittingly describes the work Pastor Jerry Moser has been doing in the tiny south Louisiana fishing community of Bayou DuLarge for the last 26 years. With a portable sawmill, a knack for carpentry, and a giving heart, Moser has ministered to needy families on Bayou DuLarge whether they are a member of his tiny church or not. He is a beacon in a sea of despair and poverty. 

“Brethren helping brethren,” Moser said. “I believe it is what our Lord commanded us to do. Helping the most unlikely is how the salvation and righteousness of God is going to be revealed to the people of the world. I believe if the church is attractive enough to outsiders, and by that I mean if  people see how we love all men, care for our brethren, and help our neighbors in times of need, it might get them to thinking they may want to be a part of a church like this.”

Storms like Gustav and Ike – especially Gustav, with its high winds – are a boon for Moser’s sawmill ministry, providing opportunities for him to reach people in need. After Gustav, the pastor has devoted a large portion of his time to cutting up fallen trees. He also gets a number of calls from people offering him their storm-damaged trees. He takes all that he can get. Over the years, Moser has cut hundreds of thousands of board feet, and has put it to good use, either ministering directly to those in need or selling what he can to make ends meet for church and family.

“A lot of this lumber is used in helping the people in this community to rebuild after a storm,” Moser said. “With the price of lumber these days, it comes in handy, especially for those who don’t have a lot to work with in the first place.”

Over the years, Moser and volunteers from numerous churches in Louisiana and across the nation have helped the people of this community – mostly Catholic – to rebuild after each devastating storm.

“I can’t tell you the number of storms that have passed through here,” Moser said. “But each is an opportunity from God to reach lost people. When our church began this repair/rebuild ministry, at least three quarters of the people we helped after a storm were not saved,” Moser said. “Today, as we prepare to help the community rebuild and recover, two-thirds of the people we will help are members of our church.”

Moser, though, is concerned about how many will come back to rebuild.

“We are on a marsh island that is only 16 inches above sea level. It is slowly sinking into the Gulf of Mexico,” Moser said. “After Hurricane Rita in 2005, many people knew they had to get their houses raised up off the ground. We were able, with the help of a lot of volunteers from a lot of different churches, to get some houses repaired, rebuilt, or raised up on new foundations,” the pastor continued. “Those houses rode out these last two storms pretty well. But there were some that we were just not able to get to quickly enough to help get them up off the ground. These families were not as fortunate, and I am afraid some may not stay. They may move closer to the city [Houma]. I would hate to see them leave, but some are no longer physically up to the challenge or just don’t have the money to rebuild,” Moser said.

Regardless of how many make that decision, Moser, whose church building – Bayou DuLarge Baptist – sits on pilings ten feet off the ground, plans on staying and helping people to rebuild and recover.

“Our young adults may be the ones that need the most help,” Moser said. “We need to help them – we need to extend out our hands and help them get back up on their feet. Brethren helping brethren. It is what God wants us to do,” Moser said. “And it is what I plan to do as long as God allows me to do so.”

What a great testimony to the compassion of Christ. If you were to spend any time at all with Jerry, as I have, you would know that he is sincerely in love with Jesus and sincerely His servant. You would see the touch of Jesus on people’s lives who would never had known Him unless they had seen Him in person – in the person of Pastor Jerry. Lives that are lived with such a sacrificial spirit truly make a difference.

On October 24^th, several of us from our church and our community are planning another trip to the bayou to help with the rebuilding. We will be gone for one week, and we will work hard. But we will make a difference. Will you consider joining us, either in person, in prayer, or in financial support? Thank you. You are serving Jesus when you help, and it makes a difference.

Pastor John

Daily Devotions

Monday, October 06, 2008

Current Study: People Who Made a Difference         

Today’s Topic: Inadequacy

Today’s Scripture:  Exodus 4:13-16  But Moses said, “O Lord, please send someone else to do it.” Then the LORD’S anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and his heart will be glad when he sees you. You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do. He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him. 

It happened in a small church during Vacation Bible School.  The teacher says she will never forget what happened. Her class was interrupted on Wednesday about an hour before dismissal when a new student was brought in. The little boy had one arm missing, and since the class was almost over, she had no opportunity to learn any of the details about the cause or his state of adjustment. She was very nervous and afraid that one of the other children would comment on his handicap and embarrass him. There was no opportunity to caution them, so she proceeded as carefully as possible. As the class time came to a close, she began to relax. She asked the class to join her in their usual closing ceremony. “Let’s make our churches,” she said. “Fold your hands together. Here’s the church and here’s the steeple, open the doors and there’s…” The awful truth of her own actions struck her. The very thing she had feared that the children would do, she had done. As she stood there speechless, the little girl sitting next to the boy reached over with her left hand and placed it up to his right hand and said, “Davey, let’s make the church together.”

There isn’t one of us who doesn’t relate to feelings of inadequacy. I don’t even want to start trying to count the number of times I have backed away from an opportunity because of doubt and fear that I was not capable, just like Moses. But God has people prepared to step in and step up. People who will be strong where we are weak. People who will encourage us. People who will put their hands together with ours and accomplish the work of God.

God himself did that with each one of us when we were in our worst state of inadequacy. When we were incapable of changing the condition of our lives in relation to sin, God sent Jesus to step in for us and step up to the cross. Jesus became our eternal Advocate. He stands before the Father in heaven and continually represents us. (1 John 2:1) As a part of His advocacy program, He has sent His Spirit to dwell in us as our ever-present guide and helper. Just think, there is never a reason to feel inadequate, because the fullness of God dwells within us and empowers us to accomplish our unique purpose in the body of Christ. Because we have an Advocate we are adequate!

The VBS story told earlier is a great parable of how we are to come together in the Body of Christ as advocates for one another. Somewhere, probably closer to you than you think, is a person who feels inadequate. They feel handicapped. They feel unneeded. They feel unable to participate and contribute. You can make a difference. You are God’s advocate to them. And something amazing happens when you reach out to help them – you will find them helping you as well. Moses needed a spokesman. Aaron needed direction. Together they conquered a nation.

There’s no telling how much God can accomplish through people who get connected. Hearts will be made glad when people see you making a difference. Inadequacies will be overwhelmed by partnership. People will see and hear God.

So today, let’s change the statement of Moses by adding two words – “O Lord, please send someone else to do it with me.” Then be willing to be either Moses or Aaron. Together we can make a difference, because we have an Advocate who makes us adequate.

Pastor John

Daily Devotions

Thursday, October 02, 2008

Current Study: People Who Made a Difference         

Today’s Topic: God’s Rescue Mission

Today’s Scripture:  Exodus 3:7-10  The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey. And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”

Moses made a difference because he was willing to rescue people from injustice. As a young official in Egypt, he stepped in and rescued one of his countrymen who was being beaten, and he killed the tormentor. Although his known people did not understand his actions and rejected him, his desire to rescue those in need did not cease. Later, in another land, he rescued some women who had come to water their father’s flocks but had been driven away by other shepherds. Moses was a man who saw injustice and took steps to rescue those caught in its bondage. God knew Moses was the man to accomplish a dangerous rescue mission. So he sent him back to Egypt to bring His people out of slavery and direct them to the Promised Land.

Years ago, the coastal communities of England established rescue stations where men prepared to assist ships that had crashed on the rocks. During one particularly terrible storm that swept the Atlantic and hurled huge waves upon the coast,  a ship was thrown on the rocks. It was a dark night, and the storm rose higher as the night deepened. Fires were kindled all along the shore, if by any means to help those who were needing help. The lifeboat was manned. Out through the breakers and into the storm they went to the rescue. When they returned, a man named John Holden, who stood upon the shore, cried out, “Do you have all the ship’s company?”

The rescuers answered, “All but one man.”  

“Why did you not get him?”

“Well, our strength was nearly gone, and we knew if we stayed any longer we would have all been lost to the sea.”

Then John Holden said: “These men who have been to the rescue are nearly exhausted. Who here will go with me to rescue the one man?” Six sturdy fellows promptly came forward. Then John Holden’s mother threw her arms around his neck and said, “John, don’t you go! Your father was swallowed up by the angry ocean, and your brother William went to sea two years ago and I fear that he is lost, too, for we have not heard of him since. You are the pillar of my life and my only dependence. Who will care for me if the sea swallows you also?” Then John Holden, with a firm, strong grasp, removed her arms from his neck and said to her, “There is a man drowning out there, and I must go. If the sea should swallow me, God will take care of you; I’m sure He will.” Kissing her cheek, he turned and stepped into the lifeboat.  They pushed out into the breakers and rowed to the wreck. They found the man still clinging to the rigging, and, getting him into the boat, they pulled back to the shore. As the boat neared the shore, someone shouted, “Have you found the man?” “Yes,” answered John Holden, “we have him, and it is my brother William.”

The mission of God is the rescue of mankind. The human race has been hijacked and held hostage by the ultimate terrorist. God has already paid the ransom by sacrificing His own Son on the cross. But the terrorist has not informed the captives that they are free to go. They need to be rescued, and God has called us to man the boats. Only one thing is stopping us from accomplishing the rescue – we care more for ourselves then we do for the lives of those who are in distress. We are more like the mother than we are the brother who cared about another. And yet, when the needs of the other were considered first, the needs of everyone were met.

It is time for the people of God to participate in the mission of God. Someone made a difference in each of our lives because they were on a rescue mission. Whose life will you attempt to rescue today?

Pastor John

Daily Devotions

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Current Study: People Who Made a Difference         

Today’s Topic: Forgiveness Makes A Difference

Today’s Scripture:  Genesis 50:15-21   When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

What an incredible story. After all that Joseph had been subjected to as a result of his brothers’ sins against him, he forgave them. He didn’t hold a grudge. He didn’t seek revenge. He didn’t try to get even. Instead, he restored them and cared for them, providing for their every need. He built them back up through reassuring and kind words. He truly made a difference.

Forgiveness makes all the difference. We can make a significant difference in the lives of others if we will forgive them. But how is that really possible, given the hurts and sufferings they have caused us. We have been given a standard of forgiveness in Scripture. The Apostle Paul says to the church at Colosse, Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 

Whoa! That’s a pretty high standard. I’m supposed to forgive others the way Jesus forgave me? Yes! I’ll let you in on a key principle that I discovered just this morning – forgiveness is possible when we consider the purpose of God ahead of our own hurts. Let’s go back and look at the story of Joseph. One of the greatest statements about forgiveness in all of Scripture is made by Joseph when he says, You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Joseph made it very clear that his choices were not dictated by the choices of others, but by the purpose of God. He was not influenced by the hurts he had suffered, but by the things God was accomplishing through those hurts. As we said yesterday, he had his eyes clearly focused on the bigger picture.

When we learn to get our eyes off of ourselves and focused on what God is doing, we will be willing to endure any suffering for the sake of God’s purpose. That’s how Jesus was able to forgive us. Was he hurt by our sin? Did he suffer because of our sin? Yet he forgave us, because he was focused on the purpose of God rather than what He was suffering. And He did it before we even felt bad about it.

It would be appropriate to point out that there was a proper spirit in the lives of the brothers when they came to Joseph to ask for forgiveness. In fact, there are some great lessons to be learned from the brothers about what our attitudes and actions should be when we have wronged another person. First, they came with a full admission of their guilt. They knew they had wronged him. They admitted their sin. Second, they came with fear, which was an indication of their acknowledgment of their own guilt and the right of their brother to enforce any consequence. Third, they humbled themselves before Joseph. They were willing to receive whatever consequences were coming to them. They even suggested what an appropriate consequence would be. They were willing to be lowered to the position of slave to their younger brother. These elements should all be present in the life of a person who is truly repentant for their sin.

But I want you to notice something incredibly significant, not only about Joseph’s story, but about Christ’s as well. There was no need for those attitudes to be present for love to be expressed. Joseph said, Am I in the place of God? In other words, What right do I have to condemn you and hold a grudge when it is God’s place alone to judge the hearts of men? This was Joseph’s heart before he even knew what his brothers were thinking. Joseph did not allow his own hurts to come before his acknowledgment of God. God’s love had so permeated his heart that his hurts had been long before dissolved into forgiveness. God did the same thing for us. God demonstrated his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.(Romans 5:8)

Our hearts are like gardens. We choose what seeds to plant. We can plant seeds that will bear a harvest of righteousness, or we can plant seeds that will produce a harvest of bitterness. If we allow the weeds that have grown up around our good crop to remain, we will diminish our harvest. But if we will pull them up and discard them, we will increase our harvest of righteousness. Here’s a hint. When you’re pulling up the weeds, stop asking where they came from. We are truly not responsible for how the weeds of hurt and pain got into our lives. We are only responsible to use those weeds as a motivation to cultivate the good seeds so they produce a bountiful harvest. That’s what love does. That’s how forgiveness happens.

You can make a difference in someone else’s life today. Forgive them. Pull the hurts from your heart and look at the purpose of God. He’s saving people’s lives by forgiving them. Let’s join Him in that mission.

Pastor John

Daily Devotions

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Current Study: People Who Made a Difference         

Today’s Topic: Walk By Faith, Not Sight

Today’s Scripture:  Genesis 45:4-7   Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will not be plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

Joseph’s life is an incredible story of faith. He made a difference for so many people because he was able to look beyond the immediate circumstances and trust God to be working to bring about a result that would be good for all. People who can see God at work even when all human rationale says otherwise are people who really make a difference.

In the story, Joseph was the favored son of his father Jacob, who would later be called Israel. Joseph had been born to Jacob in his old age, so he received very special attention. His brothers were jealous. They plotted to eliminate him. The plan was changed at the last minute and resulted in Joseph being sold into slavery, eventually in Egypt. While there, he proved himself a worthy leader, and was placed in charge of the household of one of Pharaoh’s officials. After being falsely accused of rape, he was imprisoned. Then, after earning the respect of both prisoners and guards, he was overlooked for release after being promised he would be. Finally, after interpreting a dream for the Pharaoh, he was recognized as the most discerning and wise man in Egypt, and placed in charge of the palace and the whole land of Egypt. All this by the time he was thirty years old.

Joseph used his wisdom to plan for the future. During times of abundance, he put away a portion of the crops and stored them in reserve for the times when there would be drought. When the famine came, countries from all over the world came to Egypt to buy grain. Meanwhile, Jacob, who thought his son Joseph was dead, sent his brothers to Egypt to get grain. Then, after that supply was exhausted, he sent them again. It was during this trip that Joseph decided to reveal himself to his brothers. Imagine the fear that must have overwhelmed their hearts and minds when they realized that the teenager they had sold into slavery now held power over their very lives. Some would call it karma, others might say that what goes around comes around. Here was Joseph’s chance to get even and even ahead.

But not Joseph. He was a man who walked by faith and not by sight. He trusted God. He saw the bigger picture. People who can see the bigger picture make a difference. It’s really easy to get bogged down in the minutia of the immediate. It’s pretty stressful to be overwhelmed by the details. It’s only when someone comes along and reminds us of the bigger picture that we are relieved. We need people around us who can see the whole puzzle, or who at least can show us how to trust the One who created the picture.

Life is full of uncertainty right now. But then, it always has been. There’s a supposed economic crisis that causes fear. Banks are failing because people didn’t follow Joseph’s economic policies of saving to eliminate all borrowing. People who had done nothing wrong end up paying a high price for the bad choices of others. But at those critical times, we have two choices – the same choices Joseph had. We can turn to the world for our solutions, or we can turn to the God who holds the world in His hands. Jesus holds the answers to all of the everyday problems that you face. I guess you can try to deal with your problems on your own without a belief in Jesus Christ, but there will be no permanent solutions and the end result will be failure and destruction. But with a faith in Jesus Christ that looks beyond the immediate, you will realize how insignificant the financial crisis is in comparison with the big picture of God’s plan for the eternal redemption of people’s souls.

There will be a lot of talk today about what we are going to do to rescue America from financial collapse. As you get involved in those discussions, please make sure one thing is perfectly clear: your faith is in the plan and purpose of God and not the politics of the people. This is the time when faith is needed most, and people of faith must lead. Do not be distressed. God has this under control. His plan is being perfected. His purpose is being fulfilled. His people have been sent ahead to provide for a great deliverance, and that deliverance is spiritual, not financial. Keep your focus on Christ, and walk by faith, not sight. You will make a difference.

Pastor John

Daily Devotions

Monday, September 29, 2008

Current Study: People Who Made a Difference         

Today’s Topic: Spiritual Surgeons

Today’s Scripture:  Luke 5:31-32   Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

From a physical perspective, many of us know the difference a good surgeon has made in our lives. I have had a nearly ruptured appendix removed, two hernias repaired, and major sinus reconstruction. I know, they should have fixed the outside of the nose while they were at it, but they didn’t. None of those surgeries was pleasant, but each was necessary to restore physical health.

Today’s story of a person who made a difference comes from our own Inge Donaldson, the office administrator at our church. She and her husband, Dudley, are missionary appointees to Swaziland, and are in the final stages of fund raising. Inge needed surgery. Spiritual surgery. It wouldn’t be pleasant, but it was essential for spiritual health. Here’s her story.

The person who has made the biggest impact on my life is Dr. Henry Brandt, a Christian psychologist.  He was married to a good friend of mine whom I met on the mission field. When it became apparent that I was a pretty miserable Christian (and a missionary at that!), my friend Marcey invited me to stay with her and Dr. Brandt to figure out what the problem might be.  Dr. Brandt pulled no punches.  He asked me right off if I was willing to make changes in my life – because if I wasn’t, then he saw no need to waste his time or mine.  As he took me through the Scriptures, it didn’t take long for me to realize that my problem was sin.  I had been pretending to be someone I wasn’t.  Always eager to say yes to anything asked of me (isn’t that what missionaries do?), I was actually saying “no” on the inside.  Outwardly I was a helpful missionary, but inside I was grumbling and complaining and not at all happy.  As a skillful surgeon, Dr. Brandt used God’s Word to reveal other areas of my life that needed changing.  It took some time, but gradually, as I acknowledged my sin and repented before God, I changed from a miserable Christian into a joyful one. He taught me what it means to “walk in the spirit” and he always said that circumstances do not create our spirit, they reveal our spirit.  So if I get mad because I have to wait in line at the grocery store, it’s not the waiting in line that makes me angry, the waiting merely reveals the anger that’s already inside of me.  He taught me that anger is only one letter away from danger and I needed to pay attention when my circumstances revealed a negative spirit in me and to deal with it right away and not let it fester.  Dr. Brandt not only taught me how to live out biblical principles, he modeled it!  He is the most Christ-like person I’ve ever met and I’ll be forever grateful for having known him. God used Dr. Brandt to teach me important lessons that have stuck with me and will enable me to be a better missionary this time around!

You may have a need right now for some spiritual surgery. Believe it or not, God has qualified and gifted some people near you in your life to perform it. It may be your pastor, your elder, a friend, or a family member. They are qualified because God has provided them with the surgical instrument necessary to make the proper incisions. That instrument is wisdom, and God has granted it to anyone in Christ who asks for it. Don’t try to operate on yourself. The Great Physician has equipped a staff of spiritual surgeons all around you. Make an appointment with one of them, and trust their diagnosis. You will find the healing you are longing for.

Pastor John

Daily Devotions

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Current Study: People Who Made a Difference         

Today’s Topic: He’s Still Painting

Today’s Scripture:  2 Corinthians 5:1, 5-9  Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands…Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 

I don’t think he ever realized how much of an impact he had on people. Every brush with him left a mark. It was hard to tell he had even been there sometimes, except for the new look he left behind. Old stains, scratches and scars would be invisible after he was done. With meticulous care he would cover every part of the problem, using a variety of strokes to insure complete restoration. He would reposition himself when necessary, climbing to any heights, so that even the farthest corners could be touched and transformed. He brought color to otherwise drab circumstances. When necessary he would even stir the pot a little to bring consistency. He wasn’t locked in to one way of doing things. He had a variety of techniques and tools to tackle any test. He could spray on love, roll on grace, and brush on forgiveness. In fact, he painted all three of those things on me. Painting was what he loved. Now he knows how great of a painter he was, because he painted lives for the Master, and the Master has personally shown him his handiwork.

For those of you who are not from Calvary, I am speaking of a man of God with whom we all served. He was an Elder at our church, and this morning at around three a.m. he climbed his last ladder. At the top were the waiting arms of the Master Painter of lives, and he was welcomed into them. Jim Russell is with Jesus. His work is done, but his painting continues. His life will continue to make brush marks on ours. He will add consistency to our lives as we are stirred by his faith and faithfulness. He will continue to paint over the stains and scars of our lives with the brush strokes of forgiveness he demonstrated to us. Every time we see a ladder, he will continue to challenge us to climb to new heights to reach people who need to be touched and transformed. Even though he is now in a place that needs no painting, he is still painting, and we are his canvas. We always were, and that’s why he made such a difference.

Pastor John