Shining Like Stars

Friends,

If you have been watching the news, and you have an interest in science…particularly astronomy…then you are likely aware that astronomers believe that they have found a star and planet similar to our sun and earth.  The planet is called Kepler 452b (after famous astronomer Johannes Kepler). Both star and planet are slightly larger than our version of “home”, but this is interesting news for those who would like to escape this world. The universe is a really big place…so large, that we can’t really begin to comprehend it.  As one person shared…one way to try to grasp it is that the earth is like a grain of sand, and the universe of other stars, planets and galaxies would be all of the sand on all of the beaches of the world.  And even this wouldn’t even begin to be enough. That is difficult to wrap the mind around if you are a typical human being.  Some scientists try to tell us that everything that we know came into existence via some cataclysmic event called “the Big Bang.”  I experienced a big bang one time when I walked near a significantly large firework blast that went off by me when I was a kid. :-) What I do know, and understand by faith, is that God created the universe. And, if He chose to do so through the process of some sort of big bang then that is His business.  What I also know is that God created “light.”  And He has been sending His light into the world ever since.  He did so via the sun.  Then, at the appointed time, He did so through His Son.  Now, God sends us out as His instruments to be light to the world.  We do not have to light up the entire universe…but, you and I have the ability and responsibility to light our world.  As such, Paul tells the believers in Philippi that, as Jesus was the Light, they also must shine like lights in the darkness of the world.  We do indeed have the same responsibility!

Paul wants us to know that we need to continually strive to be like Christ.  This requires obedience and effort, or as he tells the Philippians…”work out your own salvation” (Philippians 2:12-18). This is not to be confused with any mistaken concept of “working for or to salvation.”  I knew a lady one time that when I explained this principle, it was like a light went on. She had never considered that she couldn’t do enough or be good enough to be a Christian.  This was sad in one sense, but good in another. She began to understand that it is all about what Jesus has done, and our connection to it.  There is no way that we can work for, do enough, be good enough in order to gain salvation.  It is the free gift of grace from God through His Son, Jesus Christ.  This is precisely Jesus’ point with the rich, young ruler (Matthew 19). 

Paul is dealing with people who are Christians already, but some seem to be struggling and have quit growing to be like Jesus.  He continues to help them, and all of us, to continue to meet the challenge of growing in Christ by contrasting the life of believers with those of unbelievers.  God’s purpose for us, His people, is to achieve Christ-likeness.  Church and Christian living is never to be about you or me or anyone else…it is all about Jesus. He is to be our all in all!  Paul says that those who belong to the world make it a course of their lives to grumble and find fault, but not those in Christ.  We are to rejoice and give thanks at all times.  How can this be so?  We understand that we are not working to grab hold of some sort of victory, but that we are living our lives in Christ striving from victory.  We have every opportunity to be able to enjoy our salvation with fellow believers…those we meet with on Sundays…and those who we meet with at other times.  We have the greatest principle in common -- grace and thanksgiving as the result of what Jesus has done for each and every one of us in setting us free from sin, death and the world!  We have a unity in this which no one can take away.

And what is even more interesting is that grace, thanksgiving and joy all have the same root in the original language – char.  This is where our English words charity, charisma, and character find their meaning.  In this, we continue to work out God’s purposes for our lives, spiritually, charitably living as His witnesses…shining in the world around us.  As we are confronted with the needs and the difficulties of real life, we continue to grow and become more Christ-like.  The struggles we face make us better, stronger for Him.  We can offer thanksgiving to the Lord for the opportunity to continue to grow and become more like His Son. 

Another principle that Paul wants us to understand is that it is God who is at work in us, and He must be doing this before He can work through us.  Some people obey God because of pressures from the outside (people, circumstances), and not from the power that comes from within us (the Holy Spirit).  And this is to be the power working in us, the Holy Spirit…God’s personal presence.  The power is at our disposal -- truly “greater is He (Spirit) who is within us that He who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).  God uses “tools” such as the Word, prayer, suffering and fellowship in order to bear fruit in the lives of His people. We discover that as we continue to grow that all of these virtues on earth are transforming our spirits in order for us to be ready for the glory in heaven being prepared for us.  We receive eternal life and joy because of our submission.  Just as Jesus submitted Himself to the will of the Father and was exalted, so will we be one day.

The beauty of the spiritual struggle is that we are not left to simply muster more of our strength, but we are invited to tap into His!  It is only through surrender to His will, and allowing His Spirit to work in us that we are able to grow and understand spiritual matters.  This all means that the victories and accomplishments that we have in the spiritual realm should be acknowledged as coming from the Lord…and we should give Him the glory.  We cannot do good enough or be good enough to achieve this victory.  But, we need to be surrendered enough, committed enough to be able to live out our Christian lives abundantly from victory.  When we have spiritual character, charisma, we understand that grace, thanksgiving, unity isn’t something that we do…it is who we are!  It all simply means that we can live the Christian life, free from negative attitudes such as fear, bitterness, self-sufficiency, because our dependence is on Him.  And this is precisely why we can be grace-filled, Spirit-filled, thankful, united people…because it is not about us -- it is all about what Jesus has done on our behalf! 

Blessings, Don

Lessons in Soccer and Life

Friends,

Many moons ago I had the opportunity to play some college soccer for four years at a small Christian college in Portland, OR. We had a few unremarkable seasons until my senior year when we won the whole ball of wax, but that is a story for another time. I believe it was during my second season, we had an unfortunate set of circumstances with illnesses and ineligibilities that left us with eight eligible, available players for one game. Our coach made a pre-game agreement with the opposing coach to play the game 8 on 8…we would forfeit, so it wouldn’t matter. Well, as it turned out, the opposing team came out with 11 players against us. Our coach encouraged us to give it our best, and we played most of the game on our half of the field. At the end of the half, we were only down 3-0, and we felt like we were actually winning…and they were feeling defeated – perspective is an interesting thing. They wore us down in the second half, and we ended up losing 10-0. We believed that we played fairly well, and that it could have been much worse. It was only a game, but it is a game I still remember, because I believe we handled ourselves as good Christian citizens, even if the other team may not have done so.

Let’s fast forward about 15 years, and I am coaching a high school girls JV soccer team in SE Washington. We had a number of good players that were talented, and I believe our record was about .500 when we came up against a perennial power in our conference. Due to certain circumstances beyond our control, we had a number of players succumb to illness and two who were declared academically ineligible. Stop me if you have heard this before, but we had eight players who were able to suit up. I contacted the JV head coach from the other team and we had an agreement to play them, 8 on 8. We would forfeit to them and play the game anyway. When we showed up to the field, the Varsity head coach from that team was there and he directed his JV coach to…you guessed it…put 11 players on the field. I could tell that the JV coach felt bad about breaking the agreement, but the head coach was kind of smug about it…they were going to take us to the woodshed and give us a beating. I told the girls that I had been down this road before, and so we lined up much like our college team did, with a 3-3-1 line up, as opposed to the usual 4-3-3. I was exceedingly proud of my girls, as they played hard and defended well, and at the end of the half the score was? Yes – 3-0. The feelings were much the same as our college team…we felt like we had actually won the half, while the opponents looked defeated. We had a good half-time session and our girls came out with some good energy. I was just hoping to keep it within about 10-0, like our college team. Well…a funny thing happened. My center midfielder was able to thread a pass to our forward who was able to get a fast break. She beat the defenders and the goalie and scored! We couldn’t believe it – we scored and it was 3-1. Now, I would like to believe that I am a faithful person, but I had not seen too many miracles in my life…but, there was a small part of me that said – could the improbable happen? Could we actually make some sort of a comeback down three? Or girls were pumped, and the other team’s players were on their heels. Our girls exhibited the best control of the ball that I had ever seen them exhibit that half and we were able to run the play to our forward again, and she was able split the defense for a another goal, making it 3-2. Finally, we were able to put together a really good cross, redirect play down the field and score our third goal to make it 3-3 – true story! I couldn’t believe what I was watching. The coaches on the other sideline were screaming, but I was feeling mighty good…in a Christian sort of way.  With about five minutes left in the half, one of my midfielders was able to get a break and she had a really makeable shot on goal, but put it just wide to the right, so we just missed on the go-ahead goal. Nonetheless, we held them the last few minutes to end the game in a 3-3 tie. Let me tell you…we had a victory celebration! And they looked entirely defeated. They were good sports, as we all shook hands at the end of the game, and the JV coach was congratulatory of our efforts. The disgusted head coach of the other team wouldn’t come out on the field to show any sportsmanship…and I had all I could not to yell – How do you like them apples?! But, I didn’t…I was good sport…and just smiled (grinned) and walked back to our sideline. I thanked the Lord for a fulfilling result from the game…and even a positive fulfillment for the memory from 15 years before…as well as a story I can now share more than a decade later.

Why do I share these stories? I want you to know, as you have probably heard, that preparation, perseverance and faithfulness can bring about good results. Do not ever give up! It is easy to do, I know. I have been on the winning and losing side of many games as a player and a coach in a number of sports. But, it was almost like the Lord afforded us a reward for hard work, good attitudes, good play and we were very grateful. Do I believe God plays team favorites? No, but I do believe that he rewards the faithfulness of individuals…and that can affect an entire team. For our team, it was a real bonding time. We finished the season a little over .500 for the season, but we all had a memory that would last a lifetime from that one game.

In Matthew 17:14ff, Jesus and three of his disciples (Peter, James and John) come down from “the mount of transfiguration” to “the valley of need,” where they meet up with a distraught father of a sick child. There is a lot going on in this situation. The father has appealed to the nine remaining disciples to help heal his son…which they were not able to do. Not helping were opponents, the scribes and Pharisees, who are always looking to try to catch, trap Jesus or the disciples to seek to cause them to stumble. (There are occasionally opponents in life…some good, some bad). The scribes are accusing them…and while the disciples are defending themselves, nothing is going well. The father in the situation sees Jesus and rushes to Him. The Lord’s first response is one of sorrow, as He sees the embarrassed disciples, the arguing Scribes, as well as the needy father and son -- what a circus! Jesus expresses some frustration with their unbelief. He heals the boy and gives him to his father…all while the crowds marvel and give glory to God. Somehow, during the Lord’s absence, the nine disciples had become lazy, selfish, distracted – they lost their focus! Their faith weakened when the crisis came, because they were unprepared. From this experience, we see the importance of staying spiritually faithful and healthy. Jesus concludes the experience by talking with them about “faith the size of a mustard seed,” which suggests not only size (a small seed that can turn into a large plant), but also life and growth (that God will honor even a little faith -- there are great possibilities!) “Faith like a mustard seed” is a “living faith” that is nurtured and caused to grow…and this makes moving mountains possible.

Faithfulness can and will lead to great things! But, it must be cultivated in order to do even greater things for God…and the kingdom of God. It doesn’t take much faith to move mountains…only a mustard seed sized faith. Jesus is calling His disciples, calling us to something far beyond this. The Lord may admonish us, as he did the disciples, if we continue to make the same mistakes and are not striving for genuine spiritual growth. The Lord does expect us to learn, grow and depend upon Him for our spiritual strength and sustenance.

Blessings, Don

Are We Defined By Fear or Faith?

Friends,

I admire the spirit of some of my friends who desire to engage in good and spiritual dialogue with brethren of a different persuation...only to find closed-mindedness and fear.  I am grateful that the Lord and His Spirit helped to break me out of such religion.  There should be no fear in being open to Bible study and discussion...only opportunity for growth.  I have heard all of the "slippery slope" and "your brains will fall out" (foolish) arguments, and the bottom line is still...faith and love cast out fear, and also bring a good perspective and understanding of godliness and spiritual life.  If we are growing in a trusting, revealing relationship with the Lord, there should be no (personal) fear or control...only being under the influence of the Spirit's control. 

The following is an article I wrote a few years ago, but am sharing here, because I think it is appropriate, "To Know Fear Means No Fear."  We live in a culture enamored, or in some cases, engulfed in fear. There is hardly a week that goes by but that I see someone on facebook talking about the need to "live by faith rather than fear." Why? It is because they see "fear" everywhere, as well. We hear about companies who are canning CEO's and employees, colleges that are punting coaches, and churches that are running off elders and preachers. We have all manner of movies, books and other cultural phenomena, including the "horror genre," that promote fear in some form or another. Some are engrossed in these things out of curiosity, while others have more sinister agendas.

We humans are certainly easy targets, as our fleshly, human nature is so easily swayed by fear and other negative emotions. Fear is the tool of the enemy...it is precisely what Satan desires for all of us. I have seen more "fear" in churches than "faith" in some respects. This ought not be the case. People who are under the influence of fear say things like..."I don't know where this will lead," "we've never done it this way before," "let's go back to the way it was" or "I don't like change"... these are all effective "fear" statements. But, the irony is that, for those who live by faith, this is exactly right. Looking at it from a faith perspective -- we don't know where many things will lead, but this is why we trust the Lord, or...we know that change is inevitable, what can we do to make it work for us instead of against us. A good faith statement to counter-balance "fear" statements might be, "nothing ventured, nothing gained." It is not the cowardly and fearful in society that are remembered for their great acts, but it is those who step out with courage and boldness -- those who choose to live according to faith.

When we are focused on things that are going to bring fear, then that is what we will receive. Fear has, what I would say is, its "not-so-little" friends, such as worry, anxiety, cynicism, pride and perhaps, greatest of all...anger, which, when out of control, can lead to bitterness and hate. Once we give in to one negative emotion, it is easy for one or more of the others to step in for support, and even take over, as they tend to do. I have known people in my life, particularly younger ones...physically or spiritually...discouraged and distraught, because they are held captive by some who are bound by fear. And this all leads to another important partner of fear...and this is "control." When people are fearful, they are insecure...the two work with, or rather, against each other. The irrational thinking is -- if I can somehow control my surroundings, then I will be able to have peace, happiness. But, this is not going to happen. There is a vicious cycle to this that has no good or happy ending, because control leads to even more insecurity, because if something even threatens "control"...even a little...then control has to tighten its grip, which in turn, turns loose even more anxiety, worry, pride and anger, etc.

There is a good solution -- let go! We have to be able to trust the Lord...trust spiritual leadership...and see what good can be done. We need to see the glass half full...not empty. We must adopt the attitude of David, who when he was threatened by Saul and had opportunity to take "control" of his situation by killing Saul, said, "Why would I strike down the Lord's anointed?" He trusted the Lord, and the Lord not only rescued him, but prospered him. David did not choose to give in to fear...being afraid, but chose to live by the other fear...love, submission and respect. It is faithful to exercise "caution," in doing such...that is, to be wise and prudent about taking reasonable steps of faith, but we must not give in to an attitude of cynicism, which paralyzes. We can choose to live faithfully, and this brings about a positive cycle...as trust leads to greater grace, love, joy and genuine peace (all the fruit of the Spirit, in fact) -- a much more productive place to be and a better way to live.

Blessings, Don

Pressing On

Friends,

As with the church in Corinth, Colossae also has a problem with false teachers. Some who are stirring things up there hold to particular traditions, beliefs that have caused many to stumble. They have an “A list” of rules and regulations. They also proclaim their “great accomplishments,” but Paul says, “We preach Christ Jesus as Lord.” (2 Corinthians 4:5) As we have seen before, Paul can “lay down the message” when necessary. He is an equal opportunity deliverer of challenging messages. The Colossians need to hear his admonition to stay away from the false teachers and their teachings (Colossians 1:28-2:3).

One of the ways that we learn, grow and are able to discern between that which is true and that which is not is through intensive study of the Word of God. We need to commit ourselves to good study habits, so that we will grow and have a proper balance for our lives. We must not forget that in the Word of God is found the power of God. The Bible is “living and active”...in it are the words of life (Hebrews 4:12). The Holy Spirit brings these words to life in our hearts for the sustaining of our spirits and souls. (Ephesians 6:17)

There are four evidences of spiritual maturity revealed here that help us on our spiritual journey. The first evidence is – encouragement. This literally means “with heart.” We Christians face a lot of frustration from the world system, not to mention the circumstances of life. We are able to draw strength from each other during our times of stress and crisis. This is why we come together in fellowship. By encouraging others...particularly our brothers and sisters in Christ...we “give them a new heart.” Genuine encouragement brings out the best in others…we need to seek ways to do this. The second evidence of maturity is – endearment. This literally means “to be knit together in love.” The more time that we are able to spend together, the more time that we are able to serve and build relationships…the more we endear ourselves to one another. We must not forget that every one of us is a part of the spiritual unity of the church. There is not one part that is more significant or less important than any other. Do we have different roles? Yes. Each of them are valuable. Each of us needs to do our part to build the whole...the body of Christ. The third evidence of spiritual maturity is – enrichment. Too many Christians live like spiritual beggars when they should be living like kings. There are no greater riches than spiritual riches. When we commit ourselves to the Lord and His ways, he makes us rich in the ways that really matter. The final “e” is – enlightenment. When we commit our hearts and minds to study and fellowship, the Lord illuminates us spiritually...He provides guidance, direction for our lives. We become a city on a hill that shines forth for Christ, and we have blessed assurance in our hearts that we are children of God. When we make these principles the priority in our lives, we are effectively going to “press on.” Finally, we must join all of these matters together in prayer. Paul strives in prayer for the Colossians like a warrior. It is not just a habit…it is his passion.

To produce one tablespoon of honey, say for one of my wife’s delicious rolls, a typical honey bee makes 4200 trips to flowers. It makes about 10 trips per day to the fields…each trip lasting 20 minutes on average and 400 flowers. To produce a pound of honey, a bee must visit 56,000 clover heads. Since each head has 60 flower tubes, a total of 3,360,000 visits are necessary. Meanwhile, this working bee has flown the equivalent of three times around the world or 36,000 miles. On top of all of this, the bee will fly as far as 8 miles if it cannot find a nectar flow that is nearer. And we think we have a long drive to work. Talk about the ability to press on!

Paul challenges the Colossians to be passionate about life...to work hard...to be a blessing. How are we doing? When we examine ourselves, are we more involved in building-up the body or tearing it down? Are we endearing ourselves to those around us? Are we becoming spiritually enriched through serious Bible study, prayer and fellowship, or have we become spiritually poor and needy? If we are striving in our Christian walk...pressing on toward the goal...we cannot allow sin or self to cloud our love for one another or our passion for life. So, let us edify, magnify and glorify the Lord, and press on!

Blessings, Don