DAILY ENCOUNTER

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Hot Potato Two: Alcoholism, Etc.

"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. A man reaps what he sows." Galatians 6:7

It is a fact of life that our lifestyle affects our life and that of our families.

Alcoholism, for example, affects millions of families and individuals. It tears families apart and is terribly damaging to children in their developmental years when they have a parent or parents who are alcoholics. It causes innumerable crimes including rape, physical and sexual abuse, murder, robbery and maimed lives and slaughter on our highways.

According to an article in Moody Monthly, homosexuals account for half the nation's cases of syphilis, even though they represent only a small percent of the population. The reason? Promiscuity. Homosexuals are also the principal victims of AIDS and other infectious diseases, and are fifteen times more likely to commit a murder. And according to the EP News Service, the U.S. government spends more on AIDS research than it does on heart diseases. This is in spite of the fact that cardiac disorders claim forty times more deaths than AIDS.

And Pulpit Helps reports that 30 percent of all cancer deaths are related to smoking. There is also a 70 percent greater risk of heart disease among smokers than among nonsmokers.

God has a sound reason for all of his laws—including the ones that apply to the sins of the spirit such as emotional dishonesty, jealousy, envy, malice, hatred, resentment, greed, lust, an unforgiving spirit, and so on. All of these are damaging to the body as well as to the spirit just as much as cigarette smoking, and perhaps even more damaging. It's good to keep this in mind when we judge other sinners. Whatever it is that we sow, that's what we reap. That's the law of the harvest. And God never goes against his own laws.

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Hot Potato One: Homosexuality

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."Romans 6:23

About two decades ago a teenager asked me the question: "Do you think homosexuality should be legalized?"

Regardless of what I thought at the time, much of our culture has come a long way since then in accepting homosexuality as "an alternate lifestyle."

True, everybody has a right to decide for themselves whether or not homosexuality should be legalized or accepted as an alternate lifestyle. What I did in this instance was share what I believed God's Word had to say about the subject. "According to God's Word," I answered, "homosexuality is an unnatural condition2 It is listed with various other sins which are all destructive to human personality, and as such are opposed by God."

The Bible also says that God will forgive all who confess their sins, but indicates that those who willfully practice sexual immorality, idolatry, adultery, male prostitution, homosexuality, stealing, greed, drunkenness, slandering, and swindling will not inherit the kingdom of God.3

If God is opposed to these damaging behaviors, can we justly justify or legalize any one of them? The reason God is opposed to these actions (and all other sins) is because they are harmful to those whom he loves—us. Furthermore, it has never been proven that homosexuality is in one's genes any more than pedophilia is. And if they are, perhaps sin, too, is in our genes because we are born with a sin nature. But would that justify sinful acts? In fact, there are usually deep psychological causes behind many of these external "acts of sin." The causes often have their roots in the past and need to be confronted if a person is to find wholeness, healing and recovery—emotional and spiritual.

If we justify and legalize any act of sin, we harm the person involved much more than we ever help him. It gives him/her an excuse not to confront and resolve his/her problem.

As Christians we are to accept and love the sinner and not judge or condemn him (because we are all sinners and are probably all guilty of at least greed, gossip, or slandering which are listed in God's Word along with the sin of homosexuality).This doesn't mean that we accept, excuse, or approve anyone's sinful behavior (including our own). Very often it is a failure in love in early childhood that "drives" people into some acts of sin. Only love, Christ's unconditional love through us, will ever draw these people out again.

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Seek Wise Counsel

"Listen to wise advice; follow it closely, for it will do you good, and you can pass it on to others: Trust in the Lord.". Proverbs 22:17-19

"My wife is leaving me," one man said to me, "what can I do?" My gut response (which I kept to myself) was, "Why didn't you come to me at least five years sooner?"

I tried to assure this man that if he and his wife both genuinely wanted to save their marriage, there were no guarantees, but with wise counsel, deep honesty, courage, hard work and God's help, they undoubtedly could. Both, however, need to be totally committed to saving their marriage, confront their own personal issues and quit playing the blame game, for in every conflict there are always two contributing to it in one way or another.

One way to keep a marriage healthy is to see and treat problem symptoms when they first appear. If these symptoms are the fruit of a deeper root, which they often are, they won't go away of themselves. The longer we leave symptoms untreated the deeper their roots go and the stronger they become.

If there are things in your marriage or in other areas of your life that bother you, it is wise to seek competent guidance from a qualified counselor right away. Don't put it off any longer. Make that appointment you know you need to make—today.

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Gift of Encounragement

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."1 Thessalonians 5:11

Michael Josephson of Character Counts says that "Mark Gibson, a former gymnastics coach, tells a wonderful story about a 15-year-old girl I'll call Cindy. When Mark coached at a gym where several world-class gymnasts worked out, he said Cindy was the most important person in the gym. Cindy wasn't the best athlete—not even close. But when she was in the gym, everyone whined and complained less, worked harder and achieved more. She brought out the best in everyone. You see, Cindy was blind.

"When it was her turn to do the vault, her mother would run alongside her, saying, "We're getting close, we're closer," and when her mom said, "Vault!" Cindy, with complete trust in her mother and herself, would jump. It was awesome.

"Neither Cindy nor her mother allowed her sightlessness to confine her, so they soared like eagles for all to see. Cindy led in the most powerful way possible, not by fancy rhetoric but by example. All who watched her strive to be the best she could be realized how much more there is within themselves."2

Cindy's mother was a great encourager to her daughter. As Christians, that's what you and I need to do for others.

The word encourage comes from "en," meaning "in," and "courage" meaning to "fortify one's inner strength in fearful situations." In other words, an encourager is one who puts courage into another or who puts inner strength into others when they are afraid or needing a helping hand.

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Moonlight Sonata

"Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night?" Job 35:10

Ludwig von Beethoven, one of the world's greatest musicians, was born into a musical family in Germany. As a child he spent many lonely hours practicing his music every day.

By the age of eleven he was already composing his own music and conducting an orchestra. In his late teens he went to Vienna for further study. There he reached fame, though not fortune.

I have read how, one evening, as he was out walking he passed a cobbler's house where he heard someone inside practicing one of his compositions. As he stopped to listen he overheard a girl say that she wished she could hear a real musician play it properly.

Beethoven went into the house and, noticing the young lady at the piano was blind, offered to play the piece for her. He did so for her for more than an hour, and while he did, darkness fell and the lone candle in the room had gone out.

Outside in the night sky the moon shone brightly and sent its radiant beams glistening into the room where Beethoven sat playing beautiful music. He was so inspired by the appreciation of his music by the young lady and the beauty of the atmosphere in the room that he composed his famous "Moonlight Sonata."

Do you ever feel that your dreams have been shattered and you feel all alone in the darkness of despair. I certainly have. However, when our life is truly committed to Christ, it's in these "dark nights of the soul" when God is working in us to give us more understanding of life and compassion for others—and in time will bring back the music into our life.

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The Cross of Christ

"For the message of the cross [of Christ] is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV).

"Maybe you know the story of Sir John Bowring. A brilliant man who spoke five languages, Sir John was twice elected to Parliament. Knighted by the queen, he served at one time as governor of Hong Kong. It's said he wrote thirty-six books on a variety of subjects. If you visit a library, though, you will only find one of Sir John's writings. It's all we have left. And you're likely to find it in a hymnal.

"It's a poem which he wrote after a boat trip, sailing along the coast of China. Passing Macao, a city devastated by an earthquake, he spied the ruins of a mission church. Protruding from those ruins was the cross which had stood atop the chapel. The impact of that cross caused him to write these memorable words:"2

In the cross of Christ I glory / Towering o'er the wrecks of time / All the light of sacred story / Gathers round its head sublime.

When the woes of life o'ertake me / Hopes deceive, and fears annoy / Never shall the cross forsake me / Lo! it glows with peace and joy.

Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure / By the cross are sanctified / Peace is there that knows no measure / Joys that through all time abide.3

Still today the cross of Jesus Christ towers over the wrecks of time—faded dreams, lost hopes, disappointments, violent acts of terrorism, wars, and the lack of peace. In the end, however, the cross of Christ will triumph over all. It is the only hope of mankind.

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The Power of Love

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 (NIV).

"Years ago, R. G. Lee told a powerful story about a mountain school that had a hard time keeping a teacher. It seems there was a group of big, rough boys who took pride in running the teacher off. The biggest and roughest of them all was named Tom.

"A new young teacher won over the boys, however, by letting them write the rules for the school—which were very strictly enforced with a rod. For example, cheating would be punished with five strokes of the rod, and stealing with ten strokes, both to be given with the offender's coat off.

"Everything went well until one day Tom's lunch was stolen. A frail little boy in hand-me-down clothes that were too big for him admitted his guilt. The school rules demanded that he be whipped. When the teacher called the little fellow up front, he came whimpering and begging to leave his coat on. The pupils insisted he obey the rules and take off his coat. When he did, a deathly silence settled over the room, for he had no shirt on and his emaciated body looked like skin stretched over bones. The teacher gasped and dropped the rod. He knew he could never whip that little boy.

"Suddenly, big Tom strode up and stood between the two. 'I'll take it for him, Teacher, for after all it was my lunch he stole.' He shrugged out of his coat.

"At the third blow the switch broke, and the teacher threw it in the corner and said, 'That's all, school dismissed.'

"The frail little boy laid his hand on big Tom's arm and through his tears said, 'Thank you, Tom, it would have killed me.'"2

And that's exactly what Jesus did for you and me when he died on the cross on Good Friday some 2000 years ago—he took your and my punishment for all our sins so we could be freely forgiven and given God's gift of eternal life.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Do you believe that Jesus died for your sins and, if so, have you accepted God's full and free pardon? You can do that right now by praying the following prayer:

"Dear God, I confess that I am a sinner and am sorry for all the wrongs that I have done. I believe that your Son, Jesus Christ, died on the cross for my sins. Please forgive me. I invite you, Jesus, to come into my heart and life as Lord and Savior. I commit and trust my life to you. Please give me the desire to be what you want me to be, and to do what you want me to do. Thank you for dying for my sins, for your free pardon, for your gift of eternal life, and for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully in Jesus' name, amen."

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Happiness and a Fulfilling Life

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I [Jesus Christ] have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10 (NIV).

Jose Addison said that the "three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.

These ideas certainly are a great start but to discover lasting happiness and have a fulfilling life I would suggest having and achieving the following:

1. A noble God-given life purpose for which to believe in and live for—a purpose that is far bigger than yourself
2. A worthy cause into which you can put your best efforts
3. A worthwhile goal and the employment of all your powers for the achievement of that goal
4. The resolution of impaired relationships—forgiving any and all who have ever hurt you and obtaining forgiveness for any and all you may have hurt
5. The resolution of all super-charged repressed negative emotions
6. Loving relationships, and most important of all
7. A loving relationship with God through Jesus Christ—knowing your sins are forgiven with the promised hope of eternal life in Heaven with God at the end of life's journey.*

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Determination

"But he [God] said to me [the Apostle Paul], 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV).

"Johnny Fulton was run over by a car at the age of three. He suffered crushed hips, broken ribs, a fractured skull, and compound fractures in his legs. It did not look as if he would live. But he would not give up. In fact, he later ran the half-mile in less than two minutes.

"Walt Davis was totally paralyzed by polio when he was nine years old, but he did not give up. He became the Olympic high jump champion in 1952.

"Shelly Mann was paralyzed by polio when she was five years old, but she would not give up. She eventually claimed eight different swimming records for the U.S. and won a gold medal at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, Australia.

"Lou Gehrig was such a clumsy ball player that the boys in his neighborhood would not let him play on their team. But he was committed. He did not give up. Eventually, his name was entered into baseball's Hall of Fame.

"Woodrow Wilson could not read until he was ten years old. But he was a committed person. He became the twenty-eighth President of the United States."2

No matter what handicaps you and I may have, God has a place for us within his Body, the Church, and a work for us to do. Nobody ever said it would be easy. What Jesus did for us wasn't easy either. So whatever it is that God has for you to do, never give up, for God never calls any of us to do anything that—with his help—cannot be done.

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Attitude

"They [the early Christians] devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer…. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." Acts 2:42, 46-47 (NIV).

Bruce Larson tells this story in his book, Faith for the Journey. Once there was a successful factory that made drills. One day the owner told his corporate officials that he was going to retire and that he had chosen his son as his successor. At the next board meeting the son asked his four vice presidents, "What are your goals for the company for the next five to ten years?"

One vice-president replied, "Well sir, we're looking at new sizes and shapes for different drills."

The son then dropped his bombshell. "I have news for you—there is no market for drills." One could feel the tension in the air. He continued, "From now on we will not think drills. We will not sell drills. We'll sell holes! People don't want to buy a drill; they want to make a hole!"

As they began to think of other ways to create holes they developed, among other methods, lasers for drilling holes. This attitude change and other innovations keep this company in business while its competitors lost large shares of the market and some even went bankrupt.2

It wasn't aptitude but attitude that made the difference!

Reports by research specialist, George Barna, in recent years have shown that the church and Christians as a whole in the U.S.A. are not making any significant impact on the culture. Also, there is little difference in the manner of living between Christians and non-Christians. Others such as Chuck Colson are saying that in the U.S. we are now living in the post-Christian era. Alarming observations.

So what is wrong? A scary thought is that we could be rapidly heading in the same direction as the church did in Great Britain a century or so ago. Then the great spiritual and missionary endeavors were coming out of their country. But today the church there is but a shadow of what it was. As one British rector (minister) poignantly said about the church in England: "The times changed, the people and their needs changed, but the church remained the same, and little by little it became irrelevant and lost its impact." Instead of looking at itself, the church then blamed the indifference of the people for their leaving in droves.

True, our message never changes but the application of it and our methods of presenting it must apply to the needs of today's generation—not yesterday's. Furthermore, we are NOT in the business of building churches with a little "c". We are in the business of saving people and making disciples.

Like the disciples and early Christians, when we do God's work in God's way for God's glory may it be said of today's Church: "And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved"

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The Emeny Surrounds Us—Don't Let One Escape

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12(NIV).

It was Vance Havner who said in his own inimitable way, "The enemy surrounds us—don't let one escape."

Neither was he, nor am I, referring to any man-made wars. Havner was referring to the spiritual warfare that every Christian is involved in either actively or sitting idly by on the sidelines oblivious to what is happening in the world around them.

Having said that, I have always been impressed with the resolve of Winston Churchill when Hitler's army and the might of the German military power were threatening to bomb England almost out of existence. At the height of World War II in one of England's darkest yet finest hours Mr. Churchill valiantly declared: "We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this Island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British Fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the New World, with all its power and might steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old."

May we who claim to be Christ-followers have the same resolve in today's sin-sick-broken-world in the spiritual warfare where the forces of evil are running rampant in every corner of the world.

Again, I am not referring to man-made wars, I'm referring to spiritual warfare against the prince of darkness, Satan, and his forces of evil. The only effective resolution of which—and victory over—is the transforming power of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

To battle effectively in this urgent hour of world conflict, we Christians need first of all to LIVE the gospel and demonstrate its transforming power in our own lives, and then PROCLAIM the gospel—as Jesus commanded us to do. We are to preach / proclaim / communicate it to everyone everywhere.

Remember, too, if we don't live the gospel, our words are worthless and may do more to drive people away from Christ rather than draw them to him.

As committed followers of Jesus Christ, let us join forces, and as Vance Havner said, "The enemy surrounds us. Don't let one escape!"

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Gentle Strength

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 (NIV).

"In her memoirs, an anonymous woman writes of her experiences as a field nurse in the Civil War. She worked for the Confederate forces, patching up dozens of wounded, sick soldiers every day. One day at the war's end, news came that President Lincoln would be visiting this Confederate field hospital. Many of the rebel soldiers were terrified of meeting him. Surely Lincoln was a monster, and he would treat the Confederate soldiers cruelly! But when Lincoln entered the hospital tent, he began to cry. He bent over the injured soldiers' cots and spoke softly to them. He patted their hands and stroked their hair, just as a father might do. And when he left, the men couldn't stop talking about what a good man he was. They had expected a tyrant, and found instead a kind and gentle and forgiving leader."2

In childhood days I used to believe that God was out to get me for any wrongs I might do. And, if I committed big or bad enough sins, he might even kill me. Unfortunately, that came from how I felt about someone who had a profound impact on my early life. Unfortunately, I had mistakenly projected my feelings towards him onto God, the Heavenly Father.

How glad I am to learn how wrong I was. It is true that God is against all sin and wrongdoing, not because he's out to zap us, but because he is truly a loving Father who wants to protect us from hurting ourselves and others—and to save us from the ultimate consequences of sin which is eternal death, which, in turn, is eternal separation from God, the author of all love and life.

The fact is that no matter what you and I have ever done or have failed to do, God loves us with an everlasting, unconditional love. But he does want us to come to him for forgiveness and to help us live wholesome, meaningful, and loving lives.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you love and accept me as I am, and that you also love me too much to leave me as I am. Please help me to know that I know that my sins are forgiven and that I have accepted your gift of eternal life. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

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Only One Broken Key

"For as the body [the Church] is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body … And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it." 1 Corinthians 12:12, 26 (NKJV).

Evxn though my typxwritxr is an old modxl, it works quitx wxll xxcxpt for onx of the kxys. I havx many timxs wishxd that it workxd pxrfxctly.

It is trux that thxrx arx forty-onx kxys that function wxll xnough, but just onx kxy not working makxs thx diffxrxncx.

Somxtimxs it sxxms to mx that our church is somxthing likx my typxwritxr—not all thx kxy pxoplx arx working propxrly.

As onx of thxm, you may say to yoursxlf, "Wxll, I am only onx pxrson, I don't makx or brxak thx church."

But it doxs makx a big diffxrxncx, bxcausx a church, to bx xffxctivx, nxxds thx activx participation of xvxry pxrson.

So, thx nxxt timx your xfforts arx not nxxdxd vxry much, rxmxmbxr my typxwritxr and say to yoursxlf, "I am a kxy pxrson in thx congrxgation and I am nxxdxd vxry much."

This is what happxns to thx wholx church, and multiply this by many timxs—thx wholx thing just doxs not makx sxnsx!2

So don't be a broken key—be a useful one.

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Thankful

"I thank my God every time I remember you." Philippians 1:3(NIV).

I have read that "Charles Plumb, a US Naval Academy graduate, was a jet pilot in Vietnam. After 75 combat missions, his plane was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile. Plumb ejected and parachuted into enemy hands. He was captured and spent six years in a Vietnamese prison. He survived the ordeal and now lectures on lessons learned from that experience.

"One day after Plumb gave a presentation, a fellow came up to him and said, 'You don't know me, but I am the person who packed your parachute the day you were shot down.'

"Plumb gasped in surprise and gratitude. The man pumped his hand and said, 'I guess it worked!'

"Plumb assured him, 'It sure did. If your chute hadn't worked, I wouldn't be here today.'"

If it weren't for somebody else—perhaps many "somebody elses"—most of us wouldn't be where we are today either. And if it weren't for somebody else telling us about Jesus and his gift of forgiveness and eternal life, most of us wouldn't know him and wouldn't be bound for Heaven. May we ever be mindful and thankful to all who have "folded our parachute" and may we do the same for others.

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1. The Cup

"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)

I have read that when Leonardo de Vinci was forty-three years old, Duke Ludovinco of Milan asked him to paint the dramatic scene of Jesus' last supper with his disciples.

Working slowly and giving meticulous care to details, he spent three years on the assignment. He grouped the disciples into threes, two groups on either side of the central figure of Christ. Christ's arms are outstretched. In his right hand, he holds a cup that was painted beautifully with marvelous realism.

When the masterpiece was finished, the artist said to a friend, "Observe it and give me your opinion of it."

"It's wonderful!" exclaimed the friend. "The cup is so real I cannot divert my eyes from it."

Immediately Leonardo took a brush and drew it across the sparkling cup! He exclaimed as he did, "Nothing shall detract from the figure of Christ!"

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1. Spiritual Blahs

"And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son [Jesus]. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life."1

A Daily Encounter reader writes: "I have received Jesus as my Savior but after many years I feel like I am just going through the motions. I feel dead spiritually. I have great difficulty reading and understanding the Bible and can't seem to pray. I feel like I'm in the middle of a thick sludge pool and can't get out. Do other Christians feel this way? Will I go to heaven if Jesus comes back and I'm in this state? Is our salvation dependent only on our trust in Christ as our Savior—regardless of how we feel?"

"Dear Isabel," (name changed), I wrote, "let me assure you that you are not alone in your struggle. Most Christians, including myself, and many of the great heroes of faith, go through what has been called a 'dark night of the soul' when God seems far away and all seems hopeless. Nor will you miss out on heaven because of the spiritual blahs.

"There can be many reasons for the 'spiritual blahs.' If one is under considerable stress at home or on the job for too long, has been physically ill for some time, has a chemical imbalance, or is generally bored with his work or life—any of these can cause relationships (including our relationship with God) to feel blah and distant. Also, if one is acting out in self-defeating ways or has unconfessed sin in his life—these too can cause a person to feel far from God.

"Super-charged repressed negative emotions are also a very common cause for barriers to come between ourselves, others, and God. These are usually caused by impaired relationships from the past—anywhere from early childhood to yesterday. The walls we build to block out our feelings of hurt, fear, and/or anger so we won't have to face them also block out our warm, loving and positive feelings. Doing this can also be very damaging to our physical health. This is why the Bible teaches us to resolve all negative emotions and impaired relationships as quickly as possible.

"I would suggest that you have a thorough medical examination to make sure you don't have a physical problem that needs attention or medication. If you are under considerable stress, see if there are some things you can change or drop altogether. I also suggest that you see a qualified Christian counselor and share with him or her exactly what you have shared with me so he or she can help you resolve your struggle. All of us need help at times like these.

"And even if you don't feel like it, pray and tell God exactly how you feel. Ask him to help you discover the cause/s of your 'spiritual blahs' and to lead you to the help you need to overcome.

"Let me again assure you that if you have prayed and invited Jesus into your heart and life, no matter how you feel, remember that Jesus said, 'I will never, never, never, never, never leave you or forsake you.'2 This is when you need to take God at his Word and not allow your feelings to control you."

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. Hiding From God

"Where can I go from your Spirit [God]? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. . . . If I say, 'Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.'" Psalm 139:7-8, 11-12 (NIV).

Roger Ray, a minister in Springfield, Missouri, told of a local physician who was driving between hospital calls one evening, exceeding the speed limit rather shamelessly in an attempt to make up for lost time. Suddenly a police car pulled up behind him and turned on the lights. Having some considerable experience in both speeding and getting caught, the doctor picked up his stethoscope and held it up for the policeman to see in hopes of communicating that he was on a medical emergency. Yet the police officer continued in pursuit with no regard to the physician's signals. Once more the doctor waved his stethoscope in the air, this time more dramatically, in hopes of conveying the importance of his mission. But when the physician looked into his rear-view mirror to see whether the police officer got the message, he saw a smiling officer waving his own symbol of authority in the air—his revolver.

These are the "Oh-oh" experiences in life when we realize we've been caught red-handed. And sometimes I wonder if there are certain things I don't do more from a fear of getting caught rather than wanting to do the right thing.

However, there's one thing that is certain … no matter how hard I may try nor how much I try to fool myself, there's no hiding from God. He sees all. He knows all. But he's not waving his "heavenly revolver" at us nor is he out to get us to punish us for our sins, but rather to save us from punishing ourselves as a result of our sins—the wages of which are death—eternal death.

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How Will I Recognize My Baby Sister When I Get to Heaven?


Q: My baby sister died when she was only a few months old, so I barely remember her (I was 6 at the time). Do you think I'll recognize her when I get to heaven? It may sound strange, but I've always felt lonely without her since I didn't have any other brothers or sisters.

A: The Bible doesn't answer all our questions about heaven, but we do know this: In heaven, we will be with all of our loved ones who have died in Christ. Because of this, I have every confidence that you will not only recognize your sister, but that she will be complete and whole - as will you.

Whenever I am asked a question like this I think of King David in the Old Testament. He was a godly leader - but once as he grew older he disobeyed God and committed adultery with another man's wife. A child was born of that illicit union - and shortly after he was born he became very sick and died. David grieved for him, of course - but he also had confidence that some day they would be reunited. David said, "Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me" (2 Samuel 12:23).

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1. Water of Life

"Jesus answered, 'Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'" John 4:13-14 (NIV)

Brett Blair shares how, some years ago in South America, a crew of Peruvian Sailors heading up the Amazon River came upon a strange sight. A Spanish ship was anchored off the coast, and as the Peruvians drew closer they saw that the Spaniards were in terrible physical condition. They looked the picture of death itself, their lips parched and swollen. They were dying of thirst.

"Can we help you?" shouted the Peruvians.

The Spaniards cried out, "Water! Water! We need fresh water!"

The Peruvian sailors, surprised at this request, told them to lower their buckets and help themselves.

The Spaniards, fearing they'd been misunderstood cried back, "No, no we need FRESH water!

But they received the same reply from the Peruvians to lower their buckets and help themselves. They finally did lower their buckets into the ocean waters and when they brought the buckets on deck they discovered to their amazement fresh water. There at the mouth of the Amazon river, anchored for days, too far from land to see the coast, but not too far from the mouth of the river, they had fresh water in abundance.2

How like the blessings of God. They surround us everywhere we look and are new every morning—and he and he alone has the water of life. As Jesus said, "Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life'"

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1. The Measure of a Man

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven…." Matthew 5:1-12

Some years ago the Raleigh, North Carolina, News & Observer published an article entitled: "How Do You Measure Up as a Man?" The article stated that some extensive research had been conducted on the 20th century standards for measuring a man. The criteria were quite interesting to say the least. They were as follows:

1. His ability to make and conserve money; 2. The cost, style and age of his car; 3. (This is my favorite) How much hair he has; 4. His strength and size; 5. The job he holds and how successful he is at it; 6. What sports he likes; 7. How many clubs he belongs to; 8. His aggressiveness and reliability.

Jesus Christ's estimation of the measure of a man (and/or a woman) was in stark contrast. His values are as follows:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit…those who mourn…the meek…those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…the merciful…the pure in heart…the peacemakers…those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."2

Hmm…I wonder how I measure up. Sobering thought!

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1. Believing Is Seeing

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world." Psalm 19:1-4 (NIV)

When explorers from England first went to Australia they discovered some strange and wonderful animals not seen anywhere else in the world—animals such as the kangaroo, the koala (which isn't a bear as it is often called), and the ornithorhynchus—a mammal that laid eggs, spent some time in water and some on land, had a broad, flat tail, webbed feet, and a bill similar to a duck (now known as the platypus).

When the explorers returned home, nobody would believe their story about the platypus. All felt it was a hoax. Even after they returned to Australia and brought back a pelt from this strange animal, people still felt it was a hoax and refused to believe it was real.2

Many people say, "I believe only what I see for myself." That's not necessarily true either because, by and large, people see and believe only what they want to see and believe—and refuse to see and believe all else—regardless of the evidence.

However, what I see and believe has absolutely no effect on what is. What is, is—whether I see and believe it or not. For instance, I've never seen an atom but I've seen (at least in pictures) the evidence of its incredible power and believe it is real. I live close to a nuclear power plant and can't see the electric power it is generating, but its electricity is probably powering my computer on which I am typing this article right now. I can't see the electricity but whether I believe it is real or not doesn't affect its reality. It just is.

I've never seen God either but I see evidence of his presence and mighty power everywhere I look—I see and believe because I want and choose to believe. With God, as with many things in life, believing is seeing. Indeed, the heavens declare the glory of God. Believe it and you will see.

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1. No Fear! Yeah, Right!

"The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? The LORD is with me; he is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies." Psalm 118:6-7 (NIV).

The story is told about a baby bear "that wandered away from his mother in search of food. This was his first foray; so he was a little timid. A large, ferocious mountain lion spotted the baby bear and approached to attack. The baby bear, not knowing what else to do, reared up on his hind legs as he had seen his mother do this as a defense. Immediately, the mountain cat retreated; ran like he was scared to death. The baby bear, very proud of himself, continued foraying for food. What the mountain lion saw, and the baby bear didn't know, was that the mother bear was behind the baby bear, rearing up on her hind legs, ready to attack the mountain lion."2

No fear! Yeah. Right! Breathed the man with soul so dead who never to himself hath said, "I'm scared half to death." Fear is a common plight of us all—unless we bury and hide it, which is a dangerous path to follow for what we deny we inevitably act out in some self- or other-destructive way. Someone has said that there are 365 "fear nots" in the Bible—one for every day of the year!

David, who penned the words of today's Psalm had every reason on many occasions to be terrified because King Saul, ravished by a jealous hatred of David, was hunting him down to kill him. So whenever I am afraid, I take a page out of David's book, and keep repeating to remind myself, "The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

The good news is that God is with us … always … he will never leave us or forsake us … hence to counteract our fears we can learn to place our confidence in him and not in ourselves. It's important, too, not to allow fears to control us for if we don't control (or resolve) them, they will control us.

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1. How Much Do You Own in That Direction?

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." Matthew 6:19-20 (NIV)

We Aussies love to tell jokes all in good fun about Texans. On one occasion I was preaching in a Baptist church in the Los Angeles area. On that particular Sunday there were quite a few visitors from Texas in church. So with great relish I let them know that there was one cattle ranch in Australia that was bigger than the whole state of Texas!

Before the evening service one of the members came to me and said, "I checked your story about that cattle ranch in Australia in an encyclopedia to see if it was true and it was. However, you will be interested to know that that ranch is owned by a Texan!"

According to Alan Smith, "George Washington Truett was a preacher in Dallas, Texas, for 47 years. He once visited a wealthy West Texas rancher and had dinner in his huge ranch home. After dinner, the rancher took Dr. Truett up to a veranda on top of his house, and lit up a big cigar. The sun was setting, and if you've ever been to West Texas, you know you can see a long way out there. The man pointed to the south toward some oil rigs and said, 'I own everything in that direction as far as you can see.' He pointed east toward some cotton fields and said, 'And I own everything in that direction, too.' He pointed north toward a huge herd of cattle and bragged, 'And, preacher, I own everything as far as you can see in that direction.' He turned to the west, and said, 'And I own everything you can see in that direction, except the sun, of course.'

"Dr. Truett turned to the man and pointed straight up the sky and said, 'And how much do you own in that direction?'"2

Good question for both the rich and the poor.

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1. A Cry for Help

"When he [the blind beggar] heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, 'Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!'"1

Clark Strand, a former Zen Buddhist monk, shared how "two years ago, on board a midday flight out of Memphis, Tenn., I suddenly found myself repeating the words, 'Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me!'

"This would not have been remarkable had I been a member of the Orthodox Church, which for more than a millennium has used that prayer as its preferred method of contemplation. For that matter, it would not have been remarkable had I been a Christian of any kind. As I was a Zen Buddhist who professed no belief even in God, much less Jesus, it came as a bit of a shock.

"I was on my way back from the bathroom when the plane simply fell out of the sky. My feet kept lifting up off the floor. I hung comically for moments on dangly puppet legs, and then somehow I managed to make it back to my seat. I had just buckled in when my wife turned to me from across the aisle where she was sitting with our two young children and said the four words no one on an airplane ever wants to hear: 'Do you smell smoke?' It was the moment we've all imagined. You look forward and backward into the faces of the other passengers (complete strangers, all but a few) and read there the selfsame thought: 'So this is what it means to die.'

"Miraculously, just minutes later we were back on solid ground. The plane, as we later found out, had developed an electrical fire in the control console, and the pilot, not knowing how long he could steer it, had descended as fast as he could, driving her for all she was worth, covering the 25 minutes back to Memphis in just under 10 minutes flat.

'When all seemed lost, it wasn't Mu I had cried out, or even Buddha, but of all things, Jesus—in spite of everything else I had ever believed or done.

"Only later that night in the hotel room, with the children in bed, did I remember the moment during the flight when my spiritual life had taken a 180-degree turn and, as it were, headed back to port."2

Need I say more?

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1. Coca-Cola's Worldwide Vision

"And then he [Jesus] told them, 'Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone.'"1

If you've traveled much or little, or have seen movies shot in various parts of the world, inevitably you will see the Coca-Cola emblem just about anywhere you or the movie camera goes.

I'm not here to either praise or otherwise the benefits or otherwise of Coca-Cola but one thing I find fascinating about this company is that "at the end of World War II, Robert Woodruff, president of the Coca-Cola Company from 1923 to 1955, had a mission. 'In my generation,' he declared, 'it is my desire that everyone in the world have a taste of Coca-Cola.' With a vision and dedication rarely matched in corporate American culture, Woodruff and his colleagues spanned the globe with their soft drink.2

Would to God that we Christians would pull together and make it our goal in our generation to give everybody in the world a taste of the Water of Life!

One thing is certain, if you drink Coca-Cola or any other soft drink, you will thirst again. But as Jesus said, "Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."3 What Jesus was referring to, of course, was the "water" of eternal life which his gift of salvation brings.

In today's world with all its turmoil, terrorism, and threat of war, perhaps now, more than ever, people around the world are thirsting for the "Water of Life" that only Jesus can give. That's our goal here in ACTS International; that is, to reach as many people as possible worldwide with the saving gospel of Jesus Christ while the doors of opportunity are so wide open. To see how you can have a vital part in this outreach, please consider joining the People Power for Jesus network. For more information go to: www.actsweb.org/people_power.

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1. What on Earth Are You Doing for God?

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."1

Brett Blair tells how the late Dr. Paul Quillian, the beloved pastor of First Methodist Church of Houston, Texas, saw (in his fifteen years of ministry) the church grow from 2500 to 6000—an effort that he called a labor of love. Not many knew that Dr. Quillian as a young man had little thought of ministry and was working in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, at a bottling plant when his minister paid him a call. His pastor started with the question, "How old are you?"

"Thirty."

Quillian's preacher then said, "When you stand finally before the Lord God, what will you tell him you did on earth—made red soda water?"

The young man snapped back, "And what is wrong with red soda water?"

Nothing—except you happen to be endowed with great talents and abilities which I cherish for God and the Christian ministry."

Consequently, the young man went back to school and prepared for the preaching ministry. He itinerated in Arkansas. Finally he was called to the First Church in Houston. He became a wonderful leader for Christ because someone recognized the gifts and talents within him and took a few minutes out of the day to tell him so.2

Are you using your talents for the glory of God and the betterment of others? And do you know someone whose potential you see? Be sure that you tell them and be an encourager to them.

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1. Independence

"So if the Son [Jesus, the Son of God] sets you free, you will be free indeed."1

Tomorrow in the U.S.A. is Independence Day, the day Americans celebrate the birthday of the United States of America. Founded July 4th, 1776, with the signing of the Declaration of Independence, America is celebrating its 233rd birthday this year (2009).

"The American Revolution ended a couple of centuries of British rule over most of the North American colonies and laid the foundation of the present United States of America. After the Revolution, the constitution of the United States of America was drafted and ratified. On the anniversary of that day, the new nation declared its citizens rights to 'Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.'"2

Sad to say, however, so many people worldwide don't enjoy the freedoms that many of us do, not only in the U.S.A., but also in other free lands around the world.

Today, let those of us who live in free lands especially remember our brothers and sisters who live in lands where there is no freedom and great persecution—especially for Christians and those who reject the religion of their state.

I am also reminded today of the words written on the wall of a Nazi prison during the Holocaust.

I believe in the sun
even when it isn't shining.
I believe in love
even when I am alone.
I believe in God
even when he is silent.

And let us thank God that, no matter where we live, while men may be able to control our external reality, they have no power to control our inner reality—our faith, our beliefs, nor the destiny of our soul. That alone is our choice. However, may we who have chosen to trust in God through Jesus Christ our Savior do all in our power to share God's great news of salvation to all people—everywhere. And let us pray that every person in the world will hear or read the gospel that, via the electronic media, can reach into many places where preaching the gospel and message of Jesus Christ is forbidden.

And in hearing the gospel, may God grant that every person in the world will at least have the opportunity to celebrate independence in their heart.

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1. Unsung Songs

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."1

How many songs never sung,
poems never written,
pictures never painted,
risks never taken,
bridges never crossed,
romantic words never spoken…
locked inside a lonely heart
the prison of another's making…
are left unexpressed
because somebody
shamed us, abandoned us,
or perhaps silenced us
with a cruel word,
a thoughtless deed,
and said or just implied
we were not good enough?
And tragically
we believed them—
so let this be the moment
we choose to believe them
no more … and sing, sing, sing.

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1. Three Kinds of People

"It is required that those who have been given a trust [gift] must prove faithful."1

It has been said that there are three kinds of people: Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wondered what happened!

Former Australian swimmer, Shane Gould, who won three gold medals in the 1972 Olympics, was considered one of the greatest swimmers of all time. She didn't sit back and watch things happen. She made them happen.

Early in her career, when she was only 14 years of age, a news reporter asked her how she thought she would do in one of her early swim meets in the U.S. She replied, "I have a feeling there will be a world record today."

There was!

Shane set a world record in the one-hundred-meter freestyle event and a second in the two-hundred. When asked how she thought she would do in the more punishing four-hundred-meter event she said, "I get stronger every race, and besides … my parents said they'd take me to Disneyland if I win, and we're leaving tomorrow!"

She went to Disneyland with three world records! By the time she was sixteen she had five world records. It is true, she also had talent but she won not only because of this, but because of her preparation, hard work, and her positive self-expectancy.

Only a few are gifted sufficiently to be able to win a gold medal. However, every one of us is gifted in some area and most of us are gifted in several areas. And while we are not all called of God to be famous, we are all called to be faithful in serving him and our fellow man with the gifts that we have been given—not with those we haven't been given.

We can all be "gold medal winners" in God's book if we are well trained in our area of gifting, are adequately prepared for the task we want and feel called to do, have faith in our cause, see and take advantage of every opportunity when it knocks, disallow our fears to control us, believe that with God's help we can achieve what we set out to do, and are prepared to work hard to make it happen.

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Encourage One Another

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."1

King Duncan writes about Larry Doby who was one of baseball's finest hitters. He is well known by baseball fans because he was the first African-American to play for an American League team. "The year was 1947. Doby was a promising rookie for the Cleveland Indians but he didn't look very promising his first time at bat. He was tense and nervous. He swung at three pitches, missed each of them, and struck out badly. He didn't get within a foot of the ball. Slowly he walked to the dugout with his head down. He sat on the very end of the bench and rested his head in his hands.

"A player by the name of Joe Gordon was on that same Cleveland team. Joe was an outstanding second baseman. He batted right after Doby. Gordon had a good record batting against the pitcher who was on the mound that day. But something quite extraordinary was about to happen. Joe Gordon went up to the plate and missed three pitches in a row—each of them by at least two feet. He walked slowly to the end of the bench and sat down next to Larry Doby. Then Joe Gordon slowly put his head in his hands.

"Did Joe Gordon strike out that day deliberately? We will never know. However it is interesting to note that every time Larry Doby went out on the field from that day on, he first picked up Joe Gordon's glove and tossed it to him."2

One would suspect that Joe Gordon probably did strike out deliberately. Good for him if he did. Sad to say there are some people in the church who are threatened by anyone who might be able to do something better than they can do or gain a little more recognition, so they underhandedly seek to block them at every turn. Think of how the religious people of Jesus' day treated him? They were so green with envy, they eventually had him crucified.

But thank God for the "Joe Gordons" who have the gift of encouragement and exercise it generously! Let's all encourage someone today. It could make a great difference in their life—perhaps for eternity.

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"How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things."1

"Do you remember the Mercedes TV commercial a few years ago that showed a Mercedes crashing into a concrete wall during a safety test? An engineer in a white lab coat walks over after the crash and kneels down to examine the damage, which is minimal. A reporter then asks the engineer about Mercedes' energy absorbing car body. After the engineer tells all about the unique design the reporter asks him why Mercedes doesn't enforce their patent on the design, a design evidently copied by several other companies because of its success.

"The engineer then replied matter-of-factly, 'Because some things in life are too important not to share.' How true this is. There are many things in life that fall into this 'too important not to share category.' Advances in science, in medicine, in technology. But all of these pale in importance to that of sharing our faith."2

As Billy Graham said, "I am convinced the greatest act of love we can ever perform for people is to tell them about God's love for them in Christ."

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Do Christians Worship Three Gods?

Q: Do Christians actually worship three different Gods - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit? My neighbor follows another religion, and she says this is what Christians believe. I've never thought much about it myself.

A: No, Christians don't worship three different Gods. They worship only one God - because no other deity exists in addition to Him. The Bible says, "Take to heart this day that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other" (Deuteronomy 4:39).

It's true, however, that the Bible tells us that Jesus is also God, and the Holy Spirit is also God. How can this be? Theologians have pondered this for centuries, and I admit that it's not easy for us to understand. (In fact, we'll probably only understand it completely when we get to heaven.) But this much is clear: God has shown Himself to us in three ways - as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Each has a separate function - and yet they are all united as one God.

Let me illustrate it this way. Have you ever thought of some of the things we see around us that are both three - and yet also one? Centuries ago, St. Patrick used a clover leaf to teach the Irish about this - it has three leaves, and yet is still only one leaf. Or think of water. A quart of water can be ice, water, or steam - but it's still the same quart of water.

Don't get bogged down in questions like this, however. Instead, open your heart to Jesus Christ and make Him the ruler of your life. God loves you - and He loves your neighbor also. May you both discover the joy of knowing Him.

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1. Just Do It

"You are to go into all the world and preach [communicate] the good news to everyone everywhere."1

One writer pointed out that there is a scene in "Winnie the Pooh" that goes something like the following:

Pooh: "Did you fall into the river, Eeyore?"

Eeyore: "Silly of me, wasn't it?"

Pooh: "Is the river uncomfortable this morning?"

Eeyore: "Well, yes, the dampness you know."

Pooh: "You really ought to be more careful!"

Eeyore: "Thanks for the advice."

Pooh: "I think you're sinking."

Eeyore: "Pooh, if it's not too much trouble, would you mind rescuing me?"

How sad when people all around us, among other things, are lost without Christ and we discuss outreach, form outreach committees, conduct seminars on outreach, read books about outreach, and do everything in the church except outreach.

Somebody else said, "If you see a poisonous snake in your kitchen, just kill it. Don't appoint a committee on snakes!" Just kill it—or at least remove it to a safe place!

And as Meg Stawinski says in her book, Confessions of a Supermarket Evangelist, about a church she used to attend, as you exited the church parking lot there was a sign that read: "You are now entering the mission field."

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1. Finding Direction

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight [direct your path]."1

A NASA official involved in space exploration was talking to a reporter about humans landing on Mars. The reporter was concerned about how they would be able to return to earth.

"That involves a highly complex plan," the space official said. "It begins with the words, 'Our Father who art in Heaven.'"

Jokes aside, the reality is that most people pray at some time or another. Even those who rarely pray often do when they are in trouble. How much wiser it is to daily commit, surrender, and trust our life to God and seek his guidance in all that we are and do—at all times.

Sometimes it's hard to see how God is directing or making our path straight—especially when we're going through a series of rough times. In time, however, when we have daily committed, surrendered, and trusted our life to God and look back, we can see how God has led us all the way. It is true, all things do work together for good to those who love God2—even if it is eventually!

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1. Another Serenity Prayer

"You will know the truth and the truth will set you free."1

Truth. Perhaps the most powerful principle in the world. Without access to it there is no freedom, no deliverance, no inner healing, and no eternal life.

On the other hand, denial is one of the most destructive habits or sins we can commit. For instance, to the degree that I have not found freedom in any area of my life I am still in denial. There is some truth I am avoiding. Denial is a killer of close relationships, a destroyer of families and individual lives, and causes many and varied physical, emotional and spiritual ills.

As M. Scott Peck says, "Emotional sickness is avoiding reality [truth] at any cost. Emotional health is facing reality at any cost." That's just rephrasing what Jesus said: "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free."

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1. Strength out of Weakness

"Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it [my problem] away from me. But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."1

In his book, Confidence, Alan Loy McGinnis talks about a famous study entitled "Cradles of Eminence" by Victor and Mildred Goertzel, in which the family backgrounds of 300 highly successful people were studied. Many of the names of those in the study were well known to most of us—including Franklin D. Roosevelt, Helen Keller, Winston Churchill, Albert Schweitzer, Gandhi, Einstein, and Freud, all of whom were brilliant in their fields of expertise.

The results of this study are both surprising and encouraging for many of us who came from a less-than-desirable home life. For example: "Three-quarters of the children were troubled either by poverty, by a broken home, or by rejecting, over- possessive or dominating parents.

"Seventy-four of 85 writers of fiction or drama and 16 of the 20 poets came from homes where, as children, they saw tense psychological drama played out by their parents.

"Physical handicaps such as blindness, deafness, or crippled limbs characterized over one-quarter of the sample."

These people who had confidence in their abilities and put them to creative use all have had more weaknesses and handicaps than many who have a lack of confidence because of low self-esteem. So, what made the difference? Probably by compensating for their weaknesses they excelled in other areas.

One man reported, "What has influenced my life more than any other single thing has been my stammer. Had I not stammered I would probably have gone to Cambridge as my brothers did, perhaps have become a don and every now and then published a dreary book about French literature." The speaker who stammered until his death was W. Somerset Maugham, as he looked back on his life at age 86.

"By then he had become a world-renowned author of more than 20 books, 30 plays, and scores of essays and short stories."

Speaking personally, I too came from a psychologically distraught, dysfunctional family. What made the difference for me was a deep sense of God's call and my faith in and commitment to Jesus Christ (with a lot of hard work and growth). However, I tremble to think where I would have ended up had it not been for my Christian faith and practice.

It's not what we have or don't have that matters in life but what we do with what we have—and what we do about facing and resolving our issues. It is very important that we don't allow our past to determine our future and that we use what we have to the best of our ability.

As another has wisely said, "I may have been a victim in the past but if I remain a victim, I am now a willing volunteer." And another, "Hope for the future gives us power in the present!" No matter what our background, when we commit and trust our lives daily to God, we can and do have hope for the future. It's up to us what we do in the present to resolve our past and to become what God wants us to be in the future.

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. Costly Success

"Then He [Jesus] spoke a parable to them, saying: 'The ground of a certain rich man yielded plentifully. And he thought within himself, saying, "What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?" So he said, "I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. And I will say to my soul, 'Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry.'" But God said to him, "Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?" So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.'"1

Alan Smith tells about a wrestler, Yussif, the Terrible Turk, "a 350-pound wrestling champion in Europe a couple of generations ago. After he won the European championship, he sailed to the United States to wrestle the American champion, whose name was Strangler Lewis—a little fellow by comparison who weighed just a shade over 200 pounds.

"Although he wasn't very big, Strangler had a simple plan for defeating his opponents and it had never failed to work. He'd put his massive arm around the neck of his opponent and cut off the oxygen. Many an opponent had passed out in the ring with Strangler Lewis.

"The problem when he fought Yussif the Turk was that Yussif didn't have a neck. His body went from his head to his massive shoulders. Lewis could never get his hold and it wasn't long that the Turk flipped Lewis to the mat and pinned him. After winning the championship, the Turk demanded all five thousand dollars in gold. After he wrapped the championship belt around his vast waist, he stuffed the gold into the belt, and boarded the next ship back to Europe. He was a success! He had captured America's glory and her gold!

"He set sail on the SS Bourgogne. Halfway across the Atlantic, a storm struck and the ship began to sink. Yussif went over the side with his gold still strapped around his body. The added weight was too much for the Turk and he sank like an anvil before they could get him into a lifeboat. He was never seen again."2

"What a fool," we say, but how many of us in reality (especially we in the West) spend so much of our lives investing in the pursuit of possessions and grasp onto them until our dying day?

As Jim Elliot said, "He is no fool who gives up that which he cannot keep in order to gain that which he cannot lose."

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1. Self-Belief

Jesus said, "'Everything is possible for him who believes.' Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'"1

Today I want to talk about having a healthy (not conceited) belief in yourself and in God's purpose for you.

Dr. Joyce Brothers, well-known author and psychologist says, "An individual's self-concept [what he believes about himself] is the core of his personality. It affects every aspect of human behavior: the ability to learn, the capacity to grow and change, the choice of friends, mates and careers. It's no exaggeration to say that a strong positive self-image [self-belief] is the best possible preparation for success in life."

A healthy self-belief is not an egotistic "I'm the greatest" attitude. Such an attitude is self-deception and a cover for deep insecurity and self-unbelief. Believing in yourself includes knowing and accepting your weaknesses as well as your strengths and believing with God's help that you can overcome your weaknesses and develop and use your strengths.

One very successful woman, a well-known entertainer, didn't have much going for her. She would never have won a beauty contest and at age 38 was living on welfare. After reading Claude Briston's, The Magic of Believing, and beginning to believe in herself, Phyllis Diller's life took a dramatic turn. One gift she had was the ability to make people laugh. Once she believed this, she didn't allow what she didn't have to stop her using what she did have.

Jimmie Durante was another entertainer who wouldn't have made a fortune with his looks. But he capitalized on his weakness and turned it into one of his greatest strengths. He didn't focus on his physical attributes—what he didn't have—but on his strengths—what he did have—and put these to good use because he believed he could.

You and I can do the same.

For an even stronger and healthier sense of self-belief know that no matter what you have ever done or have failed to do, God loves you totally and unconditionally, wants to forgive your every sin and wrongdoing, and has a God-given purpose for your life that he wants you to fulfill! All I ask is that you believe in yourself exactly the same as God believes in you.

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1. Is That You, God?

"I [God] have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness."1

I have two sons who are now grown. When they were little, every night I would hold them and rock them in my favorite rocking chair, tuck them into bed, and say their prayers with them. And then I would say positive affirmations to them such as, "I am so glad that God sent you to be a part of our family," "I am so proud of you," "I love you devotedly," "You are very important to me," and so on.

I would often whisper these positive affirmations in their ear while they were sleeping. I didn't know if this ever had any influence on them or did any good, but I knew it wouldn't hurt them.

I love to tell how, early one morning about 5AM, I slipped quietly into my youngest son's bedroom through his open door. I was certain he was asleep—as he looked like an angel—so I leaned over and whispered in his ear, "O beloved of the Lord." As quick as a flash he spun his head around and, looking upward, said in all sincerity, "Is that you, God!?"

I was totally taken aback, but when I regained my composure, I leaned over and whispered in his ear, "No, it's not God, but he sent me to tell you that."

On another occasion this same son was very upset with me and blurted out, "Why did you have me anyhow?"

As quick as a flash I replied, "Because you are a part of God's eternal plan."

And he is. And so are you. And so am I. And that's why we are here on earth.

And as God wanted my son to know that he is loved by God, he wants you to know the same truth. No matter what you have ever done or have failed to do, God loves you totally, absolutely, and unconditionally. If you haven't already done so, I trust and pray that you will realize this today!

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1. The Devil's Nephew

"The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."1

In the book The Screwtape Letters, by C. S. Lewis, a devil briefs his demon nephew, Wormwood, in the subtleties and techniques of tempting people. Through the letters the devil says that the objective is not to make people wicked but to make them indifferent. Satan cautions Wormwood that he must keep the patient comfortable at all costs. If he should start thinking about anything of importance, encourage him to think about his luncheon plans and not to worry so much because it could cause indigestion.

And then the devil gives this instruction to his nephew: "I, the devil, will always see to it that there are bad people. Your job, my dear Wormwood, is to provide me with people who do not care."2

And perhaps, just perhaps, Wormwood is having profound success among far too many Christians in the West today, for only a small percentage give of their time, their talents, and their tithe to God for his work on earth—and even fewer give or do anything for world missions and for reaching the lost around the world with the saving gospel message of Jesus Christ.

And so the devil is still delighted with the work of Wormwood.

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1. Antidote to Worry

"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."1

Dale Carnegie writes, "If only the people who worry about their liabilities would think about the riches they possess, they would stop worrying. Would you sell both your eyes for a million dollars … or your two legs … or your hands … or your hearing? Add up what you do have, and you'll find that you won't sell them for all the gold in the world. The best things in life are yours if you can appreciate yourself."

Years ago when I was a student in Chicago and driving a CTA passenger bus in the summer, I was greeted by a very refined elderly woman passenger who tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Young man, you're a millionaire!" That was news to me because I was working three jobs at once to put myself through college. However, after a pause, the lady continued, "You have your health!"

She had a good point. Counting our blessings, as Carnegie suggests, is not going to take away our problems but it certainly can help us handle them much better—especially if we daily give God thanks in (not for) every circumstance—good or bad.

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1. Code Red

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."1

Bruce D. Weaver of Newcomerstown, Ohio, shared the following experience: One summer evening, my wife and I drove to pick up our son from Vacation Bible School. The sky was growing dark and there was a storm watch in effect, but no rain was falling yet.

However, by the time we arrived home with our son, the wind was blowing fiercely and lightning bolts were coming down all around us. We hurried inside the house and began to shut windows. Within a few moments we were without electrical power. We tucked our son into bed, trying not to betray our concern regarding the severe weather conditions outside.

I stood beside a window on the west side of the house and looked at the sky, watching intently for a funnel cloud. Suddenly the telephone rang. It was our neighbor informing us that a "code red" had been issued for our area. He confirmed that that meant a tornado funnel cloud had been sighted close by. I asked him why the siren in our small town was not sounding. He informed me it was because of power outage. He further explained that he had heard on his police scanner instructions for everyone who could hear the scanner to call their neighbors to inform them of the "code red." I was thankful for his concern and I was thankful that the funnel cloud sighted damaged neither my family nor anyone else in our area.

Later that evening, I thought about my neighbor's concern for me and I reflected upon my concern, or lack thereof, for my neighbors. Certainly it is important to inform neighbors that a "code red" has been issued by the police, because a funnel cloud has been sighted in the area. But it is all the more important to inform neighbors that a "code red" has been issued by God, because in due time Jesus Christ will return.

God does not want anyone to be destroyed, so God has sounded a "code red," but not everyone knows it has been sounded. Those of us who have been informed need to share the news with our neighbors that God's judgment is certain and that, without accepting his full and free pardon, they will be doomed forever.

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Will Medical Science Allow Us to Live Forever?


Q: Do you think medical science will ever make it possible for us to live forever? We've made so many advances in fighting diseases and so forth that I'm beginning to wonder if this might happen some day.

A: I'm very thankful for the advances that medical science has made during my lifetime. Without them, I seriously doubt if I'd still be alive - and the same is true for many who are reading this. God has made these advances possible, and we should thank Him for all His mercies - including these.

I recall reading an article by a noted medical researcher many years ago on this question, who wrote that he seriously doubted if it could ever happen. For one thing, he said, almost as soon as one terrible disease is conquered, another takes its place. Nature seems to be against us, he stated, and pointed to the recently-discovered HIV virus that was just beginning its lethal march. In addition, he pointed out, the longer we live, the greater chance we have of experiencing a fatal accident.

Why is death inevitable, even if medical science does extend our lifespan? The Bible gives us the reason: The human race has rebelled against God - and death is the result. As the Bible says, "The wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). Eventually this life will end for every one of us: "Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment" (Hebrews 9:27).

But death is not the end! The Bible says we will live forever - either separated from God in the place the Bible calls hell, or in heaven with God forever. Don't gamble with your eternal salvation, but by faith commit your life to Christ today.

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Am I a Good Enough Christian to be a Church Officer?


Q: I've been approached about becoming an officer in our church and I don't know how to respond. My problem is, I don't feel like I'm all that good a Christian, and I think it might be hypocritical for me to be a church officer when I'm not very strong in my faith. What do you think?

A: I'm thankful you aren't accepting this position thoughtlessly or just because it's being offered to you. Being a church officer is a serious responsibility, and you shouldn't take it lightly.

You have touched on one reason why it might be best for you to decline at this time: your own lack of spiritual conviction and stability. After all, whatever you're being called to do is God's work - and even if it seems like it only requires ordinary skills, it still has a spiritual dimension to it.

For example, churches need leaders who can watch over their financial affairs. But this not only requires good business sense, but spiritual wisdom to be sure the money is spent the way God wants it to be spent. This kind of wisdom comes only from a life built on a foundation of prayer and God's Word. The Bible says church officers "must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience" (1 Timothy 3:9).

Ask God to show you His will about this decision - and then obey it. The most important thing, however, is for you to become stronger in your faith. Make sure of your commitment to Christ, and then ask Him to help you begin to walk with Him every day through prayer, fellowship with others, and the study of His Word, the Bible.

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Does Everyone Go To Heaven When They Die?


Q: A friend of mine who died recently had no use for God and lived a rather wild life, but at his funeral everyone was saying that he must be up in heaven watching us and having a good time. Is this true? Does everyone go to heaven when they die?
A: Only God knows whether or not your friend is in heaven, because only God knows what was going on in his heart and mind as death approached. With only hours to live, one of the criminals who was crucified with Jesus asked Jesus to save him, and Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43). God will save anyone who repents and trusts Christ for their salvation - even at the last minute.

But don't misunderstand me; the Bible does not teach that everyone will go to heaven when they die - not at all. Someone who deliberately rejects God and has no use for Christ in this life can only expect to be rejected by God in the next life. The Bible warns, "Whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son" (John 3:18).

These are serious words, and we neglect them at our peril. But why ignore them? God loves us and has provided the way for us to be forgiven and saved. That way is Christ, who came into the world to make our salvation possible.

Avoid the danger your friend faced of missing heaven's joy. Some people think they can delay receiving Christ until the last minute - but why risk it? Instead, open your heart to Christ and discover the joy and peace He alone can give - beginning today.

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How Could Jesus Be Divine and Still Be Human?

Q: I know Christians say Jesus was divine, but how could He be divine and still be a human being? After all, we're all imperfect, and we can mess things up pretty badly. But God can't do that, can He?
A: No, God can't "mess things up" or commit sin of any kind. He is absolutely pure and holy, and there isn't even a hint of sin within Him. The Bible says, "Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrong" (Habakkuk 1:13).

Nor, the Bible says, did Jesus commit any sin. I know that's hard for us to understand; if we're honest, we know we sin every day. But Jesus was both fully human and fully divine - He was God in human flesh. Centuries before His birth, the prophet Isaiah foretold that "'The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' - which means, 'God with us'" (Matthew 1:23).

And because Jesus was divine (as well as human), He never sinned. That doesn't mean He wasn't tempted - because He was (see Matthew 4:1-11). But He resisted the most intense temptations Satan could devise - and because He did, Jesus remained sinless to the end. The Bible says that He was "tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). This is a profound mystery - but it's true.

Why is this important? The reason is because only a sinless, divine Savior could save us. He was without sin, but on the cross all our sins were placed on Him, and He took the judgment we deserve. He did this because God loves us. Are you trusting Christ alone for your salvation?

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Will I Really See My Deceased Husband Again in Heaven?

Q: My husband passed away three years ago, and about the only thing that keeps me going is the thought that some day we'll be reunited in heaven. Am I just deceiving myself, or is it really true that we'll be together again?

A: No, you aren't deceiving yourself; the Bible assures us that those who know Christ will be reunited with their loved ones in heaven. The Bible says Christ died for us "so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him" (1 Thessalonians 5:10).

Let me assure you, however, that God understands your loneliness and grief, and He wants to encourage and help you every day. And He will as you turn to Him - as I have experienced in my own life since my wife, Ruth, went to be with the Lord almost two years ago. I miss her more than I can say, and every day I yearn for her presence. When death takes someone we deeply love a hole is left in our hearts, and it isn't easily filled. In fact, it won't be completely filled this side of eternity.

But when we know Christ, there is hope - hope for today, and most of all hope for eternity. Heaven is far more glorious than we can ever imagine, and all the burdens and heartaches that trouble us now will vanish. Not only will we be with those who've gone to heaven before us, but we will be with Christ.

Make sure of your commitment to Christ; if you are unsure of your salvation, ask Him to come into your heart today. Then thank Him for the hope He gives us, and ask Him to help you keep your eyes focused on Him every day.

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1. People vs. Program Centered

"Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, 'Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us'… Jesus stopped and called them [the two blind men]. 'What do you want me to do for you?' he asked."1

I recall having read how, in the 1940s, 80 percent of all watches sold were made in Switzerland. In the late 1950s the digital watch was presented to them, but they rejected it because they already had the best watches and the best watchmakers. The man who developed it subsequently sold his idea to Seiko—and the rest is history!

In 1940 Swiss watch companies employed 80,000 people. Today, they employ 18,000. In 1840 they made 80 percent of all watches sold. Today, they make 20 percent—and the majority are digital! This story demonstrates what happens when an organization or an individual chooses to die or fade away rather than change.

While in the church our message of God's love and his great gift of salvation never changes, our methods of ministry and communicating this message need to change with the changing times and the changing needs of people. What worked yesteryear may no longer work today. And if our methods no longer work, we need to discard them. Becoming product, method, or program oriented instead of being people oriented spells death to any ministry, organization, or business.

When Jesus came, he cut right across the grain of man-made religious dogma, programs, and traditions that were not relevant to the needs of the people of his day.

In his ministry he was always sensitive to the felt or perceived needs of his listeners and targeted his ministry to address those needs. As illustrated in his encounter with the two blind men his question was, "What do you want me to do for you?" To which they replied, "That we may receive our sight." Before meeting people's spiritual need, Jesus always ministered to an individual's personal and felt need. For us to do less is being less than Christ-like.

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1. Reigns of Evil

"The LORD said through his servants the prophets: 'Manasseh king of Judah has committed these detestable sins. He has done more evil than the Amorites who preceded him and has led Judah into sin with his idols. Therefore this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I am going to bring such disaster on Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle.'"1

According to Old Testament Bible commentators, Manasseh's reign as King of Judah over 2,600 years ago was one of the darkest periods in Judah's history. His was a reign of evil and his nation paid the terrible price because they allowed and followed his leadership.

Are things much different in present times? According to Ravi Zacharias, "German theologian Emil Brunner made the curious suggestion that Adolf Hitler should be posthumously given an honorary doctor of theology degree. Why? Because he awakened Europe to her Christian heritage by showing her what the world would be like without Christianity." At least it should have awakened Europe.

How true it is that history repeats itself. Look again at the reign of Hitler and of Stalin—godless leaders who slaughtered millions. And look at countries and nations today where God is forgotten, where Christianity is despised, and where Christians and others are being slaughtered if they refuse to denounce their faith and join a different religion, and where religious zealots are committing heinous acts of mass murder in the name of a god who is not the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ and to whom Jesus Christ is not the Son of God nor Savior of the world—and to whom followers of Jesus are the infidels who need to be destroyed.

And let those of us in the West who, in our complacency, think we are safe and secure look at how we too, as nations, are drifting farther and farther away from our Judeo/ Christian roots and heritage, and rapidly forgetting God and all that he has done for us. Do we think we will be protected from evil when we turn from God?

No we won't. In time we, too, unless we turn back to God, will go the way of all nations who forget God and thereby allowed a reign of evil to rule the land. When we reject God, we automatically divorce ourselves from his protection.

People opposed to the Bible, the Ten Commandments, and anything to do with God and the Christian faith; leaders without morals; and business leaders without character and ethics have already done great harm to U.S. society and its economy. I first wrote this message about five or six years ago and look at the mess we are in today as we have drifted farther and farther away from God and continued our moral decline. Surely Satan has blinded the mind of the Godless.

What we desperately need today is a revival of the Spirit; not the revival of a costless, saccharine spiritualism that is gaining popularity today, but a revival of God's Spirit, where we turn from our sins and come back to God through the Lord Jesus Christ—and be committed to truth, justice, integrity and the Jesus way!

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1. A Voice in the Night

"Sit up!" the voice in the night said, "and take a deep breath."

"It was a stormy night," a personal friend shared, "and we were awakened by an extremely loud clap of thunder. After the initial fright, checking the kids and the house, we went back to bed and to sleep.

"Then came the voice: I was certain I heard someone speaking. 'Sit up and take in a deep breath,' it said.

"I only half-awoke and thought I must have been dreaming, so rolled over and went back to sleep.

"The voice spoke again with more insistence, 'Sit up and take in a deep breath.'

"This is weird," I thought so again rolled over and went back to sleep.

"'SIT UP! Take in a deep breath!' the voice spoke again with great urgency.

"So I sat up and took in a deep breath … and smelled smoke!" I was fully awake in an instant … woke up my husband … rushed to wake up the children … we had the oldest one phone 911 (for emergency) … my husband took over the phone … the operator asked if the lights were working … my husband said they were going out one room at a time.

"GET OUT of the house immediately," declared the operator. Your house has been struck by lightning."

As quick as a flash the family rushed outside only moments before the house exploded and burst into flames. It took firemen six hours to put the fire out. The house was totally destroyed, but the entire family was saved. Talk about a wake-up call!

Surely this was a God-thing. Fortunately the family members were committed followers of Jesus Christ and even though they lost their house, their lives were saved. God doesn't usually speak to most of us in an audible voice. He doesn't have to because his "wake-up call" is spoken to us repeatedly in his Word, the Bible.

"Wake up!" God says to every one of us, "Flee from the wrath to come"1 (God's judgment of sin and evil for the world that has turned from God will be judged and purified by fire). Wake up, "It is appointed unto man once to die and after this the judgment."2 Wake up, "I will come again,"3 Jesus promised "to take all who believe in me to be with me in heaven forever."

"Wake up," Jesus is coming again … it may be today. Are you ready? Again Jesus said, "I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in…."4

Whatever you do don't miss God's wake-up call. Have you opened the door of your life and invited Jesus, the Son of God, to come into your heart and life as your God and your Savior? If not, may I urge you to do that today … right now … by praying a simple prayer such as the following:

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, I hear your wake-up call, as faint though it may be. I confess that I am a sinner and ask for your forgiveness. Thank you, Jesus, for dying on the cross to pay the penalty for all my sins. I invite you to come into my heart and life as my God and my Savior. With your help I repent of and turn from my sinful ways. Thank you for hearing my prayer, for forgiving me of my sins, and for coming into my heart and life as my Savior. Help me to live for you always in all ways. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."